"OBSERVER" ANNUAL Christmas Prize Distribution.

Observer, Volume XV, Issue 828, 6 October 1894, Page 17

"OBSERVER" ANNUAL Christmas Prize Distribution.

THE 1894 DRAWING.

UPWfIRDS OF OKE HUNDRED PRIZES !

Beautiful and Valuable Articles fop Nothing.

MAGNIFICENT WORKS OF ART.

The proprietors of the N.Z. Observer and Free Lance have much pleasure in announcing their third annual Christmas Distribution of gifts to their subscribers. Both the previous drawings were highly successful. That of last year was drawn under the supervision of the Mayor of Auckland, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, two members of the House of Representatives, and two members of the Auckland City Council. More than one hundred prizes, aggregating upwards of .£3OO in value, were given away, and the recipients were unanimous in their expressions of satisfaction jvith the prizes which they were successful in whining. In view of the great success of the last distribution, we are this year offering a large number of prizes, and moreover, prizes of much greater value. "We have gone to very considerable expense in securing for our leading prizes paintings of great value and beauty by eminent New Zealand artists, besides artistic work of other kinds whose beauty and value commend it to the admiration of all who have seen it. The table-tops by Mr Seuffert are a notable case in point. Our prizes this year are almost exclusively confined to paintings, though not to paintings on canvas alone. There are paintings on terra cotta, china, fans, wood, etc., etc. It will scarcely be believed, but it is nevertheless a fact, that this year's prize list has involved an outlay of nearly ±'500. This is not an art union of the ordinary kind for the purpose of profit. We sell no tickets. It is an absolutely free distribution of prizes to our subscribers, the main object in view being to increase the popularity and already wonderfully large circulation of the Observer. You ask how we manage to do it ? Well that is our concern. We devote a portion of our profits to this object, and return them in this way to our readers as a bonus. Remember that the tickets for this distribution are given away gratis. Every issue of the Observer from now until the time of drawing will contain a coupon. Cut these coupons out and preserve them, aud when you have become possessed of eight send them with a stamped and addressed envelope (for reply) and we will return you in exchange for each eight conpons you send us one ticket in the drawing. All these coupons are alike, so that two or more may be taken from papers of the same date and used to make up one set. Read these conditions carefully and make no mistake. We give one ticket of the drawing in exchange for eight coupons, though you are not limited to one ticket. Send in all the coupons you can get !

