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Historical Description Part 1

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Collegiate and Educational Establishments
The Parks
Memorials
Markets
Belfast Cemeteries
Gas Works
Clubs
Places of Amusement
Borough of Belfast
Banks
Building Companies ands Societies
Benevolent Institutions

Historical Description Part 3

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Historical Description and Statistics

of

BELFAST BOROUGH

Collegiate and Educational Establishments

There are three collegiate establishments in Belfast.
The Queen's College, which is a handsome building situate on the University Road, contiguous to the Botanic Gardens, was opened in October, 1849. The architecture is in the late Gothic style, and the cost of the building, which was from a design of Sir Charles Lanyon, C.E., was about £30,000. In addition to the main structure, which includes houses for the President and the Vice President, there are separate buildings for the observatory, the anatomical rooms, and the library, the two former being situated in the rere of the main building and the latter at one side. There is in connection with the College a museum, which contains a very large collection of specimens. The number of students in attendance averages about 400 yearly.
The Presbyterian Theological College, in connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, is situated in College Park, at the extremity of University Square, in close proximity to the Queen's College. It was opened on Dec. 5, 1853, the inaugural address being delivered by the late Dr. Merle D'Aubigne, the celebrated historian of the Reformation. This institution, as its name denotes, is for the training of students for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. The building is a plain structure in the classic style of architecture, having a stone frontage, and standing in the centre of handsome grounds. Chambers for the residence of students have recently been added to the original buildings.
The Belfast Methodist College, on University Road, almost facing the Queen's College, was erected in 1868 at a cost of over £30,000. It possesses an endowment of £25,000, the entire having been raised by voluntary contributions. . In addition to training young men for the ministry of the Wesleyan Church, it has in connection with it schools for the education of children of all sects and parties. The students in all departments number about 300 annually.
St. Malachy's Diocesan College of Down and Connor is situated near the junction of the Antrim and Crumlin Roads. This is an institution under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Dorrian, its object being to prepare young gentlemen for professional and mercantile pursuits. The rooms are lofty and well lighted.
Of schools and academies Belfast possesses a large number, which are well appreciated by the community.
The Belfast Academy, formerly situated in Donegall Street and Academy Street, was instituted in 1786. The old site having become unsuited for the requirements of the academy, it was resolved by the trustees to remove the school from Donegall Street to Cliftonville, and a magnificent structure is now being raised worth in all respects of the old traditions and culture of the school. It is built of stone with wings and central tower, and will be, when completes, one of the chief ornaments of the town, scholastically and architecturally.
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution was founded in 1807. The buildings, which are situated in College Square, were completed in 1810 at a cost of £30,000, which was entirely raised by subscriptions. After its opening a Parliamentary grant was made to the Institution, and was continued in a varying amount till 1849, when the Queen's College was opened. The buildings are large and commodious, and the system of education is on a purely secular and undenominational basis. The Institution has just had the singular and, we think, unprecedented distinction of training the winners of the Cambridge mathematical tripos - the senior wrangleship - in two successive years. In 1878 the wrangleship was carried off by Mr. Allen, son of W. J. C. Allen, Esq., J.P., of the Ulster Bank ; and in 1879 it was gained by Mr. Joseph Larmour, son of the late Mr. Larmour, Belfast.
The Model Schools, on the Falls Road, which were opened in May, 1857, are under the National Board, and afford instruction to some 1,500 children of both sexes. The building which was erected at a cost of £14,000, is plain, and the rooms are spacious and well adapted for educational purposes.
There are besides upwards of eighty National School in the town and neighbourhood of Belfast, about fifteen of which are under Roman Catholic patronage. Several schools under the patronage of the Church Education Society, also exist, and are largely attended and efficiently conducted. There are upwards of forty private boarding and day schools for young ladies, and fourteen academies, seminaries and private schools for boys and young gentlemen, exclusive of the colleges. Male and female schools are attached to the institution of the Belfast Charitable Society, to the Union Workhouse, and the Infantry Barracks.
The Belfast Government School of Art, in connection with the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, was re-opened in October 19th, 1870, after having been closed for seventeen years. It is an extensive building, comprising four large class rooms and a sculpture gallery, situated in College Square North, adjacent to the Royal Academical Institution, and almost opposite the Museum. Its management is under a Board of thirty members, Sir Charles Lanyon being president.
There are branch classes at the Methodist College and the Ladies' Collegiate Institute, University Road. The classes are well attended and the pupils have already successfully competed for medals, scholarships, and other distinctions with the schools of the United Kingdom, and several of them have borne off rewards of merit.

