Presenting the Award.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 612, 25 February 1852, Page 4

Presenting the Award.

Viscount Canning, the president oi the council of chairmen of juries then advanced, and in presenting; the awards of the juries to the royal commission, read the follow ing report : — Having had tbo honour of acting aa president of the council of chairmen of the juries, it falls to me to lay before youi royal highness and her Majesty's comnnsioners the reports of the several juries upon the subjects submitted to them for examination, and the names of the exhibitoi3 whom they have judged entitled to rewards. In doing so, it would be convenient that I should state, briefly, the principles upon which, by the authority of her Majesty's commissioners, the juries were constituted. The various subjects included in the exhibition were divided, in the first instance, into 30 classea. Of these two were subsequently found to embrace fields of action too large for single juries, and were therefore divided into sub-juries. Thiß increased tbe number of acting juries to 34. Each of these thirty.four juries consisted of an equal number of British subjects and of foreigners. The British jmors were selected by her Majesty's commissioners from lists furnished by the local committees of various tow ns, each town being invited to recommend persons of skill and information in vbe manufactures or produce for which it is remaikable. The foreign' jurors were appointed by authorities in their own countries, in such relative proportions amongst themselves as was agreed upon bythe foreign commissioners sent here to represent their respective governments. In the event of a jury finding themselves deficient in technical knowledge of any article submitted to them, they were empowered to call in the aid of associates. Thete associates, who acted as advisers only, without a voto, but whose services were of the greatest value, were selected either from the jurymen of other classes, of from the lists of persons who had been recommended as jurors, but who had not been permanently appointed lo any jury. Each jury was superintended by a chairman, chosen

from its number by her Majeslj 's f'ouiini'wioners. The deputy chairman and tbeieporter were elected by tbe jurors themselves. Such was the constitution of the thirty-four juries taken singly. They did not, however, act independently of each other, inasmuch as they wer* associated into six groups, encli group consisting' of such jumps n« had to deolwirb subjects in somedegreeof kindred nature; ] and, b°fore any decision of a jury could be considprpd as final, it wad "required that it should he approved by them. The chief object of this provision was that none of the many foreign nations taking l>wt in <he Exhibition should incur the risk- of swing its interests overlooked 01 neglected from the accident (.in unavoidable onp in many instances) of its being unrepresented in any particulai jury. Each group of juries receded thf> assistance of a deputy commissioner and of a snecial commissioner, appointed by hpr Majesty's commissioners to record its. proceedings, to furnish information respecting the arrangements of the Exhibition, ami otherwise to facilitate the labours of the juries composing the group. It was further determined by her Majesty's Commissioners that the chairmen of the juiies, consisting of British subjects and of foreigners in equal numbers, should be formed into a council, and that the duties of the council should he to deteimine the conditions upon which, in accordance with certain general principles previously laid down by her Majesty's commissioners, tbe different prizes should be awarded ; to frame rules to guide the working of the juries; and to secure, as far as possible, unifoimity in the result of their proceedings. These are the most important features of the system upon which the jurors found themselves organised. I will now refer briefly to their course of action. The Council of chairmen, in proceeding to the discharge of their duties, were met at the outset by a seiious difficulty. Her Majesty's commissioners had expressed themselves desirous that merit should be rewanled wherever it presented itself, but anxious at the same time to avoid the -recognition of competition between individual exhibitors, they had also decided that the prizes should consist in three medals in different sizes, and that these should be awarded, not as a first, second, and third in degree for the same class of subjects and merit, but as marking merit of different kinds and character. The council of chairmen found, to their regret, that it would be impossible to lay down any rules for the awarding of the threp medals by which the appearance at least of denoting different degrees of success amongst exhibitors in the same branch of production could be avoided. Accordingly, after fully explaining rheir difficulty to Her Majesty's Commissioners, they requested, as a course by which it might be materially diminished, that