The Approaching Grand Festival And The New Masonic Buildings.

department" of a large portion of the metropolis , and from Avhat we saw the other day there Avould not appear to be much apprehension of a famine for many weeks to come , but upon this part of the building Ave may have to say a few Avords hereafter .

We would now draAv especial attention to the neAv banqueting hall , which is to be used upon the occasion which heads this notice , premising that the following are but a few " random recollections" of Avhat Ave saw during a rapid

and cursory visit , and are not to be taken as a full or elaborate description of Avhat the building really deserves at our hands , but Ave must leave that for a future notice . The hall itself when Ave saw it reminded us , in

one respect , very strongly of the interior of the great exhibition building of 1862 , Avhen amidst a forest of scaifold-poles and other obstructions you could just catch , a distant vieAv of the vast

proportions of the building , and the decorations by which it was enriched . Our first view of the interior of the vast hall was from the north end , and AA'hen , Avith the exception of Avhat Ave have referred to , its immense proportions burst upon

our view we were certainly taken by surprise at the splendid room before us , and the advanced state at Avhich the arrangements had arrived . The hall is 100 ft . long , by 45 ft . Avide , and the decorations of it have been entrusted to Messrs .

Jackson and Co ., of Rathbone-place , and judging by what has already been done , we should say that it Avill certainly not be surpassed , if equalled , by any other hall in London . One great consideration has been entered into in the construction of

the flooring , for that is entirely fire-proof , and the roof is supported by Avrought-iron trusses of immense strength , and these span theAvhole width of the building . Large sky-lights Avill give light to the hall during the clay time , and in this

respect it will contrast greatly to the old hall , which , being built for Masonic purposes only , ' was consequently dark and heavy , and was a serious drawback to it when used in any other way . The ceiling is affixed to the trusses

at a lower level , and in this part are placed other lights , slightly intercepted by opaque glass , AA'hich throws a subdued light over the whole surface . At night the hall will be lighted by three large sun-burners fixed about five feet from the ceiling , and are constructed by Messrs . Stroud and Co ., of Sfc . Marfcin ' s-le-Grand , on the latest

and most improved principle . The pilasters on each side of the hall are 20 ft . high , with very handsome caps and bases . At the bottom is a seat running the entire length , and on the top are immense consoles , elaborately decorated , dividing

the sides of the hall and ceiling into twelve bays , between which there is a handsome cove , richly decorated . Above , springing from the pilasters there are semi-circular arches with large ai * chivoltes and moulded key-stone . A splendid cornice

adds to the decorations , the frieze of Avhich is richly decorated with fountains , peacocks , and lizards . The IOAVCI * part of the sides of the hall are divided into panels , Avith an enriched moulding 10 ft . high . The ends are divided into parts with colums and arch-columns , above which runs a very handsome cornice , with enrichments , dentils , and

cove , breaking over the column cap , producing a very handsome feature under the caryatides Avhich surmount the capitals . The south end has a beautiful window with bold pediment over it . The hall will be ventilated with Messrs . Watson ' s

improved ventilator , and pipes are laid to heat ifc with hot Avater , so that it can always be kept at a moderate and regular temperature . At the north end is the ladies' gallery , Avith five I * OAVS of seats of such ample proportions that no complaint

Avhatever can be made on that score , and the retiring * rooms are replete Avith every convenience . This gallery is approached by a separate Avide and fireproof stair-case , and can be completely isolated whenever occasion shall require , affording the ladies honouring festivals , the greatest privacy and at the same time , the utmost convenience .

The front portion of the tavern is very commodiously arranged , the entrance is spacious , and the splendid large rooms Avill be admirabl y adapted for wedding breakfasts , public dinners , concerts , and balls . In addition to which there

is an excellent coffee-room , AA'hich cannot fail to be very convenient to country brethren visiting London , with retiring * and reception rooms , and other conveniences .

Ihe basement arrangements , which Ave have before briefly alluded to , are on a scale commensurate with the requirements of this vast and important establishment . The . kitchen , which is situate underneath , is the same size as the hall ,

and it is fitted Avith all the most approved and modern appliances in the culinary art . The ovens are very capacious so that if a batch of bread Avas required there would be no