graphy is exhibited by C. Roadley, the subject being the photographs their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, : t ihe date of marriage. _ The Lyttelton Times, however, carries off first award with an exhibit of photo-litho work and chromo-lithography. The Press Co. exhibit some splendid specimens of letter presswork, and the same remark applies to those entered by the Timaru Herald and R. W. Cuming of Dunedin. Samples of litho work, including stones with designs thereon, &c., are shewn by \ ictor Clark, and of engraving, by Wolf, Ford, and Co., Christchurch. To the right are an ancient English bible, the typography of which contrasts strongly with the ex hibits just mentioned ; a copy of Gil Bias, and illustrations of the anatomy of the Bee. A model of the local chicory works, with specimens of the chicory plant in ds various stages, are of an interesting character. We now enter the main build ing. In this, there are four central stalls or tables, and that which first calls for attention is occupied by specimens of pot plants exhibited by Messis Sealey Bros; collections of c'n I ’octicncry which would tempt the m-w fastidious of tastes, whilst bad such a dUp ay been placed before us in our yout ful days we could not, we believe, haw resisted the temptation. Mr A. Thiel has succeeded in obtaining the first av. d, iis exhibits being most tasty in s e an<i excellent in finality. Messrs Ai!. i (Ashburton) and Christie (Christchur. ■•.) take second honors, the former with a cascade of fancy goods, and the latter a display of sweets. Mr Bruce exhibits four architrave mouldings, whilst in close proximity is a drawing of a design for a coasting steamer for the New Zea land trade, emanating from the Canter bury Foundry. Two collections of ferns made by Messrs Zouch and Billens, and a number of ornamental plants exhibited by Mr G. T. Smith, attract the attention of horticulturists. Mr Almao, of hat fame, has also a number of various designs in hats, to which a first award has been made. A large doll, in glass case, is the centre of attraction for the little lady visitors. The second table is devoted ex clusively to leatherware, the first exhibit claiming attention being that entered by Messrs Toomer Bros., containing boots of all sizes, shapes, and qualities, whilst the designs in pegging on the soles of some of the samples greatly enhance their appear ance and finish. The whole of the boots contained in the case are factory made. Tn the next case are exhibited some splendid specimens of hand sewn work from the hands of Mr T. Chambers, whilst further on, are samples from Messrs Lightband, Allan and Co.’s factory. The two latter receive second awards of merit, and the judges can have had no little difficulty in arriving at their decision, so excellent are the whole of the exhibits submitted. A second order of merit is awarded to James Farquhar for his exhibit of leather gloves and leggings. Table No. 3 is occupied ex clusively with samples of woollen manu facture from the Eoslyn Company s factory. The tweeds and serges are of splendid quality, and reflect the greatest credit on the manufacturers. The same remark applies to the exhibit of tweeds, yarns, blanketting, etc., from the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory, occupying the next table, and each of which were entered by- Messrs. Orr and Co. The left band side of the ball is devoted to sewing machinery of various manufactures, the entries rang ing from the Singer to the latest novelty in this department, viz., the Davis \ erti- , cal Feed machine. There is also a very fine display of medals gained by the Singer Sewing Machine Company, exhibited at the far end of the hall. Underneath ti e gallery has been devoted to furniture, and the suites here exhibited reflect tbebighest possible credit on New Zealand manu facturers. Mr A. J. White, of Christ church, secures first awards with a splendid suite of bedroom furniture in maple, an extra exhibit, a black and gold cabinet, and other sundries too numerous to parti cularise ; whilst Mr John Meech’s exhibit is awarded second honor, a gold enam melled window cornice being a special feature thereof. Mr W. Davis, of this town, also shares first honors with Mr ■White, his exhibit, consisting of a suite of bedroom furniture, being fully deserving of the award. Passing up the hall to the right, is a specimen of tailoring in the form of an Ulster manufactured from Kaiapoi tweed, and the appearance of •which is so comforting as to almost cause the beholder to wish winter were here, and thus justify an outlay in this direc tion. Next this is an extra exhibit in the form of an automatic action cabinet, entered by Mr A. Gates, A most in teresting item is a lathe, and specimens of turnery in bone and wood, by Mr Graham, of Lyttelton. The minuteness of many of the articles is also a matter of interest. A special feature is an illustra tion in wood work of the various stages through which a piece of ivory passes during its transfiguration from a piece of elephant tusk into a billiard ball. The other articles include puzzles, teetotums, shell yard-measures, Ac. The sides of the building are tastefully hung with oil and water-color paintings, steel plate en gravings, photographs, &c. On the table at the foot of the stage is a collection of permanent photographs, executed in Car bon on opal and china, by Mr. P. Schou rup, of Colombo street, Christchurch. To these have been awarded a certificate of the first order of merit. Next to these come some splendid specimens of needle work in gold and silver ; of ancient litera ture ; silver ornaments constructed from coins of the reign of George the IV ; two marble clocks exhibited by Mr Gavin, and ' accompanied by a collection of foreign jewellery ; and several clocks manufactured by Mr R. Murray, of this town, of unique design, and to which a first-class certificate*