Literary, Musical and other Institutions

There are numerous literary, scientific, musical and other societies for the purpose of mutual improvement in Belfast. In the Linen Hall, in Donegall Square, is the library of the society for promoting knowledge. The society was instituted in 1788, and the library is open to subscribers, being under the direction of a committee chosen annually. together with a president and vice president, It contains about twenty thousand volumes in history, biography, voyages, travels, and the various departments of natural history, arts and sciences. It also includes a file of the Belfast News Letter, containing nearly all the issues of that journal from its establishment in 1737. Many of the works in this library are scarce and expensive. The collection is being constantly increased by the addition of all the new books of permanent value which are issued by the press of Great Britain and Ireland. The other extensive libraries are in the Queen's College, the General Assembly's College, the Methodist College, the Belfast Academical Institution, and the Working Men's Institute in Queen Street, and the People's Reading Rooms, Donegall Street. There are also libraries in connection with most of the Congregations and Sunday Schools in town - one in connection with the Church of Ireland Young Men's Society, in Clarence Place Hall, and another in connection with the Belfast Young Men's Christian Association in Lombard Street.
The Natural History and Philosophical Society and the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club have their head quarters in the Museum, College Square North. The Chemico Agricultural Association of Ireland is an association instituted in 1845 for the improvement and developement of agriculture. It disseminates practical information on its connection of chemistry with agriculture, and the qualities of soils and manures. The operations of the North East Agricultural Association of Ireland extend to the counties of Antrim, Down, Armagh and Monaghan, and include the County of the Town of Carrickfergus. The first show in connection with this association was held in Belfast in August, 1855. The Flax Supply Association was established for the improvement and extension of the culture of flax in Ireland and the dissemination of information relative to the manipulation of the crop. The Linen Merchants' Association has for its object the regulation and protection of the trade, and the carrying out of all projects calculated to promote the advancement and prosperity of the staple manufacturer. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was established in 1836, after the example of the Linnaean Society for the same purpose. The Fountain Association is not incorporated with it. Among the other institutions or societies are the People's Literary Institute, Donegall Street ; the Literary Society ; the Queen's College Literary and Scientific Society ; the Belfast Friends' Institute, Frederick Street ; Ulster Medical Society ; the Belfast Royal Hospital ; the Typographical Association ; the Ulster Book, Tract, and Bible Depository, 1 Donegall Square East ; the Bible and Colportage Society, May Street ; the Belfast Dog Show Society, 24 North Street ; and the Belfast and North of Ireland Ornithological Society, and the Gymnasium. There are, besides, the Church of Ireland Young Men's Society, Clarence Place Hall ; the Belfast Young Men's Christian Association, Lombard Street, the Theological Society, Assembly's College ; the Unitarian Society for the Diffusion of Christian Knowledge, 33 Donegall Street ; in addition to Mutual Improvement Societies and Young Men's Associations in connection with most of the Protestant congregations in town. The Ulster Rifle Association is one of the oldest of the kind in Ireland, having been originated about 1829 for the purpose of encouraging rifle shooting. The association has a fine range 1,600 yards long on the Kinnegar, Holywood, and has also the privilege granted by the War Office of using the Government range at Belfast. There are numerous prize meetings in connection with it every year, including the Clandeboye open meeting, which attracts rifle shots from all parts of the country. There are several musical societies, the principal of which are :- The Belfast Philharmonic Society (in which are incorporated the Classical Harmonists' and the Belfast Musical Societies), the Belfast Choir, and the Belfast Choral Association.
There are fourteen newspapers published in Belfast, and five public news rooms.
The Belfast Museum, which is in connection with the Natural History and Philosophical Society, is situated in College Square North, and contains a good collection of objects. The society was founded in 1821, its original members and earliest contributors being the late Sir James Emerson Tennent, Robert Patterson, Esq., William Thompson, Esq., George C. Hyndman, Esq., James MacAdam, Esq., Dr. Drummond, and others. The Museum is enriched by contributions made by several of the founders, and now contains a valuable collection of native birds, bequeathed by W. Thompson, Esq., and others, deposited in a separate room fitted up for that purpose. This room was built by public subscription in memory of Mr. Thompson, who did so much to promote a taste for the study of natural history among the people of Belfast. It also embraces a good collection of Irish antiquities, in bronze, iron, and stone, as well as of fossils and minerals, which, together with the departments of conchology, entomology, etc. have lately been arranged by members of the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club, whose contributions of specimens have been added to the collection. The Museum is a plain edifice, having a stone frontage, well adapted for the purpose. Scientific meetings are held here, and papers are read periodically by members of the above clubs as well as of other societies.
The Belfast Naturalists' Field Club resulted primarily from a correspondence which appeared in the local papers early in 1863. The initiative was taken by Mr. W. T. Chew, and seconded by Messrs. Hugh Robinson and Samuel A. Stewart, Professor Ralph Tate,  F.G.S., who was at that time residing in Belfast, and conducting large classes in geology, botany, and zoology, was induced to support the project with his influence, and the Club was inaugurated in March, 1863. The interest in natural history pursuits aroused by Professor Tate's teaching secured for the project a large amount of public favour, and about 100 members were enrolled. The Club has since steadily advanced in numbers, until at present there are about 250 on the roll. The efforts of the Association are intended, in the first place, to excite greater interest in natural history and archaeological studies, and secondly to increase our knowledge of the geology, botany, zoology, and antiquities of the North of Ireland. The former object is attained by the summer excursions, and the latter by papers read before the members, by the published proceedings, and more especially by authentic lists of the local species, and of local antiquities compiled by members conversant with special subjects. Five of these lists have already appeared, others are in preparation ; and it is hoped that the results will be a complete flora and fauna of the district.

