LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11911, 6 July 1906, Page 2

LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

Beautiful Specimens of Fine Art Furnishing:

Modern dwellinghouseß in and around the district- of Wanganui are now so ornate with regard to the exterior and interior of the buildings that of necessity tho furnishing must be in accord with the siuishing to carry out m He entirety the effective design of a thoroughly comfortable home. These rumarltf may serve a» •mroduction to & description of come beauriiul specimens oi the .ocal cabinetmakers' art, whicn, had they been shown in an^ targe exhibition, would not only command immediate attention, but from the faithlul working out of every detail, stamp the linn of manufacturers as amongst the best In the colonies. The work in question consists of a massive mantelpiece and overmantel, composed in two pieces of -olid British oak. the beautiful shading and graining oi the timber being brought into relief through a judicious application of polish of the same natural tint as tho wood.

With regard to the mantelpiece, it is fully five feet in height, daintily pleasing and apparently light in construction, but when further looked at giving the impression by its weight of the most eolid manufacture. The four columns, two on either eide, leading irom the base and supporting the shelving, must at once attract attention, standing out as they do so prominently from the superstructure. They axe pleasingly intersected, near the top, by smaller, but very convenient, eido shelves. The columns have carved lonic capitals, the bases being finely panelled. In the centre of the frieze' is a drape, the carving on which represents a collection of fruit, birds, flowers, foliage, etc., whilst underneath are cornucopia filled with the good things of this earth, and terminating in dragons' heads. The shelving is also richly ornamented, the mouldings of the c-ornice especially having ,an artiatic effeot. The overmantel is about a foot higher than tho mantelpiece, and is supported by four columns with lonic capitals. The columns and frieze are brought into prominence through three large carved panels at the back. The canopy is surmounted by mouldings, with pediment, the carving representing four nymphs, and underneath the national emblems, together with foliage, thus making a very fitting finale to one -of the finest pieces of workmanship in this, particular branch of the trade yet turned out in Wanganui. The order, which has just been completed, was from Mr Frank Moorn, of Bushy Park, and was entrusted to Messrs Russell and Bigncll, the well-known builders and contractors, who are just completing the erection of a handsome residence, complete with all modern appointments, for Mr Moore. The firm has been deservedly eomplimentedv on the due carrying out of such a beautiful design with all the effectiveness that firat-class workmanship can accomplish, and with what is undoubtedly a very high order of merit in modern art. The elaborate carving and joinery work was done by Mr Thomas Deweon, the firm's carver, and the manner in which he has carried out this work stamps his as one of the most efficient of tradesmen.