ANTIQUE DISPLAY AT OTAKI

Chronicle (Levin), 7 May 1947, Page 2

ANTIQUE DISPLAY AT OTAKI

The Otaki-Te Horp Branch of the Women's Division of Federated Farmers staged an antique and curio exhibition las.t Friday,m the Anglican Hall, the primary object ] being to raise funds for the div- . Ision's food for ... Britain scheme, • and also to alford the public v an opportunity ' of seeing some of the beautiful objects of art and mterest which have been cherished, in some cases -for ma'ny generations, in the families of this district. The exhibition was open in the afternoon and again in the evening, when there was a large attendance, and the chief organisers, Mesdames C. C. Holmes and W. M. Simcox, have a substantial amount to hand. over to the fund. The moment one entered the hall so many beautiful things met the eye that it was not until several. rourids of inspection had been made that one began to sort out the various exhibits according to individual attractions, for every single one had'its one peculiar merit of craftmanship, age or curiosity, and the whole would have done credit to a similar exhibition in much larger places tha'h, Otaki. There was. a great collection of heirloom' • silver, some handsome Georgia'n, pieces, snuff boxes, Maundy money, card cases, deli•cate old lace, a large array of beautiful family jewellery and miniatures. There were examples of Dresden china, Spode, RPckingham ware, Copeland, Old Worcester, Coalport and Davenport, Old Greek and finp eggshell china, Yorkshire lustre, several fine specimens of Continental china and pottery, softly tinted Chinese crackle vases and an exquisite table decoration set made of semi-precious stones. The teacaddies in various styles, inlaid and plain, reminded oue that tea was once scarcer than the ration ailowahce. One section, was set apart for handwork, - and here were old samplers, tapestry and embroidery pictures, Paisley and Cashmere shawls, hand stitched and finely embroidered, and christening robes and .bonnets which had served generations. Much interest was shown in the display of curios, which included very old prints, early. editions, glimpses of early New Zealand in water colour, rare types of Maori weapons and implements, an 18th century Royal child's toy, a set of dueiling pistols with accessories, miniature furniture samples,^ surgeon barber's set and- 'many" iiitefbs^ing r'eli'ds o'f #ki5s.,n 9" The W.D.F.F. is very grateful to I all who loaned their treasures and so helped towards the success of the function. It was most gratifying to the organisers to hear the enthusiastic comments of all who visited the exhibition, and there were many suggestions for a similar show at a later date.