EXHIBITION NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2507, 20 April 1882, Page 3

EXHIBITION NOTES.

THE NEW ZEALAND COURT. No. Y. Continuing our desultory ramble through the Now Zealand court, and like the ordinary visitor, stopping hero and there to notice any exhibit w hich especially strikes the fancy, we next come to perhaps the tmallent display in one branch of loc'a! industry, viz , THE PaiNTING AND BOOKBINDINO EXHIBITS. These occupy two bays, and speaking generally, in the bookbinding display particularly. Now Zealand has made a capital show, though it is, as wo have sold, small, being confined to throe local exhibitors and one from Danedin. The first case to attract attention is teat of THE PBKS’.Q COMPANY. Here is displayed a very artistic col- . lection of specimens of binding of all descriptions commercial, ornamental, oldfashioned. and special. In the first does some very excellently bonnd large-size ledgers are exhibited, the finish being exceedingly goed, and the_ workmanship creditable. Several indexes, in a different style of binding, are also exhibited, which also are good specimens of binding. Coming to the second-class, the ornamental, there is exhibited quite a large variety of all kinds of styles, from the ordinary to the most ornate binding —a Bible most elaborately embossed in gold with gold and enamel monogram is one of the most noticeable in the case. The revival of the o!d quaint style of binding is very well illustrated by the reproduction of some small volumes of Shakspeare in the Elzevir style. The peculiar depth of color of grain on the cover is very skilfully brought out. In the specialities may be noted a very well executed warrant of constitution for the St. Augustine Lodge, 609, E.C., in blue and silver, the various emblems of tbs craft being executed in the latter on a blue ground. Above this is a case of specimens of Mr Macintosh’s work, which evince not only groat skill, but considerable artistic taste In the same case are exhibited specimens of fern printing executed at the office of the Press Company, which are well worth inspection. Around the bay a-e hung two cases containing specimens of letter-press printing, which as a whole is creditably turned out. A small model machine is at work taming out cards, Ac. The two show cases opposite to that occupied by the Press Company, are taken up with the exhibits of

«. TOMBS AN* CO. This firm Bonds a very excellent collection of specimens of binding, the commercial and ordinary styles being displayed in one case and the ornamental in another. In the former the binding is exceedingly creditable, bnt the lettering of some of the books has the appearance of haying been done very hurriedly. In the ornamental specimens of binding displayed evidently far more care has been evinced and consequently the general effect is enhanced. The moat noticeable items in this case are a fern album, the cover of which is exceedingly well done, and a volume of “ Woman in Sacred History,” the ornamentation of the cover of which, without being too ornate, yet is very nicely done, and is appropriate. The same firm also exhibit a very creditable display of general printing, which is marked by good taste in selection of types and combinations. The next bay is occupied partly by the exhibits of bookbinding and printing from the firm of J. T. SMITH AND CO. These exhibitors have a very good collection of commercial work, in the shape of ledgers, journals, cash books, Ac., all of which are well bound and exhibit very good workmanship The various designs are very tastefully executed, and generally the exhibit, as a whole, is very well. The ornamental work exhibited by this firm, though small in quantity, is yet very good in quality. They also exhibit specimens of general letter-press and lithographic printing. The case jnet beyond is occupied by the bookbinding exhibits of MESSRS FERGUSON AND MITCHELL, DUNEDIN.

This is a very fiae exhibit, running the Press Company very close in point of merit. The principal contents of the case exhibited are commercial books, though there] are one or two very excellently executed specimens of ornamental work. The former comprises wellbound ledgers, journals, cash books, 4c., the work in which is exceedingly good. The ornamental specimens also show taste in the selection of colors and good workmanship ia the high class of finish attained in them. It is somewhat to be regretted that, as advised by the local com’ mittee, the whole of the bookbinding and printing exhibits cou’d cot have been colleated in one or two bays, so that comparison might have been made between the various exhibitors.

