MELBOURNE EXHIBITION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2063, 4 October 1880, Page 3

MELBOURNE EXHIBITION.

[" Otago Daily Times' " Correspondent.]

It is now about nineteen months since tbe building of the Melbourne International Exhibition was commenced, the foundationstone having been laid with much ceremony by Governor Sir George Bowon on the 19th February, 1879. At that time the Exhibition was estimated to ooßt £71,000, and there "was some crowing over the ciroumstanceß of the first contract being taken by Mr David Mitchell at £ISOO less than the architect's estimate ; but ideas have somewhat changed and expanded since then, short though the interval has been, the actual oost up to the day of opening being something over a quarter of a million sterling. The site of the Exhibition is perhaps one of the grandest in Melbourne. It stands in the Carlton Gardens, and to those in New Zealand who have visited the metropolis of Australasia this fact sufficiently indicates its favorable position ; but as all have not been so favored, it may be stated that the Carlton Gardens are centrally situated on high ground—using the comparative "high" in a local, not in a Dunedin sense—within a five minutes' brisk walk of the busiest thoroughfare, Bourke street. Prom the gardens immediately in front of the Exhibition a fine, though rather distant, view is obtained of Hobson's Bay and of steamers arriving or departing, the building now forming the most prominent landi mark visible to vessels coming up the harbor. The MAIN BT/IlDINff stands back nearly a quarter of a mile from Victoria street to which it presents a f agade of 560 feet. Unlike its prototype of 1851, or the Crystal Palace of London, formed almost wholly of glaso, the Melbourne Exhibition, or rather that portion of it whioh is intended to bo permanent, is built of stone, brick and cement, and iron, glass being but sparely used. Poßßibly a glass structure, though suitable under an English sky, would have been found ill adapted for a Viotorian summer. For exhibition purposes, hswever, there can hardly be too muoh light, and it is questionable whether the architect has made sufficient provision in this respect. The style of architecture is that termed Italian renaissance, and the main building is oruciform in shape. At the four main angles piers project from the general line, giving the eastern and western fagados, respectively fronting Nioholaon and Bathdown streets, a breadth of 220 feet. The naves are 500 feet, and the transepts 272 feet in length. Bunning round the entire circumference of these are aisles and galleries 20 feet wide. The dome is the most prominent feature of the building, but before proceeding to its description it must be mentioned that the naves and transepts, from the centre of which it springs, are 70 feet high, the lighting being effected by olerestory windows, the roofs boing formed of corrugated iron, the inner side being close boarded [and richly decorated. The DOMB rises high above the buildings, but the proportions, as viewed from the interior, are in striot keeping with the magnitude of the edifice it crowns. It springs from the main

building about 100 feet from the grand entrance vestibule in the southern fagade, and at the base is 100 feet in diameter, terminating in a cupola 212 feet from the floor. As the floor is 100 feet above the level of the General Post-office, the altitude and size of the dome renders it a most conspicuous object for miles around Melbourne. The dome is well lighted, and the interior, as also the sustaining walls, are highly decorated, and embellished with paintings, chiefly of an emblematic character, the most striking features being four gigantio female figures, painted in florid style, and representative of music, painting, sculpture, commerce, manufactures, architecture, agriculture, and science. There are three entrances to the main building—one in Nicholson street (this being the most used), one in Bathdown slreet, and the principal one in the south front. In each case access is obtained to tho building through lofty, arched vestibules, 40 feet in width. Entering from "Victoria street, before reaohing the principal vestibule, the visitor passes through about 20 acres of beautiful garden, artistically laid out, and forming a skilful combination of grassy lawns, flowers, shrubberies, and water ; and immediately facing the grand entrance is the GBEAT FOUNTAIN, said to be the largest in this part of the world, the work of a distinguished young German new-chum, Mr Hochgurtell. The fountain is 34ft high, rising out of a basin 60ft in diameter. The material used is Portland cement, on a strong framework of stone and iron. The base is composed _of on irregular-shaped mass of rock, rising 2ft or 3ft above the lsvel of the water. On this are placed three colossal figures, half human, half fish, supporting the first ledge or basin, 48ft in diameter; above this a group of boys supporting a second basin, and a third above that again completes the series, the whole being surmounted by the figure of a child carrying on his head a dish, from which spring the fountain jets. There are some fifty jets, supplied by a pipe, four inches in diameter, direct from a 22-inch main of the Yan Yean water supply, and the fountain is suopoeed to be able to tnrow to a height of 100 ft. Tho cost was £BOO. The general appearance of the main building is much marred by the squat-looking dwarf towers at the four angles. It was proposed a few months back, when the building was approaching completion.that these towers, as also the flanking towers, should be raised to a height more in harmony with tho great dome, but, unfortunately, the proposal was never acted on. Beneath tho buildisg a large amount of cellarage accommodation is provided, a portion of which, allotted to New Zealand, has been partitioned off and fitted with skids, shelving, &c, and thereon repose, quietly and coolly until their day of judgment comes, the choice produots of most of the famous New Zealand breweries, as also a large assortment of wines and cordials. So much at present for that portion of the Exhibition building which has been erected as a_ permanent structure. The accommodation it offers, though largo, is but a small part of the whole, and is chiefly used for ceremonial purposes, and for the display of fine-art exhibits, room being obtained in the extensive galleries for the large collections of pictures from England, France and elsewhere. The necessary space for the principal portion of the Exhibition is obtained in two side annexes, each measuring 500tt. by 150 ft., devotod chiefly to maohinery, refreshment rooms, &c, and in the

