is in course of formation; an Odd Fellows'
Association has been in existence for a year; a Ladies' Benevolent
Society, under the presidency of Mrs. Col. Moody; a Hebrew Victoria
Benevolent Society has been in existence some six months; a
Philharmonic Society, under the conduct of John Bailey, is among one
of its oldest institutions, and to conclude we have in Victoria a
_free port_. This is an immense advantage, coupled with its commanding
situation for an eastern and Asiatic trade and its position, opposite
the North American and Pacific railway (which will shortly be an
undoubted fact). In conclusion, we have to place our work in its
present state in the hands of an indulgent public," E. M., etc.

[Portrait: Captain John Irving.]

I now propose to review the names of the 1860 pioneer merchants, as
illustrated on the covers and through the directory, bringing their
names before the pioneers of those days again. This directory is
nothing more than a history of the city at that time, and to me is
most interesting reading. It is not to be supposed that newcomers of
twenty years' residence will give it more than passing notice, but
they will excuse us old hands for being interested.

On the front cover is a picture of the Royal Hotel on Wharf Street,
corner of Johnson, Jas Wilcox, proprietor, who also owned property on
Fort Street opposite Philharmonic Hall, Wilcox Alley running through
the property. The Royal Hotel with the Victoria were the first brick
hotels built here in 1858. It was on a vacant lot alongside the Royal
Hotel that the Rev. Alexander C. Garrett, about 1861 or 1862, used to
preach on Sunday afternoons to large crowds, mostly sailors and
miners, although all sorts and conditions of sinners were there. He
was a most eloquent Irishman, was a missionary to the Indians, and
lived on the Songhees reserve. The choir of Christ Church attended to
lead the music, and as I was a choir boy, I was there, as also,
I think, Dr. Davie. The minister stood on a packing-box, and the
whole scene is vivid in my memory. The motley crowd, as may be
supposed, the music in the open air, and the eloquent speaker, all
combined to make the scene one to be remembered. Mr. Garrett left
here for the States, afterwards being made bishop of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of America.

On the inside of the cover is a picture of Stationers' Hall, Hibben &
Carswell, on the corner of Yates and Langley Streets. During
fifty-four years t