A Conversazione was held at the Tuam Street Hall, on the 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th of August, 1886, in aid of the Funds of the Industrial Association of Canterbury, established 1879. (Founded to Foster and Encourage the Industries and Productions of New Zealand.) Music, Science, Art, Exhibits of Local Manufactures, and Industrial Appliances in operation.

The Tuam street Hall last night was crowded, and no doubt will be again crowded to-night and to-morrow, with visitors to the Industrial Arts Conversazione, organised for the purpose of raising funds for the Industrial Association. The number and excellence of the collection brought together provoked general admiration, and the tasteful arrangement of the hall and stage greatly enhanced the general effects. All concerned may be congrattilated upon the success which has crowned their efforts. A detachment from the City Guards had been told off to do honour to the occasion, and their bright uniforms in no small degree added to the coup [unclear: dievl]. Shortly after half-past 7, Mr. H. B. Kirk, the President of the Association, appeared on the stage with his Worship the Mayor, and was received with applause. Mr. Kirk then spoke to the following effect: In asking the people to come to the conversazione, the Committee had thought it desirable that he should say a few words, which ho would make as brief as possible, to explain the history and work of the Industrial Association. First of all, a few gentlemen had banded themselves together in the year 1879 to consider some plan by which the industries of the community could be increased, so as thereby to create more employment for the people. The result of their deliberations had been the formation, on August 12, 1879, of the Industrial Association, the object of which was to foster and encourage the industries and productions of the country in every legitimate manner. The first President had been Mr. Robert Allan, under whose management the Association had done a fair amount of good work. From that time to this the Association had been working Bteadily in the endeavour to get the Government and public bodies to have all their work done in the Colony. The Association had worked so successfully that the present Government were having made, over and above the locomotives, £100,000 worth of articles, for which previous Governments had been in the habit of sending out of the Colony. This, of course, had created a large amount of work, and, therefore, the Association felt justly gratified that their work had not been in vain. But the grand object of the Association was to educate the people of the Colony to consume nothing but what was made or produced in the Colony. (Applause.) As soon as the people could be got to depend upon nobody but themselves, they would then, and then only, become a prosperous Colony. The Committee of the Association thought that such exhibitions as the present were lessons whereby they could teach the people what the object was they had in view. The exhibition showed page 12 what wort was being done, and showed some industries actually in operation. This last was a great inducement to people to use what they saw actually made. Before concluding he would say that the Committee wished him to convey their thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had so generously come forward to their assistance. With these few words, he had very much pleasure, on behalf of the Association, in asking his Worship the Mayor to declare the conversazione open. (Applause.)

His Worship the Mayor was sure all present would believe him when he told them that it afforded him the very greatest possible pleasure to comply with the President's request. It gave him the greatest pleasure, because what he saw before him was a very remarkable instance of what could be done in a young country. Not that ho thought it as remarkable as it ought to be. It was remarkable, notwithstanding, if considered under all aspects. That the Province had not made greater progress was due to causes easily explainable. That it had made vast progress was self-evident. A number of the ladies and gentlemen present could call to mind the struggles of what were termed local industries, and what had been tor some distance back their chequered career. The reasons for that had been, on the one hand, the very prosperity of the place. From its first history the community had not been called upon to be as self-reliant as it might have been. Here, in the early days, riches had been inherent, so to speak, in the place, and could be gained almost without effort. The land revenue had taught the people to feel rich without any effort, and all were prepared to send their wealth away to buy what they required. The people, however, had now come to a period of stern necessity, when it was the duly, and should be the privilege, of every citizen, to put his shoulder to the wheel to obtain wealth to he produced by himself. He thought he could congratulate the community on having come to the dawn of a better doy. The position their exhibits had taken in London was an augury of future prosperity, provided they did their utmost to deserve it. He agreed with the President that it was the duty of every citizen to use everything that could be produced in the Colony, eveu if called upon to give a little more for it, for it was a most foolish policy to send out of the Colony for what could be produced here, and so to rob our children of the wealth that was ours by right. He was quite satisfied that those present had not come there to hear a speech from him. He could say much more on the subject if his feelings were the gauge of the length of his speech, but the inspection of the vast array of specimens of local industry would better occupy their time. Those specimens reflected the highest credit upon some of the producers, who had spent almost their last shilling in producing them. He had now very great pleasure in declaring the conversazione opened, and in wishing it the utmost possible success in every sense of the word.