THE PARKS

Up till a few years ago the people of Belfast were almost unprovided with anything that might be called a public park. The grounds round the Linen Hall and the Queen's Island were for a long time the only places of this kind that were open to the public generally ; but owing to the limited space of the former, and the difficulty in obtaining access to the latter, they were not taken advantage of by the great body of the people to the extent that was desirable. The Cave Hill served to a certain extent to meet this want, but as the town extended in other directions the distance of this healthful resort formed an insuperable obstacle to its being generally visited by the residents in by far the larger sections of the town. The matter occupied the attention of the Corporation for several years, and it was finally resolved to open a park in a situation which would be generally accessible. In 1869 the Corporation accordingly entered into negociations (negotiations) with the Marquis of Donegall for a lease of the Ormeau Demesne, which comprises 175 acres, and which is romantically situated on the banks of the Lagan. The ground was leased from his lordship at £10 per acre yearly for 2,000 years, and as it was magnificently wooded, having been formerly the private grounds surrounding the mansion of Lord Donegall's seat at Ormeau, a comparatively small outlay was required to convert it into a park for public use. No more suitable selection could have been made, and in the hands of the officers of the Corporation it now forms one of the most delightful pleasure grounds that could be wished for. The ground is undulating, and portions have been laid out in magnificent parterres, variegated with the choicest flowers and shrubs, and as the Lagan meanders along its northern boundary, the scene in the park could scarcely be surpassed for sylvan beauty. It has thus become a most popular place of resort. Here the Agricultural Association of Ireland held its annual cattle show in 1872, during the Mayoralty of Mr., now Sir John Savage, who, with Sir James Hamilton, was on that occasion knighted by Earl Spencer during his visit to Belfast. It is intended  by the Corporation to let out about a quarter of the whole grounds as sites for villas.
As the Ormeau Park was considered too remote from the northern and western portions of the town, the Council decided on allocating 65 acres of the surplus land taken for the Belfast Cemetery for the purpose of a park for the inhabitants of the Falls and adjoining districts of the town. The Falls Park is situated on the Falls Road, about three quarters of a mile beyond the borough boundary, adjoining the Cemetery. About 54 acres have been laid out in a very tasteful manner, with avenues and walks, rustic buildings and flower beds, and planted with forest trees, The situation is one of the finest about Belfast. The Parks is free of rent, the ground having been purchased by the Corporation.
There is a large tract of slob land lying between Belfast and Sydenham, on the County Down side of the Lagan, which has long been named "The Victoria Park," and which at some future date is to be formed into a park for the residents in that part of the town. It contains about 60 acres ; and when laid out, as contemplated by the Corporation, it will greatly enhance the beauty of that important district.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

These gardens, which are situated in the south western part of the town, are on the northern bank of the Lagan, contiguous to the Queen's College, and the Presbyterian College. They were started in 1820, and afford a delightful place of resort for residents in the town. They were started for the purposes of promoting a taste for horticulture, an object which appears to have been realised. They are the only self supporting Botanic Gardens in Ireland - those in Dublin being supported by the Government - and have done much to stimulate the art or horticulture in the North of Ireland. The gardens comprise about seventeen acres, and are held under the Marquis of Donegall at the nominal rent of about £8 yearly. Having no Government grant, they are dependent on subscriptions for support, which, of course, operates against their being as extensively used by the poorer classes as could be desired. The conservatory (which is considered one of the finest in Ireland) has become noted for camellias. It is also furnished with various economic plants, palms, tree ferns, cacti etc., and throughout the year a succession of bloom is kept up in the greenhouse. Several new nursery houses have been recently built. A new entrance lodge and handsome gates were erected in 1878, and the frontage at University Road has been greatly improved by the flagging of the footway and placing of trees in continuation of the Queen's  walk along the College grounds. The gardens proper contain twelve special effects or minor gardens, with views opening into the surrounding country. They will appear in the following order to a visitor :- The Pineturn - The Oak Ground, possessing the finest collection in Ireland - The Flower Garden opposite the conservatory - The Promenade or Lawn, with eight extended views - the Hawthorn and Botanic collection - The Rockery - The Tennis Ground and Ornamental Water, filled with aquatic plants - The Yew Ground, in which the Irish Yew takes a prominent place - The Ivy Walk - The Rosary, where the roses not only cover the ground in the usual way but being conducted on trees specially kept for this purpose, give undulating masses of flowers in some cases fifteen feet high - The Rose Walk, margined with many rare Alpine plants - The Cottage Garden, laid out in natural style, where every part varies, used as an experimental ground for trying the effects of the hardy plants before being planted for permanent gardening. This garden, in the season, also shows immense masses if lilies. During the summer season a band performs every week in the gardens, and on Easter Monday, Whit Monday, and other occasions throughout the season, sundry fetes are given, which very much add to the attractiveness of these grounds, and, as a source of revenue, assist in maintaining the gardens in an efficient state.