has been awarded ; the same exhibitor has also entered specimens of rough diamonds and other uncut stones, and of clockwork in progress as it leaves the moulder or blacksmith’s hands till complete. 'Next this is Mr A. Blyth’s exhibit oi silver smiths’ work mentioned by us in our issue of last evening. A minature plough and model of a horse hoe, the former by J. 11. Steele and the latter by J. Stevens, with a collection of silk cocoons and specimens of wood turning complete the exhibits at this table. On the stage are the musical instruments and a suite of drawing-room furniture, the former, including an Ameri can organ and a cottage piano, exhibited by Milner and Thompson, and to which first awards have been made, and the latter by W. S. King of Christchurch. Suspended from the Hats is a gasalier manufactured by S. Hardley, of this town, and fully deserving of the highest praise. In the room to the right of the stage arc specimens of Venetian blind manufacture, and a model of a I'evolving shutter, by Taylor ; a table constructed of Now Zoa woods, the inlaying of which cannot fail to attract admiration ; two elegant walk ing sticks, hand carved, a wool winder, manufactured by a local resident ; model of a vessel; several specimens of wood work by E, Jewell, of Christchurch ; and last, but certainly not least, a work box constructed of New Zealand woods, and in the inlaying of which over throe thousand five hundred different pieces of wood have been used. The lid bears the words “New Zealand, 1880,” inlaid in various woods. The first tent one enters after leaving the Hall, is devoted to the agricultural machinery, buggies, ironware, etc , etc. Turning to the left one is confronted by specimens in wire work by Mr Fiddess, of Timaru, and for which a second order of merit award has been given. Cooking ranges and lire stoves are exhibited by five different makers, first awards being given to Messrs Scott Eros., E. Eeece, J. Compton, and Hern. A duplex chaff cutter and oat crusher combined, is entered by Messrs Hudson, Ridley, and Co., and of the churns, Davis’ patent swing churn, and Hathaway’s barrel churn are most worthy of notice. Mr Booth exhibits a patent washing machine, a cheese vat, and curd mill, and a sack of cattle condiment. Next these are a collection of dairy implements, and an Empire washing machine. In agricultural machinery, Messrs P. and D. Duncan submit a double-furrow lever plough, and this being the only one entered, it receives the first award. King Bros, exhibit a village fire engine, capable of throwing a five-inch stream 120 feet, and built to enable it to turn in its own length ; a rotary hand force-pump ; Ex celsior horizontal double acting pump ; and several other pumps, to all of which are awarded first order of merit cer tificates. The number of entries for cereals were very good ; Messrs Fried land Bros, exhibiting fifteen specimens, and receiving seven first awards, and five second, three of the samples submitted being unnoticed by the judges. An extra exhibit of seeds, including rye, white run ner beans, broad beans, etc., by John Carter, was also awarded first honors. Of the other exhibitors, in wheat, Messrs AULeary Bros., J. Jameson, and J. S Bruce secured first awards, likewise a similar award to the latter exhibitor for a specimen of Egyptian mummy wheat, amost peculiarly shaped grain, and bearing in taste great similitude to rice. Two samples of golden and grey tares received first and second awards respectively. Messrs Jameson and Roberts exhibited two samples of boric dust, and Mr Cambridge one of locally grown and ground linseed meal ; there being no awards in the former, but a first certificate in the last mentioned. For samples of pearl barley, flour, and oatmeal, Mr Bruce, of the Waitangi sawmills, carried off two second certificates, the first in barley being taken by E. H. Banks and Co., Christchurch, with an excellent sample. In cheeses there arc three competitors, the palm being carried off by Mr A. Hayman, with Mr G. Gilmour second. A first award is made to Mr J. Jackson for his exhibit of potato farina, and a similar honor is con ferred on Cheaver’s gold medal filter, the efficacy of which is tested by the visitor. There are four entries in the leather class, hut these are all made by Mr Redfern, of Tinwald, and he receives Ist certificate for his samples of black basils. In timber Mr J. S. Bruce exhibited two specimens of broadleaf or ribbon wood, the face being polished, and the other left in its natural state, and a piece of inatai or black pine showing the borings of the weta-weta. Mr J. Lemon exhibited specimens of man golds grown by him, and in close proximity are samples of beetroot Try Mr Hunt ; sugar beet, by Mr Anderson, and of treacle, extracted therefrom, mamifac tui’ed by Mr A. Thiele. First awards arc given to the first, second and fourth, respectively, a second-class certificate being awarded to the sugar beet samples. We now come to an item of more than usual interest. We refer to the flexible harrow exhibited by Messrs Haxton and Beattie, of Gore, and for which first prizes were awarded in Invercargill, Mataura, and Taieri. The claims this has upon the notice of the agriculturist will be understood when we state that the same is made without nut or screw, is reducible to any size within a few moments, and, being flexible, runs no risk of getting broken when employed over rough ground. Messrs Haxton and Beattie have by their invention supplied a long felt want on the part of farmers, for in the event of any particular tooth in the old specimens l getting broken, the whole harrow needed to be conveyed to the blacksmith before a repair could be effected. This, however, is obviated in the present instance. Each tooth is so formed that it shackles into another, and the system of locking is so simple that a school-boy could either take to pieces or put one of these harrows together in a very short space of time.

