THE INTERPROVINCIAL EXHIBITION.

Press, Volume XX, Issue 2308, 24 December 1872, Page 3

THE INTERPROVINCIAL EXHIBITION.

THIKDSOtICE. We resume our description of the articles in the Interprovincial Exhibition, commencing with the Flax court: — FLAX. Sub-committee of Management—Messrs H. H. Deßourbei, Geo. Booth, and J. A. Bird, fibre, cold water dressed— 50 lbs stripped, iv pressed bale "A) lbs bleached do UK) lbs scutched do 100 Uβ hackled do Fibre, warm water dressed— 100 lbs scotched, in pressed bale 100 lbs hackled do CoTdage— 1 coil white of each size Sin, 2in. lin, Jin 1 coil oiled of each size, 4in. 3iu, 2in 1 coil taned. 4Jin Wool lashing—samples Twine An assortment of different varieties aud colours Maori dressed flax—specimens Maori manufactured flax—speeim?ns Flax seed—samples of different varieties Pulp for paper making—samples Articles manufactured from flax fibre—specimens.

Judges—Messrs T. M. Hassal, J. P. Jame* sou. aud J. Birch.

The exhibits of flax, which w.ermay say are to all who take an interestln theLprogress of the colony most interesting, are deposited at the northern end of the building, opposite the wool court. The exhibits of fibre have been subdivided into two classes -cold water dressed and hot water dressed. We will first remark briefly on vhe exhibits in the various classes. > * ,

The first exhihit we come to is one from Messrs Ensor'sraill at Halswell.stripped,waU-r scutched, and hot water washed, which is a very good sample of fibre. Next this is a second bale from the same maker of finer quality. Beyond this again is a very good exhibit from Wanganui. about which we can obtain no further information than that conveyed by the bale brand R. Sc Co. It is washed, stripped, hackled, and scutched, and is of very fair quality. Next in order is a very nice exhibit from Mr Chinnery, Eaugiora, soft to feel and fairly dressed. The process through which this has been put is stripptd, bleached, and scutched. Kinross and Co. exhibit some Maori dressed flax which looks very good. The Ashley Gorge mill is represented by two bales of nice clean looking flax, one bale having been scutched and one hackled. Mr J. F. Armstrong sends a case of flax seeds of various kinds, amongst which are some of the best varieties, such as the Tihore, Owe, ice. Dumergne and Place 6end four bales, showing the process of dressing from the simple hackling to the more complicated processes now in vogue. Mr Hunt, of Auckland, exhibits a bale of excellent flax, and Mr Parker of Leithfield, also has three bales, showing the various stages of preparation of the fibre. All the remaining counter space past the dais is occupied with specimens of various fibres, a notable one being that of Sisal hemp which sells in England at' £67 per ton. A portion of this has been dressed by Mr Noding'e patent, and is as soft as silk, contrasting markedly with the harsh feel of the remainder of the specimen untouched. A quantity of samples of various fibres of commerce shown by the Flax Association are exhibited here, together with some native dyed fibre and a capital Maori fancy basket shown by Taiahora. Mr Bevau, of Waikara, exhibits some excellent twine, rope, and fishing line, made from New Zealand flax, all of which is worthy inspection. Two leaves of phormium, one grown in Jersey and the other in St. Helena, are shown by Dr. Hector.

On the front counter Mr G. Booth exhibits a beautiful specimen of flax and tow, soft and white as silk, which is Maori-dressed flax hackled over very fine hackles ; and at the far end are a number of exhibits of flax, canvas, roc* 1 , &c, sent from the Colonial Museum, consisting of flax—l bolt of canvas, made from pnre N.Z. flax, by A. K. Forbes, of Arbroath, Scotland ; 1 do do, from N.Z. flax tow, by A. K. Forbes ; 1 do do, from N. Z. flax tow, by A. K. Forbes ; 1 piece of sheeting, made from pure N.Z. flax, by A. K. Forbes ; 2 towels from do ; 3 bags rrade of N.Z. flax, by natives ; 1 front piece of flax, native manufacture ; 12 pieces of dyed flax; .4 balls of twine of N.Z. flax, by .Thorne, London ; 2 skeins of tine line, by Forbes, of Arbroath ; 1 specimen of N.Z. flax, grown in Ireland ; 1 hank of Manila hemp, sold at £67; 4 pieces of rope, N.Z. flax, used on board the Crusader, showing wear ; 1 hank of Sizal hemp, sold at £51; 1 hank of phormium, sold at £42 Ins ; 1 do do, sold at £36 ; 1 do do, sold at £33 ; 1 do do, sold at £35 ; 1 do do, sold at £33 10s ; 1 ball of twine of phormium, by Beven, of Otaki ; 2 fishing lines, do do ; 2 horse halters, do do ; 2 baskets of flax, by natives ; 3 coils of rope of N.Z. flax, by. Beven.; 1 fishing line made of N.Z. flax, by natives, Wanganui district ; 4 samples of N.Z. flax prepared in London ; 2 bales of native prepared flax. The Canterbury Flax Association also exhibit some half stuff for paper making, and seventeen exhibits of canvas and cloth made from phormium. : ■ •

