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ribs dividing the ceiling are hollow , andfittedwith notched p lates to receive prisms , fifteen inches in length , and about three inches in width . Alternately Avith these prisms , of which there will be over a thousand , occur strips of plate glass , ground on one side , and having stars cut upon them . The lantern pendants at the intersections are also formed of prisms of various forms

of pure crystal , the light in small jets of gas being brought down into them below the level of tho line of the prisms , which are lighted by floats of gas in small jets close together along the upper edge of the hollow ribs , and on a level Avith tho coloured glass panels ; these are lighted by starlights , over each of Avhich is a flat cone reflector communicating with ventilating shafts > -

of galvanised iron . " We are further informed that "Tocaland instrumental Operatic Selections will fill a prominent place in the nighly programmes , and will be arranged upon a novel plan , calculated to afford full scope at once for the talent of the singers and for the skill of the orchestral performers . The symphonies of the great masters will

occasionally be rendered , but at the same time tho light and effervescent works of the composers of the hour will fully receive their full share of attention . The aim of the directors of the Strand Musick Hall Avill be to please all tastes , save only those which are depraved . They purpose to enable the classical amateur to revel in the emanations of the loftiest genius—the lover of sparkling

dance music to drink in the ca ] 3 ering melodies to his heart's oontent—the Avorshipper of grand lyric inspiration to depart well satisfied with his treat—the adorer of the simple ballad to feel that he has had his full share of enjoyment—and the patron of comic singing to recognise that his special predilections have not been uncared for . In the last-named department it may be almost needless to say that every feature introduced will be jealously and rigorously scrutinised , and carefully kept

free from anything that could shock the most refined taste or grate upon the most delicate susceptibilities . " With such pretensions we expected a much better entertainment than that produced — a promenade concert at the same prices as Mellon's or Jullieu ' s , with a very inadequate band , which is not yet weli under the baton of the conductor , Mr . Kingsbury .

Three ladies made their debut in classical music , but they are none of them better than those of other Music Halls—though Mdlle . Mayer , the contralto , will no doubt become a favourite . The band having played the finale to the first part , the Persian Story-teller Kisseh Kon appeared in full costume to introduce one of his wonderful relatious—a doggrel version of " Romeo and

Juliet ; " and this we must protest against as altogether a mistake—Whitechapel Persian without a scintilla of wit is not suited for a Music Hall Avhich pretends to eclipse all others in the nature of its performances ; and the wonderful relation Avas certainly not equal to the

stump orations of other establishments . He Avas both vulgar and impertinent , and being duly appreciated by the audience , first told them if they did not like him they " had better go and liquor , " aud theu bade them , good night in a huff . In the second part , Mons . Duhem ( formerly of Jullien ' s , at the Surrey Gardens ) gave a cornet solo with variations on Rode ' s Air , which proved

him a perfect master of his art , and was the real gem of the evening . The other solo performers , Siguor Tito Mattei , a pianist , and Signor Giovanni Adelmaun , a violinist , were also well received . The leader , Mr . F . Kingsbury , was loudly applauded , whilst Mr . Lea , the manager , and Mr . Keeling , the architect , were called for by their friends .

The general appearance of the Hall is good , but the pillars and fronts of the balconies and boxes are too sombre , being coloured a deep brown . The roof , which is most beautiful by day / 'does not' show to advantage in the evening , and owing to the peculiar arrangement of the lights much of the excellent decorations , especially

Public Amusements.

of the ceilings of the balconies , is altogether lost . The light itself requires some modification , and we would suggest the taldng away of all that portion of the glas 3 roof painted yellow , and substituting plain ground glass , with , perhaps , the introduction of an occasionally polished star . The prospectus of the undertaking contains the

following grandiloquent declaration , which , if rigidly adhered to , will , no matter what the entertainment , ensure the failure of the undertaking . If smoking conld be excluded it would be as well , but other refreshments will he required , and if not allowed , the public will go where they can be obtained , especially when the entertainment is not worth the money charged : —

"Smoking and drinking have , in the establishments heretofore called Music Halls , sat elbow to elbow with harmony . The Directors of the Strand Musick Hall have thought it fitting to bestow this designation upon their building , inasmuch as it is a hall devoted to the performance of music ; but as the music given will be of a superior classthey expect from their visitors an

, equally exalted etiquette . Creature comforts—both nicotian and alcoholic—will be found at the spacious buffets , and in the corridors and saloons which surround the Hall . Visitors will have all the facilities they could desire for their puffings and their potations , but not within the Hall , which is consecrated to music . "

The Week.

THE WEEK .

THE COURT . —The Queen and junior members of the Eoyal Family continue at Balmoral , from whence they are to return on the 26 th . The young Prince Albert Victor arrived in the Humber on Sunday afternoon , on board her Majesty ' s ship Salamis , in charge of the Countess De Grey and Eipou . The weather was rather rough , and the baby had suffered somewhat

from sea-sickness , but recovered as the vessel came up the Humber . The landing did not take plaoe till Monday morning , when the Countess De Grey and the nurse with the Eoyal infant debarked on the town pier , amid the cheers of the thousands there assembled , and proceeded to the railway station , where a train was in waiting to convey the party to Scotland . The Prince and Princess of Wales continue in Denmark .

GENERAL HOME NEWS . —The returns of the Eegistrar General show a considerable increase in the mortality of the metropolis during the past week . For the four previous weeks the deaths were under 1 , 300 ; last week they amounted to 1 , 355 . This is 172 above the estimated number , according to the ten years' average . Among the causes of mortality bronchitis

begins to assume a prominent place . The births , however , more than keep pace with the deaths—2 , 072 children were born in the course of the week , which is 221 above the average number . Parliament has been formally prorogued until the 11 th of November ; but unless something of importance should render an earlier meeting than usual necessary , it is not likely that it

will assemble for the despatch of business until February . The pauperism of the twenty-eight distressed unions continues to increase . The return just issued shows that an accession of 6 , 580 paupers took place in the second week of the month , aud that nearly half ( 3 , 100 ) Avere able-bodied adults ; the total number of this class alone being , at the latest date ,

upwards of 24 , 600 . The largest increase has taken place in the following unions—viz ., Ashton-uuder-Lyne , 1 , 390 ; Blackburn , 730 ; Bury , 880 ; Preston , 670 ; Saddleworth , 670 ; and Skipton ( which , though assisted through its industrial collapse by grants from the Central Eelief Committee , has never been reported upon by Mr . Farnall ) , 370 . The out-relief expenditure was