This means that you will receive three times the worth of your money in the Observer, itself the brightest aud raciest paper in New Zealand, and the only one that cau boast of original illustrations, and you 'will albO have several chances of- the valuable prizes we offer. The coupons will be recorded in a ticlcetbook as they are received, and all these tickets will be used in the drawing. We will give jou duplicates of your tickets on application at onr publishing office, or will send at once on receipt of a stamped and' addressed envelope. The drawing will be conducted by ' an independent committee of wellvftriown citizens during Christmas week, 1894. • The following is the prize list as far as we have been able to complete it.:—. Ist prize.— Magnificient oil painting of 4 Mount Cook,' by Charles Blom field. The proprietary of the Observer have secured this superb work of art at very considerable expense. It is acknowledged by connoisseurs I to be the finest picture Mr Blomneld ever painted, and when it was recently on exhibition; in Australia it -won- the highest encouiums and admiration from all the critics who saw it. The painting, which is a large and beautiful framed one, shows in the distance the snow-clad mountain in all its grandeur, the general effect, breadth of colour and detail being really exquisite. In the foregrpund is a lovely valley charming to the e>e and' possessing natural' effects only to be seen in the Southern Alps district. This picture is one to be coveted. We value it at fifty guineas, but twice that sum would not fairly remuneiate the labour that has i been employed upon it. The painting would be an ornament to any art gallery in the world. 2nd prize.— Lady's valuable gold dress ring, set with precious stones. This ring has been specially manufactured by Mr Heinrich Kohn for this prize distribution. It is unquestionably an exquisite article of jewellery, and judging by the admiration it has already excited in Mr Kohn's window its possession is coveted by thousands of our young lady readers. Sad to say, only one of them can possibly win it. The ring is hand-made, is tastefully chased, and is set with three lovely diamonds and two rubies of wonderful lustre. It is indeed a splendid prize. 3rd Prize. — Water colour landscape by Mr Frank Wright, New Zealand's water-colour artist. This is another beautiful and valuable picture which we have secured at great expense for our subscribers. ' Manukau Heads ' is the subject.and those of our readers who have seen the picture on exhibition ' on the line ' in the loan collection at the Auckland Art Gallery know how Mr Wright has succeeded with it. This painting was first exhibited at the Art Exhibition in Dunedin, and it has a colonial reputation. Indeed, the desire has often been expressed that it should be purchased by public subscription, and retained in the Art Gallery in Auckland. The beach forms the foreground of the picture, with the Heads filling the background, and the surf in the middle distance. The painting is most poetical, and full of delicate serial tones; the tints and clouds are most effective, and the rocky foreground is full of bold detail. Altogether, the picture is the work of a true and a soulful artist. 4th prize. -Inlaid table-top of valuable New Zealand woods. We need say nothing of Mr Seutfert's talent as a skilful worker in New Zealand woods. It is said -.of .a display of. inlaid articles shown by hint at the recent Society of Arts Exhibition that it comprised the most artistic work in the exhibition, aud this was true. Mr Seuffert is an artist as well as a wood worker, some of the designs produced by him with the aid of his mallet and- chisel being superbly elaborate. Lord Glasgow purchased one of his tables at the recent Exhibition, and another is now for sale in town for ±"68 ; while his tables, cabinets, and jewel caskets are in constant demand for sending to friends at Home. It is impossible for us to give any inadequate idea of the beauty of this table that Mr Seuffert has designed and executed to our order. Let it suffice to say that the design is an intricate and surpassingly beautiful one, in what is called the Arabic style. Incredible as it may appear, it is nevertheless a fact that 4,600 pieces of wood are used in this one table- top, while 24 varieties of the most beautiful New Zealand woods have been drawn upon to furnish these. Mr Seuffert has surpassed himself, and the table will hold its own in comparison with the best inlaid wood-work of the century. sth prize. Oil painting by the well-known New Zealand artist, Mr Walter Wright. This is another splendid picture. ' Laid up for Repairs ' is the subject, and the scene is one tami'iar enough in Auckland harbour, where, by the way it is laid. A ferry steamer is shown in the foreground in the act of towing a partially dismantled brigantine whose condition indicates very plainly that she is on her way to dock. In the distant background is the western part of the city and the Ponsonby water front. The picture, which in its frame measures 4ft 2in by 3ft 3in, is an admirably executed one, full of bright, sunny effects and very true to nature.

6th prize. — Lady's gold watch. The desire has frequently been expressed by our lady subscribers that we should offer a gold watch as oue of our leading prizes, and we have acceded to their wish. The watch is a beautiful and valuable one. and inav be inspected at any time in Messrs Stewart Dawson and Co.'s window. It was supplied to our order by this firm, and is in beautif ul l y engraved 18---carat gold cases. The watch is guarant c c d inwritingfor 3 years, and is warranted as being an accurate timekeep c r, with very fine full-jew-elled perfect

keyless movement. The lady who receives this watch will have every reason to toe satisfied with herself. Bth prize. StrildDg engraving. A very pretty picture.— lt is the intention of Mr W. H. Webbe, of the London and Berlin Piano Co. to present to the winner of this picture one of "Wilcox and White's New Model Symphonias in beautiful walnut case. The L.. and B. Co. are the sole agents in Auckland. The

wholesale cash price is £6. A child can play the instrument', all that is necessary is the mere mechanical turning of the handle. The music is provided on rolls, which are fitted with the Symphonia. Thousands of tunes can be played on the instrument, and it is indispensable at country dances, where music is often difficult to get. The Symphonia has a rich organ tone. 9th prize.— Pair of paintings in oils on terra cotta plaques. These have been very tastefully executed by Francis West and form a most desirable ornament to the drawingroom. 10th prize.— Very pretty engraving. Though the picture is in itself a nice one, yet the good forrune of the possessor will not end here. Messrs McLeod Brothers, of 277, Upper Queen street, have notified us of their intention to supply, free of charge, to the winner of the 10th prize a baby's handsome perambulator, which may now be seen in the