During the evening an attractive programme o£ music, &c., was given. The Garrison Band contributed a number of well executed instrumental selections; the Misses Wood played nicely some pianoforte pieces; Miss Button and Messrs. Meares, Reid, M. E. and A. W. Woodward, sang some popular songs, many of which were encored; Messrs. Ingleson, Scott, and T. Williams gave humorous, and Mr. Davidson declamatory, recitations, which were loudly applauded.

The Exhibits.

Never, perhaps, has so large and varied a collection of "specimens" been got together in so short a time as that occupied by the Committee of the Industrial Association in getting up the conversazione opened with so much éclat last night. Never, either, has such a heterogeneous mass of material been arranged with better effect For this the credit is due to Mr. F. Jenkins, the energetic "major domo" as he was jocularly styled by certain of his fellow-Committeemen. The appearance of the interior of the hall is certainly effective. The exhibits are disposed upon large tables, so placed as to leave a wide central promenade and two narrower passages, or aisles. The tables, covered with white cloth, relieved by a broad band of scarlet around the top, are well calculated to show to the best advantage the articles displayed upon them, and the manner in which the articles in question have been grouped enhances the general effect. The eye of the visitor, however, will, on his entering the hall, be almost surely first attracted to

The Stage,

Brilliant with many colonred lights, it scarcely needs the illuminated device "Gas Company," which appears above the proscenium, to tell him to whom this display is due. The page 13 proscenium is surrounded with gas huniers of divers sorts, many of thorn fitted with globes of coloured glass, and all ablaze with light. On the stage a fountain, erected by Mr. J. Fleck, and surrounded by ferns, throws a jet which reflects the brilliant rays of the limelight placed above. The scenery belonging to the hall has been skilfully used to complete a very effective picture.

The Exhibits.

The visitor, however, who takes, as all visitors to the conversazione should, a lively and intelligent interest in local industries, will on entering the room at once turn to the right, and begin a systematic examination of the specimens thereof, shown for his edification and instruction. Here it may be remarked that last night the knowledge he would have gained would not in all respects have been complete, inasmuch at one or two exhibitors had omited to attach their names to their exhibits. However, the first thing to attract our visitor's attention is a case of hand-sewn boots, neat and well finished, and shown by Messrs. R. Nieholls and Co. Adjoining are specimens of an industry of quite another kind, the strong, well-made galvanised iron watering pots, and other articles from the works of Mr. T. Crompton. The Lyttclton Timen Company's "model" printing press, in charge of a smart and smiling "devil," will furnish him with a leaflet which, in prose and verse, advertises the conversazione, and extols industry. Mr. Luke Adams' potter's wheel, type of one of the most ancient of all industries, fitly heads a long array of "clay goods," ranging from firebricks and drain-pipes to vases of classical form, made of white terra cotia. Messrs. Fard and Ogdon, L. Adams, and the New Zealand Brick and Tile Company are the exhibitors.

Copper and Brass.

Cheek by jowl with the exhibits of the "men of clay" is an imposing display of copper articles, dominated by an enormous boiler, sent by Messrs Mercer and Duekmanton, who have every reason to be proud of their handiwork. The brass-work of Messrs. J. and T. Danks, whose exhibit conies next in order, is too well-known and appreciated to need more than a word of advice to all visitors not to miss inspecting it. Messrs. Scott Bros., on the samo table, show a set of brass fittings for one of the locomotives they are at present building for the Government. Some of the articles are in the rough, others completed and polished. The style and finish of tho latter are beyond all praise. On the watt behind the table the firm have hung drawings of some of the machinery turned out of their works. The processes of electro-plating in nickle and copper are illustrated practically by one of their employees, with the aid of a couple of Bunsen cells and the necessary baths.

Native Woods and Native Arts.

A representative of an entirely different, but not less important industry, is Mr. H. Atkinson, who, alongside Messrs. Scott Bros.' exhibit, shows a chest of drawers, an inlaid table, and other articles of furniture made of native wood. His exhibit is interesting as illustrating not only the skill of our cabinet-makers, but the beauty of the materials Nature has placed at their disposal in these islands.