MEMORIALS
The Albert Memorial

This magnificent clock tower was erected partly by public subscription, but principally through the munificent liberality of the late John Lytle, Esq., J.P., who devoted the salary he received as Mayor of Belfast for two years towards this object. It was completed about the middle of 1869. It stands in the centre of the open square, at the intersection of High Street and Queen Square with Victoria Street. It is of a light and elegant design throughout, and is singularly free from any incongruities of style, though not intended to be in rigid adherence to any particular school of architecture. Its height from the base to the pinnacle of the spire is 113 feet, and to the clock tower, 90 feet. A full length statue of the late Prince Consort, in the robes of a Knight of the Garter, stands upon an ornamental pedestal in a niche on the front of the tower, at a distance of forty feet from the ground, and is surmounted by a richly carved canopy of stone. The ornamental pinnacle which surrounds the entire structure is particularly worthy of admiration. The clock is of a construction similar to that of the Westminster tower clock. The escapement being a gravity remontoir, by means of which the hands are moved only at each half minute, when, through the releasing of a portion of the machinery, the entire force of the driving weight of the clock is brought to bear upon the dial work for a few seconds, so that any external influence of wind or rain upon the indicators can have no effect upon the motion of the clock. The additional advantage of being able to note the time to the exact second indicated by the clock is possessed by the system of shifting at intervals. The works of the clock are enclosed in a glass case. The four dials are of white enamel plate glass, which is illuminated from within by night. A self acting apparatus in connection with the clock, performs the work of raising and lowering the lights at the appointed hours, both operations being effected gradually. The bell is suspended immediately above the dial room. It weighs upwards of 38 hundred weight, and has a very pure and rich tone. Under favourable circumstances the striking of the clock has been heard with distinctness at a  distance of eight miles. By an arrangement in connection with the striking work of the clock, the first stroke of each hour takes place within half a second of the time indicated, no allowance requiring to be made for the raising of the hammer. The daily variation of the clock is ascertained by an electric current from Greenwich Observatory, and a record of every change is kept. By these means it has been found that for several years its maximum error on any day never exceeded five seconds ; this error representing a very small daily variation. The architect of the Albert Memorial was the later W. J. Barre, Esq. The statue was the work of the late W. F. Lynn, Esq., and the contractor for the clock, Mr. Francis M. Moore, of Belfast and Dublin.

The Cooke Statue

Shortly after the death of the Rev. Dr. Cooke, a public meeting of the inhabitants was held to consider what steps should be taken to erect a suitable memorial to perpetuate his memory, and express the feelings of his fellow citizens with regard to their late distinguished townsman. It was unanimously agreed, that a statue placed in some prominent position in the town would form a fitting monument to one who had, for a long time, occupied such a conspicuous position. The execution of the work was entrusted to Mr. Lynn, sculptor, who faithfully performed his task. The statue occupies the position where that of the Earl of Belfast formerly stood, prior to its removal to the Municipal Buildings, and no better site could have been selected. The statue, which is in front of the Belfast Academical Institution, is placed looking towards Chichester Street, and commanding a view of Great Victoria Street, Donegall Square North, Wellington Place, and King Street. The figure, with the pedestal, is about fifteen feet in height. Dr. Cooke is represented as dressed in clerical and academic costume. In his right hand he grasps a scroll of manuscript, while in his left he holds a fold of his robe and his academic cap, and two or three volumes lie at his feet. The likeness is a very striking one. The statue was placed on its pedestal on the 24th of April, 1876, and on the 11th of the following month it was publicly inaugurated by a great demonstration of Orangemen, which was taken part in by representatives from all parts of Ireland. The inaugural address was delivered by Mr. William Johnston, M.P.

MARKETS etc.

