ART CURIO AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2679, 8 December 1909, Page 4

ART CURIO AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

OPENING TO-NIGHT. The and Curio Exffibition which is exciting a great amountif interest in both> tewn and cow, & Mavor at 8 pm. The exhibition will be continued each evening of the tveek, and there will be matinees to-morrow and "Saturday afternoon, commencing very willing hand of helpers were hard at work la>t night and early tins morning getting tilings m order, and when * seven o'clock rolls round this evening it is expected that e\ cry thing will he in readiness for the opening of what promises to be a most interesting and instructive exhibition. Those who are- sending in fancy work for exhibition are requested to do &o before noon to-day in order that they may bo placed in position in good time. While the trade displays, exhibits, pictures, and competitions all give promise of being exceptionally interesting, the show of curios are expected to be almost unique. A great number of most valuable articles have been received, and some of them are extremely rare. Through' the instrumentality of Mr. John Townley, the Misses Yates have sent their magnificent collection or choice curios from India, Africa, and China. The collection includes a gilt image of Buddha, elephant’s teeth carved sandalwood, and ebony boxes (plain and inlaid with ivory), tiger’s skull and claws, old Burmese book, carved ivory chessmen, Indian brass and copper ware, and eating and drinking utensils, carved sandalwood comb, Young Indian bull’s bead necklace, and a most magnificent casket of silver filagree work. Mrs. J. W. V\ est has also sent a most interesting and valuable collection of articles, old lace, coins, jewellery, ranging from 60 to 80 years old, and a pair of tortoise-shell spectacles 70 years old. Mr. Townley has also secured from Mr. Geo. Stevenson a photograph -from a portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn, the original of which was sold for £2OOO, and from Mr. John Ferguson, of Patutahi, an enlarged photograph of the Poverty Bay martyrs and a carved pipe. A pathetic interest attaches to the latter, which is a splendid imitation of native carving by the late Mr. Finlay Ferguson.

A great many other curios cf merit have been received at the hall, and all will be displayed to great advantage. It is anticipated that a record attendance will reward the promoters for their enterprising efforts on behalf of a deserving body.