one of the medals might be with, f'rawn. 01 the remaining two, they suggested that one, the i prize medal, should be conferred wherever a certain standard of excellence in production or workmanship hnd been attained — utility, beauty, cheapness, adaptation to particular markets, and other elements of merit being taken inJo consideration according to the nature of tbe object ; and they recommend that this medal should be awarded by the juries, subject to a confirmation by the groups. In regard to the other and larger medal, they suggested that tbe condition of its award should be some important novelty of invention or application, either in material, or processes of manufacture, or originality combined with great beauty of design ; but that it should not be conferred for excellence o( production or workmanship alone, however eminent. And they further suggested that this medal should be awarded by the council of chairmen, upon the recommendation of a j jury, supported by its gioup. The principle thus described met the views of Her Majesty's Commissioners, and was subsequently further developed by them in a minute which they communicated to the council of chairmen. (See Appendix C.) Its application, however, was not without difficulties, especially as legarded the foreign jurors. Msiny of these bad latan part in tbe National Exhibitions of France and Germany — and to them the distinctive character of the two medals, and the avoidance of all recognition of degrees of merit between tbe recipients of prizes, were novel principles, and at variance with their experience ; inasmuch as one of the chief purposes of the national exhibitions of the Continent, has been to distinguish the various degrees of success attained by rival exhibitors. It was to be expected, therefore, that cases would arise in which line council medal, as tbe higher reward, would be asked for exhibitors, whose claims weie only somewhat stronger in degree, without diffei ing in kind, from those of others to whom the prize medal had been awarded. In such cases it became the duty of the council of chairmen to refuse their sanction to the award of the council medal, without, however, necessarily impugning the alleged supeiioiity of the article for which it was demanded. On the other Land, some instances have occurred in which they have felt themselves called upon to confirm the claim to a council medal where the object for which it was claimed showed, in itself, less meat of execution or manufacture than others of its class. It follows, therefore, that the award of a council medal does not necessarily stamp its recipient as the. better mnnufacturei or producer than others who have received the prize medal. It is, rather, a mark of such invention, ingenuity, or originality as may bo expected to exeicise an influence upon industry, more extended tnid more important than could be produced by mere excellence of manufacture. This is to be borne in mind in considering tbe list of awards which 1 have the honour to lay before your Royal Highness; and I trust that it will be found that the juries have succeeded in doing justice to the exhibitors of ♦'very nation and class, and that they have not departed in moy important degree from tbe purpose of Her Majesty's Commissioner. One of the first instructions addressed to tbe juries by the council of chairmen wns to the effect that the piizes should be awarded without reference to the country of the exhibitors, the Exhibition being considered in this -respect as lecognising no distinction of nations. It is gratifying to add that the jurors of every country cordially acquiesced in this principle, and that notwithstanding unavoidable differences of opinion, uninterrupted liannony prevailed, amonget them throughout the whole course of their labouis. It is not too much to hope that the happy influence of this intercourse may extend and endure far beyond the present occasion. Ifr is not necessary that I should detain yonr Royal Highness and Her Majesty's Commissioneis with a recital of the other instructians, framed by the council of chairmen for the guidance of the juries, or with a detailed account of their proceedings in the discharge of their own functions. The number of prize medals awarded is 2918. The number of council medals is 170. It is important to observe that no more tha,n one medal of either denomination has been allotted to one exhibitor in the same class, although be may have contributed to that class more than one article deserving of reward. The juries have found it just, in framing then reports to make honorable mention 'of certain exhibitors whose contributions were not such as to entitle them to receive a medal. Some have supplied specimens of raw material, which, although curious and instructive, do not imply any great merit of production on the part of the exhibitor ; nnd others Lave furnished articles of manufacture which, without reaching a high degree of excellence, are interesting as examples of the processes or present condition of the