Belfast is simply supplied with markets for the sale of cattle and farm and garden produce ; and, as the positions are near the centre of the town, they are easily accessible to all, and are largely taken advantage of. They are eleven in all, situated as follow :- Smithfield Market, for the sale of pork ; Corporation Street Market, butter ; Chichester Street, May Street and Oxford Street Markets, vegetables, potatoes, flax, fruit etc.; Castle Markets, general produce, poultry, fruit, fish, meal, corn, etc.; May's Market, meal and grain : George's Market, butter, eggs, poultry, and (on Friday) butchers' meat ; Cattle Market, on Tuesday, fat cattle, and on Friday, store cattle ; Police Square, bogwood, turf, grass, etc.; Annette Street, hay and straw. In Townhall Street there is also a fish market held during the season. There is a fair held on the first Wednesday of every month for the sale of black cattle, sheep, swine, horses, etc. - the cattle fair being held in Oxford Street, and the horse fair in the Pork Market. The accommodation in all is amply sufficient for the requirements of the town. The Markets open at 7am and close at 6pm, between February 1st and October 1st ; and during the remainder of the year they open at 7am and close at 4pm.

THE BELFAST CEMETERY

The Belfast Cemetery, which was opened in 1869, lies immediately outside the borough boundary, on the west side of the Falls Road. It contains 45 acres, allocated as follows :- Seventeen acres for proprietory graves and thirteen acres for public graves for Protestants, and five acres for proprietory graves and thirteen acres for public graves for Roman Catholics. The Protestant and Roman Catholic portions are divided by a sunk fence, six feet deep. Owing to the Roman Catholic Bishop demanding terms from the Corporation which they could not accede to, the Roman Catholic portion is not generally used by members of that body, and they have opened a cemetery in the neighbourhood for themselves. The Corporation has erected in the grounds a mortuary chapel, and the superintendent's and sexton's houses. In the centre of the proprietory grounds ranges from £2 to £9 each. The land was purchased from the Sinclair family for a sum of £12,000, and a further sum of £13,000 was spent in the formation of the cemetery. To meet this the Corporation borrowed £25,000 on mortgage, but this debt has since been reduced to £9,200. The cemetery is enclosed by a wall of blue quarry stone and railings, and is entered by two handsome gates on the Falls Road. The contract for the leveling and laying out was carried out by Messrs. Monk & Co., Liverpool, from plans prepared by Mr. Wm. Gay, of Bradford. The cemetery is in an elevated position, and commands a magnificent view of the town and of the Lisburn valley. It is very artistically planted with handsome forest trees and flowers, and forms quite a favourite walk with all classes of the community. The ground having been purchased, the cemetery is free of rent.

