THE CASKET FOR THE GOVERNMENT ADDRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 132, 5 June 1901, Page 5

THE CASKET FOR THE GOVERNMENT ADDRESS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, Tuesday.

The casket which is to contain the \ address of welcome to be presented to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall by the New Zealand Government_ on their arrival at Auckland was on view to-day for a few hours at the premises of Mr "Frank Hyams, the manufacturer, and was viewed by a large crowd, four constables regulating the traffic. It i,s admitted to be bea.utiful and original in conception, of true Maori design, and worked out with artistic skill. The bare casket is composed of slabs of greenstone set in solid gold. The mounting- are heavily chased with Maori patterns. On one side are tho arms of the Duke of Cornwall, and on the other the New Zealand colours in solid gold and enamel. The four corners are flanked with square pillars of polished greenstone, surmounted by a kiwi in oxidised silver. The pillars and casket stand on an .inlaid platform, beautifully worked in New Zealand woods. The platform itself stands upon two other bases of rare New Zealand woods. On the top of the casket is a model Maori war canoe, carved in solid silver, with elaborate prow and stem modelled on historic relics. The fiotu-es in canoe a.re in silver, lifting up golden paddles in salute. This ornament will contain a photographic copy of the address. The whole is enclosed in a casket, of New Zealand woods. There is an inscription that it is presented by the Ministers for and on behalf of the people of New Zealand !as a souvenir of the visit of their Royal Highnesses. A bouquet holder in solid silver and greenstone will also be presented. Mr Frank Hyams left this afternoon for Auckland with the casket and bouquet-holder.