THE IRISHWOMEN OF AUCKLAND AND MR GLADSTONE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1339, 11 September 1886, Page 2

THE IRISHWOMEN OF AUCKLAND AND MR GLADSTONE.

We learn from the Auckland Herald that the Irishwomen of Auckland have been getting up for presentation to Mr Gladstone one of the most tasteful gifts which it is possible to imagine—namely a superb book of New Zealand ferns, with casing of New Zealand woods inlaid. The book was prepared and handsomely bound at the Herald printing establishment, and ia filled with New Zealand ferns, collected and prepared by Mr Eric Craig. It contained 155 varieties of ferns, and 14 varieties of New Zealand lycopods, or 169 varieties in all. This is the largest number that has ever been placed in any book previously, and to complete the collection Mr Craig had to take three very scarce and rare varieties from his herbarium. The ferns are all arranged and classified in proper order. They are all named and in fruit, end gathered in every part of New Zealand from Stewart’s Island to North Cape. In the front of the book is a photographic shield containing the por-

traits cf the members of the ladies’ committee tastefully exonted by Mr J. Martin, photographer. The case is a beautiful piece of inlaid work—of every variety of New Zealand woods, and comprising ove* 4000 pieces—from the atelier of Mr Seoffert. In the centre of the cover is a star, with quarter stars at the angles, the latter being silver mounted, and ornamented with shamrocks and ferns intertwined, and Maori carvings. Over the star is an Irish harp executed in silver, and bearing the following inscription, engraved by Mr Teutenberg, of Wellesley - street East;—“To the Right Honourable W. E. Gladstone, in admiration and gratitude for your efforts in the cause of freedom for Ireland. From the Irishwomen of Auckland, N.Z ” The idea of the presentation originated during the period when the Home Rale Bill was before the Imperial Parliament, and the subscription list was so rapidly filled up that some were prevented from contributing. Mr Teutenberg is now patting the finishing touches on the inscription, and the gift will bo ready to be forwarded to its destination by the outgoing mail. As a specimen of local industry. It Is the unique and superb that has gone out of the country for some time, and refleo'a the highest credit on the taste and patriotism of the Irishwoman of Auckland. It should be greatly .prised by the eX'Premier of England-