Great Britain and Ireland.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2372, 23 October 1880, Page 3 (Supplement)

Great Britain and Ireland.

Our motherland has the largest, and, undoubtedly, the best court in the whole building, and she has poured out to her youngest daughters all her manifold treasures. She has several courts, one in the front building for the more ornamental goods, a main court opposite to that of Victoria in the central avenue, and two machine annexes where the marvels of her “black country” can be seen. We protest that Messrs. T. Webb and Co.’s show of glass work—chandeliers, mirrors, and the like—takes our fancy immensely. It is magnificent; it is aristocratic ; it suggests Versailles, or the Grand Salle of the Austrian. The glitter and flash of this beautiful collection are positively sensuous in their effect.

Heyday ! here are scents for the million, from the pronounced musk to the delicate wood-violet. Now, get you to my lady’s chamber, and bid her hie hither to inspect the trophies which Messrs. J. and E. Atkinson, Rimmell, and Goswell have erected, of perfumes and cosmetics, subtle and charming; dainty arts to make beauty more beautiful, fascinations utterly irresistible. You should be Mahoraedans—Messieurs, the exhibitors of these delicate matters—for sure, serving the sex so well on earth, you should be rewarded with the paradise of the faithful. Here is something of a more practical character. Observe ! this relates to that marvel of electric force by which we speak with our fellows at the uttermost points of the earth—that subtle current which is life, and which remains to bo studied, and development as pointing to a solution of the phenomenon of life. Here, my friends, we observe the machinery by which has been realised the prophetic utterance that Shakspeare places in the mouth of Puck, in that exquisite idyll—“ A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company have sent a most complete and interesting exhibit. We are shewn samples of all the cablesinuse throughout the world, of infinite number and variety. You may perceive at a sight, so to say, the different specimens as illustrated in the exhibit, and by reference to the key provided, every further information is to be gained. This is a most complete collection. And, further, models of the finest steamships afloat are shown, admirable as works of art—for we declare they are such, and as complete and perfect in every detail of hull and rig, as they are in beauty of design and build. Well may the sailor love his ship, as the lover adores Ijjs mistress. Combs, for my lady’s tresses, of great variety and superlative finish, together with horn and amber and other material used in the trade, are exhibited by S. R. Stewart and Co., of Aberdeen. Are these not exquisite—these tortoise shell articles ? What richness of colour! What perfection of polish! Faith! no gold nor solid silver ornament can approach these dainty matters.

You, who have pictures, and who know how much depends upon their frames to bring out their beauties and their excellencies, come with us to inspect the rare show made in the stand occupied by the exhibits of Messrs. Ciceri and Co., of Edinburgh. Are they not beautiful ? Look you. You must have noticed often how a rare picture, painting, or engraving, has been spoiled, its influence lost, its effect weakened by its clumsy or ill-judged casing; just as a good figure is burlesqued in ill-fitting garments. Well, you may see here a choice and variety, by a study of which the most stupid would be protected from such barbarisms. ‘ ‘ A needle and thread, woman—this confounded button is gone again!” Such, we guarantee, is an exclamation made by millions every new-born morning, in every part of the world. The notion strikes us as we look upon the trophy raised by Messrs. Coates, of Paisley. By the goddess of housewifely industry this is a rare spectacle! A pyramid of reels of cottons and threads of all shades and colours, banked up by fat reels to stout and short of breath to mount higher. Lord ! how the women gaze at this exhibit, as indeed, well they may. Do you notice yonder lean, sharp-eyed, furtive glancing gentleman, of smart appearance and uncertain age ? See how earnestly he is regarding the exhibits which Messrs. Goodall and Sons have sent—playing cards in infinite variety Watch how instinctively he moves hands, as, in his mind’s eye, he shuffles and deals the “devil’s tools.” He is playing a winning game at whiskey poker, or ecarte. Well, well—we, who are not given up to the madness, may yet love our homely game of whist. We’ll play a rubber to-night in honour of Messrs. Goodall. Now, I vow to you that my soul is filled with the lust covetousness. Who can look upon these exhibits of art furniture and remain still ? Not I for one ; for sure, life would be the sweeter if passed amid domestic associations of such refined and elevated suggestiveness, as we behold in Messrs. Arrowsmith’s show of art furniture. Come ! let us on, lest envy consume us; Regarded as representative of an infinite variety industrial products, there is no section of the Exhibition of a more important character than that devoted to the exhibits of Messrs. Henry P. Welch and Co., of this city. In looking oyer the numerous articles

