AN INTERESTING STUDY

Southland Times, Issue 18822, 15 May 1920, Page 6

AN INTERESTING STUDY

MILITARY AND MASONIC EMBLEMS. MADE IN PALMERSTON NORTH, Amongst the many interesting features to which Palmerston North can claim credit is the possession of the only establishment in the Dominion, that of Messrs Percy Robert & Co., for the manufacture of Masonic clothing, military and naval badges, embroidery, and like delicate materials. Although it is not an industry capable of extensive development in a couutry the size of New Zealand, it has yet considerable colonial importance in the matter of serving Masonic and other lodges With the necessary regalia, emblems, aprons, etc., as well as providing ecclesiastical and military people with the significant embroidery and badges which distinguish them. Mr Percy Robert, who practically introduced this line of art into New Zealand, therefore merits commendation, and deserves special consideration from the Government and the country in the way of remitting tariff restrictions. Under present conditions the Government imports military badges and regalia free of duty, and places a 25 per cent, duty on the raw material used in the production of these articles. Surely such an anomalous position only requires bringing under the notice of the authorities to bo abolished. Such industries as lids are worthy of every assistance, as there can be no doubt that the finer and rarer industries should be encouraged. in connection with the establishment of this industry in the Dominion, it hi. interesting to recount something of the history of the Robert, family in giving a description of some of the artistic work turned out by his firm. The art. of embroidering and regalia manufacture has been in the family for over two centuries, the son taking up the work from the father, and so continuing from generation to generation. Judging by the irreproachable reputation built up by some of the great English manufacturers in various lines in the same way, it would seem that there is hereditary instinct and deftness better than till the mechanical contrivances. An ancestor of Mr Robert left France and took up his resilience in England at the time of the persecution of the Hugeuots. He there established the first mantuactory in tiie Old Country of such materials as are now being made up in Palmerston North, merely carrying on an art taught him by his father in the land he had just. left. Continuously from its inception the descendants have maintained the business, even for several generations occupying tire same house in London. When Mr C. Robert, father of the present, representative of the family, assumed control he quickly demonstrated that the perfection of the art had lost nothing in his hands. At the London Exhibition of ISGu ho obtained eight firstclass prize medals, and made the communion cloth useil at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, as well as the emblems for Sir John Lawrence, Vice-regal Governor of India, and tho.-a for the Emperor of Russia on the occasion of his visit to Buckingham Palace as the guest of Her Majesty Qt cen Victoria. Eventually Mr Robert came to New Zealand, and although ho had originally ini untied to devote himself to agricultural pursuits, the traditions of generations proved too strong for him', and in ISB2 ho established himself in his old business at Palmerston North. Upon his death the concern was carried on by Mr P. Robert, who has worthily followed in his fathei’s footsteps, and has made a reputation which extends not only to all parts of New Zealand, but also to Australia, and so successful has he been by the most cartful attention to the artistic side of his work that lie has already obtained seven first-class medals in the Dominion for his work. His establishment in Main street, Palmerston North, Is highly attractive to lovers of delicate and rare workmanship. Every branch of the work is done by hand, even to the gold medallion in a Masonic apron and the military badge. The raw bullion for this is imported from France, and after being threaded in an extremely fins needle, is worked up into a medallion with infinite pain? and care. Other classes of work are stretched on frames, and after being designed by Mr Robert, who forms- the base, eo to Kpeak, are undertaken by the stuff of girls. There is no mechanical appliance which could possibly be invented for this work, and hence such manufacture will always remain more or less an art. Most people have at one time or another seen the Royal emblems with medallions attached, but probably have never given a thought to the question of its manufacture. As it leaves Mr Robert’s hands it is a charming picture with its burnished gold and rich blue am! white. The amount of work put into this is enormous. In connection with the visit of the Prince the embroidering of the whole of the table and bed linen used by His Royal Highness was placed in the hands of Mr Robert, and so pleased was the Prince with the work that on his visit, to Palmerston North he requested that Mr Robert and his assistants who were responsible for the work should be presented to him so that ha might personally thank them. In addition the firm has turned out the well-known three ostrich feathers, with the motto from the Prince’s crest in gold and silver embroidery in bas-relief, for his travelling rugs, and have now in hand two sets of the Royal arms to embroider to be attached to Now Zealand-made rugs for presentation to the King and Queen, The lion and unicorn rampant are in gold and white silk, while the Royal garter and standard are embroidered in their respective colours. England, Ireland. Scotland, and Wales being represented by the rose, thistle and shamrock, while the Royal Standard bears the lion rampant, the harp, and the three lions couchunt. Above this is the Royal Grown in real gold, surmounted by the British lion. The whole stands on a blue silken ribbon on which is embroidered in gold the motto, “Dieu c-t, Mon Droit.” The whole crest stands- out in bas-relief, giving a very fine effect. Mr Rob'-rt. gel ■ a wide-reaching support. Bv his enterprise in establishing: so rare an industry he ‘-sves tuc trouble of sending Home for such artwles, and hi= reputation is such that he receive. l - inquiries from as far away as Melbourne and Sydney for embroidering work.— (Advt. I