MECHANICS' INSTITUTE THE FINE ARTS AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIX, Issue 5101, 29 December 1873, Page 3

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE TH E FINE ARTS AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Ox Satuiday tlio Exhibition at the Mechanics' Institute was not so well patronised aa it might have been. This may be accounted for to some extent by Saturday being the last day of the races, and that many were anxious as to the results of their bot3. It is to be hoped, however, now that the racing is over for a time, that the visitors to this really good Exhibition will bo more numerous than they were on Saturday, both during the day and throughout the evening. The absence of great crowding was, howover, beu^fiui.il to those who were presei t, who were in consequence able to examine moio minutely many of the objects of interest thau they could have done undor other circumstances. One object which we saw many examining with interest was placed at the eastern side of the entrance to the main hall. It was a copy of the AucllandTimes for November 18,1842, being a copy of the twentieth issue of that journal. It contrasts very favorably with the journals of the present day. The topics discussed in its columns give an insight to the condition of Auckland thirty years ago. One of the articles is dovoted to various comments on the "Kaupo House Bill." Two mud houses still remain in Auckland a« testimonies of a style of architecture Which has passed away, but there is not tt. single house remaining built of the peiishablo and iuflammable material known as raupo. Other articles are devoted to the discussing of various plans for the plaoing out of immigrants, the necessity of supporting the Auckland Dispensary, copper- mining on the Gieat Barrier Island, &c. The whole appearance of the paper, together with the nature of its contents, gives a. good insight into a period of rudeness in the history of this oiby which has for ever passed away. As a relio of the past, the exhibit will be even more valuable as time rolls on. It is at present well pieserved, being framed and glazed. There were on exhibition a large number of articles of choice manufacture — many of them quite curiosities in their way — and testifying to the unwearied patience which had been required to execute the work. A"kaleido3cope> which had been provided since the opening night, was a source of great attraction. It was of respectable size, and some very beautiful figures, with rich coloring, were turned up by it, to the great gratification of the visitors. Some pieces of Tappa cloth (Fijian), made from the bark of the mulberry tree, were seen to good advantage by daylight. The weaving seemed to be somewhat irregular, but tho thin texture of the cloth was surprising, much of it being as thin as the finest gauze. Mr. R. Fitzmaurice Sandes, of the Thames, had an excellently arranged cabinet of metals, ores, and minerals found in the Thames Goldfield, which was placed alongside that from the Bmk of New Zealand devoted to the same purpose. The Mechanics' Institute ought to have a cabinet or two of minerals and metals attached to it, so that practical information might readily be obtained as to the ordinary forms in which the various useful metals and minerals are met with in nature. We are sure that the money devoted to the purchase of classified cabinets of this nature would be money well spent, and would bring in to the Institute an ample return for the outlay. Messrs. J. Smart and Co. made a line exhibition of articles of household utility, in the hardware line, and Messrs. J. R. Courcy aud J. Leech exhibited specimens of their best workmanship in the arts of carving and gilding. Mr. J. Sheehan, M.H.R., was an extensive exhibitor — not only in native cuiiosities, aud ancient books, but he also exhibited a largo and excellent collection of casts of Elgin marbles, Mr. H. Cucksey's aucient Bibles and other books are quite curiosities in their way ; one of them is an old folio chufch-porch Bible, containing the genealogies in black letter with references. It is printed in old English letter, dated 1603, and provided for the church porch in 1G13. This Bible is said to bo one of those 'that were chained to the reading-desks in former times. It is believed that there are only eleven copies of this edition in existence. Mr. YV. Young exhibits several small articles of Maori manufactures from the phormium. Some of them were dyed in very rich colours, and the lustre of the dyed fibre is almost equal to that of silk. They give a good idea of the quality of the fibre of our indigenous plant, and the ust-s to which it might be devoted when once a process of cleaning it has geen discovered which does not destroy its natural lustre. Mr. J, Good all, O.E., exhibited a splendid collection of scientific instruments, which also has been added since the opening night. The collection contained an excellent astronomical telescope, a microscope with stereoscopic eyepiece, a spectroscope, electric magnets, electric light, Leyden jars with Henley's discharge, a Ruhurkorff's coil, a ten-cell galvanic battery, a one cell Danioll battery, wet and dry-bulb thermometers, minimum and maximum thermometers, eleotrio bell, &c. They were interesting to look at, but the public interest in them would have been greatly heightened if the Exhibition Committee had provided some gentleman to occasionally explain the uses to which the various instruments could be put. Messrs. Irelaud Brothers are also new exhibitors since the opening night. On Saturday they exhibited a large collection of vaiious kinds of leather, all of their own manufacture. There were samples of sole, brown and black harness, pig skin for saddles, calf skins, kips, grain, calf, cordovan, bazils of various kinds, hose and rigging leather, dog skin