In July 1868 the Council awarded the first, second and third premiums to “Treu und Fest”, “City” and “Bunyip” respectively. When the accompanying signed letters were opened it was found that the designs ranked first and second were by the same architect, J. H. Willson. Allegations of corruption followed.

After a petition from architects and citizens, the Council agreed to put the designs on public exhibition. None of these plans survive, but the Sydney Morning Herald’s description gives some indication of the variety on display. Architectural styles included Gothic, Italian, and a combination of the two. Clock towers were a common feature, although some were ‘out of proportion and look heavy and unsightly’. Arcades and balconies along the George Street façade were popular design elements. The Herald hoped that ‘Australian animals and flora will be selected by the architect as appropriate subjects among the embellishments.’ (Sydney Morning Herald, 31 August 1868, p.2)

(image: Sydney Mail, 30 November 1889, p.1204. State Reference Library, State Library of New South Wales)