BELFAST CORPORATION GAS WORKS

These works which were originally projected and carried on as a private enterprise, became the property of the Belfast Corporation on July 1st, 1874, during the Mayoralty of James Alexander Henderson, Esq., J.P., the terms of purchase having been arranged between the Corporation and the Company a year before, and authorised by the passing of the Belfast Gas Act, 1874. The purchase money was £386,550, of which a sum of £220,000 was lent to the Corporation by the Bank of England, which offered to advance the whole sum, and the remainder was borrowed from private individuals. The money is borrowed on the security of the works and the town rates, and is repayable by twenty yearly installments. A sinking fund of 1 per cent, accumulative is provided by the act, which will discharge the entire purchase money in about forty years, after which the works will be the property of the town free of debt or charge, a state of things which will enable gas to be supplied at a very cheap rate. The premises are situated on the Ormeau Road, along which the frontage extends for a distance of about 1,250 feet, the Central Railway forming the boundary of the property to the south east, and the river Blackstaff along the north east. The entire extent of ground enclosed is about 13 1/2 acres. The works are divided into two sections, only one of which has as yet been brought into operation, so far as the manufacture of gas is concerned. The new section is fitted up to the extent of about one third its full producing power, and is ready to be called into use whenever the old section proves insufficient to meet the demand for gas. The old section is capable of producing three millions of cubic feet of gas per day (representing a consumption of 300 tons of coal.) The Retort House contains 454 retorts, in settings of seven retorts in one arch, with the exception of a few of six retorts. Each retort is provided with separate ascension, H, and dip pipes for conveying the gas as made into the hydraulic main. The latter is a large pipe, extending the whole length of the settings, which is kept partially full of liquid, the exact level desired being maintained by valves on each section of the main. Into the liquid contained in this main each of the dip pipes is sealed to the extent of (say) two inches, and the gas, having once forced its way through this "seal," is effectually prevented from returning when the retort is open. But for this simple arrangement, the gas would be discharged back again from the gasholders every time the lids are opened. In practice, the retorts are maintained at a temperature varying from 2,000 to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, by a furnace in each arch or "setting," the fuel used being the coke obtained as a residual in the process of gas making. On the proper setting of the retorts and "draughting" of the settings much of the success of a gas undertaking depends, and the most profitable systems is only to be ascertained by a careful consideration of the quality of coal used, the character of the coke therefrom, and the price obtainable for that which remains for sale. It will be easily understood that, in cases where exhausters are not used, the gas must be forced through the material used for purification, and also into the gasholders, by the pressure generated within the retorts. This pressure, amounting in different works to from fourteen to thirty two inches of water (1/2 lbs. to 1 1/2 lbs. on the square inch), results in a great loss of gas from the crevices which from time to time are formed in the retorts, and has also the effect of causing some of the most valuable portions of the gas to remain in the form of solid carbon on the surface of the retorts. In modern works, even of very small size, it is therefore customary to use exhausters for the purpose of relieving the retorts from this pressure. The exhausting apparatus. in this section of the works, consists of a set of three exhausters, with separate engines, each working direct, and of a nominal capacity of 315,000 cubic feet of gas per hour for the three machines when driven to their full speed, and one large exhauster, with a pair of engines of the nominal capacity of 250,000 cubic feet per hour. Provision is thus made in case of accident, to the necessity arising for making repairs, each of the sets above referred to being sufficient to exhaust the whole of the gas produced. The condensers are simply a set of pipes so arranged as to present the most effective surface to the action of the atmosphere, for the purpose of reducing the temperature at which the gas leaves the retorts as nearly as possible to the normal point of 60 degs. In this process the tar and ammoniacal liquor (now most valuable residuals) are separated from the gas and stored in their respective wells, and the gas then passes on to the scrubbers. These vessels are lofty towers formed of cast iron plates, and filled with coke or other material. so disposed as to break up the gas into innumerable small streams, and this material being kept constantly wetted by the admission of a small quantity of water (proportionate to the quantity of coal consumed) absorbs the remainder of the ammonia contained in the gas after passing through the condensers, the liquid leaving the scrubber as strong ammoniacal liquor. The gas is now forced through the purifiers, which are square boxes 18 ft. x 18 ft., eight in number (two sets of four each). These boxes are filled with slaked lime, arranged on tiers of wooden girds. The gas enters at the bottom, and after passing through the lime on each of these tiers, escapes at the top. Three boxes in each set are constantly in operation, the gas passing through all of them, and the fourth is always off, to admit of the renewal of the lime. The gas issuing from these is perfectly free from sulphurretted hydrogen, and now goes on to the station meter to be registered and thence into the gasholders. The meters are simply enormous measuring chambers of similar construction to the drum of an ordinary wet meter, each capable of registering 80,000 cubic feet per hour. The gasholders are five in number - the smallest having a capacity of 400,000 cubic feet of gas, and the largest containing when full 1,750,000 cubic feet. This latter vessel (by far the largest in Ireland, and equal in size to any that have been erected out of London) presents a very fine appearance when filled with gas. In its construction upwards of 1.300 tons of cast and wrought iron were required, the moveable portion or "bell" containing the gas weighing no less than 580 tons. The gasholders are worked by valves, which are connected with the inside of the gasholder by pipes which descent below the foundation of the tank walls and rise above the surface of the water inside. Each gasholder is provided with an inlet and outlet pipes, sp that the gas can be stored in, or the town supplied from, any one at will. The system of mains in connection with the outlets from these gasholders is very extensive, being in all about 150 miles in length, the pipes varying from 36 inches in diameter down to two inches. Through these pipes in the heaviest portion of the lighting no less than 500,000 feet of gas per hour are delivered to the consumers, their requirements dwindling down to 30,000 cubic feet per hour after midnight, and 20,000 cubic feet per hour through the day time. On connection with the concern there is a most commodious town office, situated in Queen Street, where all the rental accounts are kept and the revenue collected ; and extensive repairing shops have been built in the rere for the accommodation of the workmen enraged in repairing lamps and meters. Since the concern passed into the hands of the Corporation many improvements have been carried into effect, not the least of which are the construction of hydraulic apparatus and tramways for the discharging of coal from the barges, and the building of a suitable quay wall in connection therewith. Not only is a considerable saving expected from this scheme, but a great public convenience will result from the decrease of the traffic on the street. During the two years of its present ownership the gas has been twice reduced in price, notwithstanding which the sum of nearly £22,000 has been realised, after paying all expenses, which will be available for any contingences which may arise in the future.

CLUBS

There are several Clubs in Belfast, including the Ulster Club, Castle Place ; and Union Club, Castle Buildings, Donegall Place.

Cricket, Football etc Clubs

There are several Clubs in Belfast for the practice of cricket, football, etc., the principal being the North of Ireland Cricket Club, established in 1859, whose grounds, situated on the Ormeau Road, are considered the finest in the United Kingdom ; the Ulster Cricket Club ; the Belmont Bowling Club, formed for the purpose of extending the practice of bowling and other kindred games to the suburb of Belmont ; the Belfast Bowling Club ; and the Belfast Boat Club.