trade wbioh .they illustrate. Before concluding, I trust I may be allowed to add that it would be difficult duly to estimate the time and labour expended by the jurors in their endeavour to discharge faithfully the important duty confided to them. The number of exhibitors v\as about 17,000. Of these, many who were reckoned but once in the catalogue contributed a large variety of objects, and came within the province of more than one jury ; whilst in other cases towns, and even whole countries, were counted as single exhibitors, although they presented for examination every kind of manufacture and raw produce which their ingenuity and natural resources could furnish. Upon the whole, the task of the juries involved the consideration and judgment of at least a million articles ; the difficulties attending jt being not a little increased by the want of a uniform system of classification of the subjects in some of the foreign divisions, and by unavoidable imperfections in the catalogue. *^ Jn these circumstances tbe juries can scarcely venture to hope that accidental omissions may not have occurred ;* but they have- tbe satisfaction of feeling that these, if any, are not attributable to a want of caro or diligence on their part. It now only remains for me, in laying tbe r esult of our labours respectfully before your Royal Highness and Her Majesty's Commissioners, to offer, on bebnlf of my colleagues and myself, our grateful acknowledgment of the honorable confidence which you have placed in us j and to express the hope, that we shall be iound to have fulfilled our trußt in a manner worthy

of Ihu noble undertaking in which we me proud to have been culled upon to bour :i part. Thr IlirLY ot I'niNCt At-Dinr. Piince Albert, having received thp voluminous repoits of the juror* from Lord Canning, placed them on the table before bun, and proceeded to read the following reply : — My Lord,— The Royal Commissioners are much indebted to yotir Lordship, and to the distinguished \ gentlemen of this :md other nations, who have acted on ibe |»rips PHtruslcl »viib the aivdn) of the prizes in the recent Exhibition for the zeal with wlrch they have und'M taken and the ability with which they have fulfilled the u-k which hns been allotted to them. The Cowmissirmeis (ire sensible that the services of these gentlemen have in many instances been rendered at gieat iticinvemerire to themselves, and at the sacrifice o( vei y v \lu \t>le time nnd of important avocations. It is with pride niui pleasuie that they have noticed in the list 1 * of those who have perlonned this service to the Exhibition the nnmes of men of every nation, of the most exulted rank and of the most eminent reputation in statesmanship, in science, in literature, in manufactures, in commerce, find in the fine arts — of men in eveiy respect well calculated not only to form aconect technical judgment upon the merits of (he articles suhmirterl to their inspection, but also to maintain the high character which the Commissioners have uniformly striven to import to the Exhibition. In no department of the vast undei talcing which has just been brought to a happy close weie greater difficulties to be apprehended than in that in which your lordship and your eminent colleagues have given your assistance. On tbi«, the first occasion on which the productions of the different nations of the globe have ever been brought together for the purpose of comparing their several merits, not only were prejudices and jealousies to have been expected to interfere with the decisions, but the nature of the case presented many difficulties of a formidable charae'er, lo the formation of a judgment which should appear satisfactory to nil. The names of the jurors, indeed, when once made known, were ot themselves a sufficient guarantee for that impartiality which was essential to the fulfilment of their task ; and from all that has come to the knowledge of the Royal Commissioners during the progress of their labours, they are fully satisfied that every award bns been made with the most careful consideration, after the most ample and laborious investigation, and upon grounds most strictly honouiable, just, and candid. But although the high character of the jurors would have fully justified the commissioners m entrusting them with the award of the prizes without fettering their discretion with any instructions whatever, had nolhing more than an impartial decision been required, there were difficulties of a very peculiar nature inherent j to the task, which seemed to render necebsavy the ad- ] option of some regula'ions that might at first sight, nppenr to have been somewhat aibitrary in their character. The differences in the wants of various nations having necessarily impressed tu<»ir several manufactures with different characteristics, it would seem to be almost impossible for tho^e who have been in ihe habit of judging the productions of their own country by one standard to enter fully into the merits which can only be propeily appreciated by