CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume X, Issue 475, 19 May 1882, Page 11

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.) May 15tb, 1882. Although Te Whiti and Tohn di.l not, as was THE expected, make their appearance, the visitors on exhibition. Saturday were very numerous, and the building presented an animated scene ; many of our lea ling fashionables, whom Society is pleased to class as 'the " too utterly intense aristocrats," and the "too ton utterly intense," 4c, were to be seen apparently much interested and occupied with the fascinations of the British and Foreign Courts ; more especially the Austrian and Japanese Courts, and the Worcester Porcelain Co., in the Victorian Oourt. The Austrian Kand, as usual, discoursed its lively and inspiriting strains, which alone are worth the shilling charged as entrance money. Each visit adds to my pleasure and thorough en- j joyment, in spite of the assertion that the place is ao more than a big bazaar. The one objectionable element, that of " touting," which certainly was an extreme nuisance, particularly in one of the avenues, and also in some of the bays devoted to jewellery, &c, has been effectually abolished by the promoters' timely notice that all attendants about whom complaints are made will forfeit their weekly pass, and will thereby have to pay one shilling twice daily for admission. One is able now to take a comfortable look at things without being pestered to death by entreaties to purchase. Messrs. Joubert and Twopeny have addressdd two very straightforward and sensible letters to the Christchurch morning journals, rebutting the very ill-natured and untruthful assertions of the Wellington Post, and the public to which they appeal will cordially endorse their refutation of the statement that the Exhibition is a "dismal failure." Nothing can be further from the truth, as is sufficiently proved by the facts, amongst others, that the New Zealand Court shows undeniably the larg st and best collection of products from one colony that has ever been gathered together; or the British Court— sixty of the exhibitors in which took gold medals at the Paris Exhibition— and that considerably over 90,000 persons have visited the Exhibition since the opening day. There is no " muddle " nor confusion, and as to the merits or demerits of the catalogue, it is quite possible to get on without consulting one, as is my own case, though 1 have one of course. The promoters have acted in no niggardly mauner, as they justly show by referring to the fact of their erecting four octagon towers, elevating the transept, so as to form three spacious and lofty halls, and adding the facade to the art gallery—all of which, however much they add to the appearance of the building, were not necessities, and are also unremunerative to Messrs. Joubert and Twopeny, who may besides justly claim that they show themselves in every respect most anxious to meet and even anticipate the wishes and requirements of the public. Many great changes have taken place since my last visit, a great many of the trophies having been brought forward and placed at regular intervals down the centre of the avenues, thus obstructing the view it is true, but adding much to the general effect. Amongst these is a case which might perhaps have been as well kept in the back ground, and that is one belonging to Mr. Jones, th« well known London dentist, and containing a choice assortment of artificial teeth in countless numbers, and a horrid and appalling collection of instruments used in dental surgery. All of us have been, or may be, unfortunate enough to be subjected to the tortures inflicted by these abominable articles of torture without the additional pang of having them forced on our reluctant sight. Messrs. T. and W. Rush of Leicester have a very effective assortment of worsted and knitting yarns, arranged in a circle about three yards in diameter, for which they have secured a " first order of merit," and certificate of gold medal. Their exhibit includes specimens of Andalusian, Shetland. Baxony, Berlin, Fingering, Fleecy, &c, in all colours and shades, lne well-known firm of Strutt and Telper, hove also secured similar honours for their exhibit, which is however less conspicuous than the one just noticed. Fry's chocolate, in a very handsome case, is remarkable for its very pretty arrangement, a large block or rather slab of chocolate with raised cocoa fruit and leaves is thrown into excellent relief by a back ground of old gold satin, and is surrounded by all manner of enticing bonbons in chocolate, and beautiful vases ornamet ted with satin. By the way, the celebrated French •' Oocolat Menier which I have not seen for many a long year, may be purchased in the Exhibition in small and perfectly plaiu boxes, and truth compels me to say that none of Fry's ever tasted by me at least, can compare with it. Messrs. Ralph, Allison and Co., have a very nice exhibit of pianos and pianettes in walnut, walnut and ebony, black and gold, rosewood &c, at very moderate prices, ranging from 40 to 65 guineas. They were not manufactured for exhibition purposes, but were taken from the ordinary stock. A piano from this firm under its old title " Allison and Allison," has been in use in my family for many years, and I can thoroughly endorse the claim made for these pianos that they are very 6weet in tone with great power and durabi ity. The firm have taken medals in London, Dublin, Paris, and Lima. Messrs. Milner and Thompson have a magnificent show of pianos and American organs in the concert room, on each side of the