Maitland Town Hall’s rich history

From the Maitland Mercury report:
On January 26, 125 years ago, Maitland City Council laid the foundation stone of the West Maitland Town Hall.

It is not known where the mayor Dr RJ Pierce laid the stone in January 1888, but when the town hall was erected two years later his stone was carefully installed within the front portico on the west wall.
Once the first stone was safely laid, the West Maitland Municipal Council proceeded to advertise for suitable designs, offering a first prize of 70 pounds and a second prize of 20 pounds.
Thirty-five entries were received but Maitland architects scooped both prizes.
The consolation prize went to the ­senior firm of JW Pender, a Scottish builder turned architect who had settled in the Hunter in 1857.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Jan. 25, 2013.