PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 93, 23 April 1891, Page 7

PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB.

The attendance at the conversazione of the Auckland Photographic Club on April 3rd was not as large as it would have been if the weather had been liner. Most people thought, in facb, that the function was certain of postponement. Those who did brave the weather spent a pleasant evening, and saw an admirable exhibition of photographs. Precisely at eight o'clock, His Excellency the Governor, accoinpaniedby Lady Onslow, Miss Gardiner and Captain Guthrie entered, and were conducted by Mr Josiali Martin to the dais at the end of the lecture room where the principal exhibits are ranged. His Excellency made the opening speech. He said he was sure they did not expect him to give them an address on the subjecb of photography, even if he were capable of so doing. He himself was but a struggling amateur, and did not profess any special qualifications in the art. There were two classes of photographers. One was the artistic class, who worked for the development of photography as an art, and gave every subject its artistic treatment ; and the second class comprised the "ehot" photographers. It was to the latter he belonged. The only aim of this class was to carry away a souvenir of some passing scene. His Excellency eulogised the collection he saw before him and the general work produced in New Zealand. He had never seen anything to equal some of the photographic work produced in New Zealand. His Excellency then formally declared the Exhibition open. Mr Joaiali Martin then conducted the party through the exhibition. Some transparencies were shown during the evening by Mr Martin and Mr W. Morton, on a lantern invented by the latter gentleman. The views were of the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Rotoiti, and other attractive places. They were lent by Mr T. Humphries and Mr J. Hanna. The work shown is of a very high standard; much of the professional could not have been surpassed in any part of the world, and the amateurs also make a capital show. His Excellency exhibits three frames—one of several views of English scenery, which are pleasant in tone and taken from an artistic standpoint. Nearly all are taken in winter, and are therefore nob as briliantlv clear as the New Zealand views.