OBNTBAI BLOCK, a vaot structure formed of corrugated iron, 800 ft. in length by 500 in width. Down the centre of this runs an avenue 20ft. wide, in a direct line with the grand entrance and north and south transepts, making altogether a straight walk of 1100 ft. in length. On either side of this avenue are the various courts of the countries and colonies represented at the Exhibition, and at the far end a fernery has been erected, a good portion of which is occupied by a large 'collection of Now Zealand ferns from Nelson, and exhibited by Mr James Dall of that city, some being over 30ft. in height. The opening to the fernery is of the same width as the avenue, and the view along this great thoroughfare is thus agreeably terminated by a graceful mass of green foliage, a pleasant relief to the eye wearied by looking at the innumerable forms and colors intervening. This fernery is furnished with a fountain, lent by the German Commissioner, and bids fair to become a favorite resting place ; and it is a pity that Mr Munro, who originated the idea and carried it out, did not make this delightful retreat very much larger while he was about it.

Perhaps the best way of conveying to the reader a clear idea of the arrangement of the courts, and the space allotted to eaoh, will be to give a tabular statement showing the respective positions occupied by the various colonics exhibiting, as thus: — MAIN BUILDING. EAST ENTRANCE. Germany, 855Sffc Italy, 5725 ft Great Britain, 11,850 ft Fiance, 9800 ft DOME. Victoria, 9000 ft America, 5000 ft N.S. Wales, 2000 ft India, 4220 ft Organ. China, Kussia, Mauritius, Sweden, &c, have been allotted small blocks in the north transept. CENTBAX BLOCK. NORTH END. Fernery. Austria, 28,375 ft . United States,34,Booft Italy, 22,050 ft 2 Switzerland, 3450 ft 1 Holland, 5175 ft Germany, 36.668 ft Z. Belgium, 13,750 ft 5 Fiji, 1370 ft « Japan, sCooft g Ceylon, Jamaica, &c, g 1700 ft France, 55,125 ft 2 Queensland, 8000 ft <j New Zealand, 8000 ft -3 SouthAustralia,s69sft 6 "West Australia, 2000 ft Great Britain, 64,407 ft S Tasmania, 2200 ft o N.S. Wales, 14,764 ft Victoria, 84,962 ft SOUTH END. THE MACHINERY HALLS. I'ITZROT HALL. Victoria, 30,717 Great Britain, 37,854tt CARLTON HALL. France, 16.500 ft Germany. 9937 ft United States, 15,000 ft Belgium. 3044 ft South Australia, 2000 ft N.S. Wales, 2945 ft Holland, 1125 ft Italy, 1125 ft New Zealand, 1350 ft. In oddition to the above, two additiona annexes have been put up to provide extr accommodation required by Austria and Germany, thereby adding 45ft to the width of the central block; tho German portion of the added space being 150 ft by 45ft, and the Austrian portion rather larger. The total floor space oocupied by Victoria in the Exhibition is 124,679 ft, and by Great Britain 115,111 ft. When it is remembered that the whole Melbourne Exhibition of 1875 only covered 78,000 ft of ground, the vastness of the area denoted by the above figures is strikingly shown. Altogether the ground enclosed within the exhibition walls is very little short of twenty acres. The whole of this enormous area is well furnished with gaslights, it having been determined to throw open the Exhibition at least two nights in the week. In the distributing of gas to all parts of the building and gardens, it is estimated ten miles of piping have been used, and in addition to the small brackets in the offices and cellars, nearly 800 sunlights, ranging from 14£t to 2ft in diameter, have been fitted. Tho effect of the whole when the gas is lighted is very good, and it need be, considering that three hours' consumption tots up about 100,000 ft, equal to a cost of about jESO. The great organ is placed in the west nave of the main building, and is of the largest size. It has been constructed by Mr Finoham, of Melbourne, at a cost of £SOOO, and is larger than the one in the Melbourne Town Hall. It is built oh a considerable elevation, so as to admit of a large sloping platform construction in front, having many tiers of seats, affording accommodation for six or seven hundred choristers and musicians.