Under the head of cordage, we note a very good display. Bevan and Co., of Wellington, send some splendid samples of rope and twine, the only objection being that the strands of theformer are somewhat thick. Otago is represented by a fair exhibit sent by Grant and C 0.,. consisting of cordage of varions kinds. The Flax Association exhibit an assortment of cordage, tanned and untaniied, aud this portion of the court is closed by the exhibits of Kinross and Co., of Hawke's Bay, of cordage made from Maori dressed flax ; and those of Mr Lennon, who sends some fine rope. In the centre of the court is a trophy composed of specimens from the first fibre cleaned in the province in 1867, amongst which is coils of rope, balls of twine, dyed fibre, &c, &c. In the extra exhibits, we may note Mr Stansell's jpapier maclie, showing how the waste of flax may be utilised, and the half stuff and saponaceous matter extracted from the flax exhibited by the same gentleman. The mats seat by Mr Cook, of Nelson, are well worthy inspection, and should at once supersede all imported articles. Messrs Simons and Malcolm also sent two well made door mats. We are glad to learn that the whole of the exhibits in this court will be sent to the Vienna Exhibition, and will form a very interesting portion of that exhibition. Passing out of the flax court we next come to that iv which the grain is exhibited, and though the quality of that shown is exceedingly good, we regret that the .number of exhibits is so small:— GRAIN" AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE. Sub-committee of Management—Messrs A. L. Smith, P. Cunningham, and J. N. Tosswill. Judges—Messrs J. L. Wilson, A. Duncan, W. Miles, D. Christie, W. Boag, and W. Vincent, Exhibits are classed as follows : — Class I—Wheat, Oats, and Barley. Iv this class Canterbury is almost the sole exhibitor, the exception being three samples of wheat scut in from Oamaru. Eutering this portion of the exhibition from the flax court, we come to the exhibits of Messrs J, and T. Meek, of Oamaru, consisting of three bags of wheat—velvet, Tuscan, and purple straw varieties. Next to this are the wheats shown by Mr P. Cunningham, grown by Messrs Luxmoore, F. Jones, T. Anderson, R. Smith, W. Williams, and J. Jones, and the Pareora Association: also, one sample of Tuscan wheat, grown by Mr Campion, weighing 67| lbs to the bushel. In addition, Mr Cunningham shows an open case containing a number of varieties of wheat and oats, and an ingenious piece of machinery, in the shape of a weigher, to ascertain the weight per bushel. These occupy the left-hand counter, and in close proximity is a second case of different kinds of wheats, exhibited by Mr Cunningham.

Mr W. D. Wood sends six exhibits of wheat, comprising the following : —Tuscau, crrown by Carlton, of Eiccarton ; Imperial. grown by Deans, of Riccarton ; Suffolk white, thrown by Deans, of Riccarton ; velvet chaff, Srown by Cameron, of Downs ; pearl, grown by Orr, of Hawkins ; Hunter's white, grown by Cameron, of Saltwater creek. 31 rJ. H. Rogers sends three bags of wheat, of very good quality. grown by himself. Mr J. G. Bluett, of Leesto'n, exhibits a sample of spring wheat sown rirst week in September,cat first week in Jannaiy. which is a nice, clean, evenly-grown '"Tifoa'ta and barley the number of exhibits -re ridiculously small, only two lots'of the fornu-r beinsr shown, viz. by Messrs P. Canuiocrham and Co, and Mr W. H. Lave. and one of the latter grown by K. Lrown and exhibited by Messrs P. Cunningham and Co. II Flour. Oatmeal, Bran, and Sharps.

