ARTS AND CRAFTS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20914, 20 September 1939, Page 3

ARTS AND CRAFTS

WOMEN’S DIVISION EXHIBITION MANY INTERESTNG ARTICLES A large portion of the women’s section at the Centennial Exhibition has been reserved for handwork, and considerable interest has been aroused among experts at arts and crafts all over New Zealand. Women’s organisations and clubs have sponsored showings of work, and many fine specimens of needlework, both heirlooms and contemporary work, have been brought to the notice of the selection committee. The combined Provincials of the W.D.F.U. held an exhibition of handcrafts and articles of historical interest at the Y.M.G.A. yesterday, when there was a very fine presentation put before the selection committee. Tastefully arranged .were samples of eyery kind of embroidery and handcraft testifying to the industry and cleverness of the pioneer women, which is emulated by our countrywomen of today. Many Priceless Examples Hung about the walls were priceless examples, many over 100 years old, of Scotch paisley shawls, lovely woollen rugs, door hangings and gloves made from home spun and dyed wool, a sampler carefully executed by patient fingers in 1800, and a clever example of dyed and woven flax. Of particular sentimental interest was the pearl grey alpacca wedding gown and the exquisite christening robe, both made by pioneer women, who have passed on many years ago. The embroidery, handmade lace and tatting on display were exceptionally fine and a knitted cotton quilt over seventy years old was much admired. Other* notable exhibits were a handsome chased silver beer mug, elegant brass candlesticks, many pieces of china 100 to 150 years old, little Scotch clogs brought to New Zealand many years ago on the feet of one of our pioneer women, and various old-fashioned household Implements, The Modern Exhibits Among the modern exhibits were colourful plaques of French and New Zealand native flowers, mirrors encircled by delicate barbola and pewter work, lovely velvet and fe4t flowers, and an extremely attractive felt rug illustrating Hie use which can be made of old felt hats. There were many more articles, too many to enumerate, but valuable in sentiment to their owners, who are to be congratulated on their spirit of generosity in offering to lend their treasures for exhibition at the Centennial exhibition, to keep fresh in the minds of all Ne\V Zealanders the courage and fortitude of their ancestors and the effort that members of the W.D.F.U, are making to be their worthy successors.