The Illustrated London News/1846/The New Zealand and South Australian Exhibition

As we anticipated, this novel exhibition, at the Egyptian Hall, in Piccadilly, proved one of the greatest Easter attractions; a success which argues well for the improved intelligence of sight-seers.

The Collection comprises Paintings of the Natives and Scenery of New Zealand and South Australia, &c., in three divisions:—1. The New Zealanders and their Country. 2. The South Australians and their Country. 3. Views of the Coast of Brazil, &c. The whole have been painted by Mr. S. F. AngasG. F. Angas [sic], the son of Mr. Angas, the principal founder, and long the Chairman, of the South Australian Company. The scenic views of New Zealand are extremely beautiful; and Mr. Angas appears to have seen more of the country than any other English artist. The subjects are well chosen; whether we select the boiling volcano In the centre of the island, or the evening serenity of the Bay of Islands. The carved houses of the natives are, also, minutely delineated, and impress us with their resemblance to the carvings of the ancient Mexicans and inhabitants of Yucatan.

Among the portraits, that of Heki, the refractory chief, is very attractive; there are, likewise, portraits of other chiefs, and under them are their autographs—some in a style of penmanship that would reflect credit on a lettered European. There are, also, several portraits of New Zealand belles, a few of whom appear to be as graceful in their carriage and dress as an European beauty.



But the living attraction of the Exhibition is a New Zealand youth, about fourteen years of age, and named James Pomara; he is a grandson of Pomara, a chief of the Chatham Islands; has been educated in New South Wales, speaks English fluently, and is a very intelligent person. He was present at the last soirée given by the Marquis of Northampton, where he excited considerable Interest among the savans.

The South Australian views, in the wretchedness which they depict, present a painful contrast with the New Zealand scenes and portraits.

Mr. Angas has had the honour of exhibiting his drawings to Her Majesty and Prince Albert, who were both much gratified with the clever execution of these beautiful ethnographical illustrations.