the new eastern market building was described in great detail by the "australasian sketcher" starting with its 'under floor...and extensive cellaring' (including 'a fountain to enable stall-holders to wash their vegetables'), 'the upper floor, or market proper' with space for 'enclosed stalls, 53 in number' and bordering this, on two sides, double-story shop rows facing onto bourke and stephen streets. they add 'the buildings are not lovely to look upon, but they are useful' and 'a commodious market, with ample accommodation for buyers and sellers, has long been wanted.' engravings from the period show the exterior shop rows, the curved roof and pillars of the interior market space and an artist's impression of saturday night scenes.