INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6072, 12 August 1880, Page 2 (Supplement)

INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

July 16 to July 21.

Committee of Management Allan. Chairman ; Mr W. W. Charters, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer; B. H. Banks and J. A. Bird, Professor Biokerton, Messrs N. K. OherrUl, G. Coleman, T. W. Draper, and B. W. England -j ro ' fessor Yon Haast, Messrs J. Holmes, Howland, Hulbert, O. HuU, J. P. Jameson, F. Jenkins, A. Kirk, H, B, Kirk, W. Moor, J. L. Scott, W. S. Smith, and R. H. Wood. - . The poet laureate of England, in hie dedication to the “ Idylls of the King, indicates in a graceful manner the incalculable benefit secured to the whole civilised world, when “ Albert the good ” became the « Far-sighted summoner of War and Waste To fruitful strifes and rivalries of pe >oe. The Great Exhibition of 1851 was tbedawn of a new era—the grand initiation of a long series of Exhibitions, in connection with art, science and manufacture, in various countries ; and year by year there has been a growing reoognition of the true value of such gatherings. By their aid, nations as well as individuals have been enabled to compare results, and to ascertain their several positions in the march of progress. By their aid, also, when they are carried out in a modified form, a Colony cai show what has been accomplished by the strong, indomitable will, that turns' to stepping stones all hindrances,;. There isyrin connection with our Industrial Exhibition, no need to compare small things with great. The same principles underlie all such efforts, and the present gathering in the Cathedral City is intended simply as an index, whereby we may the more readily. read our own history. There is, perhaps, one feature in connection with such displays, which has to be allowed for in forming a correct estimate of the general progress made. That feature is, that everything is in exhibition trim; that there have; been, special manufactures, for the occasion, and with a higher degree of finish than would be perceptible in the ordinary course. But it is a somewhat curious fact, that in the Christchurch Industrial Exhibition this condition of things cannot possibly obtain, save in a modified degree. From the inception of the gathering, to its completion, the time has been far too short to admit of the production of specialities; and as_ a matter of fact there are instances in which exhibitors have had to borrow for the occasion articles which they had made and sold sometime previously. It will be remembered that the date for the Exhibition was materially changed, in order that the Committee might be enabled to embody in the display the goods which were about to be forwarded to Melbourne. These things form but a comparatively small portion of the imposing collection, and of the Exhibition as a whole it may therefore be said, that it constitutes a fair representation of our every-day work. Further, it can be claimed that the Christchurch Industrial Exhibition is of a, practical nature. It originated from a suggestion made by Mr W. W. Charters, to the effect that the Association for Fostering and Protecting Local Industries and Productions, was about completing the first year of its existence, and that a fitting mode of celebrating the anniversary would be to have some sort of display of local productions. Practical men saw at once that the idea was a good one, and.that it might advantageously be enlarged upon. Their first desire being to help forward the local industries, one of the best possible ways of doing so would be to make the people practically acquainted with what was being done in their midst. Theoretically, the public knew already that woollen goods, hats, boots' and shoes, nails, all sorts of articles in wood and in iron were being made here; but this notwithstanding, their recognition was largely of that dubious character which awards no honour, no merit, to an immediate and everyday work. It would be well, then—rit was argued—that* interest and even enthusiasm should be awakened, by showing some of the processes ; conceived by thinking brains, and carried on by dexterous hands. This meant that machinery in motion—always anattraotiqn—should constitute one of the features of the local amount of detail work for somebody. Visitors will recognise the fact that the needed work was spiritedly undertaken, and that the results afford such an amount of practical instruction, presented in such an interesting manner, as must leave au indelible impression on the minds of the rising generation. Even the Committee of Management, although they had formed a somewhat ambitious conception, had no idea of the ; wide-spread: interest that would be developed. They at first intended to include only Christ church exhibits, but applications came in thick and fast, some of them from Dunedin, Auckland, and other places, and the Committee resolved that—so far as space would permit—they would welcome all comers. Bearing in mind that there had been no inviting of outside contributions, it will be seen that, with a longer period of preparation and a more general announcement of the intended Exhibition, the collection would have assumed - gigao tic proportions, and there would have been no place in which the display could have been made. With less than 200 exhibitors, the largest building in the city proved too sxhall, and at last a sub-committee had to perform the unenviable task of butting .down nearly all the applications; for space. This work seems, to have been done with the strictest impartiality The short time available for preparation precluded the possibility of making the Exhibition a competitive one, or even of awarding certificates of merit. For this first local Exhibition, public opinion is to.be the reward of the contributors, with the subsequent impetus which it is Hoped may be given to the various industries. On a future "occasion, the' Committee, profiting by the experience now gained, will no doubt be able to carry out still more complete arrangements, and to secure a more thorough classification of exhibits than.has been possible in the hurry and bustle of the past few days. The general arrangements of the Exhibition are as follows:—On entering the inclosure, and passing the inner barricade, the visitor at once sees , some of the exhibits, the out-of-door items including vehicles, a windmill pump, &o. Conifers have sprung up, as if by magic, at the entrance to the building, which ia in the centre of the western side. The spacious. verandah is closely covered in, and is utilised a? a place in which to show carriages, A .portion at one end is fitted up as a refreshment room and luncheon bar. Entering the large 7 nail, the scene is a brilliant ana imposing one. The north end may be termed the top of the room. In the - centre is an admirably fitted refreshment bar for ladies, wherein Mr Morton dispenses tea, coffee, &o. Above the bar is the band platform. On thelettis the grand display of locally made art furniture sent in by Mr A. J. White, and on the right ia a similar collection shown by Messrs King and Co. Turning along the right is the hatter’s stand of Mr Hulbert, wherein two skilled; workmen are showing the various stages of the manufacture; and next them, Mr Proctor, optician, ia giving practical lessons in connection with, the production of lenses. Then comes clothing, as produced by the New Zealand Olothitig Company; and the adjoining display is that made % the proprietors of tho Zi/ifel/on Times, to illusfcrate Ine progress inade in artistic printing, engraving, photo-lithography, &o. The next stands are those of Messrs; Dunn Brothers, tinsmiths, and of .Mr Atkinson, range maker. The great trophy’ of woodware extending from floor to roof, has been built up by Mr Jenkins) and the remainder of this side of the hall is occupied by Messrs A. and T. Burt, of Dunedin, who make a really wonderful show of articles in brass and copper, gasaliers, pumps, lead and composite piping, &o. The South end of the building is filled in with a senes of collections representing some of the mineral, wealth of the Colony, and some of the results of that wealth, the various items also tending to! show that there are workmen employed'here who‘have a Clear conception of art forihsS : Oh the western side there are pictures innumerable, examples of enpaving, photography, electroplating and eleo--1 typing, Jotter-press, printing, taxidermy, oabmet and carpentry work,, masonry," &o. In the body of the hall, the three huge tables, extending . almost the' entire length; are crowded with exhibits ofi all. Muds, the "mere

valuable contributions being for the most on the central stand. Just in the the hall is the splendid hexagonal stand a of by Messrs King and Co., and contain-* 11 samples of grain. The machinery i n is all grouped in the gun room, to w u‘°? there are two approaches. This place ia trcmely woll lighted, and it constitutes tv" great atl raction of the Exhibition. ctlß At a few minutes past noon, the Bail band, which had been performing within I? enclosure, ascended to the high platform'• the interior. The lower and temporary S ? form was occupied by His Worship ri Mayor of Christchurch and the members t the City Council; and the President an°s members of the Committee of Manasemont , The President said—Mr Mayor, Ladies ard Gentlemen,—Before the Exhibition is formal) opened, I have been requested by the Commit tee, of which I have the honour to be Chai man, to deliver a few remarks as to the and objects of this Exhibition. It j 8 about eight years ago since an exhibition held in this same building, prior to th despatch of the exhibits for Yienna. If 8 doubt many of you will remember that octal sion. It was opened by His Excellency th Governor, at that time Sir George Bowen 9 and was an undoubted success, and great hopes were entertained that the industries of New Zealand were about_ to occupy a mom prominent position than in the past, ji population of the Colony was then 259,000 to-day it is nearly 500,000, and during’ the eight years that have elapsed, the debt of the Colony has been increased from £IO,OOO Om to £28,000,000. It might, naturally be sunposed that with this large increase of poput tion and the immense sums of borrowed money, our industries would have received a great impulse, and that the hopes that had been entertained would have had a fait chance of being realised ; but I regret to say that such is not the case, for there is no dii. guising the fact that our industries and the development of our material resources have not made that progress that we had a right to expect. Agrieult are has indeed made rapid strides. But notwithstanding this fact, and all the borrowed money, we do hot find the Colony in that prosperous state that wo could wish. Why is this ?. l am firmly of opinion that one great reason is to he foutd in the fact that we hare neglected our industries. For eight years we have lived in too great a hurry; we have not had time to use our own materials. It has appeared to be so mush easier to import We have been trying to make money too easily as a nation of importers and la ml jobbers,. We have imported often inferior timber for our railway and rolling stock, wh Is we have been burning our own, and this s lmo principle has been carried on in other ways, and in a sense we have grasped at the shadow and lost the substance. The peculiar position of New Zealand renders it most important that we should in the future do more of our own work and utilise more of our natural resources. For some years past, apart from the importations for Government purposes, our imports have largely exceeded our exports, and seeing that we have a large amount to pay, for interest, it is a most serious position for a young country that not the stored wealth of an older country to draw upon to cover this deficiency. But the depression of the past two years has not by any means been an unmixed evil. It has directed public attention to the necessity of looking more to those matters that we bad neglected, and this brings me to the origin of this Exhibition. About a year ago an Association was formed here, called the Association for the Fostering and Encouragement of Native Industries and Productions. Similar Associations were formed in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland, and consisted of many of those directly interested in manufacturing, and many who had no direct interest. We frankly confess, although it is a “red rag” to some people, that part of their duty was to obtain such a revision of the Customs tariff as would be more favourable to local industry. They sought to have the duties removed from raw materials required by manufacturers and not produced within the Colony, and also the imposition of increased duties on articles that the Colony could reasonably manufacture. I do not intend to weary you with any questions of Free Trade and Protection, and will merely state that the present tariff is, in many respects, more- favourable to manufacturing, and ! have no doubt will tend to give a substantial impulse to manufacturing in the next few years to the profit of the whole Colony; but the duties of the Association did not by any means end in the tariff question. They have been useful in collecting and disseminating information on various subjects, and in knany other ways; and one of the ways ia which they thought they could prove of service was in the inauguration of an Ii duslral Exhibition. They called to their aid ths services of two or three well-known gentlemen who .are,always ready at a moment’s notice to give a helping hand in any useful work, and hence the cause of the display to-day. iua in this matter we think wo can fairly claim the sympathies of all classes; and the objects to be attained are manifest. _ In the first place it creates a wholesome rivalry between exhibitors, and thus tends to improvemen; and on another occasion (and I hope there will be other occasions) this rivalry can t increased by giving awards, a matter tnat * had not time to take up this year, the meantime it may suggest to capitalist or the citizen some new openingIt also serves as a means of education , s lastly, and by no means the least, i ■ capital advertisement for manufac ■ and brings the public at large into contact with our productions, and t ito remove prejudices, for there is thing as prejudice, even m the ma _ local industries. It is not so 8 S it-was considered quite impossibl . native coal on our railways, but tba ;t r jj, e dice has now been overoome, ana result of saving many thousands ay Colony and with a good profit to the It is to he hoped that this remold* Fj jucice will extend to other m - , not stated just now that our induet™ ta made that progress that we ha “ | that expect, but it must not he s P - they have made no progress, (a contrary is the case, a “ d übad u bad bad tha volume of business that they t 0 (heir opportunity of accomplishing t a !eJ , ability to turn out ready first ; c and, in support _ of this, we £ UJ r c i tu re l the many beautiful artiel ® B , f iou! kinds cabinet work, and woodware of [0 represented here to-day, and v r that we shall use more of our t these purposes, and impot - , wur ei rubbishing furniture tha-’ h . jest* into this market during the P j ®3j And while on the matter of 1 ;n tffo mention that I have “? tsoed '/Styrdraf of the leading American journ , ; n tbs ing attention to the beautiful article New Zealand woods. We wfe I clothil) p splendid samples of woollen g from the &0.. from the Kaiapoi mills, tbe Mosgiel. We draw y° ur na tivo splendid samples of P°‘ ter /’ d ma ny metal goods, carnage work, jigM lines; all a credit to the Colony m years ago great hopes were , s cos and I am very sorry to say the. l some people large sums of j v by „ iSA 1.. "'“"i take, but I jet think the™ » J flax, and within the past 1 * ,n tb mills have been Btarted f “ tbe coiiv^ 10 '! vicinity of Christchurch, for™ au art# flax into pulp for dec >" I believe there is an almoßtunl b r for in Europe and Australia- l]iafc \ an article represented here t ft day ßl iiibi J has never before fi g u f d , “ f ro m New Zealand, viz-, parolemn fl r d<leg ;ta The people at Gisborne . an d 'i. samples to the Sydney Exh bit °n. led to the formation of a °° t P beJ *il Pf ju ing the oil mills, and I Col< successful. Yews ag° , som e^ D ?jl applied to an artio e, meant so® 1 and ready, but it is not so now, _ think, you will ascertain “i e thia? matter of fact it really n-gJVah >< for it is generally in 5 ted shoddy that a co ontal ® a " iso b 0 and if the public mU only J f « (ho ddK J there isa bad time in shoddf' - a o!> if not. ’ and they wiß- baT ® ;ll bft ye Wjp suppose our manufactures tba(i u n improving till, they ev W