shown by this firm, one is bewildered. Tbe question* arises—where shall we commence, and when shall we end ? Possessed of no commercial faculty, and woefully ignorant of the methods and manner of mercantile transactions, we confess that the first thought that rises in our mind as we gaze upon this splendid show of industry, this sublime illustration of energy, and skill, and work, is how on earth do these people govern their business. For look you—it is one matter to deal in a particular specialty ; but when you have a hundred strings to to your bow, you must own |a sharp wit, and a wonderful faculty for organization, system, and apportionment to keep matters clear and intelligible. We frankly confess that if our ill-fate were to place us in the position of manager or director of such a firm as that under our notice, the Kew Lunatic Asylum would be fattened by one irreclaimable idiot in less than a week’s time from the date of our entry upon the duties of the office. But Providence is wise, and that which would bo torture to one man, is but pleasurable excitement to another.

Now, this firm of Welch and Company are agents or representatives for a very large number of firms dealing in all manner and description of articles. But, stay! The beat idea we can form of the magnitude and variety of their business is to be gained by a systematic inspection of their exhibits. Shall we start with the machinery? Yes. Then, come along to the annexe. Here we are, and now for a patient and conscientious review.

Here we have exhibits from the workshops of Messrs. E. R. and F. Turner, of Ipswich, England. These are termed “ Grippeswyk” horizontal and vertical steam engines, with patent self-contained globe “ governors.” Observe, please, that the cylinder is connected with the frame, which is of the shape of the letter Y. The stem is hollow, and carries the cylinder crank shaft bearings, under which arrangement the boiler is protected from strain. Here, again, we see portable flour mills of improved design and construction, together with grain crushers, and a variety of farming implements. You may bet that our bucolics gather around hereabouts.

Next we inspect the articles exhibited through Messrs. Welch and Co., of which Messrs. C. Powis and Co., of London, are the manufacturers. This machinery is in motion, and we can the better gather an idea of its excellence. It is constructed for wood-working. Circular saws for breaking down heavy timbers, band saws for cutting wood with marvellous rapidity into circular, angular, and any irregular form needed ; a machine for planing and “ tying up,” with perfect accuracy, hard or softwood, scantlings, &c., however warped or twisted the wood may bo; the * ‘ General Joiner,” a machine of singular excellence, performing the operations of sawing, planing, moulding, mortising, tongueing, grooving, beading, boring, and all the rest of it—truly a living creature, and to us seeming gifted with the faculties of reflection or perception. Then there are steam engines in this department, and every requisite for fitting up carpenters’ shops, and so forth.

Well, now we will turn to the show made of the works from the factory of Messrs. P. and H. P. Gibbons, of Wantage, England, a very old established and important firm. Here we have portable and vertical engines, 9,8, 10, and 14 h.p., and threshing machines. All the recent economic improvements are introduced in the construction of these engines, which are also fitted with extra strong double braces, and, in all respects, built with special regard to strength combined with light draught. The engine of 14 h.p. seems to be of especial excellence, suitable for mining purposes, pumping, driving batteries, and the like. The threshing machines, observe, have 4.6 and 5.0 drums, and the latter appear to have a new arrangement, that we have not seen adapted before, by which they are rendered self-feeding. This threshing machinery, we are told, has been modified to meet the requirements of colonial agriculturists, You may see yonder a set of patent “governors.” These, we are informed, are highly sensitive, and, at the same time, of the simplest construction. What are these ? Machinery for engineers’ (the noblest profession under the sun) and ironworkers’ use. There are self-acting planing machines, slotting machines, engineers’ lathes, drilling machines and steam hammers—all of the most improved design and make, exhibited by Messrs. Scott Bros., Halifax. See how that bronzed and sunburnt man is regarding these exhibits ! How hungrily he looks at them ! But let us get on.