another standard, since the very points which in the one ca'-e appear to be excellences, may in the other, not naturally, be taken as defect". Ibis consideration, and a knowledge of the evils which were appreherded from any accidentally-erroneous decision, in a nrtter so intermediately connected with the commeicial interests of every nation, induced the royal commissioners to lay down, for guidance of the juries, those ptincipleB to which yourjordship has referred, Tt would, perhaps, have been more interesting to the public bad the commissioners instructed the juries to follow the practice which has usually prevailed in the exhibitions of individual nations, and to grant medals of different degrees, to mark the gradations fof excellency among the exhibitors; but they feel that they have adopted the safer course, and that which was upon the whole most in accordance with the feelings of the majoiity of the exhibitors, in directing that no distinction should be made between their merits if their productions came up to the standard requisite to entitle them, to a prize, but that all should, wvtbout exception, take the same rank and receive the same mcd.i). The commissioners, however, considered it right to place at the di«poba' of the council of chairmen a peculiar or 'council' medal in the cases to which your lord ship has referred. Important discoveries in many branches of science and manufacture have in this Exhibition been brought under the notice of the public; and it seems ju*.t that those who have rendered services of this kind to the world should receive a special maik of acknowledgment on an occasion which has rendered t.O conspicuous the advantages which the many have derived from the di-coveries of the few. The grant of the council medal for beauty of design and for excellence in the fine aits, as applied to manufactures, though mode on a different piinciple, is also compatible, with the views of the commissioners, since in the cases in which it has been given it does not maik any greater <my greater compaiative excellence of manufacture, or assign to one producer a higher place than is accorded to others, but is to be regarded as a testimony to the genius which can clothe the articles required for the use of daily life with beauty, that can please tbe eye and instruct and elevate the mind. Valuable as this Exhibition has proved in many respects, it appears to the commissioneis that there is no direction in which its effects will he more sensibly and , immediately perceived than in the improvement which it may be expected to produce in taste, and the impulse it has given to the aitsi ts of design, and a special acknowledgemont is justly due to those who have affoided the best examples of art, whether pure or applied, and Jed tbe way in this interesting career of improvement. It now remains for the commissioners once more to return to your lordship and your colleagues their coidial thanks; and they must not omit to include in these acknowledgements' those gentlemen who have in vaiious ways assisted you in your labours, particularly those who bave acted with you as associates or expprts for the purpose of assisting your judgment in matters requiring very minute and special knowledge of particular subjects : and the commissioners are well aware that these gentlemen bave frequently been of the greatest service. In the hope tb.it the jurors and associates might desire to possess a lasting memorial of the Exhibition, a special medal has been struck in commemoration of their important servics. s It is the intention of the commissioners to publish not only the names of those to whom the juries bave awarded prizes, but also the valuable reports which they bare prepnred on tbe state of science, art, and manufactures, in the several branches of the Exhibition with which the juries have been conversant. The royal commissioners fully appreciate the zeal and talent displayed by those jurors who have accepted the laborious office of reporters to tbe juries; and they doubt not that their reports will form most interesting records of this Exhibition, and will afford nost important materials for ascertnining tbe piogress of human history, at any future time, when another review of its productions, like the present, may be determined on. It now becomes my pleasing duty on behalf of the royal commissioners, to deliver my most sincere acknowledgements and thanks for the hearty co-operation and support which the Exhibition has constantly received from foreign countries. The foreign commissioners, who bave left their own countries to superintend the illustjation of their jespectire national industries at tbe Exhibition, have ever shown that desire to aid the general arrangements which alone has rendered possible the success of the undertaking. To the Society of Arts, which by its exhibition of works of national industry, prepared the way for this international Exhibition, the royal commission and the public feel that their acknowledgments are especially due, nnd the