of this country rTTpoint- people, for it teem* with Spends on* advantages, and it# S»r»l T,fL can be summed up in two f Industry, and if we can one step in that diroc feel that our labours hare not !L, we 0a behalf of the Committee, Mr b* en ' n rhave much pleasure inasking yon jCfsa/assr *JItAl lsn 0 { ohristohuroh, who on this Ilia s l# . his chain of office, saidMr ocw 8 ' ladies, and Gentlemen—When I p reß idenf, £ t)je p reß ident and members of w as » !ked -f-ee to take a part in this opening (bo Coincim con , ente a to do eo with very i because it is the duty of any pest l’ le . ;“ official position, to give all the «» ebtf d $ countenance which that position (»pP° rt ,] („ oire to an undertaking of this jjsnpP 05 ; 6 u r e you will all agree with me lid 1 !' t thanks of this community are list tw ot jdent , an d Committee for the d»’ u ‘ an d enterprise which they have meat eW J b ;„ c etting together so large an test 85 this in so short a time. Those E l!,lb! r here seven years - ago, and who who « t ’ re Exhibition of that time, however lewfViwi Exhibition was, for a young greif ‘‘‘ t bi, cannot help bemg struck at rountn- *"*' prepress that has been made in theT, ftnres and local produce generally. - I sticks well, and proves that our ti.-tor are and producers are alive to the ® jnU uTr they must be prepared to produce (act t‘>- . jj ere S 8 manufaoturors and Mg f d ”.’an elsewhere. Whether we conf, at’alifcy of our wools, the excellence Bder 1 eml linestone, cereals, building mate- *<* beautiful woods for cabinet ware, j fther natural productions, it appears to I'at we have everything necessary for al in even a high state of civilisation,. f n ‘ L te t hat exhibitions of this kind are 1 C £iive of great good,inasmuch as they bring f7 ° r tnowledae the resources of our country. IS. 0 ! tend to stimulate healthy competition wieen manufacturers and producers; _ and, . • eve l more beneficial in my opinion, ™ us to place greater reliance in ourselves, ml,I Exhibition shall, in the smallest degree, Ld to bring about a greater knowledge of IT resources, and open up a larger consumpof local manufactures; and if it causes mt aianufscturers to exercise greater energy d entc-crise, and thereby provide labour o ur surplus population, I consider it will w done great good, and have served the l ec t which the promoters of this gathering Siarien j and it will not have been in la in Ladies and gentlemen,—With these few fema-ks I have very much pleasure in declarii, this Exhibition publicly open. (Cheers.) Ihe band—" God Save the Queen.” Three hearty cheers were then given, and tie opening ceremonial thus terminated. In proceeding to notice in detail some of the vast number of items included in the collection, it will be convenient to follow, so far as possible, the order of the “ Catalogue of Exhibits” issued to visitors. It was only atthe last moment that it was decided to publish some sort of classified list, and in the too great hurry of preparation, the compiler has been erratic, and—at times—intensely fumy.

SUNBEAM. The mineral wealth of New Zealand has become almost proverbial; but only within the past few years have we been able to form eten a a approximate idea of our buried treasures. As new industries spring up, and ts the country becomes more densely peopled, our minerals will be brought more and more into use. So far, we are best acquainted with the various clays used in brick and pottery; asd our best known examples of clay products r.re those shown from time to time by Messrs Austin and Kirk—now a company. Of the \t exhibits on the present occasion it vouid not be easy to speak too highly ; and it can he stated that the articles are simply elections from the stock on hand—not ‘'ipeciil ” productions. It is a pity that there ihould have been any for dividing the collection into three portions. Here is a stand in the centre of the south end of the large hall, another on the centre bile, and yet another in the machinery room. In the first mentioned portion there are, amongst the brown - glazed foods, a number of well • made teapots. These, Messrs Austin and Kirk hope for toe future to be able to supply to the trade, and mto shut out one more line of imported ware. There are also tobacco jars of rustic design,, spittoons, basket-pattern jugs, plain and ornamental dishes, &o. In lighter coloured ware there are filters for household use, ta sza and other vases—some of which would be capital things to grow musk and Ming plants ; in white clay there are some beautiful forme of open-work vases, and, for tte first time, a mortar and pestle was shown. Hus article gives out an almost metallic ring, and is evidently sufficiently hard to be serviceable for almost all purposes. The stand B the machinery shed includes the series of wain pipes as produced by hydraulic power; snd the samples seem to be good enough for nny possible purpose, the material being dense, and the glazing continuous over the interior surface as well as on the outside. ■Die same stand includes some fine examples “garden vases, and jars of all sizes. There “e also some of the recently introduced ghzed silt traps, ready for connection with piping of from four to six inches, and these tnmga must certainly come into general detn»nd at no distant date. The glazed goods «io include tiles for edgings, and for flooring, •erne of the flooring tiles being glazed with Mack, dense blue, buff, or white. These form a recent addition to the productions, ™ they simply require to be known about, ? ™ brought into use. Another new Por the firm to show, was a sample c ;be coal existing on the recently wpured land in the Malvern district. The warn was worked some years ago, but was frequently abandoned. It will now be' nought into use again, and will be a most aid in developing the industry. Mennf m n °b be omitted of the third portion fr eß3r s Austin and Kirk’s exhibit, shown be central table in the large hall. The ck *’ are ma de of the finest fireare finished in the biscuit or unL““ Bt ? te > are exquisitely modelled. They ® ac 'e some time ago by the modeller j,, i. lB now working at a table in the tour r ? om > where the visitors press b'fn in crowds, eager to watch the to s; i amou nt of manipulative skill which The various cases include large natur i ® owers > marvellously true to b„ *’ ele gantly-Bhaped vases containing portrait frames wreathed with atticll 8 and an d even such tiny ribbfJ v 3 BCarp rings, crosses for neck attach S ’ b f oocheß An interesting story bibi t J B t° a rooc h similar to those expkti, ' “ was sent as a present to a lady in »indn c ’ a . nt * h a PPened to be placed in the w °‘ a jeweller there. Lady Robinson it tbiJfu ei P reßße d such a desire to possess bj,. lt was shortly afterwards presented to

Pte-pm.l 688 / 8 Austin and Kirk are as yet rivals* 0 * • for pottery, formidable the new Bpnn Si n g up, and for some things p 0 f a T „ Col ? ers hare at once secured prestige; !li OWn ®> the various forms of bricks fealliM.J- ,f Bra ®' an d Ogdon are praoaitnoft m r !y a ordinary bricks are one armtu emalica % true as compared with 13 sWn i an< * re bricks present angles metal TV s 8t aB be secured in which vii 8 u ■ B bows some fine mouldings, for . °e valuable for string courses also pi, TID B brick buildings ; and they Wa en W a. Bome the raw materials * and wor bed by them at "'fea-liu ßU °b as .marble, manganese (an Wot h, ® eta l)> ironstone, clay, gannister matter') nt fj “ r , ec % B abounding in siliceous %, f laes Band « sand, by the Swn in be com P a¥ ed with the sample “g bv nr an o ot ber part of the buildjudge/ at fi, „ anse M» and to which the first n r ; 7 the Sjdney Exhibition awarded a Batn Plea .1 W3d be found that the two W that » t° be from the same deposit, We at f-u J- ®“% Messrs Ford and Ogdon °f later w :ii lr , dls P oea l a mineral which sooner •Messrg w B : vl ave to be largely drawn upon. ?h ow a labours, one of the older firms, ; S e J have 8 f Btand of pottery ware. : f Wom! 1 / rom time to time, .carried' l l? cal Saaf ■ tbeir products at various ! 111^9 ’ nrd they show one of S- A protest must be entered

against_ the two well-shaped garden vases which have been painted over, and in gaudy fashion. This is a mistake. The natural appearance of well-made brown or fireclay ware cannot be improved by such means It may bo that some section of the public demands vases so spoiled} if so, the fact is much to he regretted. Mr W. Plant, of the Thames, shows on one of the centre tables a small collection of glazed ware, including teapots and lugs, all sufficiently well modelled to have a fair chance of being readily sold. The Canterbury Marble Company is represented by a series of polished specimens such as would be built up into pillars. Through all the vicissitudes of the Company, the marble from their reefs has never failed to win admiration either here or in England, though as yet it has—through a variety of causes—been but little used for any practical purpose. Now and again, one has an opportunity of seeing how well it may be worked up, and there is a fortunate instance furnished by the adjoining exhibit of Mr W. Stocks, who shows some marble mantelpieces. These are, for the most part, of the well-known Sicilian marble, which has been imported in slabs, and worked up by the exhibitor. But one of the mantelpieces is relieved by panels of richly-coloured marble from the Canterbury quarry, and the contrast obtained is decidedly beautiful. Mantel or chimney pieces in the white stone now so much used in our better class of buildings, are shown by Mr C. Parsons. They have been worked with great neatness, and Mr Parsons has shown a desire to meet the wants of all classes of the community, by the prices he has affixed. These are respectively, 255, £2 10s and £5. Terra cotta, the Italianised version of fire-clay ware, has a representation, and a highly effective one, in the display made by Messrs Condliffe Bros., of White Cliffs. They show moulded blocks which may be combined to form relief lines in imitation of stone carving, with the advantage that the intensely hard clay product is not liable to have its sharp outlines weathered away, nor to become begrimed so speedily as the much softer stone. There are also decorative medallions, in the same almost imperishable material, vases of various kinds, ana a prettily designed table, which is suggestive of a quiet nook in a well-kept garden. Mr William Wilson shows a block of the widely used white rock building stone, and specimen blocks of the bituminous and anthracite coals found at Whiteeliffs. The anthracite or stone coal, it may be remarked, almost always presents - a peculiarly hard and shiny appearance, and in use it gives but a large amount of heat with scarcely any flame or smoke. For household purposes, if it can only be delivered in the centres of population at sufficiently low rates, it ought to be valuable for mixing with other coals. The bituminous coal, such as that shown by Mr Wilson, would, of course, burn much more freely. There recently, appeared in the columns of the Lyttelton, 'Dimes a most important' report from Dr Hector upon the chalk deposit which occurs on the land of Messrs Ingram and White, at Oxford. The report in question included an analysis.of this chalk, and indicated the various purposes—such as the manufacture of cement —to which it might be readily applied. Messrs Ingram and White show a block of the chalk, and also a sample of whiting made therefrom. It is much to be hoped that when another Industrial Exhibition is held, in this city, there will be evidence of large practical results. Messrs Ingram and White are themselves quietly preparing for the manufacture of cement, and under date July 5 they have received from Dr Hector analyses of various sampler of clays which-they sent to Wellington, with the view of ascertaining which was “ best adapted for the manufacture of Portland cement; in combination with the chalk found at Oxford.” In the remarks accompanying the analytical tables,' Dr Hector says “The result of this comparison is to show that No. 6 is the clay that is most suitable for mixing with the Oxford chalk, as- it requires an aluminous rather than a siliceous - clay, owing to its containing a high per centage of silica in 'the eighteen per oontage of impurity - which it contains.” If Kaiapoi is famous for nothing else, it is becoming most favourably known for its curious and abundant strata of sand, gravel, and grit, 30 kinds of which are shown by Mr E. Smethurst, who has' established a Christchurch agency with, Messrs E. B. Lloyd and Co., No. 4 siding. South belt. The finest of the Sands shown is said to contain as high as 98 per cent of the constituents required in glass-making; and it is at present being used as a flux in the pottery works of the Messrs Neighbours, and the Messrs Austin and Kirk. The supply is considered to be practically inexhaustible. The peculiarly sharp feel of some of the specimens of sand led to inquiry,' and it was soon ascertained that' in the tedious and extremely difficult piece of concrete work at the Drainage Pumping Station, this sand is being used by the contractor at the request of Mr Napier Bell, the Engineer. The sand was also used in forming that portion of the Madras street storm-water sewer which runs under the railway premises, and in the construction of the important works recently carried out by the Christchurch Gas Company. One of the grades of gravel was referred to recently in these columns, as having been spread upon some of the Hagley Park footpaths, the noticeable feature being the extraordinary, evenness of this stony “grain,” as it has been termed. When the various layers are broken down together they form, according . to weighty evidence, a splendid material for concrete building, and some thousands of yards have been used within the past few years at the Addington and Lyttelton gaols, at Sunnyside, and in the building of some parts of the Cathedral, and the new Resident Magistrate’s Court. With regard to the exhibit under notice, it is highly commendable for the neatness with which the thirty samples have been arranged. Sand specially adapted for glass-making is shown by Mr Stansell, the two bottles being those _ which were shown at the recent exhibition in Sydney, and there awarded a first prize. It is well known that one of the best glassmaking sands in the world is that obtained in the Isle of Wight. The sand now under notice, which is peculiarly white and fine, has been pronounced by competent judges to be quite equal to the Isle of Wight deposit. According to the analyses made by Mr Stansell, and confirmed by Professor Bickerton, it contains 988 per cent of silica, and o's of alumina and lime, the remainder being water. So far, then, as one of the principal requisites is concerned, there is reason to hope that glass-making may eventually he one of our local industries. The small blocks of pottery clay from South Malvern, also shown by Mr Stansell, are valuable as indicating the high quality of some of our deposits. The specimens contain 95 per cent of silicate of alumina, about 4 of alumina, and 1 of lime. Mr J. M'llraith, Glentunnel, shows specimens of moulded fire-bricks, the shapes being such as to admit of their being easily and neatly built together for furnaces, &0., without the need for hand-shaping. The quality of the bricks is extremely good.