window of their show room, Upper Oncer- ■ street. This is a Bassinet Perambulator, fitted on four bicycle wheels and wired on rubber tyres; elegant springs, handsomelypainted metallic body, with well; upholstered in best Crockett's leather ; best reversible hood; brass joints, cushioned seats, leather straps, brass handle lever*, ami china haudle ; really a splendid article. 11th prize.— Paii- of oil paintings in good gold frames. These are well-executed works of art. One is the picture of a riverside homestead, and the other a scene * Evening Shadows, 1 being a sunset effect on pretty landscape, with farm buildings in the foreground. 12th prize.— Gold bar brooch' set with heartshaped amethyst within a lover's knot of gold This is a beautiful specimen of the goldsmith's art, and reflects much credit upon Mr H. Kohn's establishment, from whence it came. 13th prize.- Pair of paintings in oils on terra cotta. These are two choice landscapes, splendidly executed, and form desirable wall ornaments. 14th prize.— Oil painting >•>• Charles Blomlield, 'Lake Ada,' being one of this artist's delightful series of Southern Alps bcehery. It is in a pretty gold frame. loth prize.— Chaste tete-a-tete tea service of hand-painted cnina. The design of this set is tasteful in the extreme, and the china itself is of delicate manufacture. Altogether a most desirable present. 16th prize.— Painting in oils, ' The Bush Track,' being an evening scene with rich foliage. 17th prize. — Inlaid table-top manufactured for our gift distribution by Mr Seuffert. This is another remarkable and beautiul specimen of the wood-worker's art, the design bein" wrought with innumerable pieces of the most beautiful of New Zealand woods, forming most quaint and charming devices. It is a table at once lovely and valuable. v 18th prize.— Engraving It is the intention of Messrs Ehrenfried Brothers to present to the subscriber who wins this engraving a case of their Celebrated Tasmanian Exhibition Champion Beer. This is the firm's best brand, and is the same beer that outrivalled all other competitors at the recent Tasmanian Exhibition. 19th prize.— Pair of hand-painted plaques; New Zealand flowers, beautifully executed. 20th prize.— Lady's gold bangle set with topaz. A charming ornament, 21st prize.-Oil painting, gold-framed, 'The Mouth of the River,' a pretty rural landscape. 22nd prize.— Pretty hand-painted plaqne. The winner of this prize may, if he or she chooses, have a lady's Russian leather purse in addition. It is a nice article, lined with kid, and will be serviceabie as well as nice. 23rd prize.— Landscape in oils, gold-framed, b Charles Blomfield. This is another charm ing picture, the scene being one of the most beautiful of the Southern Lake districts, showing Mount Earnslaw in the distance^ and the enchanting Lake Wakatipn in the middle distance.

7th prize. Charming oil painting. • The Remarkables,' sceue on Lake Wakatipu, by Charles Blomrtekl. This is also a very effective painting, and a good specimen of this clever artist's work from nature.

2ith prize.— Heavy gold locket for gentleman's albert pendant. This is a massive ornament, artistically chased, and was manufactured for us by Messrs Stewart Dawson and Co., in whose window it may now >s seen. 25th. prize.— Landscapes in oils, on terra cotta; a lovely pair of ornaments. 26th prize. — Chromo picture ; a striking subject. A country . maiden has written to us asking