Not onty has it for its recommendation the portableness of the whole concern, but it can, by being reversed, be converted into a chain harrow. The judges have awarded a first-class certificate to the exhibitors, who are protected by letters patent. Messrs Andrews and Bevan re ceive a second award for their model of a straw elevator. An ingenious machine for lighting gas lamps in windy weather and a corking machine receive first awards. Mr Stephens, locally known, ex hibits specimens of horse shoes manu factured by himself. In the cutlery and electro-plated and silver ware, which next comes under notice, Mr E. Recce is the principal exhibitor, receiving first awards for some splendid wares. Messrs Orr and Co. exhibit the necessities of a sportsman, including fowling pieces, rifles, powder flask, cartridge moulds, Ac., specially manufactured to their order. In the saddlery competition between imported English manufactured goods and local productions competition was very keen. Mr J. Carter’s exhibit of a Whitmore saddle and stirrups receives an award of the first merit, as does .also Mr Tait’s collection of English and colonial saddlery. Of carriage and wheelwright’s work there is a display which could not but meet the approbation of even the most fastidious. Mr Howland exhibits a double-seated buggy “ Howland ” style, and a dog-cart,

receiving for the former a first award. Moore and Son also share first honors with an Abbot patern single buggy, and second awards with an English pattern dog-cart and a double-seated Victorian buggy. Messrs Baker and Brown and Air J. R. Ghmville secure second honors with a double-seated buggy and a sub stantially built waggonette respectively. Of Messrs Doan Bros.’, tin and brass workers, Lichfield street, the collecton of articles prepared by that firm for this exhibition is not only a highly creditable one, on account of the superior make and finish of the objects composing it, bat is also of great interest as showing the. facilities that exist in Christchurch for manufacturing articles which it is com monly supposed can be obtained only bv importation from other countries. Decidedly the most important, though perhaps not the most conspicuous item in the collection, is an assortment of metal buttons, such as arc commonly used in the manufacture of men’s clothing. I hose arc of two materials, brass and tin, the latter being plain, lacquered, and gilt. They may safely be pronounced equal m every respect to the imported buttons, and can bo produced at a very cheap i ate. Wc were informed that the Messrs Dean are preparing appliances by which they will very shortly be enabled to manu facture metal buttons of almost, every de scription, cither plain, ornamental, or cloth covered. Among tho othci articles worthy of notice may be remarked a brass urn for containing coflee and hot vatci. ns urn is placed on a moveable base of per forated brass, so that it can be removed from the stand if required, to be heated over a stove or lamp. Another con spicuous object is a very pretty bird cage, iu the form of a 1 house, made oi wire, with roof of tin perforated in a> tasteful pattern. There is also a toilet set, in Japan enamelled tinware, ot a French grey color, ornamented with brightly coloured floral devices. A number of flower pots, of similar material, are particularly noticeable for their handsome ornamentation, consisting ot bouquets of flowers. A n .uvel exhibit is a sot of small waiters or salvers, which are adorned with wide borders of crystalised japanning, m various tints, while the centres are oc cupied with handsome floral devices in brilliant colors. As showing the extent of the appliances at the command ot the makers, it may bo stated that these pretty articles can be made so cheaply that they could be sold retail at less than a shilling each. Another noticeable object is a neat cash-box, coated with crystallized japan, and ornamented with a gilt border. Taken altogether, the exhibits arc veiy o-oed. A very interesting item is a col ac tion of tins for containing jam, presen cd fruit or meat. These are fitted a movable lid, of somewhat smaller diameter than the top of the tin, the space between the opening tor the lid and the outer rim of the canister being occupied by a deep groove, winch, after the tin is filled and the lid fitted on, can be filled with plaster of Pans, or melted wax, so as to hermetically seal the

canister without injuring the lid, or spoil ing the tin, which can therefore be used over again after the contents have been extracted. Besides the above, there arc a number of speci mens of stamped work in iron and tin, the most prominent of which are some small tin hinges, such as are used to fix the lids of teapots and for other purposes. These latter are placed side by side with some imported hinges of similar character, and the result of the contrast is greatly in favor of the local .article, both for durability and neatness. Mr Joseph PHydo, Ashburton, exhibited a very well constructed bath. It is made so that it will all close in and form a table or dresser. The outside lid is wood, as are also the sides. In the centre of the bath can be fixed a wasbstaml and basin, and at one end a shower bath, with all the necessary appurtenances, curtains, etc., so that it is a most complete and useful article for any house where a batli can be fixed in any of the rooms. The very moderate price which Mr Hyde asks for the bath com plete, must cause a good demand for such a useful article. Some portable coppers were also shown by the same exhibitor, and deserve more than a passing notice, both from the superiority of their construction, and the reisonablg price at which they are sold by him. Mr