A noticeable feature in the internal aoonomy of the Exhibition has been the system of tramways running along and athwart the central block and annexes, with the necessary turn-tables at the junctions. By this moans, and by the help of special travelling cranes erected at four extra entrances, the heavy work of unloading and carrying exhibits to the various courts wbb much facilitated, and a great improvement upon the mode adopted at the Sydney Exhibition. Entoring the oentral blook from the north transept and passing down the main avenue, the visitor (especially if he or she bo a New Zealander) quickly descries, on the right-hand side, the familiar blue flag with the Southern Cross, and soon reaches THB HBW ZEALAND COURT, situated between the South Australian and Queensland courts. It consists of a long narrow strip, having a frontage to the main avenue of 33 feet, and a length of 250 feet. The space allotted is considerably less than that occupied by the colony at the Sydney Exhibition, and as the number of exhibits from New Zealand is larger than was at firßt expected, the Executive Commissioner (Dr. Heotor) and the untiring secretary (Mr Callis) have had more than ordinary difficulties to contend with in apportioning

spaoe nnd displaying to the bent advantage the multifarious exhibits received. The result is a happy success, and though the arrangements are not yet perfected in some particulars, the court altogether presents a striking and attractive appearance. Before proceeding to speak ef the exhibits, it may be stated that the court is closed in on the tiro long sides by dividing walls, some 20 feet in height, the adjoining neighbours having adopted a similar plan. These partitions are, in the New Zealand court, papered and tinted a light cream colour, relieved by a handsome moulding running along the top, picked out with brighter hues. Half way up the court, and again near the far end, the partitions are pierced by arched openings, 10 and 7 feet wide, allowing free ingress or egress by common passages of that width running through the neighborhood. The court is well lighted by a continuous series of windows above the level of the partitions spoken of, and meeting the roof, which is of naked iron, a fact which disagreeably invites attention, whether the day be hot or cold. The limited spaoe at command soon suggested the desirability of acquiring further territory, if possible, but every available foot was said to bo occupied. Dr. Hector, however, discovered a vacant piece in the vicinity of the New Zealand court, between the central block and the eastern machinery hall, and as, through some mistake, 500 ft. for which he had applied in the machinery hall had not been given, Dr. Hector offered to forego this claim if permission was given to him to annex a portion of the vacant ground referred to. This was granted and the additional space thus obtained, amounting to 900 square feet, has been of the greatest service, as will be more particularly described further on. The annexe is covered in, and is approached through an opening made in the wall of the central block forming tho end of the New Zeoland court.