In flour as iv whent, Canterbury sends the mnior part of the sample*, Messrs J. aud T. Meek, Oamaro, being the only out»idc exd Wood sends fonr samples made restively from pearl. Hunter's white, Tuscan, and mixed wheats, all of which are ecceedinsly Rood. Messrs Meek have two exhibits of very fine well made floor and Mr W H Lave sends one bag of good flour. Mr G* Panndl aad Mr J. H. Rogers have each an exhibit iv this court. Oatmeal is confined to a solitary exhibit made by E. Steven, of Soutbbrook, and exhibited by ?leSSs P. Cunningham and Co. Mr W D. Wood and Mr W. H. Lane have each exhioits vl bran, pollard, and sharps, and a welldressed bag of pearl barley exhibited by

Trent BirothlSi, liloies the list of articles in this class.

Glass lll.—Malt In this there is only one exhibit, that of H." Manning and Co., who send a sample manufactured in August, IS7"J. Cla-<s IV.—Beans, peas, and tares. This class is unrepresented in the exhibition entirely. Class V. — Grass, clover, rape, and other ' Tseods. Two exhibits only are shown in this class, consisting of two cases <->f assorted seeds ; one from Mr W. Wilson, and the other from Messrs Duncan and Son. Mr t\. Duncan also sends n, machine for powdering 1 erbs, and samples of bone dust and other manures. AGRICULTUBAL, FLAX, AND OTHER MACHINERY. Sub committee of Management—Messrs E. Richardson. B. Wilkin, A. Duncau, and E. G. Wright. Judges—Messrs G. Thornton, R. Wilkin, F. Jenkius. and E. G. Wright. The machinery annexe, which also includes carriages, &c, is" on the eastern side of the building, and entrance is gained either by the door through the mineral court, or by that at the upper end through the flax court.

This section has been subdivided into five classes, but the show is hot nearly so large as we should have expected to have seen, more particularly when we consider the very large trade done in the matter of manufacturing agricultual machinery. In the first class, railway plant, there are no exhibits. Class ll—Carriages not connected with rail or tramways ; buggies, carriages, and carts of all sorts, cabs, spring carts, coachsmiths , work, specimens of carriage painting. &c. In this class, Messrs Howland, and Co, and Messrs Barratt, Hudson, and Moor, are the only exhibitors. The former firm sends a very well built and finished extension top family carriage ; one double seated and one single seated and one single seated buggy, all of which are very creditable specimeus of colonial manufacture. Messrs Barratt, Hudson, and Moor, send one waggonette, a comfortable and carefully built vehicle, and a mi nature dog cart which is also well and strongly put together without detracting from its lightness. Class 111. —Machinery in general,- inclusive of engines, cranes, quartz-crushing machines, chain pumps, turbines, Oaljforniaii pumps, windmills, hydraulic rams, boiling-down plant.

Iα this class there is only one exhibitor, viz., Mr John Anderson, of the Canterbury Foundry, who sends a hoisting engine,_ which is in the Drill-shed yard. Class IV—Agricultural and horticultural machinery aud implements, rollers, clod crushers, harrows, reaping and mowing machines, threshing machines, seed sowers, ploughs, horse hoes, Cultivators, wool and cheese presses, whippletrees, field gates, iron feucing hurdles, rakes and tools, garden chairs, fountains, &c. This class, which is oue we should have expeected to have seen very largely filled, has only fo-ir exhibits. Mr John Anderson sends a self-delivering reaping machine, and a seed sowing machine. Mr Little exhibits three harrows, assorted, and this class is closed by a very good plough, sent by Mr Keetlcy, of Kaiapoi. Class V—Flax machinery, strippers, dry and wet scutchers, feeding and discharging apparatus, hackles, &c. In the matter of flax machinery, Canterbury is unrepresented, the three machines sent being from Auckland, the Thames, and Otago. ;

