ART CURIO AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2680, 9 December 1909, Page 5

ART CURIO AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL UNDER-

TAKING.

THE OPENING CEREMONY

After a strenuous day’s work in preparation, the doors of the Garrison Hall were thrown open last evening on the Industrial, Art and Curio Exhibition, and the result of the opening evening’s entertainment can only oe termed as most successful in every way. There was a large crowd of people in the building prior to the official opening, looking round with .great interest on the exhibit's and curios which were there in great profusion. Shortly after 8 p.m., His Worship the Mayor, accompanied by Mr. J. \V. J. Preston, the organiser, mounted the platform. Mr. Preston, in a few words, welcomed the public to the opening of the exhibition, which was for the purpose of assisting the City Band. He referred to the hard work that had been necessary in connection with the entertainment, and having mentioned the times of opening for the remainder of the week, requested the public to accord the exhibition hearty support. The Mayor, who wore the insignia of his office, said he was sure they all heartily congratulated the hand and the promoters upon the most successful exhibition. It had been a long time since a curio exhibition had been held in Gisborne, and then it was only on a very small scale. It was estimated that there were close upon 5000 articles on exhibition, and although they had one of the largest halls in the Dominion, it was not big enough to meet the demands for space that had been made upon it. The objects of the exhibition wore most worthy. In the past the band had often given them pleasure in enlivening entertainments, etc., and it must also be remembered that the members gave tlieir services gratuitously. The instruments they wore using were worn out, and, as the function was to provide new ones and wipe out the overdraft amounting to £l6O, it was hoped to make from £SOO to £6OO. He urged - the public to solidly support the exhibition, and paid a high tribute to the work of the indefatigable organiser, Mr. Preston, who had shown the tact, ability, and energy to carry the thing- through. He wished to congratulate the Natives on their magnificent display, and formally declared the exhibition open, at the same time calling for cheers for Mr. Preston and the exhibition, which were heartily given. Cheers were then given for the Mayor. and the special exhibition orchestra under Mr. M. L.‘Foster played a few bars of the National Anthem. By this time the crowd had increased considerably, fully 1500 persons being in the hall. The general tone was one of surprise at the splendid collection of curios, and the excellence of the various exhibits, while not a few were found who openly expressed their wonder at the order that had evolved out of the chaos of the last day or two. The hall certainly presented a most striking appearance, as the throng moved slowly round in a solid phalanx, reluctantly passing from one object of interest only to be attracted in an equal manner by the next. The strain s of the orchestra were heard sweetly mingling with the murmur of the crowd, but every now and then there would be a rude interruption, as some enterprising side-show man would forget all else save his desire to attract an audience to his particular branch of the entertainment. All classes of tastes wore catered for, and the general verdict was “Well it’s fine, and miles ahead of what I expected.” Under the direction of the Mayoress (Mrs. W. D. Lysnar) a daintily decorated tea room was established at the back of the stage, and the excellence of the refreshments, combined with the heat of the evening, caused it to be very extensively patronised. A different committee of ladies will be in charge of the refreshment room each evening. Mrs. J. R. Kirk was in control last night, and was ably assisted by tbo following ladies: —Mesdames Wilkinson, Miller, Spurdle, J. 11. Mar. tin, Misses McCredie, D. Cbrisp, Agnew-Brown, E. Coleman and D. Bright. The tea was kindly supplied by Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co., Ltd., gratis.

THE EXHIBITS.