rugs, goat skins, white wool mats, mill butts &c. Mr. Robert Neal had an excellent assortment of various kinds of sauces &c, and so far as we noticed was the only exhibitor in this department. Mr. VV. J. Isles exhibited a splendid collection of rope of various sizes, all of his own manufacture. It was the intention of Mr. Lloyd to have had one of his rope making machines brought to the Exhibition, and thus illustrate the process of rope manufacture, but pressure of work prevented him. There were a large number of water colour paintings by the late Dr. Thom placed in exhibition, some of them exhibiting talent of no mean order. There was a painting of an Indian temple, which showed great taste and delicacy of workmanship. There was another by the same hand describing a hurricane in tho Mauritius, which showed that the artist fully realised the force of the destructive effects of tho cyclonic gales, and possessed the descriptive power to depict; them upon canvas. There were various Indian scenes, showing the beautiful colouring of that sunny ulimo. Altogether this collection of water-colours was an exsellent one. We were sorry to see the pictures of Mr. A. Martin, of scenes in Naples, stuck into the darkest corner in tho room, while rubbish of articles occupied protmnont positions, where the light was campaiabively good. The Hanging Committee were Messrs. Hoy to, Calder, and hartlctt, and it does not speak much for their judgment when such gems as those of Mr. Martin's are permitted to remain hidden behind the table upon which Mr. Goodall's iaattuments ai'9 placed. It is to be hoped that Mr. Martin's pictures will soon fiud a place more worthy of tho merit they possess. The room set apart for the South Sea Island curioiitiei, collected during the cruise of the •Jessie Niccol,' was well patronised. Its contents are of a very miscellaneous character, but none tho less attractive on that account. The chart of tho Pacific, on which were marked the tracks of the vessel's cruise, was olosely inspeoted by many seafaring men. There was an excellent collection of photographs made during the voyage, photographs of men and women, and scenes in nature. Some of the men were fine-looking fellows, one of the women possessed features as comtly as those of many Kuropeans. A considerable quantity of specimens of cloth manufactured by the islanders were exhibited, together with a loom used by the natives of the Caroline Islands. The loom seems a veiy rude implement of trade, but some of the pieces of cloth produced upon it are not like the work of uncivilised savages. Tho specimens of their manufactures are well worthy of careful examination, as they plainly indii oate that those who produced them have ad* Vaaoed a long way beyond mere barbarism.

The Exhibition will be open to-day, ami iu the evening until 10 o'clock. The following is the opening arldres<3 o* lm Houor the Supeiinteudonfc, which we weio dopnvod of until now under circumstances stated in oui* issue of Saturday: — Mr. Piesident, Ladies, and Gentlemen, — I have been invited by the managing cpmmitteo of the Institute to offer a few remarks to you on this occasion, and in doing so I think it will not be uninteresting to you to hear a little of the early history of the institution, of its founders, and of the circumstances uudor which it lud its origin. In the first placo I am led to make a few remarks respecting the origin of institutes of this nature, and will, therefore, ask you to go back with me to times gone by, while I briefly advert to the circumstances which suggested their foundation. It would appear that we are indebted to the French for the idea of a, purely public and general institution. That nation, at the time of the revolution in 1795, having conceived a hatred to everything Royal, abolished the seven Royal academies, institutions of an exclusive nature, and substituted the " National Institute." It was opened in December in that year, when Benezech.tho then minister for the Home Department, attended, and the decree of foundation was read, which was to the following purport : — Aoadeiny of Arts and Sciences belongs to the republio, and Parii is its place of residenoe. Its employment is to aim at bringing all arts and sciences to the utmost perfection of which they are capable. It is to notice every new attempt, and all new discoveries, and to keep up a correspondence with all foreign literary societies. And, by the particular orders of the Executive Directory, its first studies are to be directed to those subjects which more immediately tend to the reputation and advantage of the French republio. The academy is divided into three classes, each class into sections, each section to contain twelve members. First class, mathematics and natural philosophy. This class is divided into ten sections. 1. Mathsmatioi } 2. Mechanical arts; 3. Astronomy; 4. Experimental, Philosophy ; 5. Chemistry ; 6. Natural history ; 7. Botany ; 8. Anatomy and animal history ; 0. Medicine and surgery ; 10. Animal economy, and the veterinary science. Second class, morality and politics. This class consists of six sections. 1. Analysis of sensations and ideas ; 2. Morals ; 3. Legislature ; 4. Political economy; 5. History; 6. Geo graphy. Third class, literature and the fiue arts. This class consists of eight sections. 