Passing still onward we come to the very handsomely fitted bay of MR C F. HULBERT, Here are displayed, arranged very tastefully inn large gla-s case occupying the centra of the bay, hats and caps of all descriptions. Cocked hats, with plumes of feathers, the mere thought of wearing which would be sufficient to cause any ordinary individual to do something desperate; felt hats, tweed hats, naval caps, and indeed every variety of head covering is here displayed in almost endless profusion There is also a very good display of the materials used in the manufacture of hats, models, &c., which all go to make up a most attractive case. The top of the case is filled with hat boxes. It may be noted here that of late years the hat manufacturing trade has grows into an important branch of local industry. In addition to a number of workers at the High street shop, Mr Hulbert also employs a good many hands at the factory in Bedford row. At either side of the case in the end of the bay are displayed some beautifully made and finished Royal Arch robes and collars, together with some academical robes and trenchers. These are most creditable specimens of Colonial industry, and reflect very groat credit alike upon the taste of Mr Hulbert and the skill of his employes. The supply in so good a style of the Masonic robes, collars, &c , particularly in the higher degrees, is found to bo mo.-t convenient to the brethren of the craft, as saving both time and expense, and it is probable that this portion of Mr tlnlbsrt’s extensive business will at no distant date extend very considerably. The Royal Arch robes wore maun-faetare-t by Mr Hulbert, and have been lent by the Ashburton Kilwinning Chapter for exhibition.

Jn view of the recant telegram appearing in the local papers from Auckland, commenting on vho total absence of Aucklaud exhibitors, the exhibit of the one gentleman from that province who has been pnblic-spiritsd enough to come here to exhibit the natural products of Auckland, deserves special notice. That gentleman is HR A OrFESHKIMKE. Tho exhibit comprised in his bay which requires special notice to-day is a case containing spacimens of kauri gum in its various grades. Thera is shown the gum in its rough state, as brought by the gum digger to market ; next it is shown in the cleaned and prepared state in which it is exported, also the gum dnst and gum chips, which form no inconsiderable item iu the total of tho gam exports. The production of gum averages 300 tons per month, and it is found only within the province of Auckland. The average value of gum in Auckland before e'eaning is £lO per ten, .£3l being the price for the lowest quality, and £4B for what is considered tho best, viz , the East Coast. The total annual value of the gum exports from Auckland amounts in round numbers to about £150,000 per annum. The front compartments of the case are occupied by specimens of beat pale cleaned from ordinary black gam, and transparent gum. The first quality is the one which is mostly sought after by tho best varnish manufacturers, and Messrs Oppenhoimer and Co., who ship largely, have realised the highest price ever obtained in London far this class of gum. The darker gum finds a good market amongst the furniture varnish makers. In the centre of the ease Mr Oppsnheimor disilays some very handsome specimens of transparent gums and gums of all colours, from tho dark to tho very pale gams, which are fit to bs classed as amber, and it is said used for tho same purpose for which amber is used. These specimens differ from the ordinary mercantile gnms in so far that they are only found in small quantities, as in a largo proportion of that purchased only a few samples would prehably bo obtained. A very handsome transparent mere made of the gum is exhibited, as also a large block of tho East Coast gum, and the head of a Maori chief carved out of one piece of dark gum. This is a very fine piece of work, the tatooing especially being capitally executed. The face is capitally o rrved, and throughout it is well worth a visit of inspection. It is Mr Oppenheimer’s intention to pretent tho head to the Museum. A large number of persons are employed in the work of preparing tho gam for export, and as it is now one of the leading industries iu the province cf Auckland, it is matter for surprise that it should have been represented by one exhibitor only. Mr Oppeuheimer’s exhibit has this merit, that it is essentially one displaying the natural products of a portion of the colony, and not in any way as a matter of trade for solo. .Retracing our steps somewhat, tho next exhibit to attract a moment’s attention are the jewellery cases o!

MB M. SANDSTEIN. The centre piece in the far case is a fern tree oporgne. the glass dish resting on tho fronds of the fern. Tbe stem of the tree is wreathed with ivy, the base representing Native grass and ferns, with a full size model of a Native in war costume. Tl* epergno stands on a base of New Zealand woods, comprising some forty varieties. The front of the case is occupied by a number of Masonic jewels, manufactured at various times by tho exhibitor. These a-c v rr hand some, and of good workmanship. The whole of the articles displayed in the case under notice were manufactured on tbe premises of the exhibitor. In a second case is shown a collection of silver ware. Prominent is an epergoe, “ The halt in the desert,” an Arab chief being depicted with his horse resting under the shade of a palm tree. This ia exceedingly

handsome, and is in solid silver. Next is a solid silver tea and crffea service, with salvers to match. The front of iho top shelf of the case in filled with a display o* what is called “pelican” silver, which is hand painted and enamelled. Behind this is a massive silver inkstand of handromo pattern, sad specimens of Cutoh si ver ware. These comprise a claret jupr with snake handle, and another boanlifnlly embossed and manufactory d for the Syoney Exhibition. There is also a silver enp, the patterns of birds, flowers, &c., on which are in oxydised silver, and two omn fgg inkstands, ana a small embossed cup. The whole of these latter exhibits were manufactured specially for the Sydney Exhibition. Scattered in various portions of the New Zealand Court are a number of exhibits, varied in character, the exhibitors of which are represented by MR A. S. IIANBIB3.