THE CURIO SECTION

To adequately describe the curio section of the exhibition would require a small book. The variety is marvellous, and nearly every country under the sun is represented, many of the curios being not alone most interesting, but extremely valuable. Quaint brass aud copper work from far-off India reposes snugly alongside Chinese gods; boomerangs, nulla-nullas, and preserved snakes from Australia, and mats, .spears, etc., from the South Sea Islands rub shoulders with Maoriland kauri gum, greenstone, and stone axes, hatchets, etc.; while there is a vast assortment of general curios of exceptional interest. The remarkably fine exhibit of Indian, Persian, and Chinese articles shown by the Misses Yates, and enumbratikl in yesterday’s issue of the “Times,” attracted a great amount of attention, and were much admired for their delicacy. The Mayor showed a number of most interesting maps, portion of a collection of 27. A historic interest attaches to them, as they were brought from Germany by an ancestor, George Lysnar, who accompanied Georgo 11. when he was called to the throne of England. The maps date back as far as 1587, and are complete with a wealth of detail seldom found in more modern maps. Adjutant Melksham and Mrs. Brennan both had nice exhibits of kauri gum, and the former also showed a good collection of Australian spears, arrows, and boomerangs. A remarkable collection of different shaped branches of trees, representing men, birds, and animals of all sorts, shown by Mr. W. E. .Gough, was verv interesting, more so m view of the fact that they have all been picked up on the river banks and benches of the district. Mrs. Weston s collection of Maori curios, including a fine model war canoe, was greatly admired, and an exhibit that aroused a considerable amount of interest was that of 40 medals, seven silver cups a cut-glass dish, and a ladies’ bracelet, all trophies won by Mr. Geo. Wildish in athletic events during 24 years. Mr J C. Field’ exhibits a fine specimen of an emu skin, and there are .also several other exhibits of skins of different animals, from this and other countries. Mr. J. W Witty’s contributions include a beautifully : carved meerschaum pipe hearing a faithful likeness to a lady' and a shell used by bis son when shipwrecked; in the “Rodondo” amended on an island. The shell was forwarded to New Zealand m the _ illfated Wairarapa, and was saved from the. wreck of that unlucky -vessel. A signboard of a storekeeping .firm, in the very early days of Poverty 'Cashmere and Paisley .shawls, 60 an\l 70 years old, along with, old ox

jewellery and clothing, are also to be seen, and there are hosts of other ’‘curios, coins, weapops, tapestries, models, etc., altogether too numerous to mention. An interesting collection of rifles was on exhibition, kindly arranged for by the Hon. Jas. Carroll. OTHER EXHIBITS. The Native exhibit was a magnificent one, and most comprehensive. It was arranged for by Mrs. Carroll Mrs. Halbert, Te Kani Pare, Te Make, Otene i Pitau, Henare Ruru, and E. D. Hooper. There was a magnificent assortment of mats, including Pake, Kokaha, iCakahu, Kiwis, and other choice varieties, while the display of kits manufactured from cabbage tree to kiwi feather was excellent. Mrs. Carroll exhibited a beautiful greenstone meremore, and with a patu pounamu, and a patu kapia. Mr. Te Kani Pere had a splendid collection of artic-les on view, many of them, apart from their intrinsic value, hearing an important historical interest. Included wore four patu pounamus, two of which belonged to the rebel chiefs Te ICooti and Parekura, and the other two to ancestors, Taupara and Ihu. Then there is a “Taiaha” named Tawehitu, 350 years old. which was used in the tribal wars, and a whalebone walking stick, excellently carved, two blocks of greenstone, sharks’ and maku sharks’ teeth, and number of greenstone tikis and pendants. Huia and amokura feathers complete a most attractive exhibition. The remainder of the Native exhibit is made up of similar articles, and there are also specimens of flax and cabbage tree fibre specially prepared. A most interesting exhibit was the work of the boys and girls attending the technical school classes.. The articles shown are samples of woodwork and dressmaking, and are taken from the work of the boys and girls of the schools of the town and surrounding country districts. The woodwork of the boys consists of chisel work, joints, and manufactured articles, and reflects great credit upon them, a s well as their teacher, Mr. Levey, who imparts both manual and theoretical instruction. Miss Higgens is in charge of the girls’ section, which includes skirts, blouses, and costumes, all excellently finished. The girls do all the work of measuring, cutting and fitting themselves, and certainly their efforts give great promise. The work is in the 4th, sth and 6th standards, in the country, and the sth and 6th standards in town. A speciality in this stall is the display of bent iron work, the work of Miss Higgens. It is extremely dainty, and the articles as well as being .pretty, are useful. Mr. A. Thomson’s display is a most artistic one. It consists of tier after tier of choice pot plants of great variety, while there is also a profusion ot cut flowers, seeds, manures, spraying apparatus, and most things suitable roi farm or garden, cultivation. The Y.M.C.A. has a special exhibit with photographs of the athletic clubs of the institution, and buildings in other places. The junior football cup is also displayed, while literature is given away by a lad dressed m the uniform of the Boy Scouts. Close to the main entrance the tire Brigade has its exhibit, including hoses, hydrants, couplings, etc., which are both for show and also use in. an emergency. . , , . , , . A splendid collection of ship models are shown in a side room, including vessels of all- descriptions. A fine replica of a Tyser liner is a particularly good specimen. FANCY ‘WORK. A large number of entries were received in the fancy work division, and some exquisite articles were to be seen. The display was undoubtedly very fine, especially in view of the fact that the ladies had so short a time in which to make preparations. A nice display was that of the Teneriffe work exhibited by Mrs. Hoff, while knitted by Mrs. Chegwidden, of Napier, an old lady of 70 years, was another item of special interest. The following is a list of the successful competitors in the different classes. Mesdames Harold Kane and M. L. Foster being the judges:— _ . Point Lace Work. —First Prizes : Mrs Langford (table- centre), Mrs. Quigley (collar and cosey), Miss Sykes (cushion). Crochet Work.—Table centre, Miss Smith 1, Mrs. J. W. J. Preston 2 and 3 • trav cloth, Mrs. Beere 1, Mrs. Payitt 2; collar, Mrs. J. W. J- Preston 1; d’oyley, Mrs. Pavitt 1, Mrs. Fraser 2, Mrs. Beere 3. . Mount Mellick Woru—First prizes: Pillow shams. Mrs. Beere; tray cloth, Miss Yon Pein; d’oyley, Mrs. P. Stewci rt Drawn Thread Work.—Pillow shams, Miss Hayes 1 j tray cloth Miss Rosie 1; nightdress tidy, Mrs. Beere 1 Miss M. Stewart 2; d’oyley, Miss M. Y right1* .