Hardley, another local exhibitor, showed some very good specimens of. spouting and ridging, capital specimens of tinware generally used in households, and one gasolicr. The latter article has been made by this exhibitor for several of our public buildings, churches, Ac., and owing to their good design, are found ex tremely popular. Some tin biscuit cutters, and a tin fiddle, made by Air Billens, of Christchurch, call for special mention. Air Piper, another Christchurch exhibi tor, .showed some excellent samples of household and other tinware, which was japanned, also sonic galvanised iron, articles of various kinds, .and the general excellence of these manufactures was fre quently commented upon. A corking machine and capsule machine, exhibited by Air J. C. Dolman, a local plumber, were also good specimens of work, speak ing volumes for the energy displayed by our local tradesmen iu this kind of industry. A first-class certificate is awarded Alcssrs Scott Bros, for their exhibit <if an iion garden chair, the design of which is most appropriate, consist ing of fe’.u haf casting, with rustic boundaries. In the passage giving access to the tent set aside f< r pottery, beer, wines, cordials, monumental masonry. Ac.. is exhibited by T. W ilson, Christ church, specimens of woollen mats of various colors, dressed by the exhibitor and to which an awaid of the highest merit has been made. On Messrs .Schwartz Bn's, exhibit of samples of New Zealand wines. Alcssrs Wood and Co., of locally manufactured boor in bulk, and Echersby and AlacFarla.no, extra exhibits of bottled beer, similar honors are conferred, the articles exhibited being well worthy of the distinction. Second honors are obtained by Alcssrs Alanning and Co., for bottled beer. Little's sheep dip in various sized cans is exhibited, but no award bad been made at. the lime our reporter visited the tent. Near at hand aie modelled bees wax specimens entered by Airs William son. Winslow, and to which a first-class certificate has been given. Air Quill ex hibits a jeroboani of claret of I87(i vin tage, flanked on either sides by bottles of champagne, the manner in which those arc corked and scaled, prove an eyesore to the connoisseur. Air Britton obtains pride of place for samples of mixed cordials, whilst similar awards arc made to exhibits of soap manufactured at Lcoston, ex hibited by Alcssrs Hodder and Co., candles from Qanifo’s Rakaia factory, porter-malt, and Nelson hops, by Wood and Co., and malt, by Alanning and Co. Near at hand is a candle making machine, worthy of the attention of housewives. Next under notice is J. Sheriffs speci mens of monumental masonry, in cluding three marble table tops, a marble mantlepiece, and models of monuments in marble. All these display signs of that necessary care requisite in the turning out of first-class articles, and fully deserve the award (Ist class) conferred thereon. Mrs Stocks, of Christchurch, also exhibits a marble chimney piece, which meets with similar favor in the eyes of the judges. Some specimens of pottery manufactured at Malvern receive an award of the second order of merit, hut are worthy of no more than a passing

1 • ice, as the exhibits in this class are anything but A.l. A novelty in the shape of a castor oil plant is exhibited, and attracted a good deal of attention. Of the five samples of undressed flax, two receive first awards, and two second ; the former to Mr R. Marshall and the latter to Mr 0. Braddel, the former exhibitor also receiving first honors for dressed flax. H. Friedlander’s samples of con federate tobacco present a most tempting appearance, and would almost tempt the anti-smoker to forego his prejudice to the “ noxious weedbut these specimens were American grown. Judge, therefore, the pleasure experienced by advocates of tobacco growing as a New Zealand in dustry on perceivingthe next exhibit to be a tobacco plant in full growth, the result, we doubt not, of assiduous attention on the part of Mr Braddell, who also ex hibited cakes of smokers’ joy prepared from the plant. Truly the awards re ceived in these instances were well earned. James Seed, of Rangiora, Hayman Bros., and Hale and Forbes, for exhibits in rope cordage and twine, are awarded first-class certificates, the competitors in this class numbering nine. A second award is obtained by a group of ribbon-wood basket ware, entered by Mr J. and J. Price, of Mount Somers ; whilst next under notice is the latest instituted colonial industry, viz., pipes made from