In the present necessarily short account it will be impossible to do more than make brief mention of soma of the leading and representative exhibits. After wandering through acres of showcases and cultured products of innumerable factories and workshops, the eye rests with pleasure upon the tall palms which characteristically mark the entrance to the New Zealand court. Entering through these, immediately on the right and left, are seen the beautiful full models of the Union S.S. Company's steamers Wakatipu and Botomahana, —a rather appropriate position, seeing that to reaoh New Zealand one has to patronise one or other of the boats belonging to this enterprising company. Facing tho entrance is a good-sized case containing the valualle collection of specimens of reef and alluvial gold exhibited by the Colonial Museum at Wellington, and by the Bank of New Zealand ; and farther on to the right are certain choice exhibits of Guthrie and Larnach's Woodware Factories Company, Dunedin. One of these is a magnificent specimen of good joinery, in the shape of a hall door and framework made of several kinds of New Zealand woods cleverly put together, and forming one harmonious whole, so that one is at a loss which to admire most, the skilfulness of the workmanship or the tastefulness of the design. Another of the Company's exhibits is a grand looking console table, with marble top and massive mirror; but the best exhibit of this Company is a beautiful cabinet, perhaps the finest thing of the kind in the whole Exhibition. It is formed of 8508 pieces of choice New Zealand woods—namely, rimu, figtree, pepper tree, plain totara and totara knot, manuka, mikimik, mottled kauri, goai, broadleaf burr, silver pine, pukaka, and riwariwa, beautifully blended together. The cabinet, which is of large size, is in excellent taste, and is really a marvel of good workmanship. In close proximity to the last named exhibits is a very handsome table of peouliar construction, exhibited by Mr J. Bernasooni, of Wellington. It is a wonderful piece of inlaid work, and for finish and workmanship could hardly be excelled even in the Old Country ; it is valued at £2OO. Near to this is another handsome piece of furniture, a large sideboard of elaborate design, made by Mr Nicholson, also of Wellington. There" are also several other exhibits of inlaid tables, and other fancy articles of furniture.

Messrs A. and T. Burt, of Dunedin, adjoin Guthrie and Larnach. They hold a large area of ground, which, however, is fully occupied by their numerous exhibits, comprising an improved refrigerator and other utensils used by brewers, a variety of pumps, composition and lead piping, and similar gear, also, an excellent assortment of chandeliers and brackets. They also exhibit, under the head of sanitary appliances, a very good form of cabinet washstands, double and single,, fitted up all ready for laying on hot and cold supply, and waste pipes. On the left-hand side after entering the court, beyond the gold specimens, is a large show-case containing a great variety of beautiful muffs, tippets, and other articles prepared and exhibited by Mr H. Liardet, of Wellington, whioh, as choice samples of the taxidermist's art, and of an interesting novel industry, are worthy of all praise. In the vicinity of this, near the wall, is a long dais, a few inches higher than the main floor, and carpeted, on which are displayed a few special objects of furniture—such as the grand sideboard, mau'o of New Zealand woods, by Mr Nicholson, of Wellington ; the mantelpiece shown by Messrs Stewart and Co., of the same city; door of red pine, sent by Messrs Halley and Ewing ; and the polished inside house doors —one of kauri, the other of pine—exhibited by Messrs Waddell, M'JLeod, and Weir, also of Wellington ; as well as some other exhibits of similar character. At the back of this arrangement, attached to the wall, the Union Steam Ship Company exhibit a very handsome emblematic shield, specially prepared for this Exhibition ; also a chart showing the various routes embraced in the company's operations, and a collection of perfectly finished half-models of steamers belonging to the company, and others tnrncd out from the yards of Messrs Denny Bros., Glasgow. Farther on, and opposite Messrs Burt's stand, the Moagiel Woollen Faotory make a brave show of tweeds, travelling rugs, blankets, &0., the high character for excellence of materials and workmanship which the company has now obtained being fully sustained by the quality of the goods included in the present exhibit. So far as the N6w Zealand court is concerned, Mosgiel has no rival, there being no exhibit on this occasion from the Kaiapoi Manufacturing Company.

The portion of the court so far briefly okotched may, for the sake of distinction, be termed the first division, it being divided from the other portions by a passage connecting with the courts on either side. Crossing this passage the visitor has immediately in front of him the gold trophy, a huge octahedron of (seemingly) solid gold, measuring 12ft. along each angle and 18ft. across, a small piece being taken off the lower point to allow of its resting on a massive granite base six and a half feet high. The trophy, the height of which, including stand, is 26ft., represents the total quantity of the precious metal exported from .New Zealand—namely, 320 tons. Originally the local committees of Hokitika and Greymouth proposed to have each a trophy representing the gold exported from the respective districts, but the Now Zealand Commissioners decided to have one trophy instead for the whole colony. As it stands, the trophy is unique and effective, and a decided improvement upon the eternal pyramidal form which such trophies generally assume. Near this trophy stands a large model of Lyttelton Harbor, sent by the local Harbor Board. Proceeding on, the next large object which invites comment is a vast slab of kauri, 12ft. in length by sft. Bin. in width, exhibitod by the Hokianga Sawmill Company through their ogents, Messrs Stewart and Co., of Wellington. This Blab has been set table-fashion on legs, and upon it are placed a variety of small exhibits of polished timbers. Beyond this is a grand timber trophy, composed of representative exhibits of the choice and valuable woods of the colony. Some of the finest exhibits in this class come from the North Island, and among these may be mentioned those sent by Mr G-eorge Holdship, Mr Edward laaacß, the Hokianga Sawmill Company, Mr John Boid, and Messrs Bognall Bros., of the Thames, Mr H. George, of Taronaki, Mr Halcombe, of Feilding, and Messrs Wilding and Ball, of Napier. The timbers of the Middle Island are also well represented, by exhibits from Mr Bobert Guthrie, Mr W. N. Blair, of Dunedin, the Otago Museum, Mr John Hornby, of Picton, the Hokitika Local Committee, and a collection of the timbers of Canterbury and Westland by Dr. Haast ; also a oolleotion of timbers showing the results of experiments for determining the breaking strain, contributed by the Colonial Museum at Wellington. A very interesting exhibit is sent by the Auckland Harbor Board—namely, two large pieces, one of jarrah and one of totara —to

