Hestia is the title of a magazine which issued on the first of this month from the office of Messrs. Edwards & Co. of this city. This paper is devoted to the teachings of the ancient sages and the study of philosophy and science. « Arise, O child, and bathe your earthly senses in yonder fountain of eternal light, » is what may be termed the text upon which Hestia (the « sacred fire of the hearth » of the Greeks) will draw its inspiration, the object being to collate for those who have no fixed belief, yet long to seek without reading deeply for ground upon which to build their faith. This paper will appear monthly and the subscription is voluntary. I am of opinion that Spiritism is the keynote of Hestia, but the promoters have struck some minor key which is to lead up to the harmony desired.

Religious discussion seems to be the order of the day The Reign of Grace was succeeded by the Day of Salvation, and now Mr Scotland, m.l.a. has given unto us a sixpenny pamphlet with the high-sounding title Denominationalism the Bane of Christianity, in which he scourges the Pulpit and the Press. The World, the Flesh, and the Devil, are the trinity, according to Mr Scotland, which the ministry really worship, and as regards the Press, why—well, he can hardly find words strong enough to condemn it. Nevertheless, there are many home-thrusts between the covers, and the « two letters to a friend in the country » are being widely read. The pamphlet is printed by Messrs. Lyon & Blair.

I have received a specimen of the new members' certificate of the Melbourne Typographical Society. This card is the prize design for which several prizes were offered a few months ago. The card has gone through five workings, and is « large » size. The design consists of three ground tints, yellow, pink, and blue, very lightly produced, the outline of brass rule being worked in gold, the lettering brought out in red on the white ground. The card has a very pretty effect, and the Society is to be commended for leading the way in fancy printing. We can never expect the public to patronize the higher branches of our noble art unless we shew them by our own example that we encourage the artists who produce such work.

Owing to Lyon & Blair losing the printing of the Catholic Times eight of their hands to-day received a week's notice. There is now appearing in the local papers an advertisement calling for applications for the post of printer; also wanting comps and boys who have been at case and boys who have not been at the case. Altogether, it seems to be a case of cheap labor. I understand that the move from publishers to printers will cost the company £1000.

The state of the trade has been somewhat brisk during the past month. I have not heard of any good hands out of work, and one office has taken on extra assistance. There is no reliable news as to when the new Government printing offices will be used. The workmen are not yet out of the building, but part of the machine work is being done in the new premises. One who applied for a frame told me that the Government Printer could not take him on, as he had no room, but informed him that had he frame-room he would take on a dozen more hands.