THE NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2740, 4 February 1890, Page 2

THE NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

(YrON OUR OWN SI'KCIAL COIIHESI'ONDKST.] Continuing our perigrinations through the Auckland Court we notice some pretty kauri gum ornaments, exhibited by K. H. Spencer, a number of brooches, with leaves, etc., enclosed in the gum, somewhat after the style of a fly in amber. Little images of Maori chiefs and woman, skillfully carved, also claim attention, as well as a lirge collection of greenstone and quartz ornaments, finely polished.

The adjoining bay is entirely taken up with an exhibit of biscuits, and brick and tile work, sent by Messrs J. Bycroft and Co. The combination is rather a queer one, but there can be no doubt about the effectiveness of the arrangement. The bricks are made into a large arch, and the different colours have Riven soma little scope for decorative effect. On either sidti aro arranged large hall fi-.iwer vases — some with figures in relief. Two of these vases, and another one inside tli3 bay, are particularly handsome. Entering through tho brick arch we find a splendid exhibit of biscuits, arranged in semi-circular form, also from tho firm of Messrs Bycroft & Co. There are biscuits of all kinds, from the plain water biscuit to the expensive ratafia, and such names as " Radient (iced)," " Raspberry, , ' "Ginger," etc., etc., are met with in the list. Altogether the exhibit is a most iuteiosting one.

The next bay is occupied by the Auckland Furniture Company. It is tastefully draped at the entrance with curtains, nnd both walls and floors are carpeted. The furniture, made from New Zealand woods, is particularly fine, especially a bed-room suite, which includes a magnificent wardrobe made of light coloured wood and bevelled glass. This " exhibit" also contains a number of attractive cane chairs, and an ornamental easel, also made of cane or willow.

Leaving the furniture, we at once find ourselves in front of tea exhibit of Messrs L. D. Nathan & Co., in a corner of the Exhibition that i.s very popular with ladies, because of the afternoon tea that is dispensed there. The different teas are well arranged on either side, and in the centre of the bay, along with some very pretty china, while inside a snug little tea-tasting room, prettily decorated, has been partitioned off. In here of an aftornoon you will always find a bovy of ladies. Sometimes a stray gentleman meanders in, becomes rather embara.ssed, and flies for dear life, unless he happens to have the moral support of some lady friend, in this case itis all right, and hois permitted to solace himself with the cup that cheers but nut inebriates,"' flavoured with "real cream," and all free, gratis, and for nothing. The cream is certainly an attraction, and in this respect the people who run the Ceylon Kiosk, and charge 3d a cup for their beverage, might well take a lesson from the Auckland exhibitor.

Next to Messrs Nathan's exhibit is the Hawkes , Bay Court, and into this, one of tho Auckland exhibitors has had to go for want of room in the Auckland Court. I refer to the firm of S. Danneford and Co., who have a large collection of jewellery and ornaments of kauri gum, greenstone, quartz, opal, Maori and South Sea curios. Quite a feature of their show is the collection of opals which they are exhibiting. They are, I understand the only firm in New Zealand that goes in for opal cutting on an extensive scale. The opals are from Queensland, and range in price up to £10 and £15. Some of the long stones are beautiful specimen?, and flash all kinds of •olours, while a number of stones backed by the matrix also look very fine, one in particular having quite a fiery flash. Some of the stones have been made into pins and brooches, and one particularly clear specimen is tastefully set in a riug. The opals aro certainly an interesting feature of the collection, and have bseu greatly admired. Quartz and greenstone pendants, some of them iii mosaic, and a great variety of kauri g'.tm ornaments, and other nicnacks go to make up aVipital collection of " native " jewellery. The only other Auckland exhibitor en this side U J. H. Dalton, who exhibits tailor mado garments, and a combination coat and vest which hus been patented. The former are good, the lattev is fearfully and wonderfully made, As it is patented there must be .something in it, but tho wonder is that anyono could be prevailed upon to wear it.