Glass Blowing.

Manawatu Herald, 15 June 1893, Page 2

Glass Blowing.

To-morrow night we are promised a very useful and entertaining lecture on glass-blowing, at the Public Hall, Mr Woodnorth being a practical craftsman. There should be nothing more interesting to young and old than the gaining of an insight into the manufacture of articles of every day use. We do not desire to anticipate the lecture and what we now say is to show that there may be matters of much interest explained, as glass is "as old as the hills," a distinguished gentlemen named Hermes, having first taught the art to the Egyptians. Glass was first introduced in England in 676. After giving his audience an account of old glass he promises to illustiate by actual manufacture of articles, glass blowing. The tools used are described to be very simple and have remained the same for the last 200 years. Tact and skill supplying the place of more elaborate aids. The principal instrument used is the blowing-tube, which is made of iron, from four to five feet in length, with a bore from half an inch to an inch in diameter. As such an exhibition is a splendid " object lesson " for children the price for their admission has been fixed very low, and as half the proceeds, even of this charge revert to the

School Committee, to ba expended in firing, &c, at the school, the outlay is absurdly low. It is the wish of the Head Master and of the Committee to see a large gathering of the " Young-'uns " as they believe they will be both interested and instructed. Of course all visitors will be welcomed.