At the upper end of the hall, and on either side of the stage, are a number of gas cooking stoves, shown by the Christchureh Gas Company. In front of the stage is what may be termed a small flue arts gallery, oil paintings, and albums of fine engravings, being disposed around the group of marble statuary recently imported from Italy by the Mutual Life Association of Australasia. In curious contrast with this group are the fantastic griffins destined to adorn the front of the new municipal buildings. The exhibitor of the pictures, it may be noted, is Mr. T. R. Attwood.

If our visitor, somewhat fatigued by his studious examination of the many objects of interest above enumerated, is inclined for refreshment, let him turn to the table placed in convenient proximity to the gas stoves, where he will be served with a dainty little cup of Hudson and Go's cocoa, the product of one of the newest local industries of Dunedin.

Passing down the western aisle towards the entrance, a case of photographs, taken by Messrs. Standish and Prcece, should detain the visitor a few moments. They are worth inspection as creditable specimens of local work. Of greater interest are the capitally executed maps, published by the Government, showing the population and physical character of the country affected by the West Coast and Nelson Railway. Messrs. Gamble and Co. occupy the adjoining space with a large and excellent collection of photographs, plain and coloured, among them a set illustrative of dignity and wisdom, as exemplified in the countenances of the City Fathers of Christ-church.

English and Local Industries.

The adjoining exhibit, though not one of local production, is, nevertheless, of interest. It consists of samples of spring hinges for swing doors, and of contrivances for opening and closing fanlights, made by Mr. R. Adams, of London. A thorough-going believer in local industries is Mr. W. H. Price, of Sydenham, whose exhibit is the next to claim attention. He shows costings of brass and German silver—bells and medallions, as sharp in their lines and edges as could be desired. One of his small and convenient hand fire-engines is also on view. The exhibit of the Globe Ink Company represents an industry well worthy the support of the public, especially of the members of the "Association for the Encouragement and Fostering of Local Industries," whose record, it is to be presumed, will never henceforth be written in imported ink.

Sauces and Provisions.

The tomato sauce made at Winchester by Mr. J. A. Young must not be overlooked, and Mr. Knowsley, of "Pain Destroyer" fame, has taken care that his productions should not be overlooked either, if a goodly-sized pile of bottles of that specific can prevent it. Mr. Munnings' jams have won tor themselves a good name, and a passing look at his effectively arranged pile of jars and bottles is, therefore, all that is necessary. We are now at the western side of the central promenade, and the first object to attract one's attention on proceeding along the table on our right hand is the fine dispaly of pickles, sauces, and preserved fruits from the factory of Messrs. Dallas and Co. (late the Maclean Fickle Company). Like many other exhibits, they are too well known to need commendation. A neat little case on the same table should be irresistibly attractive to the juvenile visitors, for it contains specimens of Mr. D. H. Christie's lollies, well-made and wholesome-looking. An even smaller case, adjoining, is filled with biscuits from the factory of Messrs. Anlsebrook Brothers, of Sydenham. Of their quality, as of that of the lollies, the visitor can only judge by look, unless, indeed, he chooses to encourage local industry by extending his patronage to the manufacturera. A sheaf of corn on this table is part of Mr. E. H. Banks' instructive exhibit which comprises, in addition samples of pearl barley, peas, and linseed, very nicely prepared.

Models.

In a neat little show-case adjoining, the Press Company have a number of specimens of fancy printing. Decidedly worth inspection is the beautifully-finished model elevator shown by Messrs. Andrews and Beaven, and as much may be said of the models of Morten's block, the Cathedral, and other well-known edifices, sent by Mr. G. Peterson.

Nails and Nailrod.

The few leaves and roughly-prepared cakes of tobacco shown by Messrs. W. Pleasance and J. Tinker may, let us hope, be the first fruits of a local industry destined to become of vast importance in the future. Every patriotic New Zea lander, with a true love for his country and his pipe, will re-echo the hope. From "nailrod" to nails the transition is more violent than would—to those uninitiated in the language of smokers—appear; yet close to the tobacco is placed a neat little trophy of the "cup-headed roofing nails," made by Mr. W. Stokes. These, intended for fastening corrugated iron, arc ingeniously contrived to prevent rain-water from entering the holes made in the metal by driving them in.

A Very Interesting Exhibit.