1. Dniveraal grammar; 2. Ancient languages ; 3. Poetry ; 4. Antiquities ; 5. Painting ; 6. Sculpture ; 7. Architecture ; 8. Music. The French National Institute appears to have given rise to the " Royal Institution of Great Britain," founded in 1799 by the celebrated Count ilumford. This institution having been firmly established, and its advantages having become manifest, the idea quickly followed of spreading throughout the, kindred associations, based upon the same model, and aiming at the same ends. We therefore find that towards the close of the last century and early in this, stimulated by tho desire of the age, freely to circulate information amongst the masses, associations of this nature were fostered and lapidly appeared throughout the kingdom, move especially in the great manufacturing towns. Hero we find them making most progress, and, as tho populations consisted principally of artisans and practical working mechanics, to whose interests the efforts of these associations were chiefly directed, it will not be incorrect I think to infer that the designation "mechanics' institute" was derived Irom these facts. Many, who afterwards gained celebrity in their vocations, were indebted to the information which was conveyed to them, after tho hours of labour by means of lectures delivered in tho halls of these institutions, and through tho facilities of gaining information which were afforded by the libraries connected with the institutions. Some of these eminent and self-taught men have found their way to the British colonies, and I have heard from the lips of one of ouf distinguished early publio men, in this colony, testimony borne to his own indebtedness to the groundwork which he secured by attendance at these lectures, and which, in after life, gained him greatness in his profession and eminence in the particular science which became his favourite study. But such cases, I need not remind you, are by no means uncommon. How very many of our greatest and ablest men, springing from obscure origin have gained by this means that foundation upon whioh their success in after life was based, you may all know. Coming now to our moie immediate connection with the "Auckland Mechanics' Institute," I may tell you that Auckland in its early days was fortunate enough to have amongst its founders somo who had witnessed the usefulness and appreciated the advantages of theso institutions ia the old countries, from which they had migrated to these colonies. They t were, no doubt, impressed with the thought that their fellow-settlers, especially the labouring classes, who bad already arrived in large numbers, and were increasing, would have but few opportunities for rational recreation and reading unless opportunities of this nature were afforded them. Accordingly, the first meeting was called for the formation of a "Mechanics' Institute, "and was held on the 27th July, 11842, when a provisional committee of ten gentlemen were appointed with power {to collect subscriptions and enroll members. Tho number soon amounted to about 50, and a second meeting was held in following month (Mr. Charles Babington Brewer, barrister at-law presiding), when rules and regulations were made and officebearers appointed for the first term. Amongst these we find tho names of Dr. S. M. D. Martin and Captain Bennett, R.E., tho first presidents : and Messrs. Wm. Brown, C. W. Ligar, W. T. Buokland, James Derrom, Alex. Black, and Dr. Campbell, the committee. Donations of books, &c, were solioited, and the library was opened on the 1 7th February, 1843. The inaugural address was delivered by the Hon. Wm. Swainson (Captain Bennett presiding) on the 23rd April, '43, in a large store in theShoi-tland Croscent.no hall having at that time been erected. A series of lectures followed, the principal of which wore on " Burns' Poetry," by Henry Falwns3er, Esq.; on "Phrenology," by Wm. Brown, Esq. j on "Education," by Wm. Home, Esq ; on "Navigation," by Dr. Thompson, R.N. These were delivered with the first six months of the formation of the Institute. The next was delivered by H. Falwasser, Esq,, on the 29th June, 1843 — subject, "Poetry of Byron ;" another by Thos. Outhwaite, Esq., on 27th July, 1843, on "Music ;" followed by another from tho Rev. J. F. Churton, on "Cowper's Poems," in the following month. These lectures were greatly appreciated, and were well attended by the colouista who had at that tiuio congregated in Auckland. Mr. Outhwaitb's lecture on "Music" was especially largely attended, and received with great applause. This lecture was illustrated by the performance of pieces from eminent composers, by a small body of gentlemen who had formed themselves into what was known as tho " Philharmonic Society." To Mr. Outhwaite's lecture, and to a music class which he afterwards formed and took personal charge of iu connection with the Institute, may be traced that taste for music which wo find so largely cultivated amongst the youth of Auckland — a taste which has been disseminated amongst the families of almost all classes of out* settlers, and has enabled the Balneavises, the Fontons, the Browns, the Beales, and others, to iiud material which has been well employed in the establishment of a aociety in our midst capable of rendering the works of tho great masters, to dolightod audionces, in a manner of whioh we hayo had so recently an illustration ; and this, too, iu a spacious and elegant hall erected and dedicated to the art of music. The Institute having at this period of its history a name without a local habitation, a of land was' solicited and obtained from the ActingGovernor in Counoil, on the 15th Angust, 1843, on which land the Institute at present stands. Tho fijst building was erected by contributions from the publio. In 1844 tho number of Bubsoribers was 44. i Owing to many oausos, but chiefly to the dim-