New Zealand clay in Otago, and to which a similar recognition of merit is made. Harbutt and Co.’s brushware has hitherto held pre-eminence in the colonial market, and in this instance they add still further laurels to their fame by carrying off the first award in this class. A sample of Nelson ink receives a second order of merit certificate. For pre-eminence in the manufacture of bone dust there are fo u i competitors, the pride of place being held by our local representative, Mr F. Mayo, his immediate attendant being Rountree, Brown and Co. For preserved meats Mi ll. Mein receives a second-class certifi cate, whilst similar success attends Messrs Carew and Co. in their exhibit of sauce. For pottery J. Tucker is the principal exhibitor, and obtains first honors. Notice able amongst the specimens is an epergne in earthenware. This concludes the ex hibits in this tent, and passing into the next and final one, we come upon speci mens of coal, stone, brick masonry, drain pipes, ashplialting, Ac. Of these the successful competitors are as follows. Springfield colliery, coal and fireclay, by J. 801 l ; drain pipes, by J. lacker, Mount Somers ; stone, by V'. Groves : .ashplialting specimens, by J. Bradley ; samples of Brockley coal, Gi’oy loiunnci coal, by Lloyd and Co., to which awards of the first order of merit have been made. Second awards have been conferred on exhibits of drain pipes made of cement by a Waimatc manufacturer, of Mount Somers coal, Mount Hutt coal, locally manufactured pitch, Auckland hydiaulic cement, and a collection of minerals and ores. Wc now retrace our steps, and enter the gallery of the main building. Proceeding upstairs, we entered the first room of the Town Hall, where a large col lection of all kinds of articles aie cx bibited, which arc of more or less value. The first things which catch the eye of the visitor are the oil and water color paint ings. Their varieties are great, but in point of excellence, many may bo con sidered any thing but works of art. Iheie ure some excellent landscapes, which deserve more than a passing notice. Mr Edwin Clark, of the Rakaia, ex hibited a very nice moonlight sea scone, the coloring being very rich. Three other views by the Jsame exhibitor deserve to be mentioned, especially that of Lake Hawera. Air C. Bonrke, a local artist, also contributes five pictures, but the coloring was too bright and overdone. \N e are sorry that he did not exhibit the painting that was done for the stage of the Hail. Perhaps it would not he too late to do so now. Mr F. B. Standish exhibited a very nice view of Lake Polieura. Mr A. Cambridge also exhibited some very well executed portraits, that of Air E. G. Wright being a particularly good likenessof that gentleman, borne very nice paintings were sent in by Mr J obn Gibb, that of “ Little River, at the head of Lake Forsyth,” being very much admired. The other painting by the same artist in the room was particularly good. The ‘ Por trait from life,” by Mr M. Gibb was also a very artistic picture, and did great credit to the exhibitor. Mr Peele, a well known artist, exhibited a very fair paint ing of Akaroa Harbor. The artist’s well known skill was here shown to advantage.

