SOME OF THE EXHIBITS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1140, 30 May 1911, Page 7

SOME OF THE EXHIBITS.

[Published jiy Aiuungement.]

GEAR MEAT COMPANY. The Gear Meat Company's exhibit, situated on tho right-hand side of the building, not far from the entrance, is a reminder of tho success which has attended Wellington industrial enterprise. The growth of this firm since its inception has been a feature of the strides in which the refrigeration process has revolutionised the chief primary industry of New Zealand. Something over a quarter of a century ago, the Gear Company's business was in a very small way indeed—an unpretentious building near the -Petone Besxh, and the freezing hulk "Jubilee." To-day the firm has deservedly tho reputation of being one of tho biggest of its kind in Australasia. Its works at Petone, complete in every respect, comprise twelve acres of space under solid cover. Its frozen meat output is huge. In the busy season it employs 500 hands, while an enormous quantity of fresh water is used daily. Tho killing capacity on .the "boards" is 7000 daily. Hot and cold water baths ar-o at the servico of tho staff of the Petone works. Tho foregoing -is just an indication of tho importance of a firm which is one of Wellington's monuments of industry. Coming to the exhibit itself, the first thing which strikes the eyo is the array of canned meats got up in the form of a Norman arch. The Gear Company's canned meats arc largelyused both by the British Army and the British Navy. "Tommy" Atkins practically commenced to eat the Gear canned meats at the time of the Sudan war, and he has never gone back on the brand. This speaks volumes for the manufacture in all its branches. It has been found also that there is an increasing .demnnd for the company's canned meats in New Zealand, and at the present time this demand keeps right up to the supply. Fronting tho canned meat exhibit are seen specimens of Three Crown mutton and Two.Crown beef tallow, and near bj is a show case of wools made into "tops,' from 36's to GO's. Amongst the by-pro-ducts exhibited dried bullocks' sinews 'are/shown ready for the market in Japan, for gelatine-nfa'king, while the skins and pelts are of a very large variety. The company has a striking exhibit of the "damage done to lambskins by rape scald, and to which they desire most earnestly to-jdraw the attention of sheepfarniers. Specimens are shown of polts injured by tho rape ■ scald, and thoso withou^' a blemish, and the difference in quality amounts to about Bd. or more per pelt. The scald is demonstrated,-by the extreme roughening along the back of the pelt, which must injure it considerably for manufacturing purposes. The trouble is caused by keeping the lambs too long on the rape, the food being of a particularly heating nature. It is apparent that depasturing the lambs on to the rapo is not the last thing that-the farmer has to think about when "topping off." At tho present time, between months of February and May, 15 per cent, of the lamb pelts put through by the Gear Company show signs of rape scald, and the number is increasing. . The loss to the farmer is most substantial, but he alone can renu'.ly the evil by a periodical change of diet and tnking the lamba off the rape in wet -weather. At the side of tho stall are to be seen exhibits of slipe wool, and a great collection of leathers and skins. These include fancy, tanned lamb's skin, blue suede for • costunio making, chrome tan for shoe lining, rough sheepskin for book-binding: wine colour for thp same purpose; bark and tanned basils for harness and collar work; red pasta skiver for imitation of real morocco; crocodile grain for fancy bag making; chrome tanned block patent for shoe- tipping; fish grain bag basil for travelling bags; purple grain and smoothglazed skiver for book-binding; olivo green roan for lining and fancy work; pure white lambskin for Masonic regalias and fancy costume trimming, and chamois for household purposes. Verily the sheep iVa very useful animal. The whole of these articles are locally manufactured. A collection of sheepskin rugs complete a most instructive exhibit.

