OUR LOCAL INDUSTRIES—No. V.

Colonist, Volume XVII, Issue 1899, 10 April 1875, Page 3

OUR LOCAL INDUSTRIES—No. V.

Me COOK'S MATMAKifIG ESTABLISHMENT.

One of the lsaefc known, but at the same time one of the most important (inasmuch as it is said to be the only thing of the sort in the Colony) of the industries which are carried on in this city, is that of Woollen anil flax mat and rug making. Mr Cook has % 'fry unpretentious little shop in Collingwond Street ? but small and unpretentious as it is, it contains Botnp very fine specimens of his wares, which would **H repay any trouble that might be occasioned by going to inspect them. The woollen rrats and Wthrugs are really magnificent specimens of workmanship, and reflect the greatest possible amount of f edit on the manufacturer. At present the business on a limited scale, Mr Cook doing the *Uoleof the work himself; but we feel confident that. as the articles turned out by him become known, he JJill receive a much larger share of public patronage 'ban he now does. There can be no doubt that if «o« existence ot his establishment were better known ne would have none of his wares remaining on hand. .?*yt*i in thia Colony or in Australia, have we seen *py rug's that for excellence of quality, beauty of de?'gn> or finish, will bear comparison with his. The Wool employed in their manuiacture is of the finest quality th«t New Zealand can produce, and is dyed to Mr Cook at Mr Robertson's dyeworks. He draws ™ own patterns, and has made the whole of his PWiinery with his own handi. Even if we in Nel-

ton cannot appreciate his work, it is evident that others can; for he holds medals won by him at the Christohurch Exhibition 1872 for flax goods; and at the Nelson Exhibition 1873 for both flax and woollen good.'. He has also just received a diploma of honorable mention conferred upon him by the Jurors of the International Exhibition at Vienna. We believe that Mr Cook was the first to engage in the matmaking trade in the Colony, and as the Government are offering bonuses for various other things, we think the money would not be ill spent if a bonus were likewise given to Mr Cook. The industry is an important one, especially when it is considered that all the materials necessary for the trade are tbe natural products of the Colony, and, as has already been said, when the excellence of Mr Cook's goods become* known we venture to predict that he will find buyers in other parts of the world as well as in New Zealand. Before coming to this Colony he worked for nearly thirty years at his trade in Loudon, and such long experience must of necessity stamp him as a good workman. We would strongly advise those who are furnishing to inspect Mr Cook's stock. By the lait English mail he received the following letter: — "7 Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, " Westminster, S.W., 21st Jan. 1875. "Sir, —I have much pleasure in informing you that the Jurors of the International Exhibition at Vienna have conferred upon you a Dip oma of Honorable Mention in recognition of the excellence of your Exhibits in the New Zealand section. The Diploma will be despatched to the offite of the Honorable the Colonial Secretary by the present mail, and I have requested that it may be delivered to you on application.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, "I. E. Fbatheeston. " Agent-General for New Zealand. " Mr W. Cook, Nelson.