MBTAL MANTTPAOTUEBS. At a recent gathering in the Provincial Government Buildings, the President of the Philosophical Institute mentioned the fact that he was present when the first ploughshare was cast in the Canterbury foundry. Since that time the metal manufactures have prograssed enormously j and at the Industrial Exhibition some of the visitors have steadfastly adhered to the opinion that some of the productions were “not really” made here. Despite their pardonable disbelief, the very exhibits which most tested the credulity of the public are genuine specimens of New Zealand manufacture. We are not as yet using our iron ores or sands to any appreciable extent, although, as willbeshownlater on, we are working most successfully, and somewhat largely, with ores of the precious metals. Of our iron work generally, it may with the utmost confidence be claimed that it compares favourably with English products, and that there are instances in which the wonderful flniali of American appliances is being rivalled. In the various castings shown by Mr B. Buchanan, there is not only solidity and good workmanship apparent, but there is also _ a most commendable attention evinced in! the choice of;suitable designs.: As. a specimen of most artistic conception, mention may _ be ytmdß of the pair of circular castings intended to servo , as ventilator panels. The: pattern

consists almost entirely of conventionally treated foliage; and one of the pair has been decorated by bronzing in various shades, the metallic green imparting a rich effect. The P? ra^8 J , are equally good of their kind. Messrs Reid and Gray have done good service by exhibiting a series of eastings just in the condition in which they wore lifted from the sand moulds. The cog-wheels, for example, though as yet unconnected, and of course free from any dressing, are so clean and sharp as to be almost fit for immediate use. The exhibit is valuable from an educational point of view, as indicating some of the detail work of the foundry ; and it is .valuablealso as an i!iii-iration of the skilled workmanship which the Colony possesses. It has been claimed that there are items which rival in finish the world-renowned products of American factories. In support of this one has only to refer to the double and single furrow ploughs shown by Messrs P. and D. Duncan. The reputation of this firm is not of yesterday ; but they have on the present occasion fairly exceeded themselves, and their implements have been one of the most admired exhibits in the building. It need scarcely be said that the makers have been particularly careful fnot to sacrifice the working value of their ploughs in securing this perfection of finish. A careful examination shows that easy draught for the horses and easy control for the ploughman have been successfully studied. The leading exhibitors of ranges are the Messrs Scott Bros., Manchester street. The ranges have been fitted up as if placed ready for use, and this in situ idea .is an admirable way of enabling the public to form a fair estimate of the general appearance of each range, and of its practical value. The attractiveness of the group of six ranges was due partly to the size of the largest one, intended for use in hotels, clubs, Ac., partly to the taste shown in the general details, and partly to the household convenience promised by certain minor arrangements. The larger undertakings of the firm were represented by a series of drawings, showing amongst other' things the improved turbine recently constructed. Outside the building, Messrs Scott Bros, had erected one of their now well-known windmillpumps, and near itthey showed one of their prize grass seed strippers. This machine, by the way, deserves more than passing mention, if only for the reason that it has recently been brought into general use on the Peninsula and elsewhere. One of its commendable features is that the comb which catches the heads of the rye grass is composed of a series of small castings, precisely alike, and that in case of accident a given section of the comb can be easily replaced., Breakage, however, is not likely to be of common occurrence, for the tines are made very much in the sectional shape of a bayonet blade, and have thus all the strength of a T shaped girder. Another special feature is the clever contrivance for throwing the heaters—which cut or knock away the Reads of the grass— out of gear instantaneously. The precaution is rendered the more necessary from the fact that the strong blast which carries the seed back into the body of the machine is due to the speed at which the beaters are rotated by multiplying gear from one of the driving wheels. Mr T. Crompton, of Armagh street, is another large exhibitor, his specialities being somewhat varied. The boilers fitted into Mr Crompton’s ranges are made of boiler plate, and as they are cut and moulded into shape by specially contrived hydraulic machinery, they are as economical in their first cost as the ordinary castings. The advantage of such boilers is obvious. The housewife runs no risk of hearing the ominous bang which tells her that the boiler is cracked and useless. The “Colonial oven” may be said to be Mr Crompton’s exclusive production. He manufactures them in almost incredible numbers, and they are now in use in every part of New Zealand. One other important branch of the Armagh street factory is the manufacture of zinc spouting, ridging, &0., and any visitor to the works is certain to he deeply interested by the laboursaving appliances which he will see in use. All the cutting, bending and blocking can be managed by- lads, and in this way such goods can be produced here, to the exclusion of importations of similar fittings. The portable washing boilers shown by Mr Orompton are strong and well finished; the boilers being produced in copper, galvanised iron, or enamel. Mr J. Piper, of the Canterbury Sheet Iron Works, makes a highly creditable show. One of his items is a 60-gallon cheese tub, with curd-cutter combined, and there are some well made grain-samplers, brasstubed and tipped with steel. Mr Piper’s best items, however, are those in japanned tinware, and he may he highly complimented upon the quiet taste of the set which is finished in shades of French grey. A sample can, painted, in sections, serves to show the various combinations of pretty neutral colours which are used in the enamelling process. The floral decorations on some of the articles are not painted by hand. That would be too costly a mode for ordinary purchasers. Instead of this, a transfer process is resorted to, and the. film • of gelatine, printed in durable oil colours, is subsequently protected either by the varnishing or enamelling of the entire article. Candle moulds, stable lanterns, and other articles in tin, are also shown by'Mr Piper. A range, a register grate, a washing furnace, a wringing and mangling machine, and some eastings, form the exhibit of Mr T. Atkinson, who appears to be studying the problem how to produce useful appliances at the ■ lowest possible cost. It may be remarked that the mode of hanging the door of the cooking range so as to convert it into a shelf when desired is a good -one ; and that generally speaking, the workmanship is neat. In one instance the coating of blaok varnish has been put on much too thickly, and has in consequence spoiled the appearance of the exhibit. Mr J. Hern is another exhibitor of ranges, &0., his most interesting item being a portable washing boiler, fitted with a double jacket, and pierced with circular holes round the inner circumference, at the top of the boiler. The apparatus was shown in action. So soon as the water reaches the boiling point, the circular holes are discharging scalding streams of soapy water on to the clothes, and it is claimed —probably with the utmost truth—that by this means the need for hand rubbing is almost entirely obviated. Messrs Deane Bros., of Cashel street, gained great attention for their stand, on account of the fact that they exhibited specimens of “japanning” or enamelling, prepared in their own workshop. They claim to be the introducers of this process in Ohristohuroh, and a hip bath shown by them is extremely well finished, its inner surface being very white, smooth and hard. Perhaps it may not be generally known that there is a vast difference between such a surface and a carefully painted one, although the two may to an ordinary observer appear alike. After a coating of enamel has been applied, the article has to be placed in a furnace, and subjected to such. a degree of heat as will fuse the silica of the enamelling preparation, and convert it into an imperishable glaze. Messrs Deane Bros, also show a Venetian ashpan, with polished metal laths or flat bars—a redly well finished article. They also show a cinder sifter, on the rooking principle, fitted with a dust-tight cover for indoor use} and a large brass urn, fitted -up for the immediate and continuous supply of hot water, coffee, and beer—a somewhat curious trio. It may be explained that the general body of the urn contains the hot water, and that beer, for instance, may be poured into a funnel at the top, whence it flows through a serpentine pipe to one of the taps, having been sufficiently heated en route by the body of boiling water. The manufacture of articles in copper, brass and lead, is splendidly illustrated by Messrs A. ami T. Burt, of Dunedin. Visitors looked at the splendid gasaliers suspended above their heads, and refused to believe in them as “Colonial” productions; they looked at the coils of lead and composite moine. and denied the existence of such a manufacture in the Colony, and they were more than ever sceptical when they examined some of the force pumps made of burmshed copper and brass., « Years, ago,, aaid tH© President in his inaugural address, The term ‘Colonial* meant something rough and reaflv. but it is not so now.” There are members of the Committee of Management who have had the opportunity of the manufacturing premises of the Messrs! Burt,