commission have to thank that body for having carried out the preliminary arrangements to an extent which justified me, as their president, in the application which I cnade to the crown for the issue of a royal commission. The commission have also to acknowledge the valuable services afforded by the eminent scientific and professional men who, on tbe sectional committees, aided most materially in founding a scientific basis on which to rear the Exhibition. To tbe local commissioners and members of local committees, but more especially to those who bave undertaken the onerous duties of seoefariee, our best acknowledgements are also due. Without their zealous aid it would have been impossible to have obtained an efficient representation of the industrial products of their respective localities. And, finally, we cannot forget that all labours of those thus officially connected with the Exhibition would have been in vain, had it not been for the hearty good-will and assistance of tbe whole body of exhibitors, both foreign and British. The zeal which they have displayed in affording a worthy illustration of tbe state of tbe industry of the nations to which they belong, can only be equalled by the successful efforts of their industrial slill. The commission bave always had support and encouragement from them during the progress of the undertaking, and they cannot forget how cheoi fully

they submitted to regulations essential fi#r their general good, although sometimes producing personal inconvenience to themselves. If the Exhibition be sucre^M in aiding the healthy progress of manufactures, wt' k trmt that their efforts will meet with due reward. In how taking leave of all those who have so materially aided us in their respective characters os jurcs and associates, foieign and local commissioners, menbers and secretaries of local and sectional committees-, tnembeis of the Society of Arts, and exhibitors, I cannot lefniin from remarking with heart-felt pleasure, the singular harmony which has prevailed amongst the eminent men representing so many national interests — aha mony winch cannot end with the event which produced h. Let us receive it ,\s an auspicious omen for the future ; nnd whi'e we jetinn our humble and bea>ty thanks to Almighty God for ihe blessing Me has vouchsafed to our labours, let us all earnestly pray that that Divine Providence which has <o benignantly watched over and shielded this illustration of nature's productions, conceived by human intellect and fashioned by human skill, may still protect us, and may grant tbat this interchange of knowledge, resulting from the meeting of enlightened people in friendly rivalry, may be dispersed far and wide over distant lands; and thus, by showing our mi - tual dependence upon each other, be a happy means of promoting unity among nations, and peaca aad goodwill among the various races of mankind. The Prince, who spoke in a loud and distinct tone of voice, was cheered repeatedly while delivering the af« dress; and when the foreign commissioners were cnlled upon the platform to receive the acknowledgments of His Royal Highness and the royal commissioners, there was a general burst of applause* Then followed another burst of the National Anthem from the choristers, accompnnied by the organ and orchestra, some thousands of the spectators joining in with much enthusiasm. The Bishop of London's Prayer. The liishop of London, attended by his chaplin, then advanced to the centre of the platform, and amidst the profound silence of the y^ast multitude, pronounced the following pr3yer in a solemn and impressive tone of voice : — " 0 Almighty and most merciful God, Father of all mankind, VVho has made of one blood all nations of men, to serve and worship Thee, and by their words and works to glorify thy holy name; Who didst Bend Thine only Son into the world to reconcile it unto | Thee, and to unite all men in one brotherhood of holiness and love, we, Thine unworthy servants, most humbly beseech Thee to accept our offeiing of prayer I and praise. From Thee alone proceed all good counsels j and all useful works ; and by Thee alone are they con] ducted to a prosperous end. We acknowledge with all humility and thankfulness the gracious answer which Thou has vouchsafed to the prayers of our Queen and her people, in blessing with a wonderful measure of success an undertaking designed to exhibit the glories ot Thy creation, to promote the useful exeicise of those faculties which Thou hast implanted in the sons of men, and to encourage the growth of peace and brotherly love. "We humbly thank Thee, O Lord, that thou bast graciously prospered the counsels of him who conceived, and of those who have carried out that great design; and that Thou has mercifully protected from harm the multitudes who hate thronged this building. We acknowledge it to be of Thy goodness tbat a spirit of order and mutual kindness — of loyalty to our sovereign, of oledience to the laws, and of respect for the sanctity of Thy Sabbaths— has been manifested