A considerable portion of the space on this table is occupied by the very interesting collection sent by Mr. C. Mardon. One of the most Noteworthy features is a ease of autographs, including those of Miss Florence Nightingale, Mr. Goschen, and the "Grand Old Man "himself. Well worth careful examination is a case of specimens of turned work in Native woods, from the lathe of Mr. II. Mardon, whose skill, judging from the delicacy and finish of his work, must be of no mean order. Those who have given attention to the development of trade with the Pacific Islands, will look with interest on the models of the hulls of the vessels employed in the Mediterranean trade by the London firm of Barter and Co. These vessels, swift schooners, are said to have an average speed of 200 niles a day, and Mr. Partridge, who exhibits the models, pertinently enquires, m the attached descriptive ticket, whether they would not be suitable for the South Sea Island trade. Close to the models are a couple of excellent water-colour drawings by Miss Budden, and a specimen of flower-painting by Miss Partridge.

Extra Attractions.

Under this head may be included the four rooms on the upper floor of the hall. One of page 15 these, the door of which is ticketed "Single Bliss Apartment," is supposed to be a true representation of a "bachelor's hall." "Whether it is bo or not visitors can judge for themselves. The adjoining room—which is not ticketed—is splendidly furnished as a bod-chamber, with double bedstead, chest of drawers, table, and other appointments of the best that Mr. A. J. White's establishment can supply. This, we suppose, is emblematic of married bliss. The third room is devoted to science, as exemplified by the Hebden telephone—in communication with the hall below—and microscopes and collections of minerals exhibited by Messrs. J. B. Stansell, E. Ford and M'Connell Bros. A fourth apartment is utilised as a refreshment room, whore tea, sandwiches, and other light refection may be obtained by visitors, for a consideration, and where the Committee entertain those Ladies and gentlemen who have generously given their assistance to curry out the musical programme.

August 7th.

The conversazione in aid of the funds of the Industrial Association affords a striking exemplification of the trurth of the adage, "nothing succeeds like success." It began well—the opening night was a success. Its continuance last night was a greater success. The attendance on Thursday evening was estimated at from 800 to 900; lust night it was probably twice as many. The Tuam street Hall is a spacious building; by the excellent arrangement of the exhibits, as much space as possible has been left for the accommodation of promenaders; yet, with a central passage 18ft in width, and aisles of 10ft, the floor of the hall was, at one time, inconveniently crowded. Later in the evening the visitors bethought themselves of the gallery, which was speedily filled, thus relieving, in some degree, the crowded floor. The latter, however, was the very reverse of deserted, and around the machinery (in motion) and other objects of special interest, the throng was so dense, that to pass those particular spots was a matter of impossibility. The attractions of the gathering, great as they were on the opening night, were yesterday evening enhanced by the addition of several fresh exhibits, and by the enterprise of the Gas Company, one of whose cooking stoves, under the direction of a charming cook, was utilised in preparing viands of various kinds, which were distributed among those visitors who were fortunate enough to be near the apparatus. The programme submitted for the entertainment of the visitors last night was an excellent one, and comprised songs, instrumental selections, and recitations, by Misses Danks, Brown, Jones, Wood, Messrs. Maitland Gard'ner, Meares, Herman, Ingleson, T. Williams, and Davidson, and selections by Mr. Corrick's string band and the Stanmore brass band. Mr. R. T. Searell acted as conductor. The various items were rendered in a style that deserved and obtained hearty applause.

The Exhibits.

As the exhibits have been arranged solely with an eye to effect, and not with any idea of classification, objects of the most diverse kind are to be found on the same tables, or in the same corner of the room. Hence it is that Messrs. Ballantyne and Co.'s display of ladies' ulsters is side by side with the Hebden telephone, and the case of silversmith's work shown by Messrs. B. Petersen and Co. This case is decidedly one of the features of the exhibition, the articles within it being made of New Zealand silver, artistic in design, and of admirable workmanship. Some exceedingly creditable specimens of flower-painting by Misses Banks and Budden are placed next to the every complete and interesting exhibit of oculists' materials and appliances shown by Mr. T. R. Procter. Mr. Gager's case of chest expanders is worth more than a passing look, and the visitor will doubtless linger for a considerable time over the fine collection of drawings sent by Mr. J. F. M'Cardell. Messrs. John Anderson and Sons display a number of photographs of the huge steam cranes and boilers made at the Canterbury Foundry, together with drawings of other machinery turned out from the same establishment. Of special interest to the antiquarian should be the collection of facsimiles of famous documents, among them Magua Charta, and the warrants to execute Mary Queen of Scots and her luckless grandson, Charles I. The next case adjoining these papers is exhibited by Mr. N. Wolfe, and contains an interesting collection of engravers' appliances and workmanship. Visitors of a mechanical turn will find much to interest them in the set of standard drawings of locomotives, prepared by the Government for the guidance of the contractors for the construction of the engines, and other drawings and models exhibited by Mr. D. Blair of the School of Art.