fernery. These comprise specimens of ironframed German pianos, respectively the "Dresden Modal" and Leipsic Model"; the Brinsmead specialties, a colonial model, overstrung with iron frame ; and two grand pianos in walnut, by Bechstem and by Kaps. The organs are by Mason and Haralin and the New England Organ Company, also a small one by Bauer of London In a glass case are numerous plated and brass instruments, clarionets, cornets, &c. ; other pianos are those of two German firms, Schiedmayer and Socbue, and Schmidt and Sohn, the former exhibit consisting of thres cottage grands, in very handsome cases, while the bchmidt s are two in number— an ordinary cottage piano and an extra-large do. in black and silver ; all are said to be fine-toned instruments, but the last has a suspicion of the undertakers' craft, which spoilt it in my eyes. Space compels me to say no more of this very tempting and delightful class of exhibits. Several English firms have blocks, Sec., of salt, almost like stone-work ; that of Mr. Cor-

bett, M.P., includes bay salt, broad salt, fiae table do., dairy do., butter do., and fishery do. Higgin's « Eureka '• salt is of suDerlative whiteness. Bnggs patent tracing patterns, for crewel and other work, so dear to feminine fingers, are exhibited on a large frame • there are plenty of arthetio desigus to suit the most « intense " blazinger and Son, Manchester, who have obtained a first order of merit, have a good show of gaiters and leggings. &c., plain and embroidered, in brown, white, grey, black, and buff. Matthpw Dickie and Co. (first order of merit) have a rather curious, though useful exhibit of towellings of all kinds and colours, striped and plain and dressing (or bathing) gowns of white Turkish towelling, trimmed with blue, pink, violet, plaid, and Indian material, all very effective. 100 much praise can scarcely be given to the splendid trophy of ivlessrs. Macleod, of your city, whose extremely artistic and beautiful decorations and groups closely resemble Parian marble. Another remarkable trophy is that of the Oriental Tea Company • it is of pagoda form, exceedingly handsome and well executed, the carved parapets ; being real works of art. The roof is of shingles, tipped with gold, and hung with golden bells, a winged griffin (the trademark) surrounding the whole. Inside the case are boxes, packets, and canisters of tea, interspersed with beautiful vases and tea sets of Japanese ware. The very handsomely-decorated room so generously set apart for the use of ladies, who are gratuitously supplied by the Company with many varieties of tea, each afternoon appears to be thronged by appreciative visitors, and an occasional glimpse •through the curtain reveals to other lovers of the cup that cheers a vision of fair fingers daintily holding the most charming of Worcester china cups filled with hot and fragrant tea, quite too tempting to the envious outsider. Messrs. Nelson, Moate it Co., of this city have also a fine exhibit of the many excellent teas no well-known and so truly appreciated by all who purchase them. Messrs. Acland and Co., agents for Messrs. Steele, of Calcutta, have a small but choice selection of Indian teas, guarded by a most amusing figure of a Chinaman about 15 or 18 inches in height, with a wand, which he constantly points towards the stand, all the while moving his black eyes from side to side (head following suit), and opening and closing his mouth with the utmost gravity. No wonder the spectators exclaim " Why he can do all but talk." An attractive bay, in charge of a very obliging Turk, contains exhibits mostly from Jerusalem ; the Rose of Sharon, a dried-up curious looking object, which is said to expand (when put in water for a few days) into a lovely red flower which never dies, and a large collection of curiositiea in beads, bracelets, studs, &c., of all kinds. There is a small assortment of crucifixes, more curious than beautiful, and a very few rosaries. On a friend of mine asking if there were none of the latter of better quality, the Turk assured him that at the Melbourne Exhibition he had any number of them, but found them such unsaleable goods that he took them to pieces and made them up into bracelets. My fiiend remarked that he hoped such would not be the case here, when the 'lurk replied that he had not sold two since the opening of the Exhibition, and further remarked (and that twice) that he thought there was very little religion in Christchurch. This accusation from a (presumable) follower of Mahommed makes one feel both sorry and ashamed. A few religious pictures are to be found in the Italian Court, they represent the " Ecce Homo," the Bles-ed Virgin, the Holy Family, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, &c, but the colouring is far too brilliant. The best are sold, but two of the remainder are tolerably good, the " Sacred Heart of Mary " and the "Assumption " ; all are oleographs. I hope to mention some of the awards next time, but now have only space to add that rumour has it that the jurors in the class of eatables found the exhibits so irresistible that one taste did not suffice, but they returned over and over again to their delicious task. Whether these delicacies were in the shape of turtle soup, turple fins, beche-de-mer soup, potted dugong, rosella jam, preserved guavas, &c, or under the less attractive but more substantial form of rolled bacon and hams, potted and tinned meats. &c. deponent sayeth not, but at any rate, the conclusion was that the jurors were in a position to di£pense with breakfast, luncheon, and dinner, for some days to come. Great satisfaction has been caused by the award of the jurors giving the Kaiapoi Woollen Co. a double certificate of gold medal for purity of material and excellent finish of their woollen goods and tweeds, and for the superiority of their made-up clothing. Besides this, the fortunate company have carried off the splendid industrial prize co generously presented by Messrs. Joubert and Twopeny. The return ball, given by the Christchurch citizens VABIETIES. to His Worship the Mayor and Mrs. RuddenkJau, took place on Friday night, and went off satisfactorily. About 450 persons were present, a small number compared with those who accepted his Worship's hospitality on a previous occasion, and the arrangements were also far infeiior.