Next then we come to the articles shown through Messrs. Welch and Co., for Penney and Co., of Lincoln,England. These consist of patent adjustable rotary screens, suitable for the thorough cleaning of various kinds of grain. This is recognised as the standard machine for excavating refuse and foreign substances from grain, and has been by the leading engineers of England, in that particular line, for attachment to threshing machines. More than,l7,ooohavebeen sold, and the gold and silver medals awarded at various exhibitions and shows number no less than 32, besides special prizes, certificates, and other honours. An improved potato digger is here exhibited, which cuts off the growing tops, raising and strewing the roots on the ground ready for gathering, Well, well, we shall eat our dinners yet by machinery ! W. N. Nicholson and Son, of Newark, England, present an attractive collection of agricultural machinery and implements, comprising vertical and horizontal steam engines, fitted with patent governors, water heaters, and all newest appliances. Grist'mills, for hand or steam power, which may he adj usted to grind flour, or only to nibble or bruise large seeds, such as beans, peas, maize, etc. Harrows, of various patterns, including the patent flexible harrow, which is an invaluable implement, entirely superseding the ordinary chain harrow. Horse-power gears, the working parts of which are entirely covered in. Cambridge press-wheels, field rollers, and clod-crushers; Anglo-American horse hay rakes, and many other articles. A <sapital collection, indeed! Next, we come upon the exhibits from the factories of Messrs. Brigham and Co., Ber-wick-on-Tweed, whose particular line of manufacture,‘we understand, consists of harvesting machinery. They Show their reaping and mowing machines, viz., the “ Star Buckeye” mower, for right and left hand cut; the “ Buckeye Junior” mower, for right and left hand cut, and the “ Star Combined” reaper and mower, all of which are first-class implements, and of high finish. These machines are in great favour here and in South Australia and Tasmania, the sale being extensive. And now we come to the last of this most interesting collection of valuable and improved machinery. It consists of articles exhibited by R. S. Newell and Co., Gates-head-on-Tyne, England, who are manufacturers of the patent charcoal, iron, and Bessemer crucible, and Newell’s improved steel wire mining ropes, which are now generally used in place of hempen or other ropes by our leading mining companies, the metal cordage being found far more reliable, safe, and lasting for deep sinking, and obviating those distressing accidents which have unfortunately so often to be recorded as due to defective winding tackle. Two coils are shown as samples, which will be sure to attract the attention of those interested in mining. Ha ! now this appeals to my taste a little more than the exhibits we have just inspected in the machinery annexe. Here we have a noble collection of china, majolica, parian, and earthenware. Now here, my friends, we are in our element. We love these dainty matters. This chinaware is superb. Observe its clear, transparent white, its lightness, the chaste and tasteful character of its ornamentation. A cup of coffee, sir, though of burnt beans, would taste as of Mocha drunk from yonder cup. And see that pair of vases. Exquisite, perfect in shape, design, colour. That background of delicate light blue, and those birds m relief—hand-painted, we would bet a

poney—are a liberal education to look upon. Then, again, that pair of rases with the green body over which that garland of roses trails. Faith! we would pick one of the blossoms for any button-hole. And those plates—ah ! if we had the money, could we not purchase perfect immunity from domestic storm and tempest by their purchase and presentation to the wife of our bosom. Beautiful work, illustrated with sporting scenes that might have been painted by the elder Herring, and the borders picked off in blue and gold. To eat from such a plate would surelyjseduce a dyspeptic to exceed. Then, see those sets of breakfast and tea services. Exquisite! And yonder dessert service. We can see nectarines and peaches, walnuts and wine on our table, as we gaze on this beautiful ware. Ah, me ! the rich have the best of it, after all. The majolica ware in this exhibit is very fine. The colouring is remarkably good. There are very many pieces, both of the ornamental and useful character, from a cup and saucer to some of the handsomest statuary vases and garden seats we have ever seen of this material. Then there is a perfect collection of gasaliers and fittings, very daintily and elaborately ornamented in china. In a word, this collection appears to us to embrace every article of the industry, from a common earthen plate (bah ! we shall henceforth oat only from the best china) to the most costly and artistically-designed and executed vases and ornaments. You of the money bags, don’t pass this show by !