I show the comparative value of these two woods in their capability to resist the ravages of the teredo navalis. The superiority of the totara for pile purposes is manifest. Experience has shown there is no Australian timber capable of resisting the action of this worm longer than a few years, being usually destroyed in from five to ten years, while totara piles have been found perfectly sound after eloven years* service. The remaining portion of this division of the court is devoted to cereals. Capacious cases with sloping glass fronts are fitted on each side of the oourt, and show cases on stands occupy the centre space. The display of the various descriptions of grain and seeds is very good, and forms a capital illustration of the rapidly-increasing agricultural wealth of New Zealand. In this group the exhibits are chieflyfrom the Middle Island; Canterbury, of course, being in the front rank, headed by Peter Cunningham, E. H. Banks, George King and Co., Boyse, Stead and Co., Duncan and Son, and other well-known exhibitors. Otago is also very well represented, especially the Southland portion, including the Lake district, noticeable among these being exhibits from the Western District Agricultural and Pustoral Association ; Fleming, Gray and Co.; Bobert Gilmour, and P. Butel and Co. Some (rood samples of grain have been sent by J. Tile, of Masterton ; and Mr James Capper, of Wellington, sends a novelty in the form of a sample of potato-flour. There are also some good samples of barley and malt exhibited by J. and E. Paul and J. Arkell, of Marlborough ; Harley and Sons, of Nelson ; Manning, Cuddon, and others, of Christchurch ; James Wilson and Co., and Marshall and Copeland, of Dunedin ; also, a fine sample of hops, shown by Thomas Harley, of Nelson.

Leaving the grain exhibits, and crossing an intervening passage, the most attractive object on entering the next division of the court is a remarkably handsome plate-glass showcase of large size, which of itself is a splendid exhibit of New Zealand workmanship, by Guthrie and Larnach's Company, containing exhibits of candles and soap from the wellknown works of Messrs McLeod Bros., Dunedin. Messrs Kitchen and Sons, of Wellington, soap and candle manufacturers, have likewise a fine show-case containing samples of their goods. Both of these exhibits are well worthy of particular notice, as evidencing the excellence, if not actual superiority, to which the manufacture of these articles has attained in New Zealand.

The next prominent exhibits are two stylish-lookinp carriages. One is from the factory of Messrs Bobin and Co., Danedin, and offers an excellent specimen of first-class workmanship. It is a canoe-shaped landau, the body being built so as to give plenty of room, combined with a light and pleasing appearance, and it is beautifully furnished and finished both inside and out, the mountings being of silver and ivory. The second carriage—exhibited by the builders, Messrs Moor and Sons, Ohristchurch—is a circularfronted brougham of the most approved construction. It presents a very handsome appearance, and displays excellent taste and skill in workmanship. Next in order is a group of kanri-gum exhibits, the gum being shown in different forms—as an ordinary natural product, and aa manufactured into a variety of fancy articles. Some large samples of gum are sent by the Thames Produce Company, and Mr Carpenter of the Thames ; while Captain Bush, of the same place, exhibits a collection of 350 specimens. The Messrs Hull and D. Mitchehan, of Auckland, also furnish some good samples, as also do Messrs Baker, of Wellington. Of course an exhibition of New Zealand products would be incomplete without flax ; accordingly there is a flax trophy, the chief contributors towards its composition being Mr Charles Fulton, of Blenheim, Mr Hugh Cameron and local committee of Hokitika, the Colonial Museum, and Mr Charles Ohinnery, of Canterbury. In connection with flax are a number of exhibits of dressed fibre and cordage, &c, a notable exhibit of twines and cordage being sent by Mr Thomas Bevan, of Foxton. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association have an exhibit of dressed fibre from European flax grown in Canterbury, and plough lines manufactured from the samo description of flax. This exhibit is valuable as illustrating the suitability of the soil and climate of New Zealand for the growth of European flax, with the view to the opening up of new industries, such as the manufacture of fibre, and also linseed oil-cake.