and who can therefore vouch, lor the fact that in the very large and -really magnificent collection of articles, there is not one which is not a genuine specimen of New Z -aland production, from easting to finish. The designs of the gasaliers, it may be mentioned, are quite equal to London and Birmingham patterns, some of which are based upon modellings obtained from Vienna and Paris ; and in point of finish Messrs Burt have left nothing to be desired. They show a largo case filled with steam fittings, and another which is for the most part taken up by hydrants and water - service connections. There are also various styles of force and lifting pumps; and the corking and bottling machine included in the collection is as ingeniously contrived as it is well finished. The lead piping shown ranges in internal d'ameter from three-eighths of an inch to two inches, and the composite piping from a quarter of an inch to an inch and a quarter. There are also specimens of lead piping, one and a half to five inches diameter, intended for carrying .away waste water, &c., from dwelling-houses. Bearing in mind the fact that Messrs Burt secure for themselves a first-class means of advertising by their present display, they are still deserving of the thanks of the community for having been the means of exemplifying, in so complete a manner, the standard of excellence which has been reached in this Colony. . Works in gold and silver, &0., will be more conveniently referred to under another heading. PBINTING, BOOKBINDING, &0. Great importance attaches to the , exhibits made by the proprietor* of the Lyttelton Times, for the reason that they represent—as fully as possible—the advancement of the higher branches of printing. Now-a-days, typography, or ordinary letter press printing, is largely encroached upon by lithography, or printing from matter which has either been drawn upon or transferred to slabs of stone affording a suitable surface, For the present, stone for lithographic purposes has to be imported. There are, however, deposits of suitable material bn the West Coast, and some years ago a few fragments were faced up and experimented upon at the office of this journal, with good. results, ' ince then, little or nothing has been, heard of this item of mineral wealth. ‘ By the aid of lithography, colour printing, is carried on, and in one of the frames exhibited may be seen nicely coloured, clean-worked views of the Chicory farm and works of the Messrs Trent, Bros. There are also numerous illustrations of the, application of- the process in producing, such things ..as ball-room programmes, certificates of merit, &0., in gold and colours. But the chief feature of interest is the frame of specimens of photolithography. In this highly scientific process, any drawing which consists of clear lines or dots, may be photographed, a carbon base being used. Then, working on the transfer principle, the photo-film is made to act on the surface of the lithographic stone, as a greatly reduced copy of the perhaps coarse drawing or woodcut. This done, any number of impressions are obtainable. A good example is furnished by the reproduction of a spirited drawing by Mr T. 8. Cousins, which illustrates a natural history paper in the present issue of the New Zealand Country Journal. For the multiplication of maps and plans, the process serves admirably. Ordinary letter-press printing was well illustrated by the Press Company, whose specimens had been carefully prepared; and in nearly: every instance the “display” of the type had been well managed. Bookbinding was represented by.,Messrs J. T. Smith and Co, and by Messrs Tombs and ‘Davis. The , specimens shown by Messrs Smith are all good, and some of them possess a very high degree of merit. The examples of. hand-tooling on some of the covers, and on one or two edges, would compare well even with the work of noted Home firms; and it may bo remarked that in the choice of their morocco, Russia, and other. binding materials, Messrs Smith have secured a high quality. They have undoubtedly proved that toe: choicest books may be entrusted to ; their care. The firm also, showed various spepimens of the application of - lithography to the production of show cards, &o. The best specimens of binding shown by Messrs Tombs and Davis were those in roughcalf —the material used for covering ledgers and other mercantile books. They also, displayed some neat work in Russia leather, and Some creditable “half-binding.” Messrs Wolfe, Ford, and Co. made engraving their speciality, and, they show numerous and very varied specimens of brass and copper work, some of the brass cutting being beautifully sharp. Monograms, billheads, and many other things are included in the collection. ■ WOODS AND WOOD-WAEB, At one of the preliminary meetings of the Committee of Management of the Industrial Exhibition, a member suggested that it would be unfortunate if no exhibits of native wood were sent in. Thereupon Mr R. W. England undertook, notwithstanding the. short time available, to secure some sort of representation. He telegraphed or wrote to various places, and although he .did, not receive in time for the Exhibition all the results he hoped for, he has been enabled to show no fewer than 70 polished specimens of New Zealand woods. Looking at this magnificent collection, one could appreciate the force of what had been said by the President, to the effect that we have been importing often inferior timber and burning our own; that in a sense wo have grasped at the shadow and lost the substance.' Any one who may take the trouble to look up this subject as re-, ferred to in Parliamentary and other papers, will speedily find,that others have spoken out far more strongly. “I am astonished,’’.says the Conservator of State Forests, “at too ‘reckless and improvident manner in whioh.the timber lands of Canterbury have-been managed.” Of the timbers which have been classed as “ of great durability, adapted for general building purposes or; constructive works, &c.” Mr England’s specimens include the followingKauri, totara, block pine, yellow silver pine; tawai, or round-leaved beech; puriri, or New Zealand teak; ; rata, ironwood; rawiri, or tea-tree; kowhai, blaok maire, maire tawhake, &c. Of the next class, “timbers adapted for general building or special purposes, but not possessing great durability,’’ the following Are shown :—Red and white pine, miro, entire-leaved beeoh, towai, pukatea, hinau, pokako, titoki; rewarewa,. or honeysuckle; whitewood, &o.: In another class, “ timbers chiefly of , small dimensions, but adapted for various purposes,” there are the following:—Pepper tree, ribbonwood or houi, akeake, smell teatree, fuchsia, lancewopd, hroadleaf, neiuei, maire, ngaio, &o. In the case; of such woods as totara, honeysuckle, &0., ■ varieties of grain are represented, and the extreme beauty of some 6f toe markings was much commented upon. -Above the neat framework containing these specimens, Mr England had a large pentagonal pillar, formed of five polished panels of kauri, as received from various mills. Many visitors, in conversing with members of the Committee, expressed their regret that some of these exquisite woods which they had not before seen, were not generally applied to the manufacture of articles of utility, or for ornamental purposes. Next to this collection of native vvoods, it is fitting that mention should be ; made of a house door exhibited by Mr D. Reese, builder. This door, which is constructed of the native rimu or red pine timber, is worked out after a Gothio design, the panels being let solid into the framing; and in the opinion of decidedly competent judges it is one of the best specimens of workmanship in the exhibition. It is a pleasure to be enabled to add that such a specimen is the work of a Colonial youth, who learned ’his trade in Mr Reese’s establishment. The adjoining cheffonier and book-case, ofhlaokwood timber, and entirely worked out of the solid wood, was also made by a Colonial youth taught in the same establishment. ■■■<. , . ■ ■ ■ No one will ho likely to .regret the fact, that a large amount of space was occupied by Mr Jenkins. : Mr England had shown what our native woods were like, and Mr Jenkins had very completely illustrated how complete are the appliances now used by our workers, in. wood, and how well they are thereby enabled to supply fully the requirements of the country at; the lowest possible prices, and to help our ■ to compete > with the ; Sydney and . other makers.’ In point of fact; the trophy under Notice, must be regarded as. not merely

representing the extensive works of Mr Jenkins, but as generally illustrating oneof our great local industries. “Highly commended” is the unanimous verdict of the visitor" as they look at the beautiful design which has been built up of spokes and other unpromising items; and the verdict is as unanimously repeated when the workmanship of the articles is more closely looked into. The beautifully finished spokes have been produced by a wonderful machine termed a copying lathe. Given, a spoke which is to be reproduced, it is put into the upper portion of the machine. Immediately underneath it is a length of rough wood. The rapidly revolving cutting apparatus travels slowly to and fro, its pressure against the rough wood being guided by lever connection with a finger-like feeler, which is passing to and fro along the spoke to be copied. The machine works so truly that all the after finish necessary is the application of sandpaper, and even this part of the work is done by suitable machinery. There are also brackets which have been entirely produced by mechanical agency, and the neat, fluted patterns cannot fail to win favour, for they are really tasteful, and bear a certain resemblance to the Early English style of design now so much used for furniture, &c. There are French bedposts and octagonal table legs, also mechanically formed and fluted; and even the big sweep of the circular moulding which crowns the trophy, and the wavy moulding which forme one of the relief lines are entirely machine made. In the carved brackets, handwork is of course represented, thongh even here the labour has been materially lessened by using machinery for the first shaping from the solid. Dressed spokes are also shown by Messrs W. Langdowu and Co., who have long used one of the copying lathes, and a fine series of machine-made mouldings is neatly displayed by Messrs W. Montgomery and 00. The designs for wood-carving, displayed by Mr 0. J. Hill, are good from a constructive point of view, and they are also thoroughly good in execution, the light and shade being admirably managed. Close by them, Mr Hill shows the carvings which he has produced therefrom. His work is very clean and regular, hut it would have appeared to greater.advantage as a specimen of his skill had he abstained from applying a coat of paint, A considerable number of the wood ware products of Messrs Guthrie and Larnacb, of Dunedin, are exhibited by Messrs T. O. Kelsey and Co., the Christchurch agents. The buckets, &0., of which there are many patterns, are produced entirely by special machinery, and with almost inconceivable rapidity; and in the production of all the other wood ware in the collection the best possible appliances are used, so as to issue the goods for sale at such prices as to ensure a steady trade throughout the Colony. In the machinery, room, where a carving bench had been set up, Mr H. Smith practically illustrated his skill by carving ornamental brackets, some of them of most tasteful design; and he left no doubt on the minds of the visitors either as to the rapidity of hie execution or as to the effectiveness of his work. LBATHBB AND IBATHBB GOODS. It has been carefully computed that at the present time there are in this city from 1300 to 1400 souls who are dependent for their daily bread upon the hoot and shoe trade. The fact shows in a marked manner the extent and importance of the industry ; and it also shows how successfully this Colony can produce for itself when enterprise and energy are brought into play.' It is an admitted fact that the exhibits of boots and shoes now in the Drill-shed include not only such “lines” as are in every day demand, but also such examples of handwork as could not be excelled fn the best West-End establishments of London. Locally made leathers are shown by Mr A, McKinnon., There is the "kip,” which, being* interpreted, is cow-hide tanned and prepared specially for Root , uppers. There is harness leather, which is also of cow-hide, but made harder and stiffer . by a different process of tanning, and there is ox-hide sole leather. The last mentioned presents the best quality in Mr M'Khmon’a exhibits. Speaking generally, he is excelled by Messrs; Taylor and: Co., of Wellington, the only other exhibitors, Messrs Lightband, Allan and Co. may be regarded, as representative exhibitors of the wholesale manufacture of boots and shoes. li% a large and very neat case, the kauri frame-* work of which was made by Mr Jewell, they show over: 70 kinds of their productions. Moao of these boots and shoes have had the soles put on by the Blake sole-sewing machine; which is working in the machinery-room. That machine, which is absolutely marvellous in its perfection, was fully described in these columns some time ago ; and it may now be said that despite the prejudice which exists in favour of haud-sewn boots, its work is at least equal to any that can be done by human agency. The fact is demonstrated by a number of the boots and shoes in the show case. They were made nearly a year ago ; they have been “ on view ” at the Sydney Exhibition, and though they have not been re-dressed in any way since they were made, not a crack can be found in any oT them, nor any departure from the appearance of freshness. It is noticeable, too, that nearly all the 70 sorts are very plain, and on enquiry it was ascertained that they had been simply taken from; the stock which : fairly represented the mes in daily demand; in other words, just those varieties which sold most'readily. I’he whole of the sole leather used in their production is of New Zealand manufacture, and so is all the upper leather used for the stronger kinds. For the lighter boot uppers French calf and kid are used, and sealskin or “Levant” is employed. This last mentioned leather is comparable’in appearance to a strongly-grained Morocco. Very tasteful little things are the ladies’ “brogues,” and these really pretty shoes may be commended to the notice of our fair readers, because; while they ore prettily shaped, they are sufficiently broad to escape the designation of instruments of torture. Dr Richardson and other eminent authorities have written strongly upon the worse than absurd fashion of using high-heeled and narrow-soled boots, which cripple the feet of the wearer, and often work disastrous evils by the induced strain upon the muscles of the legs and body. Let visitors carefully examine those boots which have soles projecting beyond the uppers and say whether they do not more nearly conform to the natural shape of the foot than the “fashionable " shapes so extensively used and mis-used.' Messrs Toomer Brothers also represent the wholesale manufacture, though in a modified degree. They show many of the lines which have been referred to, their other goods being more of an exhibition nature, and having the pegged work elaborated into neat patterns. Their collection as a whole may in all fairness be described as a grand lot of well-finished goods; and in their ease also it is noticeable that the wider soles predominate. Mr Harris, Cashel street, has a very neat show case, in which there are some 18 pairs of ladies’ and gentlemen’s boots and shoes; and some of the more ornamental kinds are of really elaborate design and finish. A pair of Scotch grain shooting boots is worth looking at; andsuoh an exhibit , will no doubt attract very general attention. Mr George Hyde shows the exhibition case which he had at Sydney ; and Mr B. George shows some useful well made lines, such as are no doubt fairly representative of his everyday work. The stitching is all hand work. The highest class of band-made work in the Exhibition is that shown by Mr W. Nioholls, who was formerly connected with one of the first West End establishments of London, and now presents his patrons—if they desire it—with shapes in the latest fashion. As has been intimated, Mr Nioholls has shown himself to be an artist in boots; and this qualification extends itself to all the varieties he makes. Some of them are roomy and comfortable, and they afford an extraordinary contrast to “ the latest thing ” in pointed toes., This notice would be incomplete without special mention of the pair of gentlemen’s boots, which are of handwork throughout. The uppers are of block satin, and are most beautifully stitched. BUBNIXUBK, &0. ; The chief representatives of the manufacture] of furniture are Mr A. J. White and Messrs W. S. King and Co. In each instance a beautiful and most tasteful display is made, Mr A. J. White i confining himself more especially to ; drawing-room articles, and the * Messrs; King including a dining-room suite;

