HIGH ART IN N.Z. INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 191, 8 May 1920, Page 9

HIGH ART IN N.Z. INDUSTRY

Amongst the many interesting features to which Palmerston North can claim credit is tho possession of tlio only establishment in the Dominion for the manufacture of Masonic clothing, military and naval badges, embroidery, and like dolicato materials. Although it is not air industry capable of extensive development in a country the size of Now Zealand, it has yet considerable colonial importance in tho matter of serving Masonic and other lodges with the necessary regalia, emblems, aprons, etc., as «'©ll as providing ecclesiastical and military people with the significant embroidery and badges which distinguish them. Mr. Percy Eobert, who practically introduced this line of art into New Zealand, therefore merits commondation, and deserves special consideration from the Government and the country in the way of remitting tariff restrictions. Under present conditions tho Government imports military badges and regalia free of duty, and places ri 25 per cent, duty on the raw material used in tho production of these articles. Surely such an anomalous position only requires bringing under the notice of the authorities to bo abolished. Such industries as this aro worthy of every assistance, as there can bo no doubt that the finer and rarer industries should be encouraged. In connection with the establishment of this industry in the Dominion, it is interesting to recount something of tho history-of tho Hobert family in giving a description of some of the artistic work turned out by his firm. The art of embroidering and regalia manufacture lias been in the family for .over two cen-, turies. tho son taking up the work from the father, and 60 continuing from generation to ceneration. Judging by tho irreproachable reputation built up .by some of the great English manufacturers ,in -various lines in the same way, it would seem that there is hereditary instinct and deftness "better than all'tlio mechanical contrivances. An ancestor of Mr. Eobert left lYance and took up his residence in England at the time of the persecution of tho Huguenots. He there established tho first i manufactory in the Old Country of such materials as are now being made _up in Palmerston North, merely carrying on an art taught him by his father in the land he had just left. Continuously from its inception the descendants have maintained the business, even for several generations occupying tho fiamo house in London. When Mr. C. Eobert, father of the present representative of the family, assumed control ho Quickly, demonstrated that the perfection of the art had lost nothing in his hands, j At the London Exhibition of 18GG he obtained eight first-class prize medals, and made the communion cloth used at St. i lams Cathedral; London, as well as the emblems for Sir John Lawrence, vice-regal Governor of India, and those for the Emperor of Eussia on the occasion of Iris visit to Buckingham Palace as the guest I of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, besides royal insignia for other equally interesting occasions. Eventually, primarily owing to ill-health, Mr. Eobert c«aine to JNew Zealand, and although lie had ori iffinally intended to devote himself to agricultural pursuits, tho traditions of generations proved too strong for him, 'l* ij established himself in his old business at Palmerston North. Upon his death the concern was carried SHi r : Robert, who lias worthily followed in his father's footsteps, and lias made a reputation which extends not only to all parts of New Zealand, but also to Australia, and so successful has he been by the most careful attention to the'artistic side of his work that he has already obtained seven first-class medals in tho Dominion for his work. His establishment in Main; Street, Pnlmerston North, is highly attractive to lovers of delicate and rare workmanship. Every branch'of the work is done by liana, even to the gold medallion in a masonic apron and tho military badgo. The raw bullion for this is imported from France, and after being threaded in an extremely fine needle, is worked up into a medallion with infinite pains aiid care. Other classes of work nro stretched on frames, and after being designed by. Mr. Eobert, who forms the base, so to speak, are undertaken by tho staff of girls. There is no mechanical appliance which could possibly bo invented for this work, and hence such manufacture will always remain more or less an art. Most people have at one timo or another seen tho Eovai omblems with medallions attached. but probably have never given a though; to Hie question of its manufacture. As it leaves Mr. Eobert's hands it is a. charming picture with its burnished gold and rich blue and white. The amount of work put into this is cnormon?. In connection with tho visit of the Prince of Wales the embroidering of fho whole of the table and bed linen used be His Eoyal Highness was placed iu tho hands of Mr. Eobert, and so pleased was the Prince with tho work that on his recent visit to Palmerston North he requested that Mr. Eobert and his assistants who were responsible for the work should ho" presented to him so tint ho might personally thank them. In addition the firm lias turned out the well-known three ostrich feathers, with tho motto, from the Prince's crest in gold and silver embroidery in bas relief for his travelling rugs, and have now in hand two sets of the Eoyal anna to ombrolder to be attached to New Zealand-made rugs for presentation to tho King and Queen. The lion and unicorn rampant are in gold and white silk, while tho Eoyal garter and standard nro embroidered in their respective colour?, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales being represented by the rose, thistle, and shamrock, while'tho Eoyal standard bears the lion rampant, the harp and the three lions couchnnt Above this is the Eoyal crown in real gold surmounted by tho British lion. Tho whole stands on a bine silken ribbon oil; which is embroidered in gold the 'motto "Dien et Moil Droit." The whole crest standsout in baa relief giving a very fine effect. MV. Eobert lins a wide experience in the various requirements mid style of tho art for the various branches of the sorvite—artillery, cavalry,' infantry, . or liav.vl brigades, and being tho only industry in the Dominion Mr. Eobert gets a wide-reaching support. By his enterprise in establishing so rare an in- ' dustiy he saves tho trouble of sending. Home_ for such articles, and liis reputation is sueli that he receives inquiries i from as far away as Melbourne and Sydney for embroidering work.—(Published by arrangement.)