UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18895, 18 December 1924, Page 15

UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

GIFTS liY A CRAFTSMAN.

ME. It. M. WATTS' UNIQUE DISPLAY.

What can better.express the spirit of Christmas than a g.ft'which brings utility with bea-ity and displays keen discernment in tho selection? An array of ruch gifts, any ono of which would immediately become a cherished possession above all others, is t-o be seen at the showroom of Mr. Reuben Watts, tho well-known Auckland craftsman, at 35, Victoria Street; West. ZSIr. Watts is an artistic and original worker in metals of all descriptions, and in fashioning articles eminently - suitable as Christmas gifts, has notably departed from the commonplace, as an inspection of his display will readily show. An outstanding feature is tho collection of real medieval antique rings in silver, with quaint stones in a variety of most attractive settings. No less compelling aro tho beaten silver and copper cigaretto boxes, trays, paper knives, vasos, ornaments and charms, all showing truo '.larmony of design and unusual skill in execution. In addition to tho wide range of articles of his own creation, Mr. Watts can offer samples of the best work of tho Eastern peoples. This stoc';, which bears evidence of wise and well-informed selection, includes Indian and Cashmere handiwork, chiefly brasswork. There is also a selection of kingfisher feather brooches, exquisitely delicate, and the work of the incomparable Chinese craftsmen, and Persian papier macho ware in tho form of caskets and bojes of various descriptions, all decorated with an harmonious blend of bright colours in the mariner of tho East. These unusual gift 3 aro marked at prices which bring them well within the reach of even a, modest purse. The making of the smaller articles suitable for presents is only ono phase of the work carried out by Mr. Watts and his staff. As a skilled worker in metals, ho is prepared to carry out designs or to sub imt original drawings to anyone requiring an outstanding symbolic design. As an indication of tho class of 'work executed, it is sufficient to mention that Mr. Watts made tho casket which contained tho Auckland City address to tho Prince of Wales and tho handsome gold cup raced for at the Takapuna meeting in November last. He ha.s two more of these cups in hand, one of which is <or tho Takapuna meeting in January. The valuable Macky Cup was also made by him for the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Mr. Watts specialises in ecclesiostical metal work, and has manufactured memorial fonts for churches in all parts of tho country, communion services, chalices and alms boxes, tho latter to an ancient pattern with hammered iron hinges and handle* The making of Mason c emblems and insignia is another branch of his art, while ho has boen called upon to derign and execute mounts for miniatures in gold, silver, copper,, and even iron, all oi work being beautiful iu tho extroina