While on the subject of flax, mention may be made of two exhibits of what is technically called half-stuff, and goods manufactured therefrom. Both exhibits are from Christchurch—one of these being from Mr J. B. Stansell. The half-stuff is made chiefly from flax waßte. By reducing the flax waste to a pulpy condition, and then subjecting a layer of it to powerful hydraulic pressure, a coarse kind of millboard is produced, useful for many purposes. The papier-macho exhibited by Mr Stansell is prepared in another way, the pulp, after somewhat different treatment, being mixed with glue and resin, and pressed into moulds of any desired form, when it becomes extremely hard, and is capable of receiving a high finish. In this part of the court are placed the pottery exhibits. By all accounts this industry promises to become a very important ono in the colony, and the samples sent to this Exhibition will certainly bear favourable comparison with others of the same class in other courts. Messrs Wright and Vincent, of Hamilton, Auckland, have sent some fine specimens of their work in the shape of several vases, a church font, waterbottles, &c.; and a number of articles of earthenware are exhibited by Mr W. Plant, of the Thames. Both Canterbury and Otago are well represented in this class. Austin, Kirk, and Co., of Ohristchurch, have a grand display, consisting of ordinary potteryware of all kinds, sanitary appliances in the shape of drain pipes, stench traps, filters, &0., and ornamental specimens of fireclay goods, such as floral groups, and a case of brooches, pendants, rings, and photo frames. These ornamental specimens are beautifully executed, and are quite works of art. Some very good samples of terracotta work are shown by W. Condliffe, of the Malvern Hills ; and Ford and Ogdon, of the same locality, exhibit glazed stoneware, pipes, and some varieties of ornamental and other brioks. The exhibit of Messrs Beeves and Co., of the Boyal Milton Pottery Works, Otago, is remarkably good. It consists of about 500 pieces, comprising dinner and tea services, oups and saucers, dishes, jugs, teaports, jelly-pots, tobacco jars, spittoons, candlestioks, lavatoryware, door-knobs, door plates, &0., &o. Some new features have been introduced in the manufacture of these goods, and they offer a great variety of shape and colour. The exhibits occupy a very handsome show-case, specially constructed for the purpose by the New Zealand Woodware Factory Company, of Dunedin, and are thoroughly worthy of careful inspection. Mr E. W. Oapstick, of Dunedin, is also an exhibitor in this claBS, his exhibit consisting of sets of jugs, vases, spill-cups, teapots, candlesticks, 4e. Near the pottery is a space occupied by the Oamaru Stone Company. The exhibit of this company consists of an obelisk, a column, and several samples of Oamaru stone, to show its capabilities for building and ornamental purposes. The obelisk being of great size and weight (about three tons), has been placed in the grounds outside the Exhibition buildings, while the column and the other samples are grouped together in the court. The Oamaru stone is pretty well known in Melbourne by this time, and its value for ornamental building purposes is becoming bettor appreciated every day. Adjoining are arranged a large number of other stone exhibits. Of these particular mention may be made of some choice specimens from the Lake district, sent by Mr E. McCaffrey, of Queenstown. Some good samples of marble and other stone are shown by Mr _G. Munro, sculptor, of Dunedin, and an obelisk of bluestone by the Port Chalmers Quarrying Company. The Canterbury Marble Company have some particularly fine exhibits of marble, rough and polished, obtained from the quarry belonging to the Company, and Dr Yon Haast shows a good collection of various building stones procurable in the Canterbury district. In tho same neighborhood are placed the natural history and mineralogical collections. First in order is a case containing some interesting natural history exhibits, forwarded by Professor Parker, of the Otago Museum. Then come the large and very valuable collections contributed by Dr. Yon Haast. One of these collections, being a selection from the Canterbury Museum, illustrates the ethnology of New Zealand, and another is illustrative of the prehistoric races beyond the Australian Colonies. There ore also three complete skeletons of moas ; these will doubtless be viewed with great interest by

