Rare Tinted Lithographs of Auckland and Regatta, 1862
Major Frederick Rice Stack (working 1857-62), five rare tinted and hand coloured lithographs (from a set of six published in 'Views in the Province of Auckland', Day & Son, London, 1862.), each entitled beneath the image,7.28 in. x 15.16 in. 1) 'View of Auckland Harbour, New Zealand Taken During the Regatta of January, 1862 (The Race of The Maori War Canoes)', 2) 'View of Auckland, New Zealand from the Crater of Mount Eden', 3) 'View of Auckland, New Zealand from the Lake on the North Shore', 4) 'View of the Frith (sic) of Thames, Waitemata, Tamaki and Gulf of Hauraki from the Howick Ranges', 5) 'View of the Wairoa Creek (Pheasant Shooting on the Estate of Alexander Kennedy, Esquire)on the Road Leading to the Wairoa Valley'. Stack a professional soldier served in New Zealand from 1857 until 1862 ranked as Major of Brigade, a staff officer to Governor Wynyard. His view of the Auckland regatta, the first depiction of the celebration and the only contemporary one of 1862 shows the Waitemata from the North Shore. Two warships lie at anchor, the Miranda and the Fawn whilst waka taua race in the foreground. Stack also left a handwritten journal that gave more information about his work. (The) journal says that 'the very unsettled state of the colony for nearly two years prevented the natives from joining with the Europeans in their amusements', but 'native tribe living near Auckland, on the coromandel coast, was induced to bring their war-canoes and warriors to join with the Pakehas (or White Men)' in the festivities of January 29th, 1862. The concept of competing for a cash prize, Stack tells us, was foreign to Maori sensibilities. Thus, the canoeists 'agreed among themselves beforehand that the amount of money gained as the prize was to be equally divided among them, in consideration of the labour endured by each individual in the exertion of his utmost strength'. (O'Brien, B, Glover, K. The Agnes Cup. http://wraithofodin.com (accessed on 1 July 2019)
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- Calamander / Coromandel - Calamander wood, also known as coromandel wood or coromandel ebony, is a type of hardwood that comes from the Calamander tree (Diospyros quaesita), which is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia. The wood is known for its dark brown or black colour and its distinctive figuring, which can resemble a snakeskin pattern.
The wood is highly prized for its beauty and durability. It is often used in fine furniture making, particularly in the production of inlaid and marquetry work, as well as in the making of boxes, cabinets, and other decorative items. It is also used in the manufacture of flooring, paneling and other architectural applications.
Calamander wood is a very hard and heavy wood, it has a density of around 1.04 g/cm3. Its density and high natural oil content make it resistant to decay and insects, which is why it is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, flooring and other decorative items.
The wood is also used for turning and carving, but is difficult to work due to its high density and interlocking grain. However, it takes a high natural polish and has a beautiful lustre, which is why it is so sought after.
Due to the high demand and over-exploitation of the natural resources, the calamander tree is now a protected species, and the harvesting and export of the wood is heavily regulated.
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