Messrs Price and Co, Thames, exhibit a machine similar to those in use in Canterbury, which, if driven at a speed of 1200 revolutions per hour, will turn out 6 cwt of fibre in that period. The exhibit of Kincaid and McQueen, Vulcan foundry, Otajjo, is worthy of attention, from the superior design employed in its manufacture. One most essential point is that the working parts being securely guarded and covered thus ensures almost perfect safety and immunity from accident to those employed about it. Another noticeable feature in this machine, is the length of the bearings which reach close up to the drum, thus giving an amount of strength and steadiness which it is almost impossible to obtain with the ordinary machine. During the past two or three days a third machine has been received from Auckland, maunfactured by Gibbons, of Onehunga. It is a double feeder machiue, but appears to be somewhat weak in conconstruction. EXTRA EXHIBITS. Under this head Messrs Taylor and Co show some American machinery, including one seed sower and cultivator combined, one self-acting cheese press, aud an improved boring machine fitted with augur. We shall conclude this notice with a description of the exhibits of the woods of Canterbury and Westland, contained in the timber court. TIMBERS. Sub-committee of Management— Messrs G. Holmes. J. Booth, and F. Jenkins. Judges—Messrs B. G. Wright, H. Sawtell, J. P. Jameson, W. D. Wood, G. Fletcher, W. H. Lane, and A. J. White. The timber court we may note is amongst one of the most interesting in the exhibition, is situate in the eastern annexe, aud reflects great credit upon the industry and taste of the committee in arranging it. The specimens are all from Canterbury and Westland, and are exhibited by the Canterbury Museum. Down the centre of the court

runs a kind of table upon which is placed specimens of the various woods polished and in tbe rough, and also specimens of various woods from the Colonial Museum, which have been tested as to bieakiug strain, weight carrying prnperties, &c. Round the walls are some very Interesting botanical specimens, illustrative of the flora of Canterbury, and also specimens of the foliage of various trees on the West Coast and the plains. The following is a list of the woods exhibited, with the botanical and native name :— canterbury and westland woods. Melicytus ramiflorus (Hini-Hini, Whitewood or Mahoe), a small tree ; wood white, ornamental ; Pigeon Bay, Banks' Peninsula. Pittosporum tenuifolium (Black Mapau or Tarata), a small tree ; wood white, takes a fine polish; Pigeon Bay, Banks's Peninsula. Pittosporum Eugenioides (White Mapau), larger than the preceeding ; wood soft, white, very ornamental ; Pigeon Bay, Banks' Peninsula. Pittosporum (new species), a small tree, one foot diameter ; wood white rather hard, ornamental ; Otira, Westland. Plagianthus betulinus (Ribbonwood), a large ornamental quick-growing tree, with very fibrous bark, which might be used for making paper ; wood soft, light; Pigeon Bay. Plagianthus Lvallii (Alpine Ribbonwood), a small tree, with similar properties to the common Riobonwood ; Arthur's Pass, Westland. Ela*ocarpus Hookerianus (Bokako), a very large tree, with light soft wood, which is used for cabinet work and sometimes for boats. The bark yields a fine purple dye ; Pigeon Bny Elreocarpus deotatus, var. (fchnau), a large tree, .somewhat like the last, but the wood" is lighter and softer ; Otira Junction, Westland. Aristotelia racemosa, var. (Mako), a small tree, with light beautifully marked (wood, veneers. Arc ; Otira Junction, Westland. Pennantia eorymbosa (Kaiko-mako. or Ribbonwood), a small tree, wood very light, white ; Pigeon Bay. Banks' Peninsula. Discaria Tonmatou (Wild Irishman'), a small spring tree, with a tine grained hard wuod. whi'-h might be used for veneers ; Brue_\s creek, Waimakariri district. Canterbury. Alectryon excelsum (Titoki), a strong aud" valuable though small timber ; v.-cd for wheels, coach building. &c. exceedingly durable ; Pk-eou Bay. Banks' Peninsula. SopI horat-traptera (Kowhai, Goai), a very.durI able and valuable timber, stand- well in water ; u=-ed for cabinet work, axe handles, and general purposes ; Little River. CanterI burv° Carpodetns serratus (Oak, While I Matipo), a small ornamental tree, white wood and tough ; used for axe handles ; Pit-eon Bay. Wienmannia racemosa (Karl ' mai. Towhai). a tall fine tree, producing a ! very _e«vv, hard, and durable wood, which will probably be used for various purposes ; Otira Junction. Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka), a small tree with red wood, which is stronger than any other native timber ; used for niariue work! ' kc ; Little River. Canterbury. Melrosideros lucida (Rata), a strong