"NUGGET" ALE AND STOUT. One of the first exhibits which catches the eyo before one has gone a dozen yards beyond tho main entrance is a • tastilyarranged pavilion which cannot but forcibly remind lovers of light opera of that, quaint chorus in "Miss Hook of Holland" entitled "Bottles." Here are pyramids of bottles, shelves of bottles, stacks of bottles towering up to the ceiling in neat array. These are the Exhibition representatives of "Nugget" ale and stoutbeverages which have only lately come on the market, but have already Made their presence felt in the unending competition which means a continuous sorting out of the best. "Nugget" ale and stout has obtained its-prominence by no other means than its all-round excellence. Any new brew coming into the market under an unknown label must of necessity possess qualities which at least bring it nn to the standard of popular brands, and "if they wish to go further all the talk in the world will not help them unless the bedrock quality is there. "Nugget" ale and stout is a Now Zealand manufacture, so its position at the Exhibition is in keeping with tho original promoters' intentions regarding the big show. It is a known fact in the trade that the rising quality of New Zealand ales is affecting the importations of English and other ales. People are recognising that first-class ales can be brewed in their own country, and have not boen by any means slow to recognise tho merits of the "Nugget" liquors. "Nugget" ale and stout is only brewed in the winter (an important point), and no artificial means are ever used to bring it to maturity after it is bottled. An ale can be forced to maturity by tricks known to the trade, but in the case of "Nugget" no such methods are resorted to, as the result is never quite the same. Some three months'ago the orders came in so rapidly that the matured stock was exhausted, and rather than supply that which was not ready for the market, the proprietors, Messrs. A. E. Kernot and Koland T. Robertson and Co., closed down on all business until time released the stocks from their vaults. "Nuggot ale is only made from first of the newseason's Nelson hops, and tho water is from an artesian supply of 200 ft. in depth, which browing experts have on analysis pronounced perfect for the purpose. The malt for tho stout is imported from the best Dublin malt-houses, which accounts for the character of the liquor being so closely allied to Old World stouts of universal fame. Care is always taken to store the brew away in the wood for some weeks before it is bottled, which gives it a particular virtue as a tonic for invalids. In the case of "Nugget ale, the old-time pink label has been departed from in favour of a yellow label, which reflects the golden colour of tho contents of the bottle—a pale golden tint, formerly only to be acquired by sending shipments on a long voyage. That treatment was discovered in the days of the old East India Company. New Zea-