Leather and Wood.

Close to these Mr. Earnshaw shows a well made side-saddle and gentleman's saddle, the former of colonial pigskin. The well-finished harness hanging up alongside was made in the workshop of Mr. W. H. Hosking, mainly by apprentices born and trained in the Colony, and is, therefore, a true local production. On the other side of the passage-way, and near the main entrance, are some admirably constructed wheels, in various stages of manufacture, from the carriage factories of Mr. A. Q. Howland and Messrs. Curlett and Freeman. Perhaps of moro interest to the numerous class known as "wheelmen" will be the strong and well-Onished bicycle, made by Mr. R. Kent, who may be congratulated on his plucky efforts to establish what may be considered a new industry among us.

Ingenious Mechanism.

As an example of ingenious, yet simple and effective, mechanism, the little machine exhibited by the Lyttelton Times Company, and used for wire-stitching pamphlets and books, will amply repay examination. Close adjoining, is a "model" printing press, lent by the proprietors of the Referee whereat are printed, by the Press Company, the programmes for the evening's entertainment. Behind this is a case of hats, exceedingly well made, from the establishment of Messars. Ballantync and Co. Though not a local production, the ingenions machine employed by Messrs. Milner and Thompson for covering the bass strings of pianofortes with copper wire, is well worthy of inspection. Its method of operation will be fully explained by the courteous assistant in charge of it. The slabs of rimu knot, shown by Messrs. Johnston, Wood and Co., would surely be handsome enough, when planed and polished, to be used in the cases of locally made pianofortes.

A Miscellaneous Collection.

Mr. W. Robinson, bootmaker, makes a very effective display of well made boots, from which the visitor passes on to inspect a large model schooner, exhibited by Mr. A. Crook. Of peculiar, and even melancholy, interest is the small case lying under the stern of this vessel, for it contains mineral specimens from the scene of the late frightful eruptions in the Hot Springs district. An exhibit of a totally different nature is the tobacco cottage, constructed of u the weed," mainly in the form of cigarettes, and shown by Mr. Jubal Fleming. More acceptable to æsthetic tastes will be the handsome little vases and the model of Eddy-stone lighthouse, in Cornish serpentine, exhibited by Mr. J. Goodman. Some pictures sent by the same gentleman aro also worth inspection. Ladies learned insuch matters will doubtless find much to admire in the fino work of the two counterpanes shown by Mrs. F. Harvey. The skirt of painted satin, with its pattern of birds and flowers, designed and painted by Miss K. A. Baker, reflect no little credit on the taste and skill of that lady.

More Attractions.

One of the best and most attractive features of the exhibition is Mr. A. J. White's display of furniture. There is no need to specify the various article?, which give evideuce of work-manship and taste of a very high order. The Kaiapoi Woollen Company, ever alive to the advantages of judicious advertising, have a button-hole machine, and a manufacturer's sewing machine, in operation, under the care of two of their employees. Appropriately enough, Miss Vervall's exhibits of corsets and tastefully trimmed pinafores are placed next to the table at which Mrs. J, R. Davidson and a young pupil illustrate practically the process of making Honiton lace. A couple of frames containing specimens of this lady's skill are desorving of high praise. The manufacture of cardboard boxes at the factory of Mr. J, Forrest is illustrated by two young ladies at an adjoining table, which bears a tastefully-arranged trophy of the boxes made by Mr Forrest. A case of statuettes, the work of Mr. W. L. Smith, will well repay inspection. The figures—copies of well-known statues—are executed with no small degree of artistic skill. In front of the case is a collection of fine specimens of turning in wood and bone, sent by Mr. W. Graham, of Lyttelton, whose lathe was one of the at tractions at the last Christchurch Industrial Exhibition.

Electeical Appliances.