Nearly all the a -ti ;les shown are in the early English style, upholstered in sating or in morocco' leathe*. Mr White includes some nice looking articles of what may be termed ebonised wood, the black ground being tastefully relieved with lines of bright gold. In the manufacture under notice a large number of hands are now employed in Christchurch, nearly all the furniture used being locally produced. For th ■ framework of all the best productions Victorian blackwood is used partly on account of the richness of its appearance, but especially because of its strength, which admits of its use in the required curved forma If it showed any brittle tendency, it would, of course, ha altogether unsuitable for such a purpose. The blackwood, however, is, in every respect, a desirable material for this manufacture, surpassing even walnut in beauty, and working extremely well. For the more common descriptions of furniture made ,in this city, the woods very generally used are the Native kauri, and the Queensland or Si dnoy cedar. In producing the woodwork very complete machinery is now being used. The timber is split up by steam power, and planing machines, lathes, shapers, &c, are subsequently employed upon it. In the finishing processes of the better class of goods, however, there is a great deal of handwork, more especially in connection with the carving. Visitors to the Great Exhibition of 1851, were enabled to watch the beautiful effects so rapidly obtainable by the use of a carving machine on the drill principle, the revolving tool biting into the wood much or little at the will of the operator, and enabling him to produce complex details that would be unobtainable by hand-work, save at too great a cost for ordinary requirements. Leathers for upholstery are now being made here, but their quality is not as yet at all comparable with the imported supplies. The principal varieties required are roan, and morocco, the former being prepared from the skin of the sheep, and the latter from that of the goat. The stuffing materials used, include imported horse-hair, native flax, and Colonial flock. In Wellington and Dunedin flock is manufactured from rags; but none is made in Christchurch. This is an industry which might well be made a local one, large quantities of the material being used. The required webbing, again, could be made a local production, and practical men have expressed the opinion that it could be made from our own flax, of abetter quality and at a lower price than the imported material. Amongst the minor industries connected with the production of furniture, and which might he undertaken here with every prospect of success, may be mentioned the binding or braiding, the leather covered nails, and the castors. For the wheels of these castors our ganaister or flinty clay would serve extremely well, and the brass castings could of course be made in any of the foundries. The springs required in the manufacture of seats are imported duty free, and their local production is not at all likely to be undertaken. A further possible local industry under this section is the manufacture of carpets. The two exhibits of furniture which have been mentioned, will, by their general excellence, and by the great taste which they display, command the admiration of visitors. The latest style in drawing-room suites, it will be noticed, is to have the various articles made of diminished proportions, as if—in the progress of the “ development of species,” we were gradually becoming a race of Liliputians. The Exhibition includes various other examples of articles of furniture, some of them remarkable for the extreme beauty of the totara knot, honeysuckle and other native woods used I and also for the thorough excellence of the workmanship. Amongst these items are the chest of drawers, shown by Mr J. Hickman, Lichfield street; and the chetfonier with curved panels entered by another exhibitor. An entry of special interest was the table top made by Mr Kent, Cathedral square. Its inlaying includes 50 different New Zealand woods, and no fewer than 40 of these are from Canterbury grown timber. Some of the desired- varieties having been obtained only just before the Exhibition, the article had to be hurriedly finished; but no non-profes-sional critic will be at all likely to detect even a trace of defective workmanship. Mr Kent has done good service by showing a number of smaller articles in the native woods, such as -candlesticks, egg cups, trays, &c.; and another exhibitor, Mr W. Graham, of Lyttelton, is working in the same direction. Mr Graham has made a good beginning in another but connected industry, the production of. articles in bone, such as paper-knives, netting-needles, &0.,. all of them neat, well finished, and really useful domestic requisites. One of the finest examples of cabinet work in the Exhibition is the hexagonal show-case made by Messrs W. S. King and Co., and utilised for showing the grain sent in by .Messrs George King and Co. The panels forming the sides of the hexagon are most tastefully inlaid with the most effective New Zealand woods, and the finish of the elegant design is a vase, the vertical stripes of which are due to the varying tints of the red and white pine, kauri and rimu, which have been used m its construction. This show-case, which is to be forwarded to Melbourne, was built by Mr T. G. Moule, Avonville. wool., riBEB, &o.

Of the general quality of the New Zealand wools, nothing need be said here. A fine lock of long wool was shown, and Mr T. York had two bales of scoured wool, extremely well got up, representing the product as ready for shipment, and not in any way specially treated for exhibition. Woollen goods were—almost as a matter of course—most largely displayed by the Eaiapoi Company. It was peculiarly gratifying to be enabled to note that within the past year the Company has not only greatly enlarged its operations and its list of productions, but has succeeded in obtaining as high a degree of finish as could well be desired. The Exhibition display demonstrated in an unmistakeable manner the great variety of the products. The excellence of the goods was decisively and emphatically pronounced upon, for scarcely had the Exhibition been well opened, when it was known that Messrs Ballantyne and Co., of Cashel street, had purchased the entire collection. Some of the Company’s tweeds were shown as made up into suits of clothing, and they most deservedly won general admiration. In the machinery room, the Company had one of their more recently imported Jacquard looms at work. This particular machine, manufactured by Messrs Schofield and Kirk, of Huddersfield, ; works five shuttles and 21 shafts, and is, therefore, capable of producing complex patterns. It simply represents numerous other looms, of a similar nature, which have been in use by the Company for some time past. The woollen manufacture is now firmly established here, and, so far as the production of goods of first-class quality is concerned, it is certain to increase year by year, and to take in other details. Our manufacturers do not attempt to compete with “ shoddy.” Let us hope that public demand will never be of such a nature as to induce them to do so. The New Zealand Clothing Company (Messrs Hallenstein Bros.) were also large exhibitors, their goods including an excellent variety of the Mosgiel tweeds. Other minor displays were made. Hope, cordage and twine, flax and tow, were included in the stands of Messrs Hale and Forbes, Mr B. Marshall (Oust), Mr J. Seed (Bangiora), Messrs Hayman Bros., and Mr B. Gould. Of the general excellence of these products there could be no doubt. At the present time, however, most interest attaches to the examples of locally grown European flax, and to the rope or twine made therefrom. Mr Murphy’s able paper on the subject is yet 'fresh in the minds of the public, and as it has fortunately been reprinted in pamphlet form by the Local Industries Association, its valuable information, both as to culture and manufacture, has been made a still more permanent record. It was intimated in these columns some time since, that there was the possibility of a company in connection with the growth and manufacture .of the European flax being formed at no distant date. It may now be stated' that detailed estimates are being obtained from England , for the required machinery, and that not; a few .of our capitalists are sanguine os to the success of the enterprise if undertaken. It has been pointed put that of twine for reaping and binding machines an . enormous quantity must*be. used’ here, and for such twine*

the fibre of the European flax is much better adapted than the coarser, and more brittle kind we are familiar with; and in a small way, but nevertheless in a really practical man* er, one of our farmers has shown how well the European flax can bo grown and worked here. Closely connected with the manufactures from wool and flax, there are various minor industries. One of these, the production of felt, could be readily undertaken at Kaiapoi; and the quantity now required in this Colony in one branch of work alone—the manufacture of hats —is very great. It is, indeed, highly probable that the Kaiapoi Woollen Company will, before long, include felt in their list of products; though, of course, some special machinery must first be obtained. In the production of the variety of felt required by hatters, the necessary materials are just those which this Colony produces in enormous quantities—wool and rabbit fur. Another “ waste ” product is flock, of which three bags were shown by Messrs Ellis and Nicholson, of Kaikorai, near Dunedin. These samples had been well prepared, and commanded much attention as a Colonial product. The whiter sample had apparently been prepared from waste flannel, &c,, and was priced at Is per pound. Tho frey variety was offered at 6d, and the darker ind—the waste from grey blanketing, &c., at 3Jd. The flax mills also yield large supplies of waste, and a sample thereof was shown by Mr Stansell, together with specimens of “ half- stuff " and papier-mache. By properly macerating the flax waste, so as to reduce it to a pulpy condition, and then subjecting a layer of it to hydraulic pressure, a millboard of coarse paper-like material is produced. Such millboard is used in strong and cheap binding, for the foundation of cardboard boxes of large size, and for various .other purposes. If the pulp from the flax waste is somewhat differently treated, and has incorporated with it substances such as resin and glue, it may by powerful pressure and suitable moulds be squeezed into any desired forms, and it sets with extreme hardness. It is now “ papier-mache,” and is capable of receiving a high degree of subsequent decorative finish. Mr Stansell’s papiermache specimens were squeezed into the comparatively coarse moulds used by plasterers, and the details have therefore none of the sharpness obtainable by the use of the proper moulds of metal; he has obtained rather better results, with a pair of lion heads, by using wax moulds. In boiling and filtering the waste, a saponaceous matter is obtained which it is believed might very well be utilised. Mr Stansell showed a bottle of this substance.

A sample o£ the brown wrapping-paper, made at the Mataura mills, was shown. This paper, which is strong and tough, has been manufactured from the fibre of one of our native tnssacs, danthonia Jiavescens, or broad* leaved oat tussac grass. On our upland sheep runs it grows in great abundance, up to an altitude of 3000 ft, and it is considered to he capable of affording “an unlimited amount ” of fibre material for the manufac* ture of paper. The manufacture of printing and other papers from linen rags, &c., has yet to be undertaken in New Zealand. The manufacture of paper or cardboard boxes has been begun in Christchurch by Mr A. Anise* brook, who makes an excellent and very complete show. His specimens are well finished and tasteful, and they include such kinds as will meet almost all commercial requirements. GBNEBAh MANUPACTTTEES. Hats and hat making formed an exclusive but perfect display, the sole exhibitor being Mr 0. P. Hulbart. Our artist in hats does. not make “ for the million,” and cannot possibly do so, for all the commoner kinds can be imported at low rates, and at the end of each season they can be advantageously cleared off at below cost, so as to enable room for new stock and later styles. On the other hand, Mr Hulbert can fairly shut out all the better class of goods. These he makes in every desired shape, and sells them at the prices at which they would be obtainable in London. The manufacture has grown rapidly, and may now be regarded as a thoroughly established one in our centres of population. In making goods of the class under notice “foundations , have first to he prepared, the materials used being sheet cork, calico and shellac, moulded into form on suitable blocks. When the foundations are firmly set, the covering is proceeded with. For the “ belltoppers,” the covering is silk plush, the short and thick fibre of which can be smoothed into a beautiful gloss. For other hats, felt is used, and it has already been pointed out that this material could well—and probably will —be produced locally. Under existing circumstances, the wool and rabbit fur have to be sent to England for manufacture, much to the disadvantage of this Colony. According to Mr Hulbert’s experience, a larger number of styles is required in Christchurch than in any other city in New Zealand. However, all requirements are being met, the local manufacture including both the military helmet and the academic “ mortar-board 5” and at the present time the factory work also includes the University gowns and hoods. In addition to the large and tastefully arranged collection of finished goods, Mr Hulbert illustrated all the stages of hatmating, and two of his workmen practically explained the processes of making foundations, and of adding the coverings of plush or felt.