land has the ideal climate for alo-brew-iilg—nn extremes nf heat or cold tn contend with, and water as pure a> anywhere on earth. Thai is why (he quality of its ales and .stouts have improved so markedly of late, and why "Nugget" ale and stout can be drunk with pleasure without tint "fullnew-after-drinking'' feeling and head heaviness (hat is the penalty of imbiding less carefully-brewed and matured malt liquors. Attached to -the "Nugget" exhibit at the Coronation Exhibit is a cosy and convenient office where the ale and stout may be seen in various stages of brewing, and every evidence of its purity and soundness is supplied. THE "SILENT FLUSHER." House-planning comes before townplanning, and this is why the attention of the public should be drawn to one of tho most unique exhibits in the Coronation Exhibition. The reference is to tho "Silent Flusher," for water closets, which is displayed to advantage in Messrs. Jenkins and Mack's display in "U" store. Tho "Silent Flusher" does away with the overhead cistern, ball, and syphon arrangement. This system of flushing has served the public very well, but it must give way in time to an invention which has so many advantages to its credit. The overhead cistern stores water which is apt to foul with non-use and time; it is disagreeably noisy in its action, and the long pipe connection between the cistern and the bowl is a handy receptacle for foul air. With a high-pressure water supply, the cistern system is apt to make a hissing noise, the result of an imperfect clos-.ire, but this can never happen to the "Silent Flusher," which is quite a handsome fitting. It derives its name from its silent, effective action; it is a water-waste preventer of the first order; one tank of water can feed any number if". "Silent Flushers," instead of having a cistern' for each one; there is no waiting for the cistern to refill; thero are no pipes to get out of order; no chains to break; no drippings from overhead. The "Silent Flusher" is of especial value to municipalities, whose -water supply is limited, as there is no possibility of the leakage that occurs with the cistern and ball arrangement, and as an up-to-date and hygienic factor in up-to-dato house-fitting, it is worthy of everyone's close inspection. The "Silent Flusher" may bo s?en erected in "U" shed, near the western door admitting to the annexe. "PETONE" WOOLLENS. One of the most imposing and interesting displays in the Exhibition is the Wellington Woollen Company's exhibit of the products of its mills at Petone, and its factories. Hero are tastefully displayed an instructive array of "Petone" fabrics, (he whole afforliug a comprehensive survey of the potentialities of the mills and workrooms. Starting from the left, of the big show-caso, there are first displayed some smart _ walking dresses and winter costumes, figure-draped, and eloquently testifying to tho resources of the workrooms. Further along is a display of flannels and night-wear, dress fabrics, and men's clothing, all bearing the "Petone" mark. Travellers by sea or land will find a wealth of suggestion in the handsome display of rugs and shawls, of rich appearance, and tasteful design, which form a prominent feature of the display. Then come' blankets, thick, soft, creamcoloured rolls of rhaghifieent blankets, to defy the icy breath of winter. Passing on to the men's clothing stand, the visitor is attracted by tho rich diversity of pattern and style in which the company, from the wool of the New Zealand sheep, makes its well-known "Petone" brand of New Zealand clothes, to fit the man of fashion, the worker, all grades of society, in, fact. "TE MAT A" WINES. The Te Mata vineyards, of Hawke's Bcv, have earned an cnviablo reputation for* the production of high-class wines, made from the special varieties of grapes which thrive so/ .well in the genial climato and soil of the sunny, province of Hawke's Bay. Experts Irom France and southern Europe have, time and again, singled out llawke's Day as an ideil vine-growing country, and at Te Mata the truth of their conclusions has been proved up, to the. hilt. At. these now well-known vineyards'a specialty is made of the. production of thi'ce wines—claret, madeira, und hock, and there are few places in NewZealand where tho qualities nf these wines sre unknown. The claret is a nice, dry. wine, with a good, body, and .pleasant bouquet, the madeira has a rich flavour which lingers long on tho palate, and thero is an exhilaration and refreshing acidity about tho Te Mata hock which has always pleased connoisseurs There is a gool "Te Mata" exhibit in the U storo gallery—a pile of cases supporting three, pyramids 'of bottled wino in neat array. The "To Mata" people are prepared to quote private individuals at per case (for prices see their advertisement in The Dojiiniox).

' ALLENDER'S SOAPWORKS. The frontispiece of Messrs. Allenrler and Co.'s exhibit is a huge block of household soap. This exhibit decs not cover a great deal of space, but an amazing number of samples of the output from the company's Potone works have been displayed. Outside of the various lines of soap, foremost amongst which are the firm's "Bronzone" and "Silverine," the latter of which won the silver medal at the Franco-British Exhibition in 1908, there are interesting displays of soda crystals, pearl starch, and wash powder. An exhibit of particular interest to the farmer and the agriculturist is the "Taipo Yfeedrot," which is the death warrant of the noxious weed. The manufacturers claim that "Taipo" effectually kills the übiquitous Californian thistle, gorse, bramble, sorrel,- docks, etc., the method of application being through a syringe or spray pump. A new high explosive, "Eruptive," also figures amongst tha company's display. A feature of tho explosive is its safety and simplicity until it is ready for firing by detonating. "Jo-Jo" polish, which has been introduced by Messrs. Allender and Co., finds a place of prominence in the stall. The new polish is stated to bo a thorough dirt remover, and the best, results have been obtained in polishing linoleum, American cloth, saddlery, leather, furniture, tops of hotel bars, counters, etc., mantelpieces, dados, skirting, and headings. One of the particular claims for "Jo-Jo" as a floor polisher is that it does not make linoleum slippery. The preparation is in cake form, and its application is very simple. A further attraction in the stall which should appeal to housewives is "Allender's Egg Preservative," of which the firm is justifiably proud. "FLUENZOL." No exhibition is complete without the inclusion of patent medicines which claim to euro one or other of the ills that flesh is heir to. "Fluenzol," a purely local manufacture, which has been brought under tho public notice lately occupies a place of honour near the main entrance. No extravagant claims are made of this particular medicine. It has its own mission, and that is an important one particularly at this time of the year. Everyone, who has suffered from influenza (and who has not?), known the premonitory symptoms of this complaint and if they take proper precaution can almost invariably avert the worst effects that this epidemic is capable of producing. This is where "Fluenzol" comes in. It checks the fever, clears the aching head, and produces a physical energy in the system which fights and beats the influeiiza, in its development' stage, ami so prevents tho disease obtaining a hold on the system. VACUUM OIL COMPANY. A comprehensive display has been made by the Vacuum Oil Company Proprietary within the space limits to which tho wares are necessarily confined. Visitors passing the stall are at once struck by the multifarious selection of oil cooking and heating contrivances, first and foremost amongst which appears the New Perfection Wick Blue Flame Oil Cook-stove. The "New Perfection" is one of tho last words in oil stoves. It has a cabinet top similar to tho modern coal range, a spacious s ' 10 " f° r pinto-warming and keeping food hot after it is cooked, also drop shelves on which to sthnd coffee or tea-pots after they come off (he burner. Tho stoves are made in three sizes, and can be purchased either with or without the cabinet top. The Perfection Wickless, New Perfection Junior, Afternoon Tea and Cook's Holiday' Stoves are all tributes to (he advance made in the oil stove industry, and combine cheapness, cleanliness, and convenience, A display

