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| THE SILVER COLUMN OF ATLAS - The engraving
shows the northwestern interior of the Mines
Building a few hours before the