A view of (Jtira Gorge, exhibited by Mr E. G. Wright, of Windemere, and painted by Mr S. Gibbs, was very much admired. Two other paintings by the same artist, also shown by Mr Wright, were well worthy of notice. Quite a large collec tion of views were sent in by Mr A. Stott, of Ashburton, some of which were very creditable to the artist—the “ Water of Leith,” being about the best. The exhibits of Mrs Stott were also very fair paintings, that of Moeraki Heads being certainty the best. In the water color collection, Mrs Amy Ilomorsham, ex hibited some very fair pictures indeed. Miss M. Fitzgerald, Mrs Stott, and Mr Rich also exhibiting some fairly executed pictures. A little exhibitor whose name did not appear on the catalogue, also entered five water color paintings, and two crayons. The little artist’s name is Amelia George, of Christ church, and is only 13 years of age, and the shading and coloring was remark able for one so young. In pencil drawings, there was not a large display. Mr. G. Boyle’s copy of “ Cherry ripe ” was very natural, also a sketch of that interesting spot Methven, by Mr W. P. Claridge. In the class, for crayons and etchings, the exhibits are hung at the back of the gallary. Three very .'nice crayons, drawn by Mr A Harrison, being particularly notice able. The views of Wangapeka valley and of Mount Arthur from Batten vallejq by C. A. Muntz, of Nelson, also deserve to bo noticed. The lace, embroidery, and trimmings were, on the whole, a very ex cellent assortment; Mr Wood, of Dunedin, exhibiting a very fine silk apron and two embroidered velvet smoking caps. Some very nice lace work and tatting by Miss Treloavcn and Miss Pavitt, some Maltese lace by Mrs Wood and Miss Rolls were much admired. An embroidered mantel piece and bracket balance by Miss Sander son, also some other embroidered work by Miss Fitzgerald, came in for a good share of attention. Mrs J. Carter, Tinwald, exhibited a very nice piece of Maciarom lace. In the class for artificial flowers and feathers, Miss Fitzgerald exhibited two groups of very nice ones under glass shades. Mrs Farquhar exhibited a very nice collection, consisting of a feather muff, collarette, and hat. In [the class for fancy needlework there was a large collection of various kinds to be seen, many of the articles being particularly beautiful in design and execution. A wool-worked cushion by Mrs Tippits was very nicely made ; the same may he said of two stools, which were made by Miss A. Permain. A very nice and pretty patterned counterpane by Mrs. C. C. Fooks was also noticeable. A collection of antimacassars, brackets, and bookmarkers by Miss Treleaveu were very nicely made, and deserve notice. Some crochet work and two cotton picture frames by Mrs Curtiss were much admired, as also was Mrs Chambers’ exhibits of the same kind of work. Mrs Richards exhibited a very nice counterpane and fancy apron. A hearthrug made at the Old Men’s Home, Ashburton, showed careful manufacture. Four pairs of stockings, made’from some of the flock of Mr Tripp, at the Orari Gorge, made by Mrs Manson, were of neat design and workmanship. In the same room Mr Henry Zander ex hibited a very large collection of valuable articles. He deserves the greatest praise for the excellent way in which his exhibits wove arranged and labelled. The collec tion of seals, monograms, postal cards, etc., and of 3,000 stamps, was an exceed ingly interesting one, and must have taken some considerable time in collecting, be sides the thoroughly systematic way of arrangement. His collection alone would bo of immense value to any museum. A peculiar specimen of a boar’s jaw, with double tusks, was also exhibited by Mr Zander. The animal, we believe, was killed at Pleasant Valley. A splendid collection of coins, and specimens of silver and other ores from Mexico, a very nice ornamental bracket, a hand-made Mexican shawl of beautiful texture, a large collec tion of shells, nicely arranged, and large number of other interesting relics, were exhibited by Mr Zander, and were much admired. Stockings, by Miss Galleu and Mrs Camithers, for Highland costume, were of such quality that a Scotch man’s heart would yearn for them. A fancy lamp mat, fancy cushion in Berlin wool work, child’s muff and petticoat, ex hibited by Miss Fitzgerald, also a pin cushion and watch-pocket, woiked by Miss G. Sanderson, were much admired. Two crewel stools, worked by Mrs Zouch, the pattern being cinnorarias climbing a stump of wood, were very nicety executed, as also were two pieces of fancy work for chairs made by Mrs A. H. Shury. In the leather-worked fancy articles two very nice leather frames were exhibited by Mrs Trevor, a collection of frames, brackets, and card baskets by Mrs Curtis, also two leather frames by Mrs Zouch. These ladies’ work in leather was much admired. Two corn frames, by Mrs E, Crisp, were very nicely made, but were not placed in a good position. Mr W. H. Puddicombe exhibited a very valuable collection of coins of all nations, a Japanese picture, some interesting articles used by Japanese women for smoking and in the toilet, also a largo number of peculiar weapons used by those people. The collection of coins is indeed a valuable one, and can hardly bo sur passed, we believe in the colony. Mr G. Parkin exhibited a very interesting relic, which was a tea service, said to be one hundred years old. Two Japanese pic tures wore also exhibited bj. Mr Harrison. A nice collection of gold dust and samples of quality were exhibited by Mr A. H. Shiny, also a very interesting lot of coins by Mr Gecrge Jameson. The Rev. A. W. Hands, exhibited a very rare and valu able collection of old curiosities. They consisted of the following : —An oil or scent vase, from Troy, from Dr Schlie mann’s excavations ; three terracotta lamps, from the Christian catacombs of