of specialities such as grillcrs, flat-iron hcater>, toasters, and twin and triplet saucepan;-, all specially designed for u?e with Perfection stoves is particularly interesting, and the latest in porl-ible oilhcatsrs is also to bo .-eon. An exhibit of interest to fruit-growers is the Vacuum red spraying-oil. Amongst other outstanding features of the exhibit is the display of modern lamps, for household and vehicular purposes. The virtues and lists of Refined Paniftine and Pratt's Motor Spirit are also to lx> found in this interesting exhibit. The thoughtfulnoss of the company in preparing a c|iiautity of literature bearing on the articles exhibited, giving bheks of stoves, heaters, Jind necessaries should have its reward in country ?ale=. where the wares of the company should bo of particular value. RENZIE'S PEPSO. Leading along to the Concert Hall is a study in red and blue, which announces the fame of lienzic's Fopso, the great remedy for the ills of indigestion. The figures of Mr. Peps are represented before and after taking the medicine, and the pleased smile of- satisfaction which wreathes the ancient features of our friend should be a goo<l guide for those suffering like ills to follow his example. Mr. Peps will be in evidence evenafternoon and evening, handing out samples of his world-famous remedy. "BY THE FOUNTAIN." For sheer prcttiness in arrangement the attractive exhibit made by Messrs. Thompson, Lewis, and Co., aerated water manufacturers, would bo hard to better. It is an exhibit which would make a more impressive appeal in mid-summer, for obvious reasons, but even in midwinter there is an appeal in the display which unconsciously causes the public to pause and admire. Thompson, Lewis, and Company's show is in "J" store, near the eastern entrance to the annexe, and conveniently near the centre of the Exhibition. Anyone will know it by the fountain, which sends up a silver shower in tho midst of a glittering array of bottled sunshine. This firm is justly noted for the excellence of its "bubbly waters." Its fame has been added to recently by accomplishing the task of making a dry ginger-ale, which never' fails to please the cognoscenti in aerated waters. This is the renowned "Cromac" brand, made from tho original Dublin formula, which is said to be the best in the world. "Cromac" ginger-ale has the exact aroma, and bite of the Dublin ginger-ale, and the factory is kept hard at it supplying the demand. The exhibit also shows a fine array of popular summer drinkslemonade, flip, lemon fizz, lemon squash (made from the best Messina lemons), soda (in bottles and syphons), peppermint, ginger wine, lime juice, and every other palatable drink known to the trade —all made from tho purest and best.