Here is an exhibition of a different character—practical and useful. The articles come from the hands of Messrs. Hopton and Son, of London, and consist of materials for carriage building.—Timber of many varieties bent into shape ; ashwood shafts for carriage, van, cab, and cart; rails, pillars, heads, &c., and every part required by the “ bodymaker” in the coaohbuilding trade. Beds, poles, and felloes are here shown ; and a phaeton mounted upon wheels, but represented in the condition in which it reaches the “ finisher’s” hands, so that the material of which it is built may be seen and examined. A log of English ashwood is seen hard by. We are arrived, as the French say, at the main avenue. Turning to the left, we discover a continuation of ihe British Court. Ah ! here wo have the embarrassment of riches —also as the French say. For it is impossible to escape from the many attractions —as yet, however, only partially exhibited — which here abound, without lingering long and admiringly around the wonderful show cases and exhibits in this section. Who is there, I should like to know, who has not heard the name of Minton, of Stoke-on-Trent—one of the king’s of pottery manufacture. Porcelains, majolica, art pottery, drain pipes, wonderful plates and dishes, and cups and saucers, and such matters as these—suggesting that bread and cheese and water, eaten and drunk from such vessels, were better flavoured than venison and claret served in coarser ware—are on all sides — marvels of skill, art, taste, and the patient development of an industry, the secrets of which were known to the craftsmen of Pharoah’s Egypt, were lost, and are now being recovered. Colour,' shape, incrustation, design—bah ! wo have no words to tell you how perfect these articles are. But here is another stand of equal, and in many respects, superior merit. It is devoted to exhibits from the Lambeth Pottery Factories of Messrs. Doulton and Co. Now the development and progress of art pottery, and the discovery and application of new forms and methods of manufacture in this industry, have been the business of the Doulton family for nigh upon a century. The present head of the firm has especially advanced this industry, and it needs but a superficial glance at the exhibits to prove how thoroughly successful he has been. For ourselves, we could pass a day in this section. We are sure that for full twenty minutes we gazed upon a marvellous specimen of pottery, engraved with exquisite pictures of animals and rural scenery—with a dash of graver, a spirit, a graphic completeness and fidelity to nature that stamp the artist—a woman, by the way —as an art genius. Look at the donkey graven on this bowl! Now, can you not hear him bray ? I can. And the cocks yonder crow, and the hens cackle, and that thrush warbles. Tut! Miss Barlow should be a happy woman. We would give a fortune to own her faculty. Then there are other works of remarkable excellent encrusted ware, all done by hand; pdte-sur-pdte work of exquisite design and finish; ceramic work and the like, employed in the manufacture both of useful and ornamental articles. But halt! wo could write a volume of criticism and laudation; but, alas! our space is sternly limited. W. Brownfield and Sons, Cobridge, Staffordshire, show a very beautiful collection of china, majolica, parian, and earthenware. The chinaware is of fine white colour, wonderfully light, the decorations being rich and beautiful. A pair of handsome vases is specially noticeable, showing a background of light blue, with hand painted lines in relief. Another pair of vases are of green body, with garland of roses. There are several plates showing sporting scenes, which are very artistically represented. The artist has given breakfast and tea sets, dinner and dessert sets, toiletware, and other articles are to be seen of very handsome design, and, amid the variety of bright decorative colours to be seen on every side, choice of any particular article or pattern is a difficult matter. The majolicaware shown is very fine in colouring, being perfectly modelled and well worthy the attention of visitors. It comprises various pieces both of the useful and ornamental classes ; in fact, from a cup and saucer to vases, handsome statuary, and even garden seats. There is a good collection of gasaliers, gas-fittings, elaborately ornamented in china. This case contains various articles, from an ordinary earthen plate to the most fanciful and costly ornament. And now for Clark and Co.’s exhibits. These gentlemen have their house of business at Kathbone-place, London. They are builders, contractors, and engineers, and have a large exhibit in the shape of a square building, the four sides of which show various patterns of shop fronts, and different designs for pilasters, cornices, columns, spandrels, sashes, and ornamental brass and iron work generally, of a very fine description. The whole exhibit can be closed in, when necessary, with steel revolving shutters, which are fixed in position to show the mode of working, and an improvement noticeable in these is an application by which they are rendered perfectly noiseless in action. On entering the room, or apartment, 1 samples of various kinds of shutters will be found suitable for closing shop-fronts, doorways, cupboards, hatchways of ships, and a great many other purposes. Also the new metallic Venetian blinds, which have an extremely light and elegant appearance when drawn up, occupying very little space as compared with wooden blinds. This stand contains many exhibits of special interest to architects and builders, and cannot fail to be attractive to such visitors. Next we observe the exhibits of the Coventry Elastic Weaving Company, Coventry. This exhibit consists of elastic webbing used in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and many other purposes. The workmanship shown is first class. Thomas Grant, of Maidstone, Kent, shows his new liquor, to which the registered name of “ Morelia Cherry Brandy” has been given. It is unquestionably a most delicious and wholesome liquor, and is now introduced to Australia for the first time. It consists of the essence and virtue of the Morelia cherry in a concentrated form, combined with the finest Cognac. The Morelia cherry, which, for flavour, is vastly superior to any other sort, grows almost exclusively on a narrow strip of land running through a portion of the county of Kent. We have eaten of them, and know their excellence. Now we come to the stand in which are shown the interesting exhibits of Messrs. John Harper and Co., of Willenhall. This firm’s specialties are builders’ and cabinetmakers’ ironmongery and iron castings. There is a great variety of looks in this exhibit, both iron and brass. A novelty is