cultas or obtaining ii\uly access to tin pu 1 misty m t l ir» evi Diii^a, the Institute h"ltn piss tin on vicia->Jtu<le» w h eh o >mmon alike to popliu hi iIks anil ludivulu il 1 to in the early history aul stnvings of jmi.ij plantations, but there were still a hopeful tu\/ who kept it from falling into complete decay. I feel assured it will be as> gratifying to the early foundcis, soine of whom I am gl.ul to sea here present, to know, as it was to myself, to observe that from their small beginnings in Auckland, the usefulness of similar institutions have extended and been felt throughout the province. In almost cvei v township ,unl hamlet recently visitod by me I found a building erec ed and devoted to public purposes — most of which contained the nucleus of a library. In 1856, when the Institute was thirteen years in existence, the total receipts from all sources was £137 18a. Gd. Owing to recent exertions, which have been tolerably successful, to resuscitate the institution, its income this year amounts to £358 11s. 4d., with subscribers numbering about 450. It is thought advisable that it should be mads known on this oooasion that the new committee are very anxious to revive the institution. In the library the committee have been obliged to attract subssribers by ■electing almost entirely light reading. They have no funds at their 'disposal wherewith to secure a valuable collection of works. They have made strenuous efforts to induce others to subscribe, but have only partially succeeded. An effort has recently been made to impart to tho institution an educational character, and with this object technical classes have been inaugurated and have already 80 students. There is a Maori clas?, and there are classes for arithmetic and mathematics, but the best attended classes are those for architectural and mechauical drawing. On two evenings in each week tho hall is filled with youths and meu, with their drawing boards and instruments, hard at work in the architectural and mechanical drawing, classes, which have nearly SO pupils on their rolls. These classes are established for two hours' instruction on two nights in each week. The students find their own instruments, and the committee supply the drawing boards, easels, and furniture. The fee is only six shillings and sixpence per quarter. Owing to the assembly of these classes the committee lose the use of the hall for the public purposes to wh ; ch it has always been applied, and they lose also the revenue derived from such a source. Hence, in order to build class-rooms, the present Exhibition was projected. The committee have spent £200 in preparing for the exhibits, which will be this evening open to view. Their invitations to manufacturers and others have been cheerfully responded to. It might hare been desirable to make the classification more minute, but for the present it hay been thought better not to attempt too much. For the same reason no awards will be given. It is proposed to make this Exhibition one of a series, when, if met with sufficient encouragement, the committee will endeavour to impart to tbem.a more completely industrial character, by devoting eaoh to one or moie specific branches of production, and illustrating the processes of manufacture when possible. To meet the requirements of the Institution a suitable building, with class and lecture rooms, is much needed, and the support of the public is earnestly invited by the committee to assist in every way possible to secure so desirable an end. The Exhibition which is about to be thrown open will afford on an unlimited scale, to many young persons here, those opportunities of obtaining knowledge which such exhibitions have presented at home in the old countries to the masses. The example set by the promotion of the great exhibition of 1851, held under the auspices and patronage of "Albert the Good," has been followed by 1 other nations since that time, and recently wo have been informed of that held at Vienna, in which the New Zealand department gained celebrity and attracted much attention and notice. But, while, (since the days when the house of Brown and Campbell dispatched from our harbour a ship laden with samples of such of the rich and varied resources of our province as were then known to us), we have been keenly alive to the advantages of exhibiting and making known tho great sources of wealth, which are now moro fully known to exist in our portion of the colony ; it has been left, however, for the enterprise and earnestness of the present managers of the Institute to throw open to view, and for the information of our own people, specimens of those materials which lie so profusely around us on every side. New metals and mineral substances have been discovered, and of these the present Exhibition affords fine samples. It is true that gold and iron are at the present day, as in ancient times, the rulers of the world ; the groat events in the world of mineral art are not the disooveries of new substances, but of new and rich discoveries of the old ones. These we have here in abundance in our own colony, following up the disclosures of the treasures of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century, and of the moro recent ones of California and Auetralia. May we not say with Dr. Whewell in his lecture on " The General Bearing of the Great Exhibition on the Progress of Art and .Science, " " Who knows what beautiful materials for the makers of furniture are yet to be found in the collection of woods from tho various forests of the Indian Archipelago, or of Australia, or of Tasmania, or of New Zealand ? or, who kno ws what we may hereafter discover to have been collected of fruits and oils, and medicines, and dyes ; of threads and cordage as we had here from New Zealand ; of gums and vegetablesnbstances which may, in some unforeseen mannor.promofceand facilitate the processes of Art ?" So may we not hope and trust that the results of this Exhibition may be felt in stimulating- our people to search, that they may discover to their own advantage, and to the progress and advancement of public and individual wealth, the many and abounding articles of value which our favoured land promises to yield. And now, Mr. President, let me conclude .by using the words of an old familiar poet : — " flare let u» bretthe, and hivply Institute A. course of learning and infeniom ituuy."