Colonial and Indian Exhibition : official guide.

  • Colonial and Indian Exhibition
Date:
1886
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Colonial and Indian Exhibition : official guide. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    46/100 (page 42)
    British Guiana. Hong Kong. Chinese Restau- rant. North Borneo. Straits Settle- ments and Perak. Malay Houses. Vni.—EASTERN GALLERY, AVENUE, ARCADE, AND ANNEXE. 15K1TISH GUIANA—HONG KONG NORTH 150RNE0 STRAITS SETTLE- MENTS— AFRICAN ISLANDS — INDIAN ADMINISTRATION COURT — WEST INDIES—CYPRUS—MALIA. We have now arrived at the Eastern Galleries, the description of which will complete the account of the main buildings of the Exhibition. Turning to the left on quitting the Central Gallery, the first Court to be visited is that occupied by British Guiana, the principal products of which Colony are sugar, molasses, rum, timber, barks, gums, and fibres, all of which are represented in the Court, the exhibition of timber being singularly complete. I'here are also shown a model of an Indian house, and several specimens of Indian weapons, implements, utensils, furniture, and clothing. Beyond Guiana is the Hong Kong Court, which very appropriately occupies the space held by China in the three former Exhibitions. A considerable portion of the Chinese decorations remains, and gives to this Court a particularly bright and pleasing appearance, which is increased by the gay colours of many of the exhibits. Amongst the most interesting objects in this Court are the models of Chinese houses and temples ; the great model of the Hong Kong Docks ; and the large collection of Chinese boats, some of which are extremely pic- turesque. In the centre of the Court are two shops, the fronts and sides of which are formed of carved screens filled in with glass. Nearly opposite to these are cases containing specimens of silver and other metal wares of native manufacture. 'Hiere is also a large trophy of Hong Kong pottery, and on the east side of the Court a representative assortment of mats, baskets, and basket furniture. In the cases round the end of the Court is arranged a fine collection of silks. Elanking the Hong Kong Court and looking out on to the Gardens is the Chinese Restaurant, in which Messrs. Spiers and Pond serve a superior tea with light refreshments at one shilling per head. On leaving the Hong Kong Court, the visitor's best plan will be to enter the adjoining East Arcade and proceed to its northern end, where will be found the collection from North Borneo, which is one of the latest fields of British enterprise. The exhibits here consist almost entirely of samples of timbers, and of collections of wea])ons and other native appliances. Next come the Straits Settlements and Perak, which occupy a con- siderable space in the East Arcade and the adjacent East Avenue. 'Phe ethnographical collections in these Courts are very interesting. They include photographs of the native races, models of Malay houses and ])alaces, and a large collection of weapons, implements, and clothing. In the Grounds are some Malay houses, built on piles, formed of wooden framing with panels of matting, and fitted complete. Among the photo- graphs should be noticed the representations of the curious tree- dwellings, which are lightly constructed houses, perched like nests on the boughs of standing trees. for Contents, see p. 3: View of Gardens, p. 41: Ground Plan, ^etween pp. 44 and 45: