The first New Zealand exhibition and Dunedin in 1865

Eccles, Alfred, Crown Print, Dunedin, N.Z., 1925

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Title: The first New Zealand exhibition and Dunedin in 1865

Author: Eccles, Alfred

Published: Crown Print, Dunedin, N.Z., 1925

The First New Zealand Exhibition and Dunedin in 1865.

BY ALFRED ECCLES.

Reprin ted by permission “ Otago Witness November 17th ,

Foreword.

I HAVE been asked by the Author to write a brief “ Foreword ” to his admirable sketch of our First Exhibition, held in the year 1865; and, as 1 knew each of the Commissioners by sight and by name, the opportunity affords me much pleasure.

The early settlers in the Province of Otago were remarkable in many ways, but in none more than in their vision and outlook on the future of our Colony. One has only to look round at our Schools and Churches, the University, and other Institutions, to realise that great men brought them into being at a time of small population, when vision and unbounded faith in the future were the absolute essentials.

Foremost among these men was Dr. Alfred Eccles, the father of the writer of this pamphlet. He was a strong, viriJe gentleman, whose rapid movement on foot or horse-back proclaimed his forceful character. To him was principally due the initiation and the successful carrying through till the closing date of the First Exhibition in this Dominion: and now. after 6V years, his son •serves the citizens of to-day by gathering together in concise form, before it is too late, the story surrounding our first mile-post and all its relevant history.

The Second Otago Exhibition is still within the memory of many Dunedlnites, and the Third is now a source of education, pleasure, and delight to all who visit if. The records show that the attendance on the opening day of the 1865 Exhibition was 200, and the total for the period of four months for which it remained open was 31,250. The attendance on the opening day of our present Exhibition was 45,786 —a comparison that may be taken as a certain indication of much progress.

I feel sure that Mr, Eccles’self-imposed task has been one of unbounded pleasure to him, and that it will receive generous recognition at the hands of the public of Otago.

E. R. SMITH

Dunedin,

27th November, 1925.

A Slight Tribute to the Memory of the Promoters and Commissioners of the First New Zealand Exhibition, and to all those who, by their Contributions to Science or by their Displays of the Industrial Art of the Colony, assisted in those By-gone Days to further the interests of the Land of their Adoption.

The First New Zealand Exhibition.

It says much for the initiative of our pioneers that within twenty-five years of the proclamation of British Sovereignty over these islands, and less than seventeen after the foundation of the Otago Settlement. they should have been so far commercially advanced as to be in a position ti» conceive and successfully carry through a project for an exhibition planned on international lines. Viewed in the light of these days of gigantic enterprises, this first undertaking on the somewhat lengthy roll of New Zealand-held Exhibitions may at first sight appear comparatively trivial, and its details not worthy of resurrection from the obscurity of the forgotten past. Reflection, however, will bring with it a realisation of the many difficulties which beset the promoters, and with that realisation will be born a feeling of respect for those who directed the progress of the venture, and for the result of their wellconsummated effort. The problem of finance, lack of suitable accommodation in which to conduct an exhibition, the uncertainty and delays of postal and sailing ship communication, the troubled state of the North Island due to the campaigns against the Maoris, these and many other perplexities presented themselves. To record that the difficulties were surmounted, and that the Exhibition project was brought, not only to maturity, but to complete success, is but to pay a well-earned tribute to our forbears of the 'sixties.

The scheme of the New Zealand Exhibition of 1865 originated in the minds of a few members of the Anglican Church in I >unedin, who, satisfied with the measure of interest evinced in a small industrial display, which they had got together with the view of augmenting the St. Paul’s Church Building Fund, foresaw the value to the Colony of holding an industrial exhibition of comprehensive dimensions. In the course of a letter addressed to the Governor, Sir George Grey, they maintained that, “Such an Exhibition, by exemplifying the great national wealth,

and the adaptability of the soil and climate of New Zealand for almost every sp >cies of production, would increase the confidence of the inhabitants in their resources. While stimulating old industries amongst them, it would give rise to new ones, and would promote emulation amongst the various Provinces, and would draw the inhabitants of the Colony generally into closer union. It was hoped that the Maoris would be strongly interested in it, both as exhibitors and visitors. From it, objects would be obtained worthy of being sent to a permanent museum in London, which would supply there the best proof that New Zealand affords abundant opportunity for the safe and remunerative investment of capital, labor, and scientific skill.” It is of interest to record the names of the promoters: His Honor Mr Justice Richmond, and Messrs St. John Branigan, R. S. Cantrell. Henry Clapcott. Alfred Eccles, P.R.C.S., R. B. Martin, William Mason, M.H.R., F. J. Moss. M.P.C., James Rattray, and Julius Vogel, M.H.R., M.P.C. Commencing in January, 1863, a series of public meetings was held, at which the idea of holding an Exhibition met with popular approval. A committee, consisting of the promoters, with, in addition, Mr J. J. Ham and Dr James Hector, M.D., was appointed to conduct all necessary business until such time as the General Government should issue a Commission for that purpose. A guarantee list was circulated, and liberally signed. The Provincial Government of Otago agreed to erect a public building suited to house the Exhibition, and voted a grant of £4OOO towards the expenses of the venture, the General Government agreeing to furnish a like amount. The Commission issued by the General Government arrived on the 19th of September, 1863, and on that date the committee, which had done much valuable preliminary work, handed over its responsibilities to the newly-appointed Commissioners. For the reason that it contains

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THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

the names of so many men prominent in New Zealand history, and that it has not apparently previously appeared in print, the full list of the Executive of the Exhibition will be given at the conclusion of this sketch. Consideration of space precludes any attempt to follow the Commissioners in their work of organisation. It is sufficient to say that they left no stone unturned in their efforts to secure as representative a display as they could procure of the products and industries, not only of New Zealand and the Australian Colonies, but also of Great Britain, the Continent of Europe, India, and elsewhere. The Exhibition building, the cornerstone of which had been laid with suitable ceremony on the 17th of February, was handed over by Messrs Cornwell and Horsman, the contractors, on the 11th of November, 1864. This building, which still stands in Great King street, and serves as the central administrative block of the Dunedin Public Hospital, was designed by Messrs Mason and Clayton, and was erected at a cost to the Otago Provincial Government of approximately £lB,OOO. The balconies which adorned the main towers of the building have long since disappeared, as, also, has the original clock, which, however, still does duty in the Stock Exchange building in Princes street. During the currency of the Exhibition, large annexes stood at the rear of the main building, and in these were housed the Fine Arts galleries, the refreshment department, the machinery exhibits, and various offices. Following on the cessation of hostilities against the rebellious Maoris in Taranaki in 1861, a detachment of the 70th Regiment came south to be stationed in Dunedin. They were quartered in barracks erected on the Town Belt, on a site immediately behind where is now located the residence of the Rector of the Boys’ High School. Here they remained throughout the following year. Native troubles having again broken out, they were ordered north, and left Dunedin on the Bth of June, 1863. It was in these barracks vacated by the detachment that exhibits were, on arrival, unpacked and arranged prior to their removal to the positions assigned to them in the Exhibition Buildings. The Exhibition was opened on the 12th of January, 1865. To quote the Otago Daily Times of the succeeding day:—

Harris, Eaq.; there was no public demonstration in the shape of a procession; the attendance was considerably less than probably would have been had the Governor oi the Colony, attended by the naval and military commandants, been present in the Building—and so lent something of official pomp to the proceedings, but, despite the absence of all pageant, and the sense of disappointment at the seeming breach of a long-standing pi 'raise on the part of the representative of Her Majesty in the Colony, the merits if the confessedly very incomplete Exhibition produced a general and aec*. feeling of gratification. On all hands were to bo heaii expressions of pleasure and surprise, declarations that the display v as much better than could have been anticipated, and congratulations that so much should have been accomplished by a first effort in so young a Colony,

There can be no doubt that Sir George Grey’s absence, not only from the opening ceremony, but indeed from Dunedin throughout the entire period of the Exhibition, caused no little dissatisfaction, not to say resentment, in Otago. His excuse, and it must be admitted that it was a valid one, was that during the unsettled state of affairs in the north, his post as Governor and Commander-in-Chief was there. For the incompleteness of the Exhibition to which the above quotation makes reference, the Commissioners were in no way blameworthy. It was due to the fact that the Ramsay, which was bringing out the British exhibits, was delayed by various causes, and made an extremely slow passage out to New Zealand. As was to be expected in an Exhibition the location of which was Dunedin, exhibits from the Province of Otago were more numerous than those received from other parts. In saying that it is not inferred that the local committees formed to further the interests of the Exhibition throughout the Colony had lacked energy in the carrying out of their labours, for from several of the Provinces, each of which was in some degree represented at the Exhibition, large and interesting collections came to hand. Rather was it a reflection of the unsettled state of the northern Provinces due to the war within their borders. Attractive displays were forwarded by the Australian Colonies, that from Tasmania being, perhaps. the best. A Canadian exhibit was furnished by the Quebec Board of Trade, whilst entries from France, Belgium. Holland. Germany, and Austria appeared in the catalogue. Great Britain’s display, with which was incorporated a large and well-arranged Indian exhibit, came next to that of Otago as regards extent. This was in great measure due to the enthusiastic manner in which the Agent of the New Zealand Government in London, Mr

The first New Zealand Exhibition was sncicdsfully opened veeterday. His Excellency the Governor faded to arrive to perform the ceremony as the representative of Her Majesty, and the duty was delegated to the Superintendent of the Province, John Hyde

The Main Building' of the First New Zealand Exhibition. Now forms the Central Block of the Dunedin Hospital.

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THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

fields, ingenious models of claims, mining plant, and other objects of interest were also to be viewed, whilst with respect to minerals generally the natural resources of the Colony were amply illustrated in the collections shown. The geology and natural history of the Province of Otago were admirably illustrated in the museum collections displayed by the Provincial Geologist, Dr James Hector, M.D.. Indeed, so extensive and interesting were the contributions made to the Exhibition by this gentleman, whose name must ever be emblazoned high on the roll of the distinguished scientists of this Dominion that the writer of this sketch may be pardoned for referring his readers to the details of the collections to be found in “The Jurors' Reports and Awards” issued by the Commissioners. Second only in importance to Dr Hector’s collections were those exhibited by the Canterbury Provincial Geologist, Dr Julius von Haast, Ph.D., portraying the physical characters of the neighbouring Province; whilst the well-arranged collection of specimens of the geology of Northern Europe forwarded by Dr Lauder Lindsay. M.D., of Perth, Scotland, and presented by him to the Otago Museum, was also of a high order. One of the attractions of the Exhibition was to be found in the collections of New Zealand and other Colonial Woods on view. These were considerably enhanced in interest by reason of the experiments conducted upon them by the Otago Provincial Marine Engineer. Mr J. M. Balfour, C.E., the comparative strengths of the timber? and their suitability for sundry uses being, as a result, exhaustively reported on. The New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax), to convert the fibre of which into an article irrofitable for export was as yet an unsolved problem, was shown treated by various processes, both native and European. Fibre prepared for weaving, for rope-making, for upholstering work, and for the purpose of paper production was exhibited, as also were manufactured articles—-such as mats, clotheslines, twine, and thread. Wool, the importance of which in its relation to the commercial prosperity of this country can scarcely be exaggerated, was well represented, samples both on the card and in the fleece being exhibited by many of the leading sheep-breeders and importers throughout the Colony. The notes which accompanied the wool exhibits, forwarded by Mr Alfred Ludlam, of Hutt Valley, Wellington, imparting exact information as to the effect of cross-breeding in sheep in New Zealand, added largely to their educational value, and were made the subject of highly complimentary comment.

John Morrison, who had been appointed also General Agent of the Exhibition for Europe, had carried out his duties. In considering the value of the Exhibition, one point needs to be stressed. It is that this was the first occasion in the history of the Southern Colonies that an attempt had been made to organise an Exhibition open to all nations and competitors. That results fell short of the ideal is not to be denied, yet it must be admitted that, in blazing a trail for others to follow, the Commissioners performed a meritorious service. Although, for convenience in judging, articles on exhibition were grouped into some thirty-eight classes, they were, with a few* exceptions, arranged along the sides and in the gallery of the main building, according to the localities from which they w r ere received. Wools, and also cereals, were displayed separately, irrespective of the source of their derivation, whilst a museum was set apart for those objects which best lent themselves to that form of inspection. Railway plant, coals, iron fencing materials, and exhibits of a like nature w r ere placed on view in a yard adjoining the machinery annexe, the central floor space of the main building being reserved for concert accommodation and one or two exhibits of outstanding interest. Space will not permit the mention of more than a few of the exhibits of special significance. In a country in which gold discoveries had given so enormous an impulse to colonisation as they had in New Zealand, it is not surprising that the leading feature to catch the eye on entering the Exhibition should have been an exhibit illustrative of the precious metal. Twenty-one feet in height, three feet nine inches square at the base, and containing a bulk of one hundred and three cubic feet, stood a gilded obelisk representing the 1.749.511 ounces of gold, valued at £(5.771,818, which had been exported from the Colony up to the 31st of December, 1804. Of the total. Auckland had contributed 9,524. Nelson 78,428, Marlborough 24.088. and Canterbury 23 ounces, whilst the remaining 1,637,448 ounces had been won in the Province of Otago. In cases adjacent to the obelisk, the three banks doing business in Dunedin, the Union Bank of Australia, the Bank of New South Wales, and the Bank of New Zealand, displayed valuable collections of gold from not only most of the Otago diggings, but also Marlborough. Nelson, and the West Coast of Canterbury. Exhibits in connection with gold were not, however, confined to displays of the metal itself. Maps and plans of the gold-

THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

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Outside of the ordinary run of manufactures, in others of the classes into which the Exhibition was divided, a list of which will bo found at the close of this notice, exhibits, to which brief reference must be accorded, were to be seen. The Dioptric Lighting Apparatus, designed for use in the lighthouse then being erected by the Otago Provincial Government at Cape Saunders, was a prominent feature on the ground-floor of the main building. Its elaborate and beautifully constructed mechanism made it an object of much interest, and occasioned a deal of complimentary comment both for its designer, Mr Thomas Stevenson, C.E., of Edinburgh, and its makers, Messrs Chance and Co., glass manufacturers, of Birmingham. In the same class, that of Philosophical Instruments, Mr Arthur Beverley, a resident of Dunedin, wellknown for his great mathematical knowledge, exhibited two specimens of a i’l- rometer of his own conception, the simplicity and excellence of which won the admiration of the jurors. It was on account of this instrument that Mr Beverley was awarded the M’Dougal Brisbane prize in 1805 for the best invention of the year. Mr Beverley was also an exhibitor with equal success in the class for Ilorological Instruments, his exhibit being a highly ingenious selfwinding atmospheric clock. An interesting exhibit in the section devoted to Civil Engineering was that illustrating the work in progress on the Lyttelton-Christchurch railway. Specimens of the permanent way as laid down between the Christchurch and Ferrymead stations, which portion of the line was opened for traffic on the Ist of December. 1803. were shown by the contractors, Messrs George Holmes and Co., of Melbourne, while Mr Edward Dobson. C.E.. who had resigned his position as Engineer to the Provincial Government of Canterbury in order to give his undivided attention to the Lyttelton tunnel works, exhibited a series of plans and drawings which demonstrated the whole of the features of the railway, and the progress made in the construction of the tunnel. In association with Mr Dobson. Dr von Tlaast contributed a unique and highly instructive sectional drawing of the tunnel, which showed the geological formation of the Port Hills. This was said to be the first instance in the world in which a geologist had been enabled to show a complete section of what was believed to have been the lip of a crater. Excellent models of some of the bridges constructed in various parts of the Colony were also to be seen, those

Tasmania and Now South Wales furnished entries in this class, one of the exhibits from the first-mentioned Colony being awarded an Honorary Certificate. Competition from the Australian Colonies was also in evidence in the classes created for Agricultural Produce, and while, as regards the oats exhibited, those grown in ()tago secured the verdict of the jurors, South Australia scored with the best quality wheat exhibited, and a sample of Tasmanian barley was judged but slightly inferior to the best which came from Nelson Province. From such a profusion of manufactured articles as were placed on view, it would be difficult, and perhaps unnecessary, to attempt to make a selection for special mention here. It will suffice to say that in both these and the machinery necessary for their production. exhibitors in Great Britain w*ere well to the fore, and that many of their products were of a nature which rendered them particularly appropriate to colonial needs. In stressing the importance of British representation in the classes devoted to manufactures, the writer does not intend to convey the impression that The exhibits of like nature emanating from New Zealand and other sources failed to attain to a high degree of merit. Many of These were of a pronounced standard of excellence, and bore testimony to the faithfulness of workmanship employed in their making. Nor does he wish to infer that the Exhibition, which was promoted primarily to manifest the resourcefulness of the settlers in New Zealand, failed in that object. To show that the aim of the promoters was in this respect achieved, an extract from the report presented to the Superintendent of the Province by the Commissioners on the occasion of the closing ceremony may conveniently be quoted :

They (the Commissioners) arc gratified to be able to state from approximate data hereto appended, that of 1598 exhibits, exelusive of tin- Indian Collection, 1214 have been contributed by New Zealand, and 202 by the neighboring Australian Colonies, and among the Colonial exhibits there are hardly 100 which have not been manufactured or produced in the Colonies. This feature gives a prominent character to the Exhibition as an exposition of colonial resources, and has quite refuted the prognostications of many who feared that the efforts of the promoters to display these resources would result only in the production of a show bazaar of imported goods. At the came time the Commissioners are far from underrating the great interest of those exhibitors in the Home Country, who responded to the invitation to become exhibitors of articles suitable for introduction into the Colony, and who have sent some of the most attractive objects that meet the eye of the visitor.

THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION,

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illustrating the design of the Nelson Provincial Engineer, Mr John Blackett, C.E., and those exhibited by the Chief Railway Engineer of Otago. Mr Thomas Paterson, C.E., being considered especially commendable. The collections of Drr- TTcctor, von Haast, and Lauder Lindsay have already been briefly noticed. There were, however, in addition to these, quite a number of instructive exhibits in the section of the Exhibition set aside for Natural History and Physical Science. Amongst others, geological colic tion.; representing research in the Province of Wellington and in the Antarctic by the Erebus and Terror Expedition, were exhibited by the Rev. Richard Taylor. Wellington, and Messrs J. Coutts Crawford, Wellington, and William Colenso, Hawke’s Bay. Mr Walter Buller. Canterbury. contributed two cases of beautifully mounted and preserved specimens of the Birds of New Zealand: Mr George Fyffe. Wellington, a nearly perfect specimen of the Moa’s egg: and several exhibitors collections of the hones of that giant of former days. His Excellency Sir George Grey was an exhibitor of the Ferns and Mosses of the Colony ; the latter, which were collected and classified by Dr J. Knight, of Auckland, being considered unique, while the extensive herbarium collected and arranged by Mr John Buchanan, Draughtsman and Botanical Collector on the staff of the Geological Survey of Otago, was also deemed of exceptional merit. New Zealand Shells and Fossils, an instructive herbary of plants grown in Austria, exhibited by a Viennese firm, and many other items of interest were to be viewed in what must have been one of the* most engaging departments of the Exhibition. In order to keep this little sketcli within the .bounds of space ascribed to it. the writer must re’uctartly pass over many items to which he would have liked to invite attention. For details of the Maori and other Aboriginal Manufactures and Implements. of the very extensive and instructive collection of the Products and Manufactures of British India and its Dependencies—sent from the India Museum. London, and excellently catalogued by Dr J. Forbes Watson. M.D. —and of other exhibits of an absorbing nature, he would again refer his readers to the “Jurors’ Reports and Awards.” Whilst exercising every care to ensure that the Exhibition should be as comprehensive as they could make it. as recards its indusMal and sjienti lie aspects, the Commissioners wisely endeavoured to stimulate a love for Art. The effect of their efforts in this direction resulted in the bringing together of

a collection, highly creditable for so young a country, of paintings, boths in oils and water colours, engravings, and architectural designs. There is no exaggeration in the statement that the portion of the Fine Arts Court which elicited most favourable comment was that in which were hung water colours from the brushes of colonial artists. Fine as were undoubtedly many of the paintings emanating from other sources, the beautiful New Zealand landscapes contributed byMessrs John Cully and C. D. Barraud claimed the largest degree of the public favour. Mr Barraud, in addition to his pictures depicting scenery, exhibited a representation in water-colours of the celebrated Te Rangihaeata. a copy of which hitherto unpublished portrait will he seen on one of these pages. Amongst the water-colours Mr Gully’s “Mount Cook from the West" was given pride of place as the best picture in the Exhibi-tion-—the work of a colonial artist —while in the oils section Mr J. C. Richmond’s “Lake Rotoroa" was accorded that honour. A full list of the pictures displayed may be found in the catalogue of the Exhibition, All that can be said here is that, in selecting the names of the above artists for special mention, the writer feels that he has perhaps been lacking in justice to the merits of other exhibitors. Music was provided for the most part by a full band under the direction of *Mr G. R. West. Recitals, both on the pianoforte and organ, were occasionally given, as also were performances by the Dunedin Philharmonic Society, whilst on one occasion a concert by Lyster's English and Italian Opera Company was arranged for patrons. The termination of the Exhibition, which the Commissioners had decided should take place on the 2t)th of April, could not r owing to the labours of the jurors not being completed, be carried into effect until a week later, the (sth of May. A couple of paragraphs from the leading article of the Otago Daily Times of that day may be reproduced here, as probably representing the views of the community generally as to the practical value achieved by the closing show: —

What Prince Albert attempted to do —and did with most signal success—for the advancement of British art, manufacture, and commerce the New Zealand Commissioners have attempted—it may be hoped with commensurate success —for the advancement of the same interests in this Colony. The collection, on which so many thousands have gazed with curiosity and interest, will her forthwith scattered. But it has contributed a knowledge that will never be lost, taught lessons that will never be forgotten, and given an impetus to industry that will con-

The Celebrated Maori Chief TK RA N GIH A KATA,

a hitherto unpublished portrait in water-colours exhibited by the artist, C. D. Harraud, at the First New Zealand Exhibition.

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THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

tinue to be felt until it is renewed in a more powerful form, by some repetition of the noble experiment. . . .

under classes in which, from the Commissioners’ “decisions,” there would be no awards made by the jurors: and also to those who had aided in the advancement of New Zealand by eminent services in literature and science, or by the zealous promotion of the Exhibition. His Honor, in reply, made fitting reference to tin' success which had attended the venture, to the benefits that had been derived from it, and to the earnestness of purpose of those who had controlled its destinies. After expressing his keen sense of regret that its time for termination had come, and likening his feelings in this respect to those of parting with an old and valued friend, he concluded his remarks by declaring the Exhibition closed. With the shutting of the doors of the Exhibition the duties of the Commissioners were by no means ended. An advertisement in the Otago Daily Times of 31st of May, 1867. in which final notice was given that claims against the Commissioners would not receive recognition after the 14th day of June, shows that even at that date their labours were not completed. At what time the Commission was dissolved is unknown to the writer, nor has he so far in his search had the fortune to locate a copy of the final accounts. That these must have been rendered to both the Provincial Government of Otago and tin* General Government would appear obvious, and the possibility remains that they may yet be met with in some official publication. The minute books of the Commissioners, fortunately preserved, and now to be seen at the Otago University Museum in the Hocken Library, might have been expected to contain the desired information, but for some obscure reason the last meeting of which they contain a record was that which took place on the 3rd of April, 1866. These things, however, are certain: That the Exhibition was a financial success, that no appeal had to be made to the guarantors, and that, as anticipated in their report to the Superintendent of the Province, the state of the finances enabled the Commissioners to carry into effect the proposals outlined by them at the closing ceremony. In Dr T. M. Hocken's “Bibliography ol the Literature Relating to Now ZeoHmd, the “Jurors’ Reports and Awards,” published in 1866, are thus referred co:—

There are many points of view from which the Exhibition may be regarded when the time comes for more leisurely survey. It is crowded with features of interest to the curious observer. It adds greatly to our knowledge of the productions of other countries. It is, as a whole, a “thing of beauty," the memory of which will long live. But in justice to the primary design of those who originated it, its practical character should hold the first place in any estimate formed of it. As a mere spectacle, it will fade away; as a museum, it will be rapidly scattered. But the impress it leaves on Industrial Art in New Zealand will be permanent, ard to it will have to be attributed by the faithful historian much of the f uture progress made by the Commerce of the Colony.

His Honor Mr Hyde Harris presided at the closing function, which was attended by a certain amount of ceremonial, the Volunteers taking part, and the Philharmonic Society, aided by Mrs Mumford (Miss Julia Mathews), assisting with the music. Occasion was taken by the Commissioners to present a report, in which reference w r as made to the fact that the Exhibition had been open on 102 days and three evenings, the small number of the latter being attributed to failure of the gas supply, the necessary pressure not being available. The total number of attendances, though not so large as had been anticipated, owing, in some measure, to Sir George Grey’s inability to attend, and partly to the fact that the turmoil in the North Island prevented the residents there from coming south, had been 29,831, to which figure must be added another 1400 representing the attendance on the final day, and making the grand total approximately 31,250. The Commissioners had every reason to believe that the state of the finances would enable them to have the Reports of the Jurors fully published in a manner creditable to the Colony, and they would form a volume that would be a permanent record of the valuable information which had been amassed through means of the Exhibition. Scientific essays on different subjects relating to New Zealand were already in the press, and their publication would further tend to mark the year of the first New Zealand Exhibition as an epoch in the history of the public knowledge of the resources of the Colony. In addition to the Certificates of Merit given through the awards of the jurors, the Commissioners had decided on giving a few medals in silver and bronze as an honorary distinction, not only to those exhibitors whose contributions had evinced extraordinary excellence, but also to meritorious exhibitors

Forms a valuable work of reference, as well as a report on the 38 classes into wljich the Exhibition was divided, all of which are accompanied by preliminary remarks, often of considerable length. The productions, specially of natuial history, etc., native and other manufactures, are especially good. The appendix has tables, and experiments on woods, minerals, art, list of medallists, etc.

THE MEDAL (obverse and reverse) of Ihe First New Zealand Exhibit:

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THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

places of business in Princes street, Dunedin, not only was the design for the medal lost, but also the die then in course of completion by Messrs Fergusson and Mitchell. Intent on procuring medals which should be satisfactory, both as regards cost and superior workmanship, the Commissioners appointed a London committee, consisting of Messrs John Morrison, J. A. Douglas, W. Carr Young, and Dr J. D. Hooker, of Kew, with instructions to commission “Mr Wyon, of the Royal Mint,” to prepare a fresh design. This was done, and Mr Wyon’s effort meeting with approval, the dies were completed, and the work of striking the medals proceeded with. The machinery employed, the use of which was sanctioned by the Master of the Mint, was that which had been utilised for the medals of the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1862. On account of the beauty, both of design and finish, of the medal, which is unsigned, and of which photographs may be seen on another page, the writer has been to some trouble to definitely establish the identity of those responsible for its production. Reference to the Dictionary of National Biography discloses that there were several Messrs Wyon, all members of one family noted for its prowess in numismatic art. each of whom might have been the author of the design. Correspondence from Mr Arthur B. Chamberlain, the Assistant Keeper of the Birmingham Art Gallery, who kindly undertook to get into touch on the subject with both the Royal Mint and Messrs Joseph Moore, Ltd., die engravers, etc., of Birmingham, enables the writer to state with some degree of certainty that the medal was designed by Mr Joseph Shepherd Wyon, Chief Engraver of the Seals, who, amongst other medals, executed that awarded for the New Zealand War, 1846-1865: and that Mr Joseph Moore, a noted medallist and diesinker, of Birmingham, a selection of whose medals, including that of the New Zealand Exhibition, were presented to the City of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, cut the dies. The original intention of the Commissioners to confine their awards of medals to those struck in silver and in bronze, of which 55 and 87 were issued respectively, was departed from at their meeting held on the 27th of April. 1865, at which Messrs J. Hyde Harris, R. B. Martin, Julius Vogel, and Dr Hector were present. It was then resolved “That, as a recognition of the indefatigable labors of Dr Eccles in originating and furthering the first New Zealand Exhibition, a special award of a gold medal be made to him.” It was

The “Reports” were edited, and in part written by the Honorary Secretary to the Commissioners, Dr Eccles. Copies of the volume are to be seen in the M‘Nab Collection at the I )unedin Public Library, at the Hocken Library, and at the Otago Early Settlers' Association’s Museum in Lower High street. The scientific essays submitted at the invitation of the Commissioners were as follows ;

(1) On the Geographical Botany of New Zealand. Explanatory of a series of essays by Sir David Monro and Messrs Travers and Buchanan, by Dr J. Hector, M.D., F.K.S. (2) On the Leading Features of the Geographical Botany of the Provinces of Nelson and Marlborough, New Zealand, by Sir David Monro, M.D. (3) Remarks on a Comparison of the General Features of the Flora of the Provinces of Nelson and Mirlborough with that of Canterbury, by W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S. t4) Sketch of the Botany of Otago, by John Buchanan. (5) On the Ornithology of New Zealand, by Walter Buller, F.L.S. (6) On the Botany of the North Island of New Zealand, by William Colenso, F.L.S. (7) On the Cultivation and Acclimatisation of Trees and Plants, by Alfred Ludlam. (8) On the Geology of the North Island of New Zealand, by the Hon. J. Coutts Crawford, F.G.S. (S) Short Sketch of the Maori Races, by Dr Ed vard Shortland. (10) On the Maori Races of New Zealand, by William Colenso, F.L.S.

These were edited by Drs Hector and Eccles, and, in 1865, were separately printed and distributed. In 1869 they were re-printed and published in collected form in Vol I of “The Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute, 1868.” On the recommendation of the jurors, to whom praise is due, not only for the manner in which they conducted their judging, but also for the excellence of their reports, Honorary Certificates were issued to those exhibitors whose contributions they considered warranted awards. In a competition arranged for the purpose of selecting a certificate of suitable character, the winning design, “which elicited warm praise from all quarters.” was submitted by Mr Henry Heath Glover, an artist in the employ of Messrs Ward and Reeves, of Christchurch. This was subsequently reproduced by the process of chromo-lithography, and copies issued to 365 successful exhibitors. Designs were also called for by the Commissioners for the medals which they had, as before mentioned, decided to award as honorary distinctions, and that of Mr T. S. Monkhouse, of Pakiri, near Auckland, was accepted by them. Unfortunately, in the big fire on the 23rd of January, 1865, which destroyed many

15

THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

ALFRED ECCLES, f.r.c.s.

understood at the same time that no other gold medal should be struck. This medal was subsequently presented to Dr Eccles, the inscription accompanying it reading: “As Author of the Plan of the Exhibition, and the Chief Instrument of its Success.” Together with a sumptuously bound volume of “The Jurors’ Reports and Awards,” a present from his Fellow-Commissioners, the medal is now in the hands of a sister of the writer, a much treasured possession, and a remembrance of one of the activities of her father in by-gone years for the furtherance of New Zealand interests. And now the writer is

reminded that the limit placed upon his sketch has been reached. In conclusion, he would express the pleasure he has derived from its compilation. He has, perforce, had to omit much that he would have liked to have included, but trusts that he has placed sufficient evidence before his readers to justify in their eyes the opinion expressed by him at tho beginning of his writing that the performances of those who were responsible for the carrying through of the First New Zealand Exhibition are justly entitled to resurrection and respect.

THE CLASSES INTO WHICH THE EXHIBITION WAS DIVIDED.

1. Mining, Quarrying, Metallurgy, and Mineral Products.

2. Chemical Substances and Products, and Pharmaceutical Processes.

3. Substances used for Food. Sub-class A. —Agricultural Produce. Sub-class B.—Drysaltery, Grocery, and Preparations of Food as Sold for Consumption.

Sub-class C. —Wines, Spirits. Beers, and other Drinks, and Tobacco.

4. Sub-class A.—-Oils, Fats, and Wax, and their Products.

Sub-class B.—Other Animal Substances used in Manufactures.

Section 1. Wool.

Section 2. Raw Silk and Glue.

Sub-class C.—Vegetable Substances used in Manufactures.

Section 1. Fibrous Substances and Manufactures.

Section 2. Woods.

Section 3. Vegetable Exudations and Manufactures therefrom.

Sub-class D.—Perfumery.

16

5. Railway Plant, including Locomotive Engines and Carriages.

6. Carriages not connected with Rail or

Tramroads.

7. Manufacturing Machines and Tools.

S. Machinery in General.

9. Agricultural Implements.

9;;. Gold and other Mining Machinery, Tools, and Apparatus.

10. Sub-class A. Civil Engineering. Architectural and Building Contrivances.

Sub-class B. Sanitary Improvements and Constructions.

Sub-class C.—Objects shown for Architectural Beauty. \f ilif ni»iT VnmiiAAmni, A .... A

11. Military Engineering, Armour, Accoutrements, Ordnance, and Small Arms.

Sub-class A.— Clothing and Accoutrements.

Sub-class B. —Tents, etc.

Sub-class C.—Arms and Ordnance.

12. Naval Architecture. Ship’s Tackle, etc.

13. Philosophical Instruments, and Processes dependent on their Use.

14, Photographic Apparatus and Photography.

15. Horological Instruments.

16, Musical Instruments.

17. Surgical Instruments.

18. Cotton Manufactures.

jo. vuiiun iuunuiaciures. 19. Manufactures of Flax and Hemp.

20. Silk and Velvet.

21. Woollen, Worsted, and Mixed Fabrics generally.

22. Carpets.

23. Woven, Spun, Felted, and Laid Fabrics, when shown as specimens of Printing or Dyeing.

24. Tapestry, Lace, and Embroidery.

25. Sub-class A. —Skins and Furs. Sub-class 8.--Feathers, and Manufactures from Hair.

2G. Leather, including Saddlery and Harness.

Sub-class A. —Leather, and Manu-

THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

factures made of Leather.

Sub-class B. — Saddlery and Harness.

27. Articles of Clothing.

28. Paper. Stationery, Printing, and Bookbinding.

29. Educational Works and Appliances.

Sub-class A.

Books and Maps.

Sub-class B.

Sub-class C. —Appliances for Physical Training, including Toys and Games.

Sub-class D.— Specimens and Illustrations of Natural History and Physical Science.

30. Sub-class A.— Furniture and Upholstery.

Sub-class B. Paperhangings and General Decorations.

31. Manufactures in Iron, Copper, etc., and General Hardware.

Sub-class A. —lron Manufactures. Sub-class B. —Manufactures in Brass and Copper.

Sub-class C.— Manufactures in Tin, Lead, Zinc, Pewter, and General Braxiery.

3*2. Cutlery ami Edge Tools.

33. Works in Precious Metals and their Imitations, and Jewelry.

34. Glass.

35. Pottery.

30. Articles for which no specific classification existed.

30b Maori and other Aboriginal Manufactures and Implements.

Produce and Manufactures of British India and its Dependencies.

The Intercolonial Live Stock Show of the New Zealand Exhibition, 1865. This was held on the North Dunedin (Ticket Club's ground on the first two days that the Exhibition was open. It was conducted by Messrs Driver, Mac Lean, and Co., who generously provided the awards.

THE EXECUTIVE OF THE NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION, 1865,

President ; His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Otago, John Hyde Harris, Esq.

Vice-Presidents :

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury, Samuel Bealey, Esq.

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Taranaki, Charles Brown, Esq.

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Marlborough, Thomas Carter, Esq.

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Wellington, Dr Isaac Earl Featherston.

The Honorable the Colonial Treasurer of New Zealand, William Fitzherbert, Esq.

The the Colonial Secretary of New Zealand, William Fox, Esq.

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Auckland, Robert Graham, Esq.

The Honorable the Native Minister of New Zealand, Waiter Baldock Durant Mantell, Esq.

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province cf Southland, Dr Janies Alexander Robertson Menzies.

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province cf Hawke’s Bay, Donald M'Lean, Esq.

The Honorable the Postmaster-general of Now Zealand. Major John Larkins Cheese Richardson, M.H.R., M.P.C., Otago.

His Honor Mr Justice Richmond.

THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Nelson, John Perry Robinson, Esq.

His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Southland, John Parkin Taylor, Esq.

The Honorable the Colonial Secretary of New Zealand, Frederick Aloysiuo Weld, Esq

The Honorable the Colonial Treasurer of New Zealand, Reader Gilson Wood, Esq.

Commissioners :

Richard Seaward Cantrell, Esq.

Edward Bowes Cargill, Esq., M.H.R., M.P.C., Otago.

John Cargill, Esq., M.P.C., Otago.

Henry Clapcott, Esq.. M.P.C., Otago, m ‘ 17.., t> r< ai,—

Thomas Dick, Esq., M.P.C.. Otago.

Alfred Eccles, Esq.’, F.R.C.S.

NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION, 1865.

Guarantors:

John Hyde Harris £5OO

C. W. Richmond 200

J. Cargill 200

Thomas Dick 100

William H. Reynolds 100

Jas. Paterson 100

George Hepburn 100

M. S. Gleeson 100 t - w.i_. KM)

James Kilgour 100

William Black 100

C. B. Street 100 . T-. • 1 inn

A. G. Fisher 100

Alexander McKinnon 100

Henry Driver 100

Alfred Cleve 100

John McLean 100

W. Mason 100

Alfred Eccles 100

Frederick J. Moss 100

J. Rattray 100

Julius Vogel 100

William J. B. Junor 100

Walter Bell and William Rae .. .. 100

James Smith 100

F. J. Alderson 100

Janies Prendergast 100

Bank of New Zealand 10U . . ~r inn

John Jones 100

John T. Wright 100

William Brown 100

James Whitelaw 100

Frederick Wayne 100

W. D. Munson 100

J. B. Mudie 100

G. Alexander Chalmers 100

Matthew Holmes 100

Alex. McMaster 100

rtiex. James Barr 10°

John Hardy 100

John Maclean 100

Henry Nelson, M.D 100

17

Thomas Bannatyne Gillies, Esq., M.H.R.

James Hector, Esq., M.D.

Richard Bowden Martin, Esq., Chairman of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce.

William Mason, Esq., M.H.R. T _ 11 I7„_ TU II

James Paterson, Esq., M.11.R.., M.P.C.,

Otago.

James Rattray, Esq.

William Hunter Reynolds, Esq., M.H.R.,

M.P.C.. Otago.

Julius Vogel, Esq., M.H.R., M.P.C., Otago.

Hon rary Treasurer:

Thomas Dick, Esq.

Honorary Secretary;

Alfred Eccles, Esq.

Secretary;

Henry Poison Morse, Esq.

C. F. Black !00

Frederick Jones 100

W. Wilson Tickle 100

E. Quick 100

James Hamilton 100

F. Fenwick 100

George Cook 100

James Hector 100

Arthur Beverley 100

Artnur oeveuej Donald Henderson 100

A. L. Thomson and Co 100

c. Burke 100

Wolff Harris 100 rr> Ifln

George Turnbull 100 r.l T -1- 17 T> T ..o inn

Shadrach E. R. Jones 100

Thomas B. Gillies 100

R. B. Martin 100

St. John Branigan 100

R. S. Cantrell 100

H. Clapcott 100

jl. • • • • • * • • • • • ■ ■ • James Brown 100

McLandress, Hepburn and Co 100 t. -m ■i _ .. -.. .1 r> ~ laa

R. Wilson and Co 100

L. Samson and Co 100

J. T. Thomson 100

W. H. Cutten 100

E. B. Carvill ~ .. 100

Edward McGiashan 100

William Carr Young 100

E. Musgrave 100

H. G. Miller \ 100

xi. u. miiiei ». i John L. Gillies 100

Alexander Mollison 100

W. H. Mansford 100

John Dewe 100

F. Walker 100

W. H. Teschemaker 100

Edward Hulme 100

£8,500

Dunedin in 1865.

What was the appearance of Dunedin in 1865, the year in which the first Exhibition was held? The writer’s method of answering the above question is one that he trusts will be appreciated by readers. He presents them with a copy of Meluish’s “Panorama of Dunedin in 1865,” a fine view which, so far as he is aware, has not before been reproduced. This he will endeavour to render even more interesting by pointing out some of the more prominent features it contains, using for that purpose notes written by his father at the time the photograph was taken. The picture resolves itself into five sections, each of which, starting from the left, will be remarked on in turn.

Section 1: The Northernmost View. — The continuation of the Peninsula, bounding the harbour to the east, is seen till hidden by a projecting headland, between which and the town is a small bay, Pelichet Bay, with its jetty running out a considerable distance on piles. The Exhibition building is prominently seen, with its square bell towers and its lower sheds or annexes behind it, now all being converted into a hospital, though originally intended as a market house. A little south-west of it is the Baptist Church, and on the north, rather more distant looking, Knox Church. The immediate foreground is the old camping ground of H.M. 70th Regiment, when on detachment duty here. The headstones in the Arthur street cemetery, the first cemetery opened in Dunedin, can also be seen. The paling fence surrounds the garden of the Lunatic Asylum, a small angle of the buildings being seen in the extreme left foreground. The broad street leading down from the asylum is London street. A straight line from the Baptist Church to the harbour marks Hanover street, on the southern side of which, at the harbour end, can be seen six detached cottages, very small and all alike, the property of Mr Hyde Harris. The Botanical Gardens lie to the northeast of the Exhibition building, in the direction of Pelichet Bay.

Section 2.—ln this view, looking across the waters of Dunedin Bay, or the Upper Harbour, to a small indent in the Peninsula, can be seen a small stone cottage, “Grautsbraes,”* the property, with the

surrounding land, of the Reverend Dr Burns. The bush behind it is of manuka, a very strong, durable timber, but liable to split. It is chiefly used for fencing and firewood, and is sold at 54s a cord. On the town side of the harbour another jetty—Stuart street jetty—is principally utilised for landing timber and for repairing vessels. To the south of it a rocky hill, Bell Hill, now nearly cleared away, afforded the material for forming the newly reclaimed ground. On it may be seen the prisoners (long sentence and hard labour men) at work, amongst them probably Garrett, the celebrated bank robber of London and Australia, who found our police too many for him. Immediately behind the Robin Hood Hotel is a timber structure, the Bell Tower, on which is seen a flag flying—red, the signal to the Volunteer Fire Brigade for “exercise to-night.” On it, as soon as the English mail arrives, is hoisted a blue flag with red St. Andrew’s cross, a signal that makes many a heart leap at the hope of getting letters from Home. Immediately the private box lobby of the post office is thronged. The letters are first sorted for box-owners, and afterwards delivered at the windows or sent out. The tower has also a bell, and in the lantern-like top a look-out man is constantly stationed at night to ring it in case of fire—very necessary in a wooden-built town. Many buildings are, however, now of stone or brick. Close to the Bell Tower is seen the Wesleyan Chapel, a large cruciform wooden building, above which, standing in a somewhat open space with paling fence, is the High School. The back of it only is seen, and one end left unfinished for the addition of a second wing. Above this is a house showing one gable and two dormer windows in the roof, the Roman Catholic priest’s house, and just above it the present Roman Catholic Chapel. The street line running from the bootmaker's cottage towards the harbour is Dowling street (now Tennyson street). Opposite the bootmaker’s the church-like building is the Middle District schoolhouse (Halliwell’s). Following Dowling street past the priest's house, at an angle of the road, is seen a large roof. It is that of the Independent Chapel, whilst opposite to

DUNEDIN IN 1865.

19

the High School is seen another with part of the side and two large windows visible —the .lew’s Synagogue. More to the north is the elder of the two English churches. St. Paul’s, easily recognisable by its spire. It is of stone, a good building. but not very ornamental. Immediately above it is the Parsonage, which is hidden by other houses. The lofty wooden buildings near the English Church arc those of the present hospital, whilst of Cargill’s M onument. erected nearby, in the centre of the Octagon, only the extreme top is visible in the photograph, the remainder of it being obscured by intervening buildings. The large building between tin- church and the boat on the shore is a Queen’s warehouse, or bonded store, of Messrs Paterson and M’Leod, near which arc the principal sawmills, ironworks, etc.

Section 4. —The Caversham and Green Island Hills here terminate in the Forbury Head, from which may be seen a long line of sandhills, beyond which the ocean surf is beating on a fine sandy beach called the Ocean Beach, about one and a-half miles long. The low, swampy head of the harbour is just seen in this picture, with the Swamp, or Anderson s Bay, road margining it. The low ground between the Forbury. the Ocean Beach, and the town is very flat, and was very swampy. Nevertheless, when the gold fever was at its height, it was divided into quarter-acre sections, and brought into the market as the township of St. Kilda. It was nick-named “St. Kill-ye” from its swampiness, and the speculation failed ; but a few houses are dotted about it, and it furnishes one of the rifle ranges —firing towards the sandhills. The portion of the low flat next to the town, with a small white building standing on it. is the South Recreation Ground, and the building is the Cricket Club house. On this ground tin* English cricket team, headed by Mr Grace, played the Otago men. Just beyond is a large building, the gas works. The prominent house in the left foreground of this picture is Mr George Turnbull’s —a merchant here; the others are all on high land, and are principally cottage residences. The immediate foreground is the Town Belt, covered with flax.

Section 3.—At the further end of the Swamp road, the rising ground to the left of it is Goat Hill (now called Sunshine), on which, facing townwards, is seen the residence of Mr Mieville, and to the north of that Mr Cutten’s (the Commissioner of Crown Lands) house, his property extending to the small, shallow inlet of the harbour called Anderson’s Bay. On a small, central, well-bushed peninsula Is Mr Matthew Holmes’ house —agent for some very extensive freehold and squatting estates —and just to the north of it is the Anderson’s Bay Hotel, on what was Mr Every’s property, “Silverton.” “Silveracres,” Mr Every’s own house, is hidden from view by the headland bounding Anderson’s Bay to the north. This headland is well timbered, and is laid out in pleasure grounds as Vauxhall Gardens. The Rotunda and other buildings, etc., are plainly visible, and at tin- foot of the hill the landing jetty, with the baths on it. The harbour is between \ auxhall and the town, here called Dunedin Bay. into which are seen projecting three jetties—the new jetty to the south; next it the old jetty: on these the principal business is as yet conducted, though at the moment the photo was taken, they were singularly bare of craft; and the Rattray street jetty to the north. This last is of stone and earth, the others of wood. It is the intention to have the railways, north and south, if made, brought by branch on to the Rattray street jetty. Between it and the other jetties, and thence to the head of the harbour, is a large quantity of newly reclaimed ground. Similar small residential wooden houses are seen in this as in the next photograph, but no buildings of mark.

Section 5. —To the right hand the spike-like vegetation is New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax). The Belvidere Hotel —a small wooden hotel burnt down in 1865—is on the upper outskirts of the town. Quite to the right on the summit of the hills, at the point of the upper flax, is a group of houses, being the commencement of the borough of Mornington. The house at some distance from the Belvidere Hotel, with a plantation behind it. is the residence of Mr .1. Reid MacKenzie, manager of the Commercial Bank of New Zealand, and is nicknamed “Bleak House,” from its exposed situation. The ground stretching from the flax bushes to the front of Mr MacKenzie’s, and thence curving round, is town belt, open public land, about a quarter of a mile wide, surrounding the whole town, except where tin* harbour fronts it. The very distant hills to the extreme left are the Caversham and Green Island Hills.

•It will be seen in the above that the name of Dr Burns’s Peninsula property, “Grantsbracs,” is spelt as one wcrd. The usually accepted form, ‘Grant's Braes,” is, cn the authority of Miss Agnep Burns, quite incorrect.

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