A NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS COLLECTION.'

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13049, 14 December 1905, Page 3

A NEW ZEALAND ARTISTS COLLECTION.'

Considerable interest is being taken by connoisseurs in the very fine oolleetion of paintings by Mr. W. G. Baker, of New Zealand scenery, which is being exhibited at 77, Queen-street. Mr. Baker is too well-known an artist to need any introduction here, but there is a pathetic incident connected with the exhibition which may be mentioned : the artist's eyesight and hearing are failing, and great as has been the produce of his brush, it is doubtful whether he will be able to turn out the quantity of work to which lie has been accustomed. Mr. Baker has gone to ; the North, as well as to the South Island, J for his subjects, and he exhibits some very beautiful examples of the characteristic scenery of New Zealand. \ " The Wairua Falls, Upper Northern Wairoa" (34) shows the river in flood, tossing the ponderous kauri logs about like twigs, while the falls themselves thundei over the cliffs into the seething basin below. " Ohihemutu" (16), is a delightful little scene, famliar to visitors to Rotorua, showing the creek above lake view. Two Maori figures, in dresses of vivid hues, make a pleasing contrast to the colour of the vegetation. " The Awahuri Roid, Feilding" (8), is a fine piece ct work, showing the dusty highway hewn out of the heavily-timbered country. The mail coach is seen in the foreground, and trampling on the rank growth by.- the roadside are some cattle. "Mitre Peafk" (10), at sunset, magnificent work, _ the hoary mountain piercing the opal-tinted sky, whilo diaphanous mists linger in the gullies. "Lake Taupo" (9), shows this noble sheet br water, tinted by the rays of the setting sun. In the foreground is a . Maori whare, with figures seated outside; while on the glassy surface of , the lake floats a canoe. The air is one of perfect peace. There are many other works in the- collection, all worthy of extended notice, but as the .public ave invited to see it, it may suffice to direct the attention to this fact. Several of the pictures have been sold.