why we do not offer a lady's side saddle amongst our' prizes, because there are so many girls in the country who are learning to ride and who would appreciate such a possession's a side saddle of fheir own. \\ ell, our gift distribution is necessarily a distribution of works of art, and there is not a great deal of art about a saddle, but we will do this. If the winner of the 26th prize be a lady, anil she will- call upon us on Christmas Eve, we will present her with a lady's side saddle of firstclass manufacture. Here is a chance for country girls. 27th prize.— Oil painting, in gold frame, representing a village homestead, and showing ripening corn in the adjacent plantation. 28th prize.— Artistically painted Japanese tete-a-tete china tea set, in red and gofd. Painted china is one of the most popular artistic fancies of the day, and we commend this lovely little tea set to the admiration of our lady suscribers. 29th prize.— Pair of terra cotta plaques, liandpainted, showing New Zealand flowers chastely executed. 30th prize.— This is a neatly-inlaid work-box, and will prove a most desirable and useful gift for a girl who has sacred possessions that she wishes to keep under lock aad key. 31st prize.— Lady's hand-painted fan. This is a very pretty fan in old-gold, the painting being a wild-rose design in pink. 32nd prize.— Lady's gold bangle, set withlovely moonstone. A capital gift. 33rd prize.— Gold-framed oil painting, well executed, ' The Flowing Biver,' showing some good mountain scenery. 34th prize.— Massive silver match-box. This is not only a useful and ornamental present for a gentleman, but it possesses special interest from the fact that it has been made from Great Barrier silver, for this drawing, by Mr Kohn. It is a trophy of our dormant silver resources. 35th prize.— Tasteful landscapes in oilson terracotta plaques. A charming pair of pictures. 36th prize.— Floral photographic album. The artistic work on the pages of this volume is very capably done 37th prize.- Engraving. It is the intention of Messrs Seccombe and Sons to present the winner of this engraving with a case of their celebrated Indian pale ale, the same as that used by Lord Onslow and suite while in Auckland, and for which Messrs Seccombe obtained a special appointment. 38th prize. — Oil painting in pretty gold frame, 'The Old Mill Stream.' This is a pretty country landscape. 39th prize.— Chromo picture. Messrs H. Partridge and Co., of Queen-street, who are the New Zealand agents, have notified us that it is their intention to present to the winner of this chromo 40 packets of the famous ' Three

Castle ' bra ml of igaretttos. If the winner of the 39th prize is a smoker, he will have reason to feel glad. 40th prize.— Pair of plaques, with New Zealand native flower design beautifully painted. Superb ornaments. 41st prize.— Chromo picture. It is the intention of Messrs Brown Barrett and Co. to present the winner of this interesting picture with eight packets of their famous Colombo Garden tea, of which it has been written that it ensures perfect peace in the household ' 42nd prize.— Set of gentlemen's solid gold sleeve-links, bar and button pattern, manufactured to our order by Mr A. Kohn, of Auckland. 43rd prize.— Oil painting in gold frame, ' The Old Church Tower,' a rural scene of quaint beauty. 44th prize. — Lady's leather hand-bag, chosen from Mr Kelsey's stock. A very neat and serviceable article. 45th prize.— Pan- of terra cotta plaques, with New Zealand landscape scenes tastefully painted in oils. 46th prize.— This is one of the sweetest of our many prizes. It consists of three artistic cut glass bottles or vases, filled with Sharlaud's inimitable perfumes, which are already established high in popular favour in New Zealand as a desirable e=" .sntial of a perfect toilet. 47th pfize. — Oil painting in gold frame, ' Evening Shadows,' a rustic bridge scene. 4Sth prize.— Black and gold writing desk, in lacquer-work. Charming floral design. Nice present lor a boy or girl. 49th prize. — Pair of terra-cot ta plaques. Lovely landscapes in oils, charmingly-executed. 50th prize. — Lady's gold bangle, set with a lovely amethysc. Artistic workmanship. 51st prize. — Chromo picture. Mr T. Samuel, cutler, 162, Queen-street, next to Goodson's Arcade, has notified us of his intention of presenting to the winner of the 51st prize a case of liis incomparable hollow-ground razors.

