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THE AUSTRALIAN MUTUAL PROVI-
DENT SOCIETY'S OFFICE, PITT
STREET NORTH.
THIS handsome structure, of which we give
an engraving in the present issue, was opened
for business In the beginning of November,
1864.« By many persons it is considered the
most beautiful building in Sydney, and cer-
tainly there is none equal in size which sur-
passes it in regard to external ornamentation.
none Help
Altogether, it reflects credit on the taste of
the architects, and the skill of the artizans
employed in its erection, and also affords an
unmistakeable proof of the unparalleled suc-
cess that has attended the operation of our
Colonial Life Insurance Institution.
Among the competitive designs sent in,
that of Messrs. Reed and Barnes, of Mel-
bourne, was considered the best ; and, being
adopted, Mr. E. T. Blacket was engaged to
carry out the plans.
The ground floor elevation shews-a row of
well-proportioned channelled piers, resting on
a vermiculated plinth, the edges of the chan-
nelling being moulded.
The windows of the lower storey, which
are arched and of plate glass, are in sunk
panels-ornamental cast iron palings are fixed
between the piers. The lower cornice, above
the piers, is enriched with a succession of
tasteful mouldings. Above this, there is an
entire Corinthian order, consisting of four
fluted columns, and pilasters at either end,
having elaborately carved capitale. . The
arched windows of the two upper storeys are
in the recesses between the columns ; the
arches have neatly carved imposts, with
sculptured human heads for the keystones.
The upper cornices of the entablature are
also covered with pleasing ornamentation.
They are surmounted by an elegant balus-
trade, relieved with vases, and with a
moulded panel in the centre. Above this is
the beautiful sculptured group, the work of
Mr. C. Summers, of Melbourne, the subject
being " Australia receiving the Gifts of
Peace and Plenty." The beneficent genius
is represented by a female figure above life
size, and draped in the Greek type. The
right hand holds a cornucopia, and the left
bears a branch of palm. The supporting
figures-a youth and woman with a child
-symbolise the vigorous adolescence of Aus-
tralia. Unfortunately, the great height of
the building prevents this beautiful work of
art from being seen to proper advantage,
and from receiving the admiration that a
nearer view would command for it. There
are two front entrances to the building-that
to the left conducts through a short lobby
to the principal office of the Society, which
occupies the greater portion of the ground
floor. This is a very handsome and commo-
dious apartment, thirty-six feet in length, by
twenty-six in width.
Opening on the principal office are con-,
venient apartments for the Secretary and for
the Medical Referee-also a waiting room
and a dressing room. At the back of the
office there is a fire-proof chamber, fourteen
feet by eleven, and of the same height as
the office-the upper part being reached by a
circular iron staircase. Beyond this, is the
Board-room, which is divided by folding
doors from the auditors' room. The two,
when thrown into one, make a large room,
thirty-six feet by twenty-four, well adapted
for the general meetings of the Society. The
Board-room, which adjoins the main build-
ing, is lighted from a handsome covered
dome, the centre of which is tastefully orna-
mented. The cornices and other mouldings,
which are of the true Corinthian order, are
also very rich, the white pilasters and capitals
being in pleasing relief to the tinted walls.
The entrance to the right opens on a wide
hall, from which a broad staircase leads to
the upper floors. The seven front rooms
upon each of these two floors, are large, lofty,
and well lighted, and are let for private offices.
At the back of the premises, facing Spring
street, is a neat two-storied residence for the '
housekeeper.
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