Carriage building has been largely exemplified in the Industrial Exhibition, and it has been demonstrated that a brougham, built and finished in the most perfect manner, can be sold at a considerably lower price by a local manufacturer than would have to be paid for a similar carriage imported from England. The cost here of the same style of carriage imported from Australia would be greater still. The exhibitors of vehicles of various descriptions are Messrs A. G. Howland, W. Moor and Go., Glanville and Co., Boon and Stevens, Steel Bros., and ElmsleyandCuriett. Drays are shown by Messrs W. Montgomery and Co. and E. Jones. There is no necessity to enter into any detailed description of these exhibits, which are all good of their several kinds; but there is one point in connection with the industry, to which attention may well be drawn. “ It is a moot point,” says one authority, “whether carriage building is to be regarded as one of the fine arts, or whether it is to be classed among the branches of industry which are included in the list of mechanical trades.” He shows that in various parts of Europe it is regarded as an art, by the fact that “ in France, Belgium, and Germany the respective Governments have established technical schools, where youths - intending to follow carriage building are instructed in drawing and modelling, in the harmonious arrangement of colours, in chemistry, in the proper working of metals, and in the principles and applications of mechanics and mathematics to manufactures.” In this Colony, technical education above all things ought not to be neglected, and in connection with this matter, attention may be drawn to a want which has been very generally indicated by the various departments or our Industrial Exhibition. That want is a School of Art for this city; an institution at which evening classes can be held, and the young men and lads engaged in our factories and workshops, can, at a nominal cost, receive instruction in the various branches of drawing, and in the principles of design. It is true that the Board of Governors of the Oanterbmy College have determined to establish a School of Art, but it must be remembered that if such an institution is needed at all, it is needed now, and that in any one of our schoolrooms a beginning might be made, by forming elementary classes, and instructing and training the pupils upon some systematic plan. Brushmaking has become a well developed industry in Auckland, the manufacturer being Mr T. J. Harbntt. The agents here, Messrs J. Clark and Sons, showed a capital collection, and a careful examination of the brushes proved that in both foundation and fibre they were of sterling quality. The wire', sewing is used in fastening in the bunches of bristle or fibre, and the finish is good in every instance. Mr J. Miller, Harry street; showed a small collection of brushes made by him, and the exhibit may be regarded as the nucleus of another local industry for this part of New Zealand. . JIW r j. > The two exhibitors of saddlery weha MrA, Dunbar, of Cashel street, land,-.-Jtfessri:

Gre'atorex and Son. The articles were aplmdidly got up in each instance, but the local maker faily holds his own, and in the beauty of some ,of the decorative work employed, he appeared to the best advantage. AEI ESOOESSES.

Instantaneous photography, of a reliable character,-has long been a desideratum. Portrait painters and. photographers know, only too well, what an infinity of expression will Sit over the face of a sitter, and the difficulty they sometimes experience in securing just that look which makes the picture and pleasing one. English scientists have recently reported a new discovery, by means of which they have fairly revolntlonigrtl photography, and have enabled the operator to catch even the most fleeting expression, and to produce absolutely instantaneous pictures. On reading of this new method. Mr Cherrill set to work, and thought out 1 for himself the details of the process, He exhibits a series of resulting pictures, and wonderfully, good they are. The photographer has photographed himself, and per? petuated for us that variety of facial distortion which is supposed to make people grow fab, but which evidently does not do so in all coses. But of this process generally it will be noticed that the great charm is the really natural look of the faces. The sitters have, as a matter of fact, been unconscious at the particular moment that they were “ being photographed,” and therefore they “ looked like themselves.” A description of, the new process would occupy too much space to be given now, but it may be explained that the preparation of gun cotton known as collodion is dispensed with, and that instead of it a film of gelatine is used. Further, of the iodide and bromide of potash formerly used as sensitising agents, the former is dropped out. The. bromide alone, acting in conjunction with the specially prepared gelatine, is twenty times more sensitive to light than the collodion, and hence the wonderfully natural portraits. Mr Cherrill also exhibits some of the beautiful carbon photographs on porcelain, and various other kinds, together with some choice examples of the after work on photographs in chalk, water colour, or oil. photographic portraits, some of them exquieitively finished, are shown by Mr Schoump, and examples of portraits in oil on photographic backgrounds are contributed by Mr Cambridge and Mr T. Satchell. Electroplating and electrotyping are well illustrated by Mr S. Papprill. The former process is the deposition of silver upon other metallic surfaces by galvanic electricity, and in the latter process copper is the deposited metal. The exhibits include examples of gilding on iron, steel and brass, and they are made sufficiently comprehensive to demonstrate the wide range of application given by this species of electric action. Some of the copies of fern fronds, medals, and bas-reliefs are very good. Optical instruments are shown by Mr T. B. -Procter, who in addition to hia display of lenses of every conceivable kind, exhibits some of the crude material employed, and gives practical illustrations of the grinding and. polishing processes. In the show cases there are some fine specimens of rock and quartz crystal, and the extreme clearness of the lenses produced therefrom proves that Mr Procter is a true optician. It may perhaps, be well to state the fact, that every article shown by Mr Procter has been manufactured by him, with the exception of the artificial eyes. The workers in , the precious metals make imposing displays. The most valuable collection’is that shown by Messrs Coates and Co., who stand unrivalled for the production of articles in gold and enamel. They show the splendid gold- service, made for presentation on’ a recent memorable occasion to ! the; Most Reverend the Primate, bat their richest items, are those in gold and enamel. Nothing more beautiful in design and colouring, of more perfect in ship, could well he conceived, than the collection cf Masonic jewels, made for presentatiotf at various times and now lent to the firdi fof exhibition. The enamelling, which seems capable of embodying all the most beautiful colours, is in itself an art of the highest order, and it is gratifying to find that it has been so fully developed here; In other - ways, Messrs Coates and Go. showns the most perfect workmanship, based upon designs that would he creditable to any firm in the world. Silver work is best illustrated by Messrs B. - Petersen and Co., who appear to hare -made this metal their speciality.' They show a gmall block of the quartz found tin the Thames district, and a lamp of the mixture : of gold and silver-obtained therefrom. I There aret- other progress-specimens, including a lump of pure silver, a sheet ' of -the metal . ready for modelling, and the parts of a vase as they appear before polishing or engraving. All the articles in the case have been made from Thames silver. They include the fine cup recently made for the Agricultural and Pastoral Association as the Merchants’ Prize ; ~~ this, and other cups or vases being exquisitely engraved in imitation of fronds of- the more delicate ferns. Mr Sandstein is also an exhibitor of jewellery, his items being noticeable more especially for the diamond and crystal work, and for the ornaments in hair. The engravings on glass by Mr A. Milne, exhibited by McOlenahan and Co. (late Matheson Bros.), of Cashel street, have been commented upon in these columns in terms of the warmest commendation. these pictures on glass included in the Industrial Exhibition, there is an unusually large one, representing an episode of' Waterloo, and entitled, “The Fight for the Standard.” Evidently the stirring subject, so graphically worked out, has reference to that particular historic passage which describes how, when the enemy essayed to retrieve the fight, the Household Brigade met them, and after a desperate encounter —of the best horsemen in England and the best in France—the whole mala of the French, horse and foot, were driven hack in confusion, leaving behind them the eagles of the 45th and 105th regiments,- Mr Milne’s treatment, in his reproduction of the picture, has been highly successful, and hia work in this and other subjects has won universal praise, the only regret experienced being that pictures of . this nature are of necessity far too costly to be generally purchased. . , .Various scientific instruments, and several forms of medico-galvanic batteries, were shown by Mr Noble, and a number of the delicate instruments employed in modern telegraphy had been sent in by Mr Meddmgs, the district Inspector of Telegraphs. In every case, the workmanship displayed in these instruments was of the highest character. PETEOLBUM. The exhibits included a bottle of crude Stroleum, which had been specially sent by rW. Teat, of Gisborne. Great importance attaches to the item, for the reason that it indicates the almost certainty of our being supplied with New Zealand kerosene od at no distant date. The petroleum field of New Zealand is estimated* as extending over a distance of 60 miles north and south, and in one locality it occurs in surface pools of various sizes, from 10 to 20 yards in circumference and from two to four feet deep. These pools never overflow, nor do they dimmish, save for the slight sinking perceptible during the summer. They present a most curious and interesting spectacle, for owing to the myriads of bubbles of constantly rising gas their surfaces are never at rest. There are nearly twenty of these oil pools, which are spread over an area of about 200 acres. Some time ago a company was formed for developing-this source of profit, hut the locally subscribed capital of £SOOO was altogether insufficient for the undertaking. A new company—of Australian promotion—lias now been formed, and it includes members of the former proprietary. ’ Its origin occurred in this way Some of the local people sent a delegate to the Sydney Exhibition. The delegate showed his samples and sought oat men who were acquainted with the work'done in the oil regions of America. The result was, that the Canadian agent at Sydney, and another gentleman of great practical experience, visited the Hew &nl oil region, satisfied themselves as to the prospect of success, and sneedilv had a strong company formed. ffimLry boring by tha aid of steam power -will be commenced m the course of a few Xks - irnd it is proposed to connect thqPort SthtkeoU fieinralmeof long. It will be instructive to add a brief extract from,.an able letter by Mr G._H. Etahbs* wpich> appeared m the Poverty-Hay

Herald :—“ The kerosene imported into New Zealand in 1878 was 648,892 gallons, valued at £59,592, the duty on which was £16,222, In 1879 it would probably be a sixth more. The retail price of kerosene in America is 6|d per gallon j in New Zealand 2s 9d; the difference is made up of freights, duty, and other charges. Further comment is needless with crude petroleum at our doors.” PRODUCE, &0.

The produce of the Colony is well known and appreciated amongst ourselves, and has become an important factor in the food supply of different countries. Messrs E. H. Banks, 0-. King and others enabled visitors to the Exhibition to judge of the excellence of New Zealand cereals and of some of the products therefrom. Sides and rolls of bacon, and hams of generally high quality were shown by Mr J. Gilmour, Mr T. H. Green and Messrs T. and W. B. May, the last mentioned exhibitor also making a tempting display of cheese and butter. A new item, starch made from potatoes, was introduced by. Mr 0. A. Ulrich. On this product a great deal has recently been written, m the belief that the manufacture of potato starch may he made one of the moans whereby our farmers may render their profits larger and more regular. Mr Ulrich’s modest samples include the raw pulp, containing the starch, and presenting anything but an inviting appearance ; the discoloured because unpurified—starch as taken from the pulp; the purified farina in a marketable condition, and the refuse, which could be used for pig or cattle feeding. The local manufacture of biscuits, confectionery, baking powder, writing . ink, and various dietetic preparations, was included in the crowded representation under the general heading of produce; and the allied, though much more extensive manufactures of soap and candles were admirably represented. The New Zealand Provision and Produce Company not only showed the varieties of soap' manufactured at their Belfast works,, but also the various ingredients used, and the modes of moulding, cutting and stamping. They claim that since the rebuilding of their works in May, 1879, they have “introduced such improvements that they are now able to turn out soap at a much less cost than was possible under the old system of manufacturethat the importation of foreign soap has so been stopped, and large quantities are now exported. Messrs J. Kitchen and Sons may claim that the candles made by them are in every respect, equal -to those of the best. English makers; they are entitled to warm commendation for the tasteful arrangement of their show case. Messrs T. Hancock and Beardsley were also exhibitors of soap and candles. The local brewers were well represented, and Messrs Schwartz and Co. showed sample bottles of the New Zealand wines for which they are the, Christchurch agents. Mr Gee, confectioner, made a speciality of jellies, specimen bottles of which he is sending to the Melbourne Exhibition. MAOHINBEST AND MODELS. Beyond all question, the machinery room has been the most attractive feature of the Exhibition. Some of the exhibits in this department have already been referred to, but mention may again he made of the interesting process of modelling in clay, which has throughout each day delighted so many hundreds of visitors. The modeller is Mr Bedson, Colombo road south. He has now commenced this special manufacture on his own account, and will no doubt secure a good share of patronage. The most important item in the room, from a Colonial point of view, was the string binder attachment intended to use with any M'Cormiek reaping machine. The inventor, who is only 23 years of age, is Mr Charles B. Cooper, of Carleton, near Oxford. He had worked out a model before last harvest, bat experienced a partial failure, and had to let the matter rest for a time. Subsequently he perfected his invention, secured a patent, and arranged with. Messrs P. and D. Duncan to manufacture the appliance for him. The attachment, which is to be supplied ‘at £lO, including the Cost of fitting it to any given machine, is meeting with general approval, and a number have already been ordered. The mechanism is strong and simple, and* the' single-bow knot which it produces is pulled so tightly as to run no risk of becoming unfastened during the cartage, of the sheaves. The exhibits of Messrs Andrews and BeavCn included an ingeniously contrived model of a straw elevator, the automatic action imparted to the, tines seeming likely to find favour - with agriculturists. The smallest working mbdel in the Exhibition was the miniature verticle engine, made by Mr H. J. Ouhnington, whose constructive skill has been more than once referred to in these columns. The circular base of tbe engine requires no more standing room than is occupied by the Queen’s head on a threepeeny piece. The total height is one inch ; diameter of fly wheel half an inch , internal diameter of cylinder, 3-32nds of an inch, and length of stroke 9-32nds. The drills used in boring the tubes, &c., were small needles, filed into half-round form. Mr J. Denald, Harewood road, has a model of self-acting protective works, such as he conceives would be of great value in our erratic rivers. Models and pictures are shown of the vessels of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and pictures of the Union Steamship Company’s fleet. There is also a model—now finished-—of the Lyttelton Graving Dock, now in course of construction j and working models of railway and stationary engines are shown by Mr W. W. Charters. The nail-makers’ forge, presided over by Mr Hill, fittingly represented the new industry recently established in Sydenham. Since the descriptive report of that industry app»ared in bur columns, Mr Hill has received a number of gratifying testimonials, and has ensured for himself a certain, and in all probability a rapidly growing trade. picTtmss.

