This report was adopted and contracts signed by all with the exception of Mr. Bull. Mr. A. J. Leitch, Chairman of the Building Committee, was appointed to inspect the work as it progressed, and issue orders for payment in accordance with the architect's estimates. Tenders for heating and plumbing were received in January, 1899, and contracts awarded—the heating to Joseph Harrison for $3,146, and the plumbing to Keith & Fitzsimmons, Toronto, for $1,125. The Building Committee next considered the question of furnishing, and for the purpose of securing information, visited the court houses in Stratford and Woodstock, and in March, 1899, tenders were received and the following contracts awarded:

J. Acheson, St. Thomas, hardware$400 00
McDonald & Wilson, Toronto, gas fixtures645 00
The Preston Office & School Furniture Company, for special work2,995 00
And for furniture, desks, etc556 80
The Office Specialty Company, Toronto, for letter press, stands, vault fittings, etc892 50

COURT ROOM.

Carpets and window blinds were procured from J. B. Kay, Son & Co., Toronto, and rubber matting for the stairs from the Gutta Percha & Rubber Co., two clocks for the court room and council chamber, from W. R. Jackson. Stained glass windows with appropriate designs were ordered from N. T. Lyons, Toronto, for the main stairway, one contains a picture of the old and new buildings; the other, the names of the County Council for the years 1898 and 1899. Stone walks around the building and through the grounds were put down by the Silica Barytic Stone Company, of Ingersoll, at the cost of $579.02. The work of grading the grounds was completed under superintendence of W. Irving.

OPENING PROCEEDINGS.

The Court House was formally opened on Wednesday, the 13th day of December, 1899, the occasion being the first day of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, and of the County Court.

The proceedings commenced at 2.40 p. m. Judge Hughes presided, and on his right was Junior Judge Ermatinger, and on his left Sheriff Brown.

Judge Hughes explained that he had invited Rev. Canon Hill and Vicar-General Bayard to be present, to assist in the opening proceedings, but they had other engagements and could not attend. There were present Revs. D. R. Drummond, Prof. T. L. Fowler, of the Disciples College, and Rev. R. I. Warner, principal of Alma College.