ARMIDALE, a town in Sandon county, is situated on the New England plateau towards the north-east corner of New South Wales. The undulating upland surfaces afford space for settlement, and Armidale is a typical New England town. It is situated at a height of 3,313ft.—an elevation which, in spite of the latitude 32' S.), gives it a cool and bracing climate and a sufficient rainfall (mean annual 3I-32in.) derived mainly from the Pacific side. Armidale is the centre of a thriving agricultural and pastoral area. Mining (tin, gold, antimony) is carried on in the surrounding areas (though the mines are mostly small) and the streams of the south-eastern gorges and valleys (Gara, Chan dler, Okey, Styx) are capable of yielding hydro-electric power, the development of which is projected. Climate, attractive scenery, and a convenient position on the main Northern line (Sydney– Brisbane) have helped to make Armidale an educational and ecclesiastical centre. It possesses several fine schools, besides two cathedrals (Anglican and Roman Catholic). It has been a municipality since 1863 and has grown steadily in population (1891: 3,826; though the population of the dis trict served is considerably greater.