52ua prize.-Oil painting in gold frame. • The Jf oet s Lake, a summer landscape. 53rd prize.— Lady|s hand-painted ian, for evening wear. The design is a floral one, showing 1 sprays of roses and . forget-me-nots intertwined.. 54th prize.-Lovely little painting "in oils by Charles Blonifield, being • Walter Peak,'showing this mouutain rising abruptly from Lake Wakatipu. An exquisite study. 55th prize.-Terra-cotta plaque with spray of New Zealand: fUowers, hand-paintedf It is the intention/of Messes Brown, Campbell and Co. to present to the winner of this plaque a substantial Christmas box, in the form of a case containing, four dozen quarts of their unexcelled prize ale, a brew that is ever popular. 56th prize.-Oil i painting, 'The Old Rustic Bridge by the Mill. 1 A most pleasing picture. 57th prize.— Prettily painted china tete-a-tete tea service. 58th prize.— Chromo picture. The winner of this prize will Tje presented by Messrs Partridge and Co. with 10 J-lb tins of Wills' Navy Cut Capstan Tobacco. This is a popular brand and very high in the popularity of smokers. 59th prize.— Hand-painted music portfolio— a serviceable gift to any of our musicallvinclined lady readers. 60th prize.— Pair of terra-cotta plaques, with New Zealand flowers beautifully handpainted. 61st prize.— Lady's white satin hand-painted fan, the design being flowers and scenery. A desirable article. 62nd prize.— Six nickel spoons in black morocco silk-lined case. Pretty and useful. 63rd prize.— <>il-painting in gold frame, ' The Fishing Village,' a scene from nature. Gith prize.— Chromo picture. — It is the intention of Mr D. Arkell, of the Gladstone Brewery, to supply the winner of this prize free of charge with a ten gallon cask of his incomparable Christmas brew, XXXX ale, pronounced by competent judges to be equal lo anything of the kind ever produced. 65th prize. — Pair of landscape scenes charm" ingly painted on plaques. 66th prize. — Tete-a-tete tea service. This is another set of painted china and will prove an admirable and useful addition to any reception room. 67th prize.— Lady's red morocco purse, kidlined, strong clasps, and in every way serviceable. 68th prize.— 'The Farmer's Home,' a pretty oil-painting in gold frame, showing rural homestead and cultivators. 69th prize.- One dozen opalette cabinet photos tinished in best style from J. C. Morton's Newton Studio, Karangahape Koad, Auckland. 70th prize.— Hand-painted black fan, floral design. 71st prize. — Artistically painted bamboo .bracket for the wall; pretty design. 72nd prize.- oil painting, gold-framed, ' Picnic Point,' a charming lake scene showing spring foliage. 73rd prize.— Lady's gold bangle set with beautiful amethyst. This is one of the most desirable of the gif tys. 74th prize.- Painting on terra-cotta. The recipient of this gift will also be given a serviceable black Russian leather purse, lined with kid. 75th prize.— Chromo picture.— Mr Coleman has notified us of his intention to present the winner of this prize with a handsome silver mounted briar pipe, in case, with splendid amber mouth-piece. May be seen at J. "W. Coleman's Hair-dressing Saloon, Queen-street Wharf (opposite Roller Mills). 76th prize.— Prettily painted photo stand, floral design. 77th prize.— Oil painting, ' The Day Declines,' a summer evening. This picture is neatly framed with gold frame. 78th prize. — Bamboo three-decker flower stand, a very useful ornament and flowervase holder. 79th prize.— Hand-painted black wall bracket. Very pretty design in daisies and poppies. 80th prize.— Pah? terra cotta plaques. Beautiful landscape scenes. 81st prize.— Lady's black leather bag, strong and serviceable. 82nd prize.- Handsome plaque. MrD. Arkellintends to present to the winner of this desirable gift a Christmas box in the form of one ten-gallon cask of his XXXX special Xmas brew Stout, from, the Gladstone Brewer, Newton Road, Auckland. 83rd prize.— Gold-framed oil painting. 'The River Bend,' a pretty sylvan scene, showing homestead cottage and artistic weeping willow effects. 84th prize.- Splendid bamboo fan, useful article for a wall ornament or for theatre or ball-room use. Ie is charmingly painted in a tasteful style of Japanese art. 85th prize.— Chromo picture. Messrs Brown Barrett and Co. purpose presenting the winner"of this prize with 12 one-pound tins of UN-XLD Excelsior coffee. Sure preventa- ■ tive agaimst coughs, colds and coffins. 86th prize.— Pair of hand painted plaques, landscape scenes, New Zealand views; beautifully painted. 87th prize.— Set of four nickel napkin rings in silk-lined case. Very useful present. 88th prize.— Oil painting, in gold frame, ' The Castle bridge.' Very effective picture. 89th prize.— Striking chromo picture. To the winner of this prize it is the intention of Messrs J. and J. : Dickey, Queen-street, Auckland, to present a pair of their incomparable hollow ground razors and strop. 90th prize.— Lady's^iack fan, prettily Painted, with design of corn-flowers and field daisies. 91st prize.— Oil pa|nf£tfg; in gold frame, ' The Lover's Walk,' a^ountry scene. 92nd prize.— Chromo "picture. The winner of this prize will recieve from Mr Harry Ellison, ot Queen-street a Christmas box containing 250 of his celebrated Turf Club Cigarettes, including prize coupons for current events. 93rtl prize.— Unique glass photo stand, admirably painted in floral design.

