A PULPIT FOR TONGA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue IX, 29 August 1896, Page 262

A PULPIT FOR TONGA.

THE popular idea of the missionary in the South Seas addressing his congregation under the shade of a palm tree represents a primitive condition of things that does not exist nowadays in connection with the Church in the islands. The people there take a wonderful pride in their sacred edifices, and give, in proportion to their means, with a liberality that would shame their more civilized brethren in these colonies. When anything is needed for the Church the money to obtain it is generally forthcoming, and the consequence is that some of the buildings are furnished with quite a surprising amount of taste. Our illustration represents a very fine piece of church architecture, produced by the Kauri Timber Company, Auckland, to the order of Mr G. Kronfeld. This is a rostrum which it is intended to ship to the islands to be placed in one of the churches in the Tongan group. The design is by Mr Alfred Bartley, the Company’s draughtsman, and the work has been carried out under the supervision of Mr Sowden, the factory foreman, at their works in Custom-street West. The height of the structure over all is 6 feet 6 inches, breadth 6 feet 3 inches, and length 19 feet, including a flight of stairs at each end. The rostrum stands on a predella, and is constructed of beautifullv selected New Zealand woods. The base is composed of figured rimu and kauri, the first member being a heavy chamfer surmounted by a neat cove and torus mould. The lower framing is of mottled and figured kauri with kohikohi panels. The upper portion is handsomely finished with heavy ovolo mould and massive chamfered cap. The upper structure is framed with Gothic headed panels with cusps let in, the arches being supported by turned columns with Gothic carved caps and square Gothic abacuses. The panels are of different New Zea’and woods, and show the varied grains to perfection. The whole is crowmed with handsome Gothic moulded capping. The book board projects over the front, and is upholstered in peacock blue velvet with tassels and cords to match. Under the book board is set a round English clock with black marble dial and gilt numbersand hands. The platform is approached from each end by a broad flight of stairs, which are furnished with heavy Gothic newels and chamfered trefoil balustrading with massive moulded rail. The rostrum is lighted by large trefoil lamps upon octagon pillars, and mounted with handsome coloured globes, one lamp being placed at each end. In the back portion, which is stop chamfered framing with panels of figured kauri, rimu. and selected kahikatea finished with cornice and base similar to that in front, the contrast in the different kinds of wood shows to great advantage, and presents a very beautiful appearance. This magnificent piece of work has been inspected by a large number of people who are interested in church work, and who have all expressed their admiration of the beauty and finish of the w< rkmanship. We might add that the upholstery and polishing has been carried out by Mr Warman, of Hobson street, whose skill in showing up the beautiful grains of the NewZealand timber has undoubtedly contributed largely to the very elegant general effect exhibited in this magnificent piece of ecclesiastical furniture.

Mr. Brows—Katie, for heaven's sake, what’s the trouble ? Are we moving ? Katie—No, sir. The dressmakers’ in the parlour cutting out a pair of sleeves for Mrs. Brown’s new dress.