and very durtble timber, will be much used for ship-building and cabinet work : Arthur's Pass (from small tree). F schia rxc"-ticata (Konini, Fuschia) a ti tree * ; white wood mottl-<l with pur}.. : tsei! J : -ibiiiet work : the wood yields :> p ,, . r>ll> dvo : i'keon Bay. Banks'.Peninsula. Fuchsi v exooiniMtu ; Little lliver, Canterbury. Panax ci'.-issifo-liiim (Lanw.wood), a large treo. wood to;i-_rh, l'sht colored and during : misrht In: u.«od in cabinet woik; Pigeon Bay. Pannxrrassifoliuni. varieties (Hi«roi"ka, laneowood), a inru'e tree, similar m the last (No. l!U : Otira .Junction. P.mnx Co'ensoi (ivy tr.-f). a small _ ornamental tree, wood snfr a"<l t.-.u-h. yield* a yellow rosin ; Otim Panax Ed'"erleyi (rakawa). a small tn c. with similar properties to the last; Otira Junction. Panax crassifolium (laucewood), similar to No 21 ; Little River. Canterbury. Grisilima littoralis (broadleaf). a Urge tree, with hard red-heated timber, which is very durable ; Little River. Coprosma liniarifolia (mikamik). a small tree, wood yellow, curiously marked; used for veneers and axe handles ; Little Kiver. Olearia Forsteri (ake-ake), a small tree about twelve inches diameter, wood dark, heavy, very hard, aud durable; used for cabinet work ; Littie Kiver, Canterbury. Olearia ilicifolia, holly (ake-ake), a small tree with'yellowish wood, not so good as the last: Arthur's Pass. Dracophyllum Travefsii (Nei-Nei), a short, stout, slow-growing tree, of very curious appearance, wood light coloured, beautifully marked, tough, and probably of considerable value ; Arthur's Pass. Myrsine Drvilei (Red Mapau), a small slender tree? wood very leautiful; used for veeners; Pigeon Bay. Myoporum lrettira (Njjaio), a small ornamental tree, wood light, white, and tough ; Fagns Solandri (Black a large tree 3-4 foet diameter, wood heavy and durable ; used for all buildiug purposes, bark used for tanning ; Oxford. Fagus cliffortioides (White Birch), similar to the last, but not so durable ; Oxford. Fagus menziesii, varieties'(Red Birch), a large tree 4-6" feet diameter, wood durable and very useful ; Oxford. Fagus fusca (large leaved Birch), afiue tree, 100 feet high. 3-lfi feet diameter, wood red, durable, splits freely ; used for all buildiug purposes; Otira Junction. Epicarpurus microphynus (Milk Tree), a tall slender tree, exuding a milky sap, wood white, very brittle ; Little Epicarpurus miorophyllus (Milk Tree), similar to the last ; Pigeon Bay. Libocedrus Bidwilli (Kawaka Cedar), asmall beautiful evergreen tree, wood red, soft hearted ; used for cabinet work ; Arthur's Pass. Podocarpus Totara (Totara). a very large tree, sometimes 12 feet in diameter, wood very durable ; used for very useful purposes, stand well in sea water: the most valuable timber in NewZealand ; Pigeon Bay. Podocarpus spicata (Bftck Pine), wood closed grained, dark colored ; used for building, fencing, &c. ; Pigeon Bay. Podocarpus ferruginea (Miro), wood used for various purposes, not very durable ; Little River. Podocarpus dacrykioides (White Pine), a tall, slender, quickgrowing tree, 150 feet high, 2 to i feet diameter ;wood white, used for various building purposes, but is not very durable ; Pigeon Bay. Podocarpus nivalis (Mountain Totara) a fine tree, 80 feet high, 3 fret diametor, somewhat like No. 31 (totara), but with smoother bark ; wood light red color, e;isily worked, and durable ; used for houses and bridges, telegraph poles, &c.; Otira Junction. Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu), grows 200 feet high, 3 to 6 feet diametor ; wood red and heavy ; used for cabinet work and general building purposes ; a very beautiful and useful tree ; Oxford. Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu, red pine) ; Otira Junction. Dacrydium Colensoi (Yellow Pine), a smn.ll tree; wood white or yellow, light and soft ; Otira; Junction. Phyllocladus alpinus (Toatoa), ii small alpine pine ; wood' heavy and durable ; Arthnr's Pass, Westland. Peunantia corymbasa (Kaiko-mako), similar to No. 11 ; Little River. Panax species; wood soft, white, a small tree ; Little River. Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka, two specimens from the new city drain ; sent by Mr Cuif. Veronica (?) (Korimiko ?), from the city drain works ; Mr Cuff. Plagianthus betulinus (Uibbonwood), similar to No. 6 ; Little River.

We may note a circumstance which occurred yesterday during our visit, and one which we hope to see largely imitated by employers of labor—Messrs Barratt, Hudson, and Moor furnished the whole of their workmen with tickets to view the Exhibition, besides giving thorn a half-holiday.