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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 48

Close of the Exhibition

Close of the Exhibition.

No more pronounced success has ever been achieved in this Colony, that that accomplished by the Committee of Management of the Christchurch Industrial Exhibition. That success has not in the slightest degree waned during the six days for which the Drillshed has been open, but on the contrary both visitors and exhibitors have manifested the keenest interest. From day to day, rew items have been added here and there, and these have included some picture frames of native woods, beautifully inlaid in various patterns, exhibited by Mr A. Carroll and Mr Graham, of Lyttelton; some slabs of polished totara, remarkable for their fine grain, from Mr T. J. Baigent, of Nelson; models of single and double-furrow ploughs, shown by Mr W. H. Hall, of Christchurch. Several practical farmers visiting the Exhibition spoke highly of the accuracy and finish of these models. A painting of the Royal Arms on glass has been exhibited by Mr J. Lane, of Christchurch. Some fine samples of rope, cord and twine, made from New Zealand flax, have been sent by Mr J. Seed, of Rangiora. Mrs Crowley has exhibited some samples of painting on velvet; the designs consisting of flowers, beautifully executed. The Messrs. Burt, of Dunedin, have sent an ingenious machine for corking bottles, cleverly adapted to suit any size of cork. Some specimens of anthracite coal from the Malvern Hills have been sent by Mr Wilson, and Mr Stansell has added to his most useful contributions a few pieces of imperfectly made glass. Therewith he showed the cause of his partial failure—a fractured crucible, which had not been capable of withstanding the required degree of heat. Mr Stansell has fairly demonstrated that at any rate such glass as is required for making bottles can be produced readily enough from some of the Kaiapoi sand. Other exhibitors proved that for such bottles there would immediately be a large demand, for putting up the writing inks, gloss, sauces, and other things now made here. The natural wealth of the Alford Forest district has been further represented by Mr J. Hudson, who sent in a piece of stone, which compares very well with Aberdeen granite, and a collection of pieces of wood representing the Alford Forest timbers, namely, red birch, black and white pine, broadleaf, gowai, manuka, miki-miki, and rata. The way in which one of these woods—the gowai—may be utilised, has been well illustrated by Mr Jenkins. He has sent in carriage spokes made from it, and has shown that by proper treatment any required degree of curvature may be given to such strips of wood. The same exhibitor has done further service by showing wavy mouldings produced entirely by machinery—a shaping machine on the page 27 principle of the copying lathe, these mouldings being of various irregular and compound curve outlines.

One exhibit escaped notice in the general report, and one of considerable importance. Mr Billens showed two pairs of carriage lamps, one pair being on a square plan, and the other circular, with bright metal relief lines to the japanned work. These lamps are admirably got up, and are quite good enough for use with any ordinary carriages. Are our carriage builders using them much? They are men who have had to complain loudly themselves that their work was not receiving due encouragement. They should be prompt to give practical aid to an industry which must be dependent upon them.

At a few minutes to 10 o'clock last evening, when the drill shed was well filled, the President and members of the Committee of management ascended the platform. The President addressed the large assemblage as follows:—

Ladies and gentlemen,—The Committee desire to publicly express their very great gratification at the splendid results of this Exhibition, and we assure you that it is a pleasure that comes not so much from the financial result—although that is by no means disagreeable—as from the knowledge that during six days 23,000 people have visited and evinced the keenest interest in everything in connection with the exhibition; and we sincerely hope that the deep interest that has been awakened will not die out with the closing, but that you, the public at large, will do everything in your power, by giving the preference wherever you can to our productions, and by joining the Industrial Association, and in whatever way you can, practically assisting the cause of Industry. In doing this you will help to pave the way to future industrial displays that shall, by their magnitude and splendour, dim the lustre of this our first Industrial Exhibition. (Cheers) At the request of the Committee, the Government appointed a Commission to examine and report upon the exhibition, and we think they will gather information that will be of service. To the exhibitors we say, we regret that the limited space at our disposal prevented you from making all the display you were capable of, but we think you will give us credit for having endeavoured to act impartially towards all. We sincerely hope that the industries you represent will flourish, and that many industries only represented here in embryo will develop into thriving businesses. We very much regret that the building has prevented us from doing justice to the pictures and works of art, as they have materially helped to make the exhibition attractive. You will all be glad to know that the financial results have left a handsome balance, which will be strictly applied to the cause of local industry. (Cheers.) Ladies and gentlemen, all things must have an end, and although we have spent many pleasant and instructive hours hero, and the interest seems as great as on our opening day, it has become my almost sorrowful duty to now pronounce the Industrial Exhibition of 1880 closed. (Hearty applause.)

On the invitation of Professor Bickerton, three hearty cheers were given for the President.

The Band—"God save the Queen."