CHRISTMAS NUMBERS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1584, 30 October 1912, Page 13

CHRISTMAS NUMBERS.

Among the first heralds of Christmas in New Zealand are tho special numbers of tho various weekly papers (illustrated), which take rank with tho best of their class in tho world. The "Weekly Press" Christmas number, always an artistic production, shows if anything a still higher standard of illustrative excellence, and reflects between its covers the scenic and industrial aspects of the Dominion with broad comprehensiveness. The tinting of many of the photographs by a judicious use of palo browns and greens is most effectively artistic. The Maori and his haunts are used extensively throughout, and the full-page photographs of "A Wahinc, Tokaunu," "Nature's Children," and the laughing face on tho front cover are really beautiful examples of the combined photographer's and, printer's art. Another picture, entitled "Tho Ship of tho Wise Men," a decorative fancy of an aucient galleon at sea, picked out in opalescent tints (tho reproduction of a water-colour by Mr. A. Kennaway), is a striking bit of work, which at onco arrests the eye. Other coloured insets aro "A Reach of tho Wanganui River" (from a painting by Mr. C. H. Eoworth), and "ICapai to Koura" (painted by Mr. W. A. Bowring), being the representation of a Maori boy enjoying a meal of crayfish. There are in addition many new and beautiful views of New Zealand bush, river, and coastal scenery, and rare glimpses of Alpine heights, tho northern gum-fields, and kauri forests. Such a number should very attractively convey to people overseas tho extreme beauty of our scenery, and tho many resources of tho country. An attractive and well-written story, entitled "The Wizard of Ngati-awa," by Mr. C. Douglas Tod, runs through the photo-jewelled pages. Tbo "Otago Witness" Christmas number is also an excellent production. Its photographic activities are confined almost wholly to tho South Island, an'd in most cases to Otago. The first half of the issue consists of pages of illustrations of agricultural and pastoral scones, judiciously selected, and in a variety of views of Dunedin city. The larger pictures in this half aro printed in pale blue ink, and in the back half in bright mauve. Tho Alpine and fishing scenes are very good, as is also a page of children's photographs. The insets consist of two handsome Maori women, and an extensive view of tho Dart Valley from Paradise (at the head of Lake Wakatipu). The letterpress is varied and appropriate.