Sydney International Exhibition.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3138, 10 March 1879, Page 2

Sydney International Exhibition.

, The Echo gives the following description of the central tower and dome of the Sydney International Exhibition,' the '- foundation stone of which wai laid by Lady Robinson :—

The portion made use of on this occasion comprises sir bays or squares, of 26ft. each. . Of these, when finished, there will, be exactly 300, irrespective of the towers, " dome, and refreshment rooms. The, dome, which will necessarily be the great feature of the building, will be 100 ft. ia diameter, by a total height of 155 ft. to the underside of the lantern, and from foundation to finial 204 ft. It will be covered with a light material, and painted in appropriate patterns and colors, and supported internally by 36 wooden ribs, meeting at the centre.: There will be four large towers at the ends of nave and ■ transepts, taeh 50ft. square, and rising to ' a height of 113 ft. From the tops of these towers a panoramic view of unsurpassed beauty will be obtained.'l The framing { and construction of this vast- structure .* throughout will not be concealed, whioh, •-. being true in principle, also admits of great variety in decorative treatment. The principal light will be admitted from the south only—an arrangement" { most favourable for • the exhibition of sculpture, and paintings in particular* it well as for the general class of exhibit!. Immediately under the floor of the dome will be a central refreshment-room* 100 ft. square, approached by staircases - situated at the four corners of the dome,' and also from the basement. This large' room will be lighted principally thjJßmh a large aperture in the floor Of the dome about 25ft. in diameter, affording an opportunity of erecting a fountain,' with the water falling in cascades over rook* work interspered with ferns, mosses, &e. t the whole projecting. through the, abovementioned aperture ''into the 'dome, and surmounted at the height of «ome-20ft. above the main floor by the bronee statue of our gracious sovereign the Queen.. „ In addition to the towers, about 150 ft of verandah, 20ft wide, will b» provided, . on the eastern side of the building, to enable visitors to admire the enchanting, scenery- across the Botanic-garden* and t y the waters of the harbour; it will be entered abreast of the east transept tower, down a double flight of steps, and'the -. space between the gardens and the building it is proposed to lay out in ornamental bed* and shrubberies, suf- > fioiently to produce a pleasing and ar Us tie effect. ' f ' '•..-,