The Tasmanian Court at the Sydney Exhibition.

Scarce engraving of Tasmania’s display at the 1879 Sydney Exhibition.

Tasmania received unfavourable comments regarding their display as shown by the following newspaper article, 23rd December, 1879;

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

For some time past, very little has been heard respecting the Tasmanian Court at the Sydney International Exhibition. However, some unpleasant revelations have been made concerning it by the special correspondent of The Mercury, who went to visit it.

Not only is the general character of the exhibits condemned as not being sufficiently broad and comprehensive, indicative of the material resources of the colony, but the goods, such as they are, suffer from a lack of proper supervision and strict tidiness. Tasmania is described as being behind other colonies, not only in failing to exercise proper care in selecting the exhibits sent but also in neglecting to provide an official treatise descriptive of the island and its products. As a result, the mark has been missed at this exhibition.

It is hoped that at the Melbourne International Exhibition, the mistakes made will be rectified, and a better display will be made. One cause of complaint made at Sydney was the uncertain manner in which remittances were sent to defray the current expenses of the Court. However, upon inquiry being made here, it was found that this was due to the Secretary of the Southern members of the Commission, who had failed to send the ample funds that had been voted by the Commission. This remissness has now been rectified, and something will probably be done to improve the appearance of the Court for the remainder of the exhibition season.

From the original edition of the Australasian Sketcher.

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 914558
State Library New South Wales: REF1/MAV/FM4/9236-9239
State Library Victoria: PCINF AS 06-09-73 P.104