The first of these is a trophy of spices, peppers, &0., sent by Mr E. 33. Crease, of Wellington. This exhibit occupies the centre of the Wellington octagon. The lower shelf of the tr.'pby is filled with specimens of peppers, nutmeg®, cloves, coffee nibs, ginger, mace, and cinnamon. Mr Crease also exhibits Japan rice, undressed, and also as dressed at his mills. In the one the grain is brown and unsightly, whilst in the other it is clean and white. Another speciality of Mr Crease’s exhibit is salsaline, used for the preservation of food. Ac., for which purpose it is very highly spnkon of. i’he interior of the trophy is filled with specimens of Mr Crease’s coffees, including dandelion, spices, ground peppers, baking powders, &c. The fancy boxes displayed are manufactured and finished at Mr Crease’s establishment. Messrs Ansted and Co., of Camaru, also represented by Mr Manders, have an exhibit near the juvenile court. This consists of a small but very effectiva display of perfumes cf all kinds, locally manufactured, of excellent quality. The other preparations exhibited by the firm are laundry starch, New Zealand corn flour, flavoring essences of all kinds, vinegar, baking powders, Ac Messrs Moffet and Co , of Invercargi 1, send a very very excellent collection of cordials of all kinds arranged in the form of a trophy. Mr Soler, of Wanganui, sends New Zealand wines, and Mr Smith, of Nelson, locally manufactured frnit wines.

One of the moat effective stands in the Exhibition is that of preserved moats sent by MR J. GEAR, WELLINGTON. This comprises a large trophy built np iu the form ef a pyramid. Every description of tinned or preserved meats and soups are represented, inclnding many specialities prepared only by Mr Hear. Of course, until the crucial test of opening the tins by the judges is gone through, one ia unable to pronounce upon the quality, but the very names on the labels are pusrge»tive of good cheer within, t’ome idea of the variety and sizs of the exhibit may be gathered from the fact that over three tons weight of meat in its preserved and pressed state is in the trophy. Our local preservers will have to look to their laurels in the face of so formidable an opponent as Mr Gear. Another of the noticeable sights of the Bxhibition is the grand display made of the soap and candle exuibits sent by

M'LEOD BROS., DUNEDIN. The?e are displayed in a very handsome case standing in the centra of the octagon. The very artistic and beautiful decorations in white wax have already been described at length, and it need only be sold that so ex-ellentiy are these done that it is difficult to believe that they are not in Parian marble. The can lie and soap exhibits are of very high quality, similar to thoee for which the firm received first awards at Melbourne, 18-0-81, Sydney, 1879-80, Dunedin Industrial Exhibition, 1881, and Christchurch Agricu tural and Pastoral t how, 1881. Mho works of the firm are situate in Cumberland and Castle streets, Dunedin, and are exceedingly extensive, not, howover, sufficiently so for the increasing business of the firm, as an enlargement is to bo carried out directly. The firm manufactures ton different hinds of soaps, and one of soft soap, whilst in stear'ne cmdlai they make six kmds Speaking of the soap of the firm exhibited at Melbourne, the jurors made the following remark: “ Messrs McLeod Bros., of Dunedin, exhibited as a speciality samples of bar soap made with oleine—a cheap detergent—t-u’tabie for many purposes. Respecting colonial soaps, it may be observed that the manufacture of all kinds has attained a hi oh standard of excellence, and one and all promise to hold their own on any occasion when in competition with European or American manufacture.” With respect to their candles, the same authority ob-ervos : -“In candles, so far as regards those made, of staarine, the colonies st-od second to none when judged by the standard of the exhibits from some o? the most celebrated manufacturers of (he old world.” The firm took first award in the trials &S to melting and solidifying point and illuminating power against the following countries : Vienna, Antwerp, Brussels, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and also an exhibitor from Adelaide. The trophy now exhibited in the octagon took the gold medal at Melbourne, and first p ires at other exhibitions. The firm is represented at the Exhibition here by Mr Charles Cahis, who acted in the capacity of secretary for New Zealand at the Melbourne and Sydney Exhibitions.