Public Buildings.—­The Guild Hall, in New Street, and the Roundabout House in High Street were at one time the only public buildings in the town, besides the Parish Church, the Lockups, and the Pinfold.  The Market Cross, Public Office, Workhouse, &c., came after, and it is only of late years we have been able to boast of Town Hall, Market Hall, Parish Office, Council House and all the other establishments so necessary to the dignity of a town ranking as third largest in the Kingdom.  The huge piles that have been erected during the last dozen years or so are of so varied a character that it becomes somewhat difficult to draw a line between those which are strictly of a private nature and the so-called “public” buildings; under which heading perhaps even Railway Stations, Banks, and Theatres might properly come.  The following are some of the chief edifices not noted elsewhere:—­

County Court.—­The new County Court, at the corner of Corporation Street and Newton Street, was erected from the plans of Mr. J. Williams at a cost of about L20,000.  It is built of Hollington Stone, in Italian style, though, like that other Government-built edifice, the new Post Office, it is of too heavy an appearance.  The two entrances for the general public are in Newton Street, the Registrar’s and principal Courts being on the first floor, though neither are near large enough for the business intended to be practised therein.  The entrance to the Judge’s rooms is in Corporation Street, under a portico with Doric columns.

Drill Hall—­In 1880 a company was formed, with a capital of L5,000 in L20 shares, for the purpose of building a Drill Hall and suitable head-quarters for the local Volunteers.  A site in Thorpe Street, containing 2,287 square yards, was taken on lease for 99 years at L100 rental, and very suitable premises have been erected, the frontage to the street (183 ft.) allowing the formation of a lofty drill hall, 180 ft. long by 85 ft. wide, at the rear of the usual and useful offices and rooms required.  The latter comprise on the ground floor an orderly room and strong room, sergeant-major’s office, armoury, clothing store, non-commissioned officers’ room, privates’ meeting room, sergeant-major’s and staff-sergeant’s quarters, and stables.  On the first floor there are an officers’ meeting room, a sergeants’ meeting room, long galleries, &c.; the whole building being characteristically laid out for military purposes.

Fire Engine Stations.—­The Central Fire Brigade Station, which is in telephonic communication with all the police stations, the theatres, various public buildings, and chief manufactories, is situated in the Upper Priory, between the Old Square and Steelhouse Lane, and is easily distinguishable by the large red lamp outside its gate.  There are here kept ready for instant use three manual and one steam engine, the latter being capable of throwing 450 gallons of water per minute to a height of 120 feet, the other