Knitting.—Wool petticoat. Miss Salmond 1. „ ~ „ T Stencil Work.—Table cover, Miss I. Watt 1, Miss Armour 1. Huckaback Work. —Cushion, Mrs. JW J. Preston 1. „ Canvas Work.—Table cover Miss lv. Rood 1 Mrs Clare 2; table centre, Miss K.' Good 1. Mrs. Lewis 2; cushion cover, Miss McLaren 1; cushion, Mrs. Cl Silk "Work. —Table cover, Mrs. Beere 1- cushion cover, Mrs. Beere 1; table centre, Miss Pickett 1; ribbon work cushion, Miss Parker 1; silk work do., Miss Parker 1. APT SECTION.

The collection of pictures both for exhibition and competition is a large ■md varied one. As many of them were not received until late, they were not hung until well on m the evening, and consequently there was not a great deal of opportunity of 3 uc |S> n S °f T. 0 merits or demerits of the different bits. Nevertheless, it could be seen that, included in the collecton, were some really fine pictures both m mb, water-colors and pastels. The judging in this section will be done to-day. A feature of the display are the old photographs of Gisborne in the early days “exhibited by Mr. W. F. Crawford. TRADE DISPLAYS. A number of firms took up space around the walls of the building, and some rather attractive, displays of varied articles of merchandise were shown. Mr. J. Jowers, of “The Swectenes, had an excellent show of those toothsome delicacies for which he lias become noted. All the sweetmeats on the stall from those of the ordinary “boiled” variety to the expensive creme fondents are manufactured by Mr. Jowers. A practical demonstration of lolly making was given bv Mr. Jowers, who promises a special display of sugar boiling at tli© matinoo tins afternoon. . ~ ... _ Mr. J. W. Whinrav has on exhibition a splendid sample of the Motu rimu, and the framed award Which it gained at the Christchurch exhibition. There is also an oil painting of the late Mr. Richard Seddon and the diploma of the Franco-British Exhibition awarded to Mr. Whim-ay, A carved oaken seat completes the exhibit. Mr. E. W. Burton, ironmonger, has a most tastefully arranged, display of ironmongery goods, including articles in silver, electro-plate, copper, aluminium, brass, and tin. They aro ar-