PLACES OF AMUSEMENT AND PUBLIC HALLS

The Theatre Royal, at the corner of Arthur Square and Castle Lane, is the most popular, as it is the largest and most constantly occupied, place of amusement in Belfast. It replaced the "dear, durty" old house about seven years ago, and is at present one of the finest dramatic temples in the provinces. Both before and behind the curtain everything that could be done has been done for the convenience of both the public and the numerous artisans engaged. The means of ingress and egress are ample, and on the top of the house  is a large water tank, the contents of which can be distributed from the "flies" at a moment's notice. The proprietor and manager, Mr. J. F. Warden, never allows a novelty to escape him, and the entertainments placed before his patrons are of the newest and most varied description. The building cost about £12,000, and the architect was Mr. Charles Sherry and the builder Mr. Thomas McKeown - both now deceased.
The Ulster Hall, in Bedford Street, is a magnificent structure. It is capable of comfortably seating about 2,500 persons, but this includes the orchestra. Public meetings are held here, and several times each year there are concerts at which the most talented vocalists and instrumentalists in the world appear. There is a grand organ, which was provided by Andrew Mulholland, Esq., at a cost of 3,000 guineas. There is also a Minor Hall, capable of accommodation about 400 persons, a band room, board room for the Ulster Hall Company Limited, and other necessary apartments.
The Victoria Hall, near the Albert Memorial, in High Street ; and the Music Hall, in May Street, are made use of for concerts, as also the large apartment of the Working Men's Institute at the corner of Castle and Queen Streets. St. Mary's Hall, in Bank Lane, is used for meetings and concerts in connection with the Roman Catholic body.

BOROUGH OF BELFAST
Parliamentary Representatives
James Porter Corry, Esq., J.P., Dunraven, Belfast.
William Ewart, Esq., J.P., Glenmachan House, Strandtown. Belfast.

Mayor for 1880 :
John Browne, Esq., J.P., Ravenhill, Belfast.

Recorder :
John Hastings Otway, Esq., Q.C.

Resident Magistrates :
J. C. O.Donnell, Esq., Belfast ; and C. D. Clifford-Lloyd, Esq., Belfast.

Borough Magistrates

BANKS

BELFAST BANKING COMPANY
Head Office - Waring Street
Established 1827. Incorporated 1865

Capital - in 10,000 Shares of £100 each - £1,000,000. £25 per Share paid up. Reserve Fund, £150,000. Profit and Loss, £55,137.
Board of Superintendents - James Moore, J.P., Dalchoolin ; Sir James Hamilton, J.P., Belfast ; Sir John Savage, J.P., Ardilea ; Sir John Preston, J.P., Dunmore ; James Carlisle, J.P., Enfield ; John Browne, J.P., Mayor of Belfast ; Thomas John Martin, Ballymacarrett.
Directors - Edward Harris Clarke, Alexander Johns, A. Sharman Crawford, A. T. Macaulay.
Officers - General Manager, John Wales. Assistant to Directors, William Spiller. Chief Cashier, John J. Dugan. Chief Accountant, Thomas Hall. Joint Inspectors of Branches, James M. Kennedy, Samuel H. Searancke.

NORTHERN BANKING COMPANY
Head Office - Victoria Street

Formed in 1824, in a private bank, and was the first joint stock bank in Ireland. The capital was originally £500,000, in 5,000 shares of £100 each, and in 1866 the capital was increased by £500,000, in 5,000 new shares of £00 each, making the nominal capital £1,000,000. On the original shares £30 per share is paid up, making £150,000 ; and on the new shares £30 per share is paid up, which amount to £150,000, making the paid up capital £300,000. The Reserve Fund stands at £100,000. The authorised circulation is £243,440. The bank allows interest on deposits.
Directors - Wm. Valentine, Thos. Montgomery, John R. Jeffryes, Robt. Kyle Knox.
Committee of Shareholders - James Alexander, J.P., St. Clair, Holywood (Chairman) ; JohnYoung, D.L., J.P., Galgorm, Ballymena ; Thos. Sinclair, J.P., Hopefield, Belfast ; D. L. Coates, Clonallon, Strandtown ; E. H. Thompson, J.P., Slieve-na-Failthe, Whiteabbey ; Andrew Lyle, Newington, Belfast ; D B. Walkington, Thornhill, Belfast.
Branch Inspectors - S. A. Thompson, S. J. Magowan. Chief Cashier - John Algoe. Assistant Branch Inspectors - James S. Beggs, Thomas Lowry.

ULSTER BANKING COMPANY
Head Office - Waring Street

Commenced business in July, 1836. Authorized capital, £2,000,000. Subscribed capital, £1,200,000. Paid up, £300,000. Reserved funds, £350,000. The fixed note issue is £311,079. Interest is allowed on deposits.
Managing Directors - Wm. J. C. Allen, H. J. McCance, F. R. Lepper, Jas. Carr. Committee - Joseph Bigger, Belfast ; John Crawford, Larne ; Joseph M. Lynn, M.D., Armagh ; Edward Porter Cowan, Belfast ; Samuel Archer, Belfast ; John Heron, Belfast ; Nicholas Oakman, Belfast.
Secretary - James Taylor Blackwood. Chief Cashier - James Wallace. Chief Inspector of Branches - G. Higinbotham. Assistant Inspectors of Branches - B. T. Braithwaite, A. R. Norton.