by tbe people of this country, in the sight of those wlio have been here gathered together Jrom all parts of tbe world. " We thank Thee, also, that Thou bast disposed the heaits of many nations to enter upon a generous and peaceful competition in those aits which, by Thy merciful appointment, minister to the comfort of man, and redound to Thy glory, as the giver of every good . and perfect gift. "We devoutly pray tbat all may be led to acknowledge (Thy power, wisdom, and goodness, in tbe achievements •of man's industry and skill; and may depart to their several homes to ' speak in their own tongues the wonderful works of God.' Continue to them, we beseech Thee, Tby favour and protection ; let Thy good proevidence conduct them in safety to their native land, and bless them with prosperity and peace. Grant, 0 Lord, tbat this gathering of Tby servants from every nation may be the token and pledge of a continued intercourse of mutual kindness between the .different branches of Tby universal family. May it contribute to the growth of Chu'stian love, and hasten tbe coming of tbat blessed .ieign of peare,,when ', nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.' " Lastly we pray ThVe with Tby favour to behold our Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria, tbe Prince Alberf, Albert Pi nice of Wales and all tho royal family ; to continue to this nation the manifold giits which Thy goodness has so long abundantly showered upon it; to save and defend all Christian king", princes, aud governors, to bless Thy people committed to their charge. Give them grace, that they may in all things seek Thy honour and glory, and be diligent m tbe heavenly work of enlighlenment and puiifying mankind, of diffusing through tbe world the blessings of peace, and of extending the kingdom of Thy dear Son, wbo has taught us to appioach Thee as our common parent, and to say: — " Our father which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Tby kingdom come. Thy will be done djn earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our d,aily bread,^and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, the power, and tbe glory, for ever and ever. Amen. '■The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and tbe love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost ! be with us all eveimore. Amen. 1 ' While the prayer was being read every voice was hushed, and every bead bowed ; men of all nations, all sects, i.and all religions, apparently influenced by the same feelings, and uniting in one common, tribute of acknowledgement to the Supreme Being for the final and successful accomplishment of tbe great undertaking. The scene was not unlike that, presented in some vast cathedral, and the effect -was still .further heightened when at the close the organ, orchestra, and voices, burst into tbe magnificent 'Hallelujah chorus, tbe effect of which was indescribably fine and impressive. At tbe close the cheering was renewed, and tbe people broVe out into the most noisy demonstrations of enthusiasm. The Prince ngain'bowed-repeatedly, and retired to the royal commissioners' department, whore mutual felicitations were exchanged, and tbe foreign commissioners having paid their respects to his royal highness and taken leare, tbe brilliant assemblage gradually brolce up. Many thousands, however, lingered in the building as loth to take a last farewell of tbat noble achievment of art and industry— the wonder of tbe world, and a proud witness of the reliance of foreign nations upon the stability and honour of England, and of the respect which the people pay to the laws under whose protection they live. Such a spectacle may never again be .presented to the world, in this or any other country, and' in a few weeks we may in vain seek in Hyde-park for that gorgeous palace that has vanished «« like tbe baseless *fabric of a vvision" nor u left a wreck behind."

Miscellaneous Matters. The following is a summary of the police returns of tbe number of visitors to the. exhibition during each month from the Ist of May, to the Uth of October inclusive. — May 734,782 June 1,133,116 July 1,314,176 August 1,023,435 September .... 1,155,240 October 703,207 Total 6,063,956 The most numerous attendance was on Tuesday, the 7th of October, when 109,760 persons were admitted. The amount of the leceipta of the commissioners from all sources is £504,000. The amount of the expenditure is not yet ascertained, but considerably more than a quarter of a million sterling will remain as an available surplus. Within the building the property pf 17,000 exhibitors was collected, the value of which it is impossible to estimate even in millions, yet we have heard of no depredations, or only such a 6, by their trivial character, prove tbe excellence of the public arrangements, and tbe vigilance of the officers employed under the direction of Mr. ■ Superintendent Pierce, to whom we trust a substantial acknowledgment of their services may be rendered by the royal commissioners and exhibitors.