The best portrait picture in the Exhibition is one exhibited by Mr Hulbert, “Maori Woman and Child,” by Herr Lindauer. This picture was noticed in these columns some time since, together with other works by the same artist. The best landscapes are those shown by Mr Gibb, whose subjects are Lyttelton Harbour, two views on the Avon, Heathcote Valley, and a scene in the Little Eiver district. It will suffice to say that Mr Gibb fully sustains his reputation as a faithful delineator of New Zealand scenery. Mr Gibb also demonstrates on the present occasion that he is a highly successful teacher. The immense number of pictures included in the Exhibition renders any detailed notice of them in these columns an. impossibility. Some of the young lady exhibitors displayed, almost a precocity of talent, and the work they have done must be most gratifying to their teachers and friends. CONOIUBIOK, In bringing to a close what must of necessity bo an imperfect notice of the Industrial Exhibition, it is fitting that acknowledgement should be made of the self-denying labour of Mr Robert Allan, President of the Committee of Management. To him, and to the Honorary Secretary, Mr W. W. Charters, the success of the important undertaking is largely due. Happily these gentlemen have been aided by an intelligent, business-like and hard-working Committee. They will feel themselves abundantly repaid if, as was so well said by the Mayor of Christchurch at the opening ceremony, they have succeeded in bringing about, in the smallest degree, a greater knowledge of our resources, and in opening up a larger consumption of local manufactures.

CLOSE OP THE EXHIBITION. No more pronounced success has ever been achieved in this Colony, that that accomplished by the Committee of Management of the Christchurch Industrial Exhibition. That success has not in the slightest degree waned during the six days for which the Dnllshed haTheen open, but on the both visitors hftT ® new keenest interest. From day to flay, new to U Um ..M* toe, Md SSiSSI It***

on glass has been exhibited by Mr J. Lane, of Christchurch. Some fine samples of rope, oord and twine, made from New Zealand flax, have been sent by Mr J. Seed, of Bangiora. Mrs Crowley has exhibited some samples of painting on velvet ! the designs consisting of flowers, beautifully executed. The Messrs. Burt, of Dunedin, have sent an ingenious machine for corking bottles, cleverly adapted to suit any size of cork. Some specimens of anthracite coal from the Malvern Hills have been sent by Mr Wilson, and Mr Stansell has added to his most useful contributions a few pieces of imperfectly made glass. Therewith he showed the cause of his partial failure —a fractured crucible, which had not been capable of withstanding the required degree of neat. Mr Stansell has fairly demonstrated that at any rate such glass as is required for making bottles can he produced readily enough from some of the Kaiapoi sand. Other exhibitors proved that for such bottles there would immediately be a large demand, for putting up the writing inks, gloss, sauces, and other things now made here. The natural wealth of the Alford Forest district has been further represented by Mr J. Hudson, who sent in a piece of stone, which compares very well with Aberdeen granite, and a collection of pieces of wood representing the Alford Forest timbers, namely, red birch, black and white pine, broadleaf, gowai, manuka, miki-miki, and rata. The way. in which one of these woods—the gowai—may be utilised, has been well illustrated by Mr Jenkins. Ho has sent in carriage . spokes made from it, and has shown that by proper treatment any required degree of curvature may be given to such strips of wood. The same exhibitor has done further service by showing wavy mouldings produced entirely by machinery—a shaping machine on the principle of the copying lathe, these mouldings being of various irregular and compound curve outlines.

One exhibit escaped notice in the general report, and one of considerable importance. Mr Billens showed two pairs of carriage lamps, one pair being on a square plan, and the other circular, with bright metal relief lines to the japanned work. These lamps are admirably got up, and are quite good enough for use with any ordinary carriages. Are our carriage builders using them much ? They are men who have bad to complain loudly themselves that their work was not receiving due encouragement. They should be prompt to give practical aid to an industry which must be dependent upon them. At a few minutes to 10 o’clock last evening, when the drill shed was well filled, the President and members of the Committee of management ascended che platform. The President addressed the large assemblage as follows :

ladies and gentlemen,—The Committee desire to publicly express their very great gratification at the splendid results o£ this Exhibition, and we assure you that it is a pleasure that comes not so much from the financial result although that is by no means disagreeable—as from the knowledge that during six days 23,000 people have visited and evinced the keenest interest in everything in connection with the exhibition; and we sincerely hope that the deep interest that has been awakened will not die out with, the closing, but that you, the public at large, will do; everything in your power, by giving the preference wherever you can to our productions, and by joining the Industrial Association, and in whatever way you can, practically assisting the cause of Industry. In doing this you will help to pave the way to future industrial displays that shall, by their magnitude and splendour, dim the lustre of this our first Industrial Exhibition. (Cheers ) At the request of the Committee, the Government appointed a Commission to examine and report upon the exhibition, and we think they will gather information that will be of service. To the exhibitors we say, we regret that the ■ limited ■ space at our disposal prevented you from making all the, display you were capable of, but we think you will give us credit for Having endeavoured to ' act impartially ' towards all. We sincerely hope that the industries you represent will flourish, and that many industries = only , represented • here in embryo will develop into thriving businesses. Wo very much regret that the building has prevented r us from doing justice to the pictures And works» of art, as they have materially helped to - make the exhibition attractive. You'will all be glad to khowtbat the financial results have left a. handsome balance, which will be strictly applied to the cause of local industry. - (Cheers.) Ladies' and gentlemen, all things’ must have an end, and although we have "spent many pleasant' and instructive hours hero, and the interest seems 'as great ; as on; our opening day, it has:become my almost sorrowful duty to now pronounce the Industrial Exhibition of 1880 closed. (Hearty applause.) On the invitation of Professor Bickertorij: three hearty cheers were given for the President, and the Exhibition finally closed.

COMPJ VIBNTAEY DINNER. On July £7 a complimentary dinner was given at Me s s Ford and Newton’s rooms, to the pro oters of the recent Local Industries .Exhibition. More than 100 gentlemen sat down to a repast which did credit to the caterer, Mr J. W. Morton. The rooms were well lighted, and the tables and walls suitably ornamented. The chair was occupied by his Worship the Mayor, supported on his right by Mr B. Allan, President of the Local Industries Association, and on his left by the Hon H. BiJ Gressbn, The vice-chair was occupied by Mr John Ollivier, supported by Messrs 8. 0. Farr and W. E. Mitchell. • After the dinner had been disposed of, ; The Chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts, which were duly honoured. Mr H. B. Alport proposed “The Members of the General Assembly,” and expressed a hope that they would do their work properly. ; The toast was duly drunk. Mr J. Ollivier, whose rising was the signal for prolonged applause, had been astounded at being called upon to respond to the toast. What connection was there between the General Assembly and himself? He was glad to drink their health, but how could he respond to the toast seeing that that General Assembly had that day sent him among the dead men. On Monday morning he would have to take his billy to the soup kitchen. (Laughter.) He must in the course of things have a supreme contempt for such an assembly. (Laughter.) The General Assembly might turn him upside down if they liked, but he would come up right side uppermost. (Laughter.) After all there were some good men in the Assembly. When the time came, let them send him up to the Assembly, and he would stick to the Province of Canterbury, which had set an example the Assembly would show wisdom m following. There were representatives already at Wellington who were willing enough to follow this example, but there were wheels within wheels. He trusted that the time would come when Canterbury principles would rule in the Assembly. Those principles were comprised in the phrase, Justice to all men.” (Applause.) Though he had nothing at all to do with the Assembly, he had much pleasure in acknowledging the toast. (Applause.) Mr E. Allan proposed—" His Worship the Mayor and the City Councillors.’ (Applause.) The Council had a large amount ot, work to-do, and deserved credit for the_way they did it. His Worship had occupied thechair in the Council for two years with credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens. (Applause.) The Council compared favourably with previous Councils, and had they raised the trifle of £200,000 or £BOO,OOO, would have left their footprints on the sands of time. (Applause.) ■ . The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Bis Worship the Mayor responded. The duties of the Council wore very onerous, and _were becoming more so every year. The Mayor must be prepared to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the citizens. He was proud of his Councillors, and in their name and his own thanked the company for the manner in which they had received the toast. Chairman proposed " The promoters of the Local Industries Exhibition." This was the toast of the evening, (Applause.) He had never before felt how unable fie wMto do justice to ft toast* : It had bssn thought that the opportunity should not be allowed to pass

without honour being done to the. Committee. Considering the abort time and limited space at their disposal their success showed wnat could be done by a few energetic mem reminded him of the mythic springing or Minerva from the head of JoVe. It was wonderful to see what had been done in this Exhibition, which. had brought manufacturers and consumers together, and would serve os a starting point for the future. At the next Exhibition, which he' believed wool®,, nob, he far off in time, no doubt great progress would bo shown- He had taken part in the first Now Zealand Exhibition' 13 years ago, and must sky that the, recent one here was more He had heard numerous observations from visitors to the effect that they would for the future patronise local articles. (Applause.) As the Hon Mr Gresson was to follow with another toast going over much the same ground, he would not further trench upon the company s time.

