Title

New Zealand Festival [lithographic view].

Author

Author not identified

Details

The Courier (Hobart), 31 January 1846, p.2, col.3.

Publication date

31 January 1846

Type

Publication Review

Language

English

Countries of context

Aotearoa New Zealand | Australia

Web address

newspaper view

Full text

NEW ZEALAND FESTIVAL.-We have been favoured by Mr.Walch, successor to Mr. Tegg, with a lithographed view of the Festival held by the natives of New Zealand, on a plain near Auckland, in May 1844. The artist has chosen the moment oí tin's interesting event when Captain Fitzroy, with his suite, on horseback, followed by a number of chiefs on foot, entered the plain, in procession, and was met by a large body of natives with the usual demonstrations of savage welcome. The thousands assembled on this occasion were composed of various lillies, who, in the eager desire of an inter- view with the British Governor, and of testifying their respect and good feeling, suspended their mutual feuds and animosities, and mingled harmoniously in the festive scene. A war dance was performed, In which many thousands took . part, after which article:, of native manufacture were presenter) to His Excellency und the officers who accompanied him. Besides the imposing features of native scenery introduced into the drawing, many points of interest in the entertainment are happily illustrated, and place before us, with something like reality, the principal circumstances of the ceremony. Not the least striking of these is a group of christian natives who kept aloof from their heathen brethren and were distinguished by their orderly demeanour. There are several persons now in this colony who were present on the occasion, and readily testify to the minute fidelity of the whole. In an artistical point of view, it is highly creditable to Mr. Marriott who painted it, and to the taste and enterprise of Mr. Tegg in transmitting it to England for engraving. This has been accomplished in the best style of lithographic art.

[The Courier (Hobart), 31 January 1846, p.2, col.3.]