Syracuse; a heathen Greek terracotta amp ; a lachrymatory, or tear-bottle, from the catacombs, Syracuse ; a lamp from Christian catocomps in Rome ; two knives dredged out from the mud in the Thames, opposite Lambeth Palace, in Lon don ; a dagger from the same site wrought metal boss, with figure of St. John, found in the marshes at Stone, Kent; portrait on rosewood of an English gentleman, a.d. 1750; specimen of~ old Italian bookbinding. Date, a.d., 1593 ; specimen of bookbinding—oak boards covered with pigskin, stamped with little figures of the Apostles, a.d., IG2B ; Frankfort ; coin of Attains, King of Per gamos, in Asia Minor ; date, n.e., 2,235 ; silver penny of William the Conqueror, in 10GG—1087 ; copper coin found in Sicily ; two silver denaria of the Emperor Domi tan, A. D., 81—9 G ; small coin of the pro tectorate of Oliver Cromweli, a.d., — 1068. Rev. A. W. Hands, exhibitor, A greenstone tomahawk, a chisel, and a native implement of the same stone were exhibited by Mr Bower, Timaru. Mr John Carter exhibited a fox’s head and brushes, the jaw and backbone ofashark. Mr Shear mans bowed a very fine collection of Japan esc, Chinese, and Indian workboxes, &c. , which were much admired. The collec tion of ferns was indeed an excellent one. Mr C. A. C. Hardy, Rakaia, ex hibited some very nice ferns, Miss Button also had forty different rarietics, which showed careful selection. Mr J. S. Bruce has a very nice collection of Middle Island ferns, which are correctly named, and that is a great advantage. Messrs George Jameson and Zander also had a nice collection, which were well placed. In the gallery Mr Passmore had a very large collection of interesting articles. They comprise two photos, of pen and ink drawing of a collection of newspaper and other docu ments, one Maori rat, collection of shells, Cashmere shawl, pair Indian sandals, two pairs Indian slippers, two pair of slippers, one worked in gold and one worked in leather, smoking cap, worked in gold, a pair of Korth American Indian mocas sins, a vase of artificial flowers, from feathers and daggar plant, a number of ornaments made of compressed sawdust, a meter that does not register air with the water, six pieces spiral pipe—unlike any ordinary pipe, as the joint is the strongest part, a small vice, which can be fixed at any angle—fitted for objects that taper, small lathe chuck and drill, <Src., sphynx sugar basin, used by the late Duke of Brunswick; stone paper knife, inlaid with gold ; two sandalwood card cases and fans; inkstand, made from hoof of the, “Phenomenon,” that trotted seventeen miles in 53 mins. 4 secs. A water gauge, a number of useful veterinary surgical instruments.

[A further description of several of the important exhibits will appear in our next and succeeding issues, together with the award list.]

HXS EXCELLENCE SIR A. IT. CORDON.

SUPPLEMENT TO THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

ASHBURTON, THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1881

SIR ARTHUR GORDON, K.C.M.G.

We have much pleasure in presenting our readers to-day with a necessarily brief description accompanying the portrait of our distinguished visitor, his Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon, who performed the ceremony of opening our Industrial Ex hibition this morning. His Excellency’s tour through the Middle and Southlslands of New Zealand has been a most successful one, and will add greatly to his popularity as a Governor. His Excellency Sir A. H. Gordon, although a Liberal in politics, can boast of patrician blood from paternal and maternal sources. His father, the Earl of Aberdeen, K.G., was Premier of a powerful Ministry from 1852 till 1855, and died in 1800, universally regretted by his opponents as well as by his own party. His mother was the widow of Viscount Hamilton, father of the present Duke of Abercorn, K.G., and sister of the Earl of

Morton. The present Earl of Aberdeen is Sit Arthur Gordon’s nephew, while, directly and indirectly, he is related to many other noble families. Entering at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1847, he tock his degree as M.A. in 1851. Private Secretary to his father while the latterwas head of the Government, he was a mem ber of the House of Commons from 1854 till 1857, as representative of Beverley. In 1857 he became an unsuccessful can didate for Liskeard. A personal friend of Mr Gladstone, he accompanied him on his special mission to Corfu, which re sulted in the cession of the lonian Islands to Greece. While absent from England in IStiO, he was requested to stand for the County of Aberdeen, and although he de clined the honor, was nearly returned against a local candidate having all the advantages of a personal canvass. In 1881 he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, and discharged his duties there with such success that, in 18C6, he was transferred to the Governorship of Trinidad, aud from thence to Mauritius, where he held the vice-regal office from 1871 till 1874. In 1875 ho became the first Governor of Fiji after its annexation by the Imperial Government, and First High Commissioner of Polynesia. When the Imperial Government appointed Si Hercules Robinson to the Governorship of Hie Cape Colony, Sir A. H. Gordon was chosen as his successor as representative of her Majesty in New Zealand. We have not had sufficient time as yet to form a just estimate of Sir Arthur’s character as the Governor of a colony where the will of the people is made known through, representative institutions, but his previous career in the Government of a sister colony should be a guax-antee that Sir Arthur’s political faith is sound. Sir Arthur is now making his maiden tour of the Middle Island, and we feel confident that the citizens of this important town have given him a right hearty and loyal welcome, and one that he is much pleased with.

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