ranged in a raised stand, surmounted by an ice chest. . J ' . The display of Messrs Sargood, Son r and Ewen consists of the well-known “Tann” safes and a quantity of patent, roofing materials. The “Poverty Bay Herald’’ Co.had an interesting and comprehensive display, including printing in all its phases, and bookbinding. A small printing machine is set up in the stall, which is under the control of Mr. Paul Sckwabe. Mr. John Townley has a simple, though effective exhibit, in a diningroom suite in leather and two beautiful sideboards made of Poverty Bay rimu, splendidly finished. The quality of the work for which Mr. Townley’s firm is renowned is in evidence in the exhibit. The next stall is that of the Gas Co., which has a brilliant display. The stand is lit up by a number of 4-bumer Graetzin lights, and there aye numerous handsome brackets and -fittings shown, as well as a .variety of stoves, grillers, and heaters. A demonstration of gas ironing is also given. At the top of the hall stand two shop cases, one containing some excellent samples of ladies’ fancy work, exhibted by Messrs Wm. Pettio and Co., and the other filled with an assortment of Mr. H. Adair’s “Phitcesi” footwear. Messrs Grundy and Shennan show a quantity of bedroom furniture; the old type modernised. The design is plain, but striking, is stained a dark green, and was made specially for exhibition purposes. Mr. J. B. Ley cion’s exhibit is a latest model of the new Bradley, a splendid specimen of the coachbuilder’s art. There are also a number of articles in the rough, wheels, spokes, etc., a number of accessories, and the exhibition medals gained by Mr. Leydon are also to bo seen. An enticing looking display is that of Mr. D. J. Barry’s Gisborne Brewery. ' Surmounted by the famous “Gold Top” ale in bottles, the stand is crowded out with a large assortment of delightful summer beverages to suit all shades of “The Novelty Stall” is the title of Messrs Miller and Craig’s stand, and it is indeed worthy of the name. It is lit up by a number of the single burner Graetzin lamps, and other specialities include Kalamazoo card ledgers, Blondin lamp, S.Y.P. teapot, Safety' razors, fountain pens, “Fortafix” patent cement, and a host of others. Messrs E. Chrisp and Son’s exhibit consists of musical instruments and Singer sewing machines. Handsome engravings of the great masters adorn the walls, and a copy of the King’s telegram to the late Mr. and Mrs. John Brinsmead, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of their marriage is also shown. . . Messrs A. Parnell and Sons’ display is a somewhat original one. It comprises cutlery, safes, and other articles of that trade, but the principal feature is a washing machine driven by water power specially laid on for the purpose. Messrs F. S. Malcolm and Co. have a fine show, including articles of furniture, crockery, bicycles, glassware, fenders, rattan ware,, screens, wire mattresses, mats. etc. The exhibit is a large one, and is displayed in a most artistic manner. An attractive portion of the hall i 3 that containing the electrical display, in conjunction with a number of mechanical toys shown by Mr. T. Adams. The show is a good one, and comprises many most ingenious contrivances. MUSICAL. COMPETITIONS. As the hour for starting the musical competitions drew near a large number of the people gathered round the stage, , and great interest was manifested in the proceedings. The first competition was the piano solo for seniors, “Songs Without Words 5 ' (Mendelssohn). The following were the competitors: Mrs. E. Knight. Misses E. Fry, J. Habgood, H. Howarth. M. Lawless, V. McDonald, M. Walsh. One or two of the performers appeared to be slightly nervous, but the efforts were, on the whole, creditable, good executive ability being shown, in some cases. The result of the competition will be announced to-night. The judges, Mesdames Graham and Taplay, and Mr. Ernest Chrisp, were screened off out of sight of the performers in the body of the hall, in. front of the platform. The second competition was that for the mixed quartettes (unaccompanied), the piece selected being Sullivan s charming lullaby “O, hushTthee. mv baby.” There were three entries, as follows: Mesdames Taplay and Akroyd, Messrs Grimsliaw and Manning: Mrs. Allen, Miss Saunders Messrs Brownlee and Heatkcote; Miss N. Hooper, Mrs Skierlaw, Messrs Morgan and Hamlin. In this competition the result will also be announced this evening. The judges were Messrs A. T. Hookey, L. T. Brown, and J. C. E. Kissling. THE SIDE-SHOWS.-- - The side-shows added in no small measure to the interest of the entertainment, and they were largely patronised by both young and old-. . They included shooting the chute,rPuncn and Judy, comic art gallery. Coney Island, aerial flight, riding the goat, ana for-tune-telling, and appear to he a likely, source of revenue. TO-DAY’S ENTERTAINMENTS. The exhibition will be open again today. There will be a special matinee at 2 p.m., and during the afternoon, amongst the other entertainments,_ will be the junior piano solo competition, at 3.30 p.m., and for which 12 entries have been received. The exhibition will be again open in the evening at i p m The musical competitions for the evening are the brass instrument solo and tlie male' quartet. Large entries have been received, and the interest in the competitions promises to be well maintained. Taken all round, the exhibition is art eminently successful one, and it is confidently anticipated that it will receive that measure of public support which is warranted by the excellence of the entertainment.