— Considerable dissatisfaction has been caused by the fact of your Dunedin Glee and Motett Society having beeii allowed a quiet " walk over " in the late musical competition at the Exhibition. As has been often said before this, Christchurch people pride themselves sufficiently on their very high musical standard, but it is to be feared that this exists in name only. Witness the scant recognition and patronage given to the delightful productions of the Mendelsohn Quintette Club. — His Excellency the Governor and Lady Gordon, in spite of the unfavourable weather, on Friday paid a visit to the Kaiapoi Co.'s mills at Kaiapoi, and expressed much satisfaction with the various specimens of work inspected by them. The Company now employ about 425 hands. About 150 additional hands are shortly to be added. Capital employed, £112,000 ; coal f«r the year (all Malvern coal), 2600 tons ; oil (New Zealand manufacture), 2000 gallons ; soap, about 40 tons.— The rose window in the Anglican Cathedral, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Harper, was completed last week. It is described as a splendid specimen oi Gothic decorative art, the subject being the Heirarchy of Angels, and in the centre is the Agnus Dei. Continued complaints are made of the everlasting repetition of such secular tunes as"Auld Lang Syne" and "Annie Laurie," by those unfortunate Cathedral bells, which seem almost to madden the victimised residents in their neighbouihood. — A singular I exhibition is being held in London— a loan collection of pipes of many

ages and nations, French.. German, Austrian, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Russian, Siberian, Turkish, Egyptian, Algerine and Moorish, African, Kaffir, Australian and Polynesian, Persian, Indian, Chinese, Burmese, Malay, North American Indian, Mexican, and South American. Bes des about seven thousand specimens of these, which have cost thousands of pounds, the collection includes tobacco boxes and jars, pipe-stoppere, cigarcases, fire-dtrikers, snuff-boxes, rasps, mills, spoons, bottles, and other apparatus.— The Queen, previous to her departure for Mentone, addressed a womanly and touching letter to "her people" recording her grateful sense of the "outburst of enthusiastic loyalty, affection, and devotion which the painful event of the 2nd mst. has called for'h from all classes, and from all parts of her vast empire." To all, "from the highest to the lowest, her wannest and most heartfelt thanks" are returned.— Some time ago I mentioned the wonderful results obtained by a Mr. Muybridge in instantaneously photographing animals in motion. The operation occupied only the five-thousandth part of a second MM, and the attitudes assumed by the horse in the various stage of motion are said to have been unutterably hideous, the operator, however, declaring them to be the true and natural ones, and that the accepted and conventional rendering of the movements are altogether false and unnatural. A very large and select audience, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, with their daughters, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Sir Frederick Leighton, Piesident of the Royal Academy, the Poet Laureate— Alfred Tennyson— and Professors Huxley and Tyndall. assembled a few weeks ago in the Royal Institute, Albemarle street, London, to witness some very interesting specimens of animal locomotion given by Mr. Muybridge. A large number of photos, of the horse walking, ambling, galloping and leaping, the postures being very hideous ; but by the aid of a wonderful apparatus called the ToopraciFcope. the ugly animals suddenly became mobile and beautiful, walking, leaping, and galloping in the field of vision m a perfeotly natural and lifelike manner.— Mrs. Hampson has been invited to give another " evangelistic mission" in Christchurch. She is said to have " converted" every one in Timaru, and that the first remark addressed by each person to his neighour is " Have you found Jesus?" The shocking familiarity and irreverence sure to be engendered by such kind of " conversion" as this is tiuly deplorable to contemplate. The following anecdote is, lam assured absolutely true. A number of passengers were in a railway carriage quite lately in the neighborhood of Timaru, among whom were a comfortably looking lady, and a gentleman in grey clothes. The former nxed her eyes on the latter, and said in slowly and ia a very audible tone. " Sir, have you found Jesus ?" The gentleman, also looking full at his questioner, very calmly and deliberately answered, " Madam I have never lost him/ The lady collapsed utterly and ignominiously! a circumstance which one cannot but rejoice in, for however much one may wish to admit that Mrs. Hampson is well-intentioned, more than this it is impossible to say, and a zeal so utterly without discretion receives but its just castigation.