Two of the most popular exhibits in this hall are the displays of electrical appliances, shown by Mr. O. Hull and Mr A. Smith. The former gentleman exhibits and explains a collection of electrical apparatus, most of which was made by Mr. Cunnington. His object is to demonstrate that the most elaborato electric appliances can bo success-fully produced in local workshops. The exhibit comprises models of various kinds of phybiological and other coils, a storage battery with incandescent lamps attached, and a page 17 miner's electric safety-lamp of four standard candle power, shown by Mr. Cederholm, and placed side by side with an old fashoned safety (?) lamp found on the scene of the disastrous Kaitangata explosion in 1879. Mr. Smith's exhibit illustrates electricity as applied to the purposes of commercial and social intercourse. He has electric bells, hotel, and office indicators, telephones, switches and an elaborate battery for medical purposes. The gem of his collection is, perhaps, an exquisitely made coil of the Rhumkorff type, by means of which an electrical illumination is displayed. Mr. Smith also exhibits a motor, patented by himself, and capable of driving a sewing machino or other small mechanical contrivance. Mr. W. Partes also exhibits electric coils used for medical galvanism.

Taste and Skill.

The taste and skill to be found in the community are well illustrated by the exhibits in the neighbourhood of the display of electrical apparatus. The fretwork sent by Master F. J. Jenkins is beautifully executed, and the same may be said of that exhibited by Mr. T. O. Johnson. Considerable skill, too, is shown by the lads, who, under the direction of Mr. H. J. Shaw, demonstrate practically the process of making brushes. A good representative collection of the productions of Mr. Shaw's factory is exhibited, and he points out with pride how, as far as possible, Colonial hair is used in their manufacture. The excellent twine made by Hale, Throp & Co, is well represented, and the firm also show an ingenious contrivance for rolling up twine into balls. Among the exhibits added last night, the most prominent were a case of cork models sent by Mr. Toomer, and a case of tempting-looking biscuits and confectionery, made by Messrs, Clarke, Decombe and Co. Mr. Luke Adams has set up a second potter's wheel, at which Mr. Adams, junior, exemplifies the mode of pressing pottery with moulds.

August 9th.

The Industrial Conversazione.

Though the weather on Saturday was about as unfavourable to the success of the Industrial Conversazione as could well be imagined, a moderate number of persons visited the Tuam street Hall in the afternoon, when Mr. Cor rick's string band played several pieces in very good style. In the evening the attendance was much better than the most enthusiastic member of the Industrial Association could have ventured to hope, the number of visitors being at least as large as on the opening night. Por their entertainment a capital programme was gone through, consisting of songs, instrumental selections and recitations, by Misses Button, Wood, Bush, Scott and Dewsbury, and Messrs. Cronin, Withers, Millar, Sinclair, Price, Ingleson, Scott, and Arbuckle. Mr. G. H. Normington acted as accompanist. The Addington Workshops Brass Band, under Mr. Pooley, played several selections very creditably. The audience were so well satisfied that they re-demanded the great majority of the items, and in each case the encores, which were certainly deserved, were good-naturedly complied with, though, the programme consisted of no fewer than twenty numbers. Great credit is due to the sub-Committee which has been entrusted with the work of getting up the entertainments, especially to the Chairman (Mr. T. Pavitt) and Mr. D. Bellhouse, who performed most efficiently the duties devolving upon them. In consequence of the success which has attended the conversazione, the Committee has decided to open it to-night, to-morrow afternoon, and Wednesday night. Arrangements have been made for concerts to be given equal in every particular to those of last week.

August 10th.

Industrial Arts Converdsazione.

The large attendance at the Tuam street Hall last evening, in the face of the bad weather, fully justified the Committee of the Industrial Association in their decision to keep the conversazione going for a longer period than was originally intended. There were several additions to the exhibits, notably a fine collection of ostrich feathers, with some eggs, from Mr. J. T. Matron's "Ostrich Farm." Messrs. H. Hjorth & Co., of Helensville, Auckland, sent a nice exhibit of fancy soaps, which attracted a deal of notice; alongside of this were exhibits from two Wellington manufacturers—Messrs. J. Kitchen and Sons, soap and sperm and parrafine candles; and Mr. Creese's coffee, spices, and flavouring essences. A set of harness and horse clothing, made by Mr. Fawcett, of Christchurch, showed very creditable workmanship. The visitors were not loth to regale themselves on the fragrant cocoa dispensed page 18 gratis from Messrs. Hudson and Co.' stall by the fair stall-keepers. The entertainment was a capital one. Mr. Corrick's string band played selections in their usual good style. The Addington Workshops brass band performed their best pieces, and pianoforte and vocal ducts and solos were performed by the Misses Bush and Button, Messrs. Price, Meares, Francis, Arbuckle, and Sinclair. The programmes were again printed in the hall, at the Lyttclton Times Company's "model" press, and were, indeed models of elegance and neatness.