seen in a “Gothic cased lock,” japanned and inlaid with pearl and gold ornamentation ; also a new centre bit doublehanded mortise lock. Then there are all kinds of brass and iron latches. Among these you may observe many new designs in square, spring, iron, closet, and pulpit latches. Again you may see door bolts of all kinds (defiant of the most accomplished graduate of Pentridge), bright, japanned, galvanised, and in brasswork. As for door knockers, there are enough here in number and variety to make a postman’s hand itch to use them, together with furniture in brass and iron, and porcelain, and wood and glass. Do you want a screw-wrench ? Take your choice from this multitude. But there, we can say no more. It were an Herculean task indeed to describe 750 different articles shown in a case standing on a space of 21 square feet.

And now we turn to another section —that in which the exhibits are shown of the handiwork turned out by Messrs. Craven, Dunnill and Co. of Shropshire. These are shown on each side of the passage leading from the British annexe to the main hall, and close to the commissioner’s offices, consisting of encaustic and other kinds of tiles for pavements, halls, bath-rooms, verandahs, and so forth. Here, too, we may see many varieties of glass, and enamelled tiles for halls, fireplaces, &c. Especially are wo interested in an allegorical subject, entitled “ Harvest,” worked in hall tiles with very remarkable skill. On the opposite side of the avenue or passage, various illustrations are to be seen, which are greatly in favour in the old country for decorative purposes. This section of the numerous exhibits under direction of Messrs. Welch and Co. is most attractive.

Harwitz and Son, of London, are manufacturers of picture-frame mouldings, and their show is really worth a visit from everybody appreciating art and art adjuncts. The stand contains a splendid collection of pictureframe mouldings, from the smallest gilt beading to massive patterns for large oil paintings. These are arranged on a tasteful stand, with cylindrical revolving show for convenience of inspection, while the larger mouldings are to be seen in drawers let into the foundation case. The designs are novel and artistic, and they, who understand that in good truth a good picture is often spoiled by an ill-chosen frame, may do well to take half an hour to inspect Messrs. Harwitz and Son’s exhibits.

Hopton and Sons, London, manufacturers of materials for carriage building, &c., show a large variety of timber bent into shapes for this particular purpose. Shafts of ashwood for phaeton, brougham, van, cab, or cart. Rails, pillars, heads, wings, panels, &c., and all the different parts required by the “body maker’’ in his department. Beds, poles, felloes, and sticks are shown, and a phaeton complete on wheels, though represented in the condition in which it reaches the “ finishers” hands, so that the material of which it is constructed may be examined. A log of English ash is lying close by to show the timber in the rough. W. Brownfield and Sons, Cobridge, Staffordshire, show a very beautiful and varied collection of china, majolica, parian and earthenware. The chinaware is of a very fine white colour, and wonderfully light, the decorations being both rich and beautiful. Amongst other goods, a pair of handsome vases is specially noticeable, showing a background of light blue with hand painted birds in relief, and a pair of vases, green body with garland of roses. There are several plates showing sporting scenes, which are very artistically represented, the borders being nicely finished off in blue and gold decorations. The artist has given much attention to detail, and has succeeded in producing a faithful representation of the various scenes. Breakfast and tea sets, dinnerware and dessert sets, toiletware and other articles, are to be seen of very handsome design, and amid the variety of bright, decorative colours to be seen on every side, choice of any particular article or pattern is a difficult matter. The majolicaware shown is very fine in colouring, being perfectly modelled, and well worthy the attention'of visitors. It comprises various pieces, both of the useful and ornamental classes ; in fact, from a cup and saucer to vases, handsome statuary, and even garden seats. There is a good collection of gasaliers, gas fittings nicely and elaborately ornamented in china, globes, &c., &c. This case contains so many and various articles, from an ordinary earthen plate to the most fanciful and costly vase or ornament that money can buy, showing really artistic paintings, that it is well worth a visit, which will well repay those having a taste for this particular art.