BANK OF IRELAND

Governor - Maurice Cane
Deputy Governor - George Kinahan
Directors - Nathaniel Callwell, James Chaigneau Colvil, Wellington Darley, Gerald R. Dease, Edmond D'Olier, Thomas Vesey Nugent, Joshua J. Pim, James Robert Stewart, John Edward Vernon, Robert Wilson. Secretary - Peter DuBédat. Accountant General - Frank Johnston. Chief Cashier - John McCormick. Chief of Branch Bank Department - A. H. Barlow. Inspectors - A. McM. Murphy, Thomas Martin. Law Agent - E. H. De Moleyns

Ballybay, Sub Office to Castleblayney, open on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Fair Days. Trim, Sub Office to Navan, open on Saturdays, Fair Days and during Assizes. London Agents - Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, E.C.; Coutts & Co., 59 Strand, W.C. Foreign Correspondents - Bank of British North America ; Union Bank of Australia.

PROVINCIAL BANK OF IRELAND
42 Old Broad Street, London

Capital, £2,000,000. Chas. Chambers, Secretary. Established in 1825. Board of Directors resident in London. Paid up Capital, £540,000 and fixed issue £927,667. Belfast Branch, Hercules Place. Manager - John Findlater. Accountant - James Haire. Notary - William Simms.

DUBLIN BRANCH

Samuel Gordon, Chief Officer. R. G. Patchell, Manager. Geo. G. Cumming, Sub Manager. Correspondents on whom the Bank draws - Barclay, Bevan & Co., London ; and all the leading towns in England and Scotland.

THE NATIONAL BANK
Head Office - 13 Old Bond Street, London, E.C.

W. F. Ingelow, Manager ; O. A. Morris, Sub Manager. Established 1835. Capital Subscribed, £2,500,000 ; paid up £1,500,000. Directors - Rt. Hon. W. N. Massey, M.P., Chairman. William Emmens, Esq., Deputy Chairman. Rt. Hon. Lord Emily ; John Ralph Engledue ; Rt. Hon. Viscount Midleton ; Rt. Hon. Viscount Monck ; Anthony John Mundella, M.P.; Hon. Albert Henry Petre ; Henry Francis Slattery, George Noble Taylor. Auditors -  John Abraham, J.P.; Patrick Maxwell, J.P.; Patrick James Roche. Secretary - Wm. George Simm. Assistant Secretary - Joseph Munden Kirby. Superintendent of Note Issue Department - George Gardiner, Dublin. Solicitors - Messrs. Wm. Tatham & Son, London ; Michael Larkin, Esq., 7 Suffolk Street, Dublin. Chief Inspector of Bank - E. J. Mills, London. Inspectors - Ireland - Eastern district, E. H. Devitt, Dublin, and Eugene Bernard, Cork. Assistant Inspectors - T. W. Enright, Dublin ; A. F. Smith, Dublin. Metropolitan Branches - Bayswater, W., 68 Gloucester Gardens, Bishop's Road - Samuel Lovell ; Belgravia, S. W., 21 Grosvenor Gardens - P. R. Derriman ; Camden Town, N.W., 189, High Street - A. S. Smyth ; Charing Cross, S.W., 9 Charing Cross - R. J. Miller ; King's Cross, N., 286 Pentonville Road - R. B. Clarke ; Nottingham Hill, W., 158 High Street - J. L. Whelen ; Oxford Street, W., 23 Old Cavendish Street - Wm. Tunks, Managers. Irish Branches - Dublin Office, 34 College Green - William Augustus Mahony, Patrick Joseph Kirwan, Joint Managers. 

BELFAST SAVINGS BANK
King Street

Instituted January, 1816, for the receipt and accumulation of the savings of the industrial classes. Deposits are taken so low as 1s. at a time, and not more than £30 in one year from any depositor, nor can any account be allowed to exceed £150 in all, exclusive of interest.
Resident Manager - Thomas M. Tripp. Treasurer - Wm. Valentine. Sec. - Jas. Shillington. Abstract of balance, as per annual statement, furnished to the Commissioners or the Reduction of the National Debt, Nov, 20m 1878 :-

"I have extracted the 6,275 balances as above, from the ledgers of this Bank, and hereby certify the same to be correct. - Henry Fox, Auditor."
The account with the Commissioners for the above statement is made, may be seen by any depositor, and any further information obtained, by applying at the Savings Bank, King Street, on any Tuesday, or Friday, between the hours of ten and three o'clock.

BUILDING COMPANIES AND SOCIETIES