August 12th.

Industrial Arts Conversazione.

The attendance at the Tuam street Hall last night showed that the Industrial Conversazione is still as popular as ever, for the hall was literally crowded. A very good musical programme was rendered by Misses Dale, Button, Forrest, Wood, Scott and Dewsbury, and Messrs. Cronin, Dougall, Ogier, Price, Reid, Williams, Arbuckle, Sinclair, Master Kelley, and the members of the Stanmore Brass Band. Mr. E. E. Wright acted as accompanist. A number of new exhibits were added yesterday, including a fine sample of Colonial cement, mixed last Saturday, made by Mr. J. M'Donalti, of Dunedin; a very neat riding saddle, shown by Mr. W. H. Hosking, and some excellent photographs of Tarawera and the surrounding country, before and after the eruption, taken by Messrs. Wheeler and Son. During the evening, Mr. H. B. Kirk, President of the Industrial Association, stated that owing to the liberal patronage of the public, the conversazione would be open every night this week, and also on Saturday afternoon, an announcement which was received with applause.

August 13th.

Industrial Arts Conversazione.

There was a good attendance last night at the Industrial Arts Conversazione. An excellent concert was given for the entertainment of the visitors, the various numbers being rendered by Miss Scott, a little lady of some twelve summers, who sang exceedingly well, Miss Forrest, Messrs. Bateman, Maitland Gard'ner, Meares, T. Williams, J. Carder, J. R. Davidson, H. Atkinson, and the members of the Garrison Band. Mr. A. Landergan played the accompaniments in a most artistic manner. Additions continue to be made to the exhibits, among the most noticeable being some fine carbon photographs on porcelain, the work of Mr. P. Schourup, and a number of very good photographs taken by Messrs. Donovan and Meares.

August 14th.

Industrial Arts Conersazione.

The elements, or one of them at least, fought against the conversazione last night, and had the effect of diminishing the attendance of visitors. Still, there were a good few present, and those who did come had the pleasure of listening to a capital entertainment Selections were played by the Stanmore Brass Band. Miss Carl played two pianoforte solos with taste and expression; Mr. Herman contributed violin solos, and was encored. Songs were given by Miss Scales, Messrs. Adley, Mussen, Parker, and Reid, all of which were well received. The intervals between the music were employed in inspecting the exhibits, which seem never to lose their charm for the visitors. An addition was noticeable in two fancy tables with natural leaves pressed in the tops, exhibited by Mrs. Boulton.

August 16th.

Industrtal Arts Conversazione.

The fact that some 300 persons went through the rain on Saturday night to be present at the closing of this Exhibition, showed that the Industrial Association's venture has been in favour with the public. The visitors had a capital entertainment provided for them, and many found pleasure in speaking and hearing others speak at the Hebden Company's telephone, which was in charge of the engineer, Mr. Fralk Hebden. Perhaps the best item of the programme was the excellent pianoforte playing of Miss Doubleday, who showed that she is an accomplished pianist by her rendering of "Sans Souci" and variations of "Home, Sweet Home." Miss N. L. Bowler also played piano-forte solos with her accustomed taste. Mr. Cor-risk's string band and the Addington Work- page 19 shops brass band performed selections during the evening, and songs were given by Misses Hopper, Hill, E. Scott, Messrs. G. T. Booth and Pooley. Mr. A. Landergan acted as accompanist. Mr. T. Williams supplied the place of a gentleman who was absent by giving a humorous lecture. During an interval Mr. H. B. Kirk, President of the Industrial Association, appeared on the stage (supported by several prominent members of the Committee) and addressed the audience. He said that the Industrial Association had endeavoured to please their visitors by giving them what was really worth half-a-crown for one shilling. He thanked the public for their patronage, and returned special thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had assisted at the entertainments (not omitting the bands); also those who had attended every evening, and added to the attractions of the conversazione by displaying their manipulative skill, and those who had so generously provided refreshments for the visitors. Mr. Kirk concluded by Baying that as the conversazione had been so successful, the Committee of the Industrial Association had decided to make it an annual affair; an announcement which was received with applause.