I manj visitors. The foregoing exhibits just named occupy central stands. Placed round the walla are cases containing the extensive collections of mineral specimens from the > New Zealand Geological Survey Department, the geological maps of the same department being suspended from the walls. Apart from this collection there are a number of other specimens of the hidden mineral wealth of New Zealand, chiefly from Otago and Nelson Goal is represented by exhibits from the Bay of Islands, from the Brunner and Coalpit Heath Companies at Greymouth, from the Kaitangata Coal Company, and other exhibitors. An interesting exhibit of shale is shown by the leteees of the Orepuki Coal Reserve, Southland. This sample of shale is from a lode in a coal-bsd of great extent, and over 18 feet in thickness. The seam of shale, which is five feet thick, has been traced for about 30 chains, and, judging from the samples analysed, it would appear to be of good quality, and likely to prove of great value, the yield being stated to be 45 gallons of crude oil to the ton ; it has also been favorably re» ported upon for gaa purposes. The clothing exhibits consists chiefly of boots and shoes, the principal exhibitors in this line being the firms of Ligbtband, Allan and Co., W. Nicholls and Son, G-. Hyde and W. Harris, all of Ohristchurch. Mrs M. Black, of Wellington, exhibits locally-made hosiery and football suitß ; and L. Rothor, of Dunedin, sends a number of specimens of Dunedin manufactured seeks, stockings and other kinds of woollen underclothing. Amongst the miscellaneous exhibits there is an apparatus of an entirely novel character, which is likely to attract a good deal of notice. It is an invention of Mr J E. Hayes, of Wo'lington, and is called an electric office indicator. All that is required is for the banker, merchant or other occupant of a room to press a small plate affixed to his table and the word " engaged " instantly appears in a framo attached to the other side of the door. When disengaged the plate is pressed the other way, and the blank space now presented indicates that any visitor who may chance to be awaiting an interview is at liberty to enter the office. There is a large model of the apparatus exhibited, and one of the "indicators " is fixed to the door of the Executive Commissioner's office.

There is a large exhibition of pictures in oil and water colors, which are hung on the walls of the court, adding thereby a good deal to the general effect. There are also a great number of very excellent photographs of all descriptions, as well as maps and charts. To make room for these, extra screens have been put up at various points along the court.

At the top of the Now Zealand court two small rooms have been partitioned off, each occupying a corner—one forming an office for the Executive or Resident Commissioner, the other for the secretary. The annexe entrance is between these two offices, down a small flight of steps. The walls of the annexe are formed of the panels of the Maori carved house which wbb sent over by the New Zealand Government for exhibition at Sydney, and subsequently forwarded on to Melbourne. There being no convenient spot in the Exhibition grounds available for its erection in its entirety, the panels of the house have been turned to good account in the manner above-mentioned, and the effect is excellent. In the annexe are placed a number of articles which it would have been inconvenient to have had in the main court, such as agricultural implements, machinery, and large or rough exhibits of minerals, &c. Messrs Reid and Gray's ploughs are much admired. New Zealand has very little to show in the way of full-sized machinery exhibits. There are, however, several mecharical models ; among these may be mentioned the model of a wave-power machine, by Mr Hargreaves, of Nelson ; a number of models relating to ships' anchors, compasses, the lifting of heavy weights, &0., the inventions of Captain Thomson, of the Bluff. Mr Henry Raft on, of Auckland, sends an improved machine for sweeping chimneys ; and Mr Piers E. Warburton, of Palmerston North, a portable canvas boat. Mr John Aives, of Dune din, has a working model of his aerial tramway, and also of the patent silt elevator and carrier invented by him. This apparatus appears to be an excellentlydesigned arrangement for the special purposes it is likely ta.bo required for, and as the Melbourne Harbor Trust have just now an advertisement offering a prize for the best designed scheme for removing silt from barges, this model of Mr Alves will doubtless be inspected by a good many who are interested in the subject. There has been, a good deal of dissatisfaction expressed at the bad asphalt paving laid down in the approaches to the Exhibition; and it certainly is anything but good. It is an ill wind that blows nobody good, and the fact just stated serves to bring into strong contrast the speoimens of Mr Charles O'Neill's patent Caithness concrete flagging, which have been laid down in the approach to the vestibule forming the grand entrance to the Exhibition.