140 AUSTRALIA AND THE AUSTRALIANS. 



other shafts, until it is blown away from the roof. 

 The choicest of the drawing rooms, as well as the 

 private dining rooms, and the great restaurant below, 

 are panelled in figured, mirrored, bevelled glass. The 

 next floor, and the two others above it, are occupied 

 by the bedrooms, of which there are no fewer than 

 450. Though this number seems great, the rooms 

 themselves are much larger and higher than are gen- 

 erally found in hotels, and each suite has in conjunc- 

 tion with it marble baths and all other conveniences, 

 fitted with continual supplies of hot water from a 

 massive boiler, built in the basement. As below, 

 direct light is studied, and one hundred electric bells 

 place the residents in quick communication with the 

 servants of the establishment. There certainly is no 

 hotel in Australia so well designed, so large, or so con- 

 venient; and it is not altogether a boast on the part of 

 the directors when they assert that there are not a dozen 

 in the world superior to it. From its domes to its foun- 

 dation it is a magnificent structure, and it stands as a 

 wonderful instance of Melbourne's advancement, and a 

 monument of the energy and skill of its founder, Mr. 

 Mirams, and those who have been associated with him 

 in the undertaking, whether as directors of the com- 

 pany, architects, or contractors." 



That which makes the above deeply interesting is 



