INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Press, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5703, 29 December 1883, Page 3

INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

y— —•>———— POTTKBT AHD FIBXCXiAT GOODS. In the department of pottery, Ac, the exhibition now open under the auspices of the Industrial Association, contains some very excellent exhibits. Amongst the best of these is that of ________ aubtih, _____ akd 00. The exhibits of this firm comprise nearly eighty different lines. In the building lines there is exhibited glazed wind-guard chimney pote (which Mr Kirk warrants as a perfect coze for smoking chimneys and scolding wives), terracotta chimneypots, terminals for the tops of parapets, window and door heads in terra cotta, harder than Oarnaru stone, and considerably cheaper, different kinds of terra cotta string courses and terra metallic air bricks and damp proof courses. In ornamental pottery Messrs Austin and Kirk exhibit garden vas.B of all kinds and designs, both glazed and terra cotta. These range in size from the largest garden mounted on pedestals to the small table vase for flowers. The pedestal vases are 4t _ high from the floor. There is also exhibited different shapes and designs of swing vases for drooping plants. Border tiles for gardens of all kinds, both in glazed stoneware and tern, cotta, are exhibited in great variety; as also fern fiats of various sizes. In domestic pottery there is exhibited pots for brewing the cup that cheers but does not inebriate, of all kinds. By a simple and ingenious contrivance, the lock lid, no fear need be entertained of the lid falling off the teapot at whatever angle it may be held. The hearts of housewives cannot fail to be gladdened by the display of breadpans, ranging from 9in to 18in in diameter, all with flat lids. Wash basins and starch bowls are here in great variety, ranging from lOin to 15in in diameter, and in two colors—yellow and white. Pie dishes are exhibited in nests of six from Bin to 15in, and butter pote, the holding capacity of which ranges from 301b to lOOlbs. A very important branch of local industry which will it is hoped come to tiie front ere long, is well provided for in this exhibit by a number of jam pots from three to nins inches in height. These are also shown in nests, ranging from one to Ceven inches. Honey and pickle jars of all cozes are shown, and the practical experience of the local pickle companies with regard to these jars is of the most satisfactory character, ihe convenience of our American friends would be well met by the excellent display made by the firm in the matter of spittoons. Jars for keeping dry goods, such aa sugar, rice, Ac, from one quart to nine, are exhibited, as also oblong and round fruit plates. A very excellent assortment of jelly jars are shown, just large enough to turn out easily. For those who contemplate festivity there are spirit jars from one to five gallons, wickered and unwickered, and as a specimen of local industry it may be noted that the wickering is done here. A line cf filters on the principle of the Cheavin filter are exhibited, and a novelty in the shape of a dog trough, which is a heavy circular trough with large bottom, so as to avoid it being turned over with the chain. Three sizes of pig troughs —single, double, and treble — are also shown, together with horse and bull mangers as supplied to the. Deans' Estate, and water trough.. In the important department of -{-sanitary appliances Messrs Austin and Kirk have a good show. In order to practically demonstrate to the visitor the method of connecting the various domestic offices with the sewer, Messrs Austin and Kirk have shewn eighteen-inch pipes, from which is exhibited every pipe to a three inch. In this system there are house sewer stench traps of all .sizes, the kitchen sink with syphon, urinal and closet, both with syphons. The principle of introducing fresh air into the pipes is illustrated by the fresh air valve, which drives all gases which may have been missed by the siphons through an escape ventilator, placed over the roof of the house. Yard sinks, open earthenware channelling, from three to nine inches, are also exhibited. A sample of the block pipe, manufactured by the firm, is exhibited. This is square at one side and round at the other and inside. The square part is meant to be built into a wall, a speciality ja this class of the- exhibits is the terra metallic bond bricks, intented to bind together tiie two courses of "bricks Jn hollow walls. The firm also exhibit a potter's wheel in fuß .operation, which has ■ been one of the chief attractions of the Exhibition. Messrs Austin and Kirk. j commenced the industry in 1872, when the whole -working force comprised the trio, Messrs Austin and TKirk and one man. Now about 'fifty hands are ; employed. 7 The works are situate at Farnley, at the foot of Colombo street, and comprises day drain pipe and pottery works. The machinery comprises the largest hydraulic pipe making machine south of the line, manufactured.by Scott Bros. This machine will make pipes from 4into36in in diameter. There is also a smaller machine. The brick kiln is one of the largest in New Zealand, tiie chimney stack being 130 ft high. In the production of the goods manufactured by the firm five kilns are used. The brick kiln already alluded to holds 300.000 bricks, and took 300,000 bricks to build it. There are two round draft pipe kilns, built of fire bricks. These are used specially for putting a glaze on the stoneware goods. Another kiln is built specially for burning -lower pots and biscuit ware, whilst the other is used for glazing teapots, Ac. The exhibit throughout is a very interesting and instructive one, as it is illustrative of the great advances made in this one of our principal industries during the past few yearsPassing onward we come to the exhib.t •f TH* HELTON POTTBBT WOBXS. It Will be remembered that at the show of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association in 1882 the Milton pottery had a very excellent exhibit. Since that time, as is well known, evil days have fallen on the industry. - Still there is yet hope that the works may come to the front once more. Some of the operatives have taken the matter in hand, and have Bent up a small exhibit. This comprises butter crocks, teapots, jam -purs, baking dishes, spittoons, pudding bowls, fancy flower pots, bread plates,. butter coolers, ornamental filter, and a teapot of immense proportions. The quality of the goods as a whole is excellent, and generally, though small, the exhibit is a capital representation of the progress of the industry in Otago, and it is to be hoped that ere long brighter days will dawn for the factory at Milton.