AN ENCHANTED GROTTO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2390, 21 December 1899, Page 37

AN ENCHANTED GROTTO.

A novel and attractive example of tht decorative art is at present the centre of attention at Messrs Brown, Ewing, and Co.'s pre. mises. The display is entitled "Tho Enchanted Grotto, ' and is located in the firm's larga cellar. The most notable features are two descriptive scenes entitled Christmas at Home " and '" Christmas in New Zealand." The Christmas festivities in the old country are, of course, characterised by tho presence of snow, ice, and other evidence of the wintry season of the year, but what lends a peculiar interest to it is that the famous scene in the "Pickwick Papers " wherein Mr Pickwick, with all tho courage and fortitude for which the old gentleman was distinguished, ventures forth with his associates on a skating expedition, and amongst the celebrated Pickwickian characters represented are Mr Winkle, Mr Snodgrasa, Sam? Weller, Mr Wardle, the fat boy, and Arabella^ all of whom are dressed in the prevailing fashion of the period. Tho piece de resistance in the New Zealand scene is the representation of a cricket match in progress (on a grass lawn),, with the full complement of players and umpires dressed in cricketing flannels; whilac under the shade of the trees and in the pavilion in the background are to be seen the spectators,.' apparently deeply interested in the game. Ths whole display haa been skilfully planned anrj ingeniously carried out, and reflects great credit on tho designer.

Train arrangements in connection with th«y Christmas holidays will he .frying elpewfe*r» J in this issue-