The toast was drunk with musical honours, and “ one cheer more for Mr Allan.” Mr Allan, who was greeted with loud _ and long continued applause of a most enthusiastic character, responded. He felt deeply the great honour which had been . shown the Committee. It was an acknowledgment that their steps had been directed towards a good object. The Committee had been actuated solely by a sincere desire to help forward the cause they had hr On desirous of helping. Their friends had laughed at them for .having Local' Industries on the’ brain. (Laughter.) But their success had been most gratifying. It was equally gratifying to see many gentlemen who differed from the Association : assembled there. It showed that there was a disposition to give fair play. He might call attention to the opportunities which could be afforded by merchants and others to local industries. He might mention one firm, whose names be would not give, but who, the moment they found a local industry established, ceased ordering from Home, and did what they.could to foster the local effort. As to the Committee, they had worked together most harmoniously, quietly and unostentatiously. They had only one failing, and that was too much modesty. The great compliment paid them that night had somewhat shocked that modesty. (Laughter.) In twelve or eighteen months’ time it was hoped that another Exhibition would be held. He trusted that when it took place all would be able to look back with pleasure to the Exhibition now just past. (Applause.) ; The Hon H. B, Gresson, who was loudly applauded, proposed—“ The Exhibitors.” He was hot surprised at the manner in which the last toast had been received. It would have been strange had it been otherwise, but he must claim a great part of the merit of the Exhibition for the exhibitors. (Applause.) Wise as was the plan devised, and energetic as were the efforts of the Committee, the Exhibition would not have been a success without the exhibitors. : A difficulty in their way was the commercial depression deeply affecting local industries. Despite of this, it now had been seen how spiritedly the exhibitors had seconded the efforts d the Committee. (Applause.) For himse-l he had always believed in a great future for New Zealand, but on entering the Exhibition ho had been amazed and bewildered by the amount of the exhibits and their quality. (Applause.) At first sight all appeared to be confusion, but on examination it was seen that everything had been displayed to the best advantage. The credit of this might partly bV given to the promoters, but he desired those whom he ’ might; call his clients (laughter), not to be forgotten. He would mention one or two : natural productions tin the’.Exhibition, and the local industriesspringing- from them. The first were the minerals connected with the pottery works—fire clay, sands, chalk, coal, and other things were most’ striking; and not the less so on account of their being found in close proximity to one another. The results were shown by ! the - exhibits, beautiful and useful, of four firms. (Applause.) Another exhibit which was most striking for its beauty and-variety was the collection ofnative ■ woods.’ These’ were; shown in furniture, 'in articles of turnery, &c. The - gowai, for instance, had been shown to. be superior to Hickory'for wheel' spokes. ■He would not detain the company further than to say that it had come, before the Commissioners that in superior- artioles' !: the -Colony-could compete with Home, being beaten only in slop and shdddy work;’ (Applause.) He hoped the day for-the use of shoddy was far distant. (Hear;) It only remained for him to .allude to the good done by the ; exhibitors to the Colony at large. He felt proud/of the compliment paid itb him by having the ’ toast entrusted tohim. Feeble as his- advocacy was; he-felt content that the cause of local industry did ■ not require eveh his poor advocacy. •- (Applause.) The resources of the Colony, with : the indomitable industry transplanted from the Old Country, were destined to make this l Colony the happy home of thousands yet unborn. (Applause.) He coupled the toast with the names of Messrs Isaac Wilson, Austin and Kirk and F. Jenkins. (Applause.) The toast was enthusiastically drunk. • ; Mr Kirk felt that speaking was a different thing from working. On behalf of the exhibitors, he could say that they had worked with heart and soul, and-were glad to find that they had achieved so satisfactory a result. The firms connected with the industry he represented employed some 400 hands, many of them married men. (Applause.) Almost all industries shown at the Exhibition had representatives present. Otago would endeavour to emulate Canterbury; and if it did, Canterbury must endeavour to out-do Otago. He returned sincere thanks for the manner in which" the toast had been received.' Mr F. Jenkins returned thanks. He was a bashful man, and hoped they would excuse him frommakinga speech, (Applause.) ■ Mr Tate, of Messrs Burt and Co., of Dunedin, was loudly called for, but desired to be excused. . ' Mr Alport had visited Messrs Burt’s factory, and found to his surprise that they employed 100 men, and that their productions were equal to the best at Home* (Applause.) Mr John Anderson, who was loudly applauded, , proposed Agricultural and Pastoral interests of New Zealand.” The Committee, though. Showing a want of judgment in entrusting the toast to him had redeemed their credit by associating with the toast the name of Mr , Stead." (Applause). ! The toast was duly drunk. . Mr G. G. Stead, who was loudly applauded, responded. He reminded the company of the fact that 66 large vessels, of 54,500 tons register and 80,000 tons burden, had within the last six months taken 44,000 bales of wool, and 2,500,000 bushels of wheat to the United Kingdom. This was sufficient to show the enterprise of the cornmercial men of Canterbury. For the agricultural men he could say that in 1879 they had cultivated 318,000 acres of land, and raised 7i millions bushels of grain. Last year 384,000 acres had been cultivated, and had given 13* million bushels of grain, showing an increase of 70 per cent, in twelve months in the yield, and 25 per cent, increase jn’ acreage. Wool-growers would be better pleased with the result of their shipments than with anything he could say. He thanked the company for the manner in which they had received the toast. toasts were also dmnK. This concluded a very pleasant evening, itself a fitting conclusion to what has proved a most successful enterprise^ —the Christchurch Industrial Exhibition.

INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION COMMISSION. In answer to an urgent request made by the Committee, the Government appointed a Commission of the following gentlemen to examine and report on the ExhibitionMr B. Wakefield (Oharrman of the Boyal Commission on Local Industries), Captain Oolbepk, M.HE., hgsarß p. Cunningham, J. Ingfis, Hon H. B. G son, and His Worship the Mayor of Christis the report of the OomOhristehuroh, July 24,1880. Sir,—The Committee appointed to examine the exhibits at the Exhibition of Offiomal Industries, at Christchurch, havo tho honour to report that they visited the Exhibition on

Tuesday and Wednesday, the 20th_and 21st July, and were afforded every facility Ny the Chairman and members of the Exhibition Committee, for prosecuting their enquiry. They found a large number of exhibits which were a gratifying evidence by themselves of the success which has so far attended the enterprise of local manufacturers; and ap-voi that many industries of great importance are already established here on the only secure basis, that namely, of commercial profit as governed by the laws of demand and supply. They found also many exceedingly interesting exhibits, the results of experiments in industries which are yet in their infancy, but which seem likely before long to gam a footing in the country and ultimately to take their place among the staple occupations of the people. The Exhibition was, farther, adorned and rendered entertaining to visitors by a great variety of exhibits which were rather works of art, or curiosities, than industrial products, and upon which, therefore, the Committed presume the Government do not require them to report. They desire, before entering upon details, to express their high sense of the value of the Exhibition, as a means of commending local industries prominently to the notice of the public, encouraging those who are engaged in them to persevere with renewed energy in their various pursuits, and demonstrating to others the advantages to be derived from the application _of labour, ingenuity, and capital, to developing those resources which nature has so abundantly provided in New Zealand. They desire also to inform the Government that the manner in which the Exhibition was managed by a Committee of the exhibitors was admirable, and to express their opinion that in thus furthering, in a most practical way, the prospects of local industries, those gentlemen have rendered no inconsiderable service to the Colony. The Committee place among the most important industries represented at the Exhibition—

Manufactures from Olay, viz., pottery, earthenware; patent bricks and tiles, drain-pipes, fire-bricks, &c. _ They found this industry firmly established, though still in the early stage Of its development. There are employed in the works of those exhibiting in this class about 150 persons, the rate of wages ranging from 7s to 12s a day. In the commoner class of goods the manufacturers state that they can already compete successfully with the importers; but that in drain pipes and those classes of goods, which required skilled labour, they can barely do so at present, though they are sanguine of complete success in the future. The materials used in this industry, clay of various kinds, fire-clay and coal, are. found in inexhaustible quantities in Canterbury, and fresh discoveries are being made from time to time. The products of this ■ industry exhibited were of remarkably good quality, and much artistic talent of a high order was displayed in the manufacture of some of them. The Committee saw also specimens of marble of very handsome appearance worked up into mantelpieces, &C.; but they are not able to state to what extent this industry is developed. Specimens were shown of a pure white chalk from Oxford, an invaluable ingredient in the manufacture of Portland cement. The Committee learnt with much 'satisfaction that this chalk is found in vast quantities, in an accessible position, and that clay of a suitable kind for combining with it in the manufacture of cement is also believed to exist in the neighbourhood. The greatcoat of cement works appears to be the chief drawback to the prosecution of the enterprise by a private individual, A sample of excellent whiting made from this chalk was exhibited. The metal trades, including the manufacture of brass work, iron goods, lead and brass castings, gas and water pipes, cooking ranges, ploughs, tinware, such as baths, cans and so forth, were largely represented, the exhibits being of a particularly gratifying character. These trades appear to be firmly established, and capable of competing successfully with importers, though labouring under some disadvantages incidental to a new country. The number, of persons said to be employed in this -trade: are about 600, and the rate of wages was stated to be from 9s to 14s a day. . The woollen trade was represented by a magnificent exhibit of cloths of the finest quality, blankets, flannels, hosiery and yarns. There are over 100 hands employed' in the factory where these; goods : are produced, wages varying from 10s to 40s a week, : The goods find a ready -sale, and the demand is constantly, increasing.: The manufacture of clothing, iniwhidh large quantities of locally made cloth is c msumed, is also a large industry,: one firm alone represented at the 'exhibition,’ employing 500 bands, and producing, goods of a superior quality at a lower price'than those imported. : The boot manufacturers exhibited a great number of excellent specimens of their handiwork. This trade is firmly established. It employs about 700 hands in Christchurch, and produces articles: equal in quality to any imported, and at a lower price. The wages range from 10s to : £3 10s a week. \ In other branches of the leather trade, the Committee saw some splendid specimens of saddlery. In this industry, as in many others, the Colonial manufacturer can defy the world in the highest class of work, but cannot compete in cheap goods with the English manufacturer. The saddlers employ about 100 men at wages varying from £2 10s to £3 a week. The want of local tanneries is a great drawback to this trade.

The manufacture of hats was represented by a remarkably good exhibit. The quality of the locally made hats is far superior to that of those ordinarily imported ; and quality for quality, the Colonial manufacturer pan easily compete with the importer, though the manufacture of low class goods cannot be successfully < undertaken here at present. There are about 40 men employed in this trade here at present, and wages range from 7s to 10s a day. : Soap and Candles. —This industry was very well represented, the exhibits comparing very favourably in point of quality with imported articles. They easily compete also in point of price, and are practically driving the imported articles out of the market. It was represented that this industry would be much facilitated by development • of the trade with the Pacific Islands, whence one of the principal ingredients for the finer qualities, namely, cocoanut oil, is obtained. ; Bacon and hams, butter, and other dairy produce, were exhibited in great profusion, and of splendid quality. This industry is assuming very large proportions, and has practically put an end to the import of these articles. Manufactures from wood were represented by exhibits of very fine quality of wholesale woodware, turned and bent goods, spokes, &c, spokes made from the native kowhai attracting the particular attention of the Committee, These are said to be superior to either hickory or hardwood spokes. This trade easily holds its own against the importer, both in price and quality. A great number of persons are employed in this trade, one Christchurch firm, employing, when in full work, 50 hands in one department of the business, whilst a Dunedin firm employs 1100 in all the branches. Wages range from 7s to 10s a day. There was a fine display of furniture, the quality of the exhibits being really excellent. This trade Is firmly established, and almost excludes the English manufacture. It employs about 300 hands in Christchurch, at wages from 7s to 12s a day. . Printing and bookbinding were represented by a variety of handsome and interesting exhibits. In bookbinding the local manufacturer can compete in the cheaper class of work, but not in the higher classes, for want of skilled labour and the particular kinds of leather that are required. There are between 600 and 700 men employed in these trades in Canterbury, at wages ranging from £2 to £4 10s a week. A notable exhibit of manufactures from flax (linum) attracted much attention. These included fibre ropes, plough lines, and twines of all sizes and qualities, some of then! being altogether too good for ordinary use. The Committee learn that this industry is still somewhat experimental; as a commercial venture. Hope from New Zealand phormium was also exhibited. This competes successfully with imported rope of similar quality. Another interesting exhibit was that of linseed, linseed meal, buckwheat, peasj peaflour, and rye, all representing crops to which farmers might turn their attention with great advantage. The manufacture of horsenails: of the finest

quality was industry capable of being -etail purposes. carried on, at all events for retiui pwp A string-binder attachment to binding machine phorminm, imported article is beaten in P oinfc ? f bat the local manufacturer cannot P*w™. j inferior articles as cheapiy as they are J , ported. In this Case the difforence exist m ) the frame of the machine being made or t , blr in the locally made, and iron in the im ( not in the cheaper class of goods.. There are about 220 men employed m tjus trade m Christchurch, at an average wage of £1 a week. A strong. farmers - dray was ebojra as a specimen of a new and important indue try, quite separate from carriage building, it was in every respect superior to imported dmys of th7same P class, and the price was lower. Carriage lamps, locally manufactured, were also shown. A useful industry was also represented by a varied exhibit of P a P® r ?“~ pasteboard Wes for .chemists, haber dashers, milliners, jewellers, and other purposes. These were of remarkably good quality, far superior to that of the articles s but the manufacturer stated that .he can scarcely compete in point of price witn the inferior goods imported. , , The Committee desire to mention also the following exhibits, about which they, have not obtained special information, but which they consider worthy of notice Wrapping paper, coffee, confectionery, --pickles ; and; sauces, engravings on copper, bone work, optical ana scientific instruments, jewellery, brushware, basket work, modelling in clay, improved washing boiler, basket and cane work, gram* ing on wood, wines and beer and bone dust fo? manure, and many other smaller exhibits displaying much industry and ingenuity. In conclusion, the Committee have tue honour to state that the time at their disposal for examining the Exhibition and reporting upon it was far too short to allow of their doing justice to it; afldthey .venture to suggest, that in the event of any similar exhibition being held hereafter, the Government should endeavour to ascertain for public information much more complete particulars than are hereby conveyed. The Committee attach to the report various communications which they have received.— We have, &0., (Signed) Edwaed Waeevibid,. Chairman, for the Committees