94th prize.— Hand painted plaque. Pretty landscape scene.— Mr George Sinnett, of the Boot Palace, Karangahape Koad and Queenstreet, Onehunga, presents one pair of his famous running shoes. 95th prize.— Three dozen copies new sheet music, comprising songs, dances, and pieces from Miller's Fancy Repository, 110, Victoria- . street, Auckland. 96th prize.-Oil painting, in gold frame, 'The Elms, a picnic spot ; sunny spot with fine foliage. 97th prize.— Beautiful Japanese circular lacquered wall bracket, with shelf painted in black and gold, 98th prize— Hand painted plaque, landscape scene. Mr D. Arkell notifies us that the winner of this prize, on application to him, ¥^I.^^? a ten-gallon cask of his famous XXaa Christmas brew ale ; a speciality for the season. Gladstone Brewery, Newton Road, Auckland. 99th prize.— Lady's black fan, for evening use U with spray of roses prettily painted. 100 th prize.— Two very pretty landscape scenes, m oils, exquisitely painted on terra cotta. Very handsome drawing-room ornaments. 101 st prize. — Pair of Japanese lacquered trays, very pretty hand-painted floral designs in blue and gold. 102 nd prize.— Chromo picture. Messrs Brown Barrett and Co. intend to present the winner of this picture with eight packets of their celebrated Colombo Garden Ceylon Tea. Use it and it becomes law. 103 rd prize.— Oil painting in gold frame, 'The Deep Flowing River,' an autumn scene, with castle m the background. 104 th prize.— Lady's red morocco purse, kidlined; good clasps. 105 th prize.— Two dozen best-known songs'in the world, with accompaniments. A choice selection from Miller's Fancy Kepository, 110 Victoria-street, Auckland. " 106 th prize.— Painted china tea-jar. Artistic -floral design. 107 th prize.— Two lovely little landscape scenes on terra cotta; New Zealand views, beautifully painted. 108 th prize. — Lady's morocco purse, leatherlined ; a useful companion. 109 th prize.— Oil painting, gold frame, 'The • Eiver-side Village.' Fine sunset effects. 110 th prize.— Japanese bamboo wall bracket with- two shelves. An artistic article. 111 th prize.— Very pretty hand-painted glass photo stand. Pansy design, admirably executed. 112 th prize.— Pair of plaques, hand-painted, New Zealand flowers chastely executed. 113 th prize.— Lady's red morocco purse, lined with white kid. 114 th prize.— Oil painting in gold frame ; a bold mountain scene. 115 th prize.— Pretty photo stand, handsome glass, field-daisies design. 116 th prize.— Charming fairy lamp, of floral design, the stand being a silver-plated foliagespray, and the lamp itself a rose in glass work. This beautiful lamp has been presented as a prize in the drawing, by Mr C. W. Go dson of the London Arcade. 117 th prize.— One year's subscription to Metcalfe's famous circulating library, Wakefleldstreet, containing many thousands of the latest and most popular novels. This is a prize that either a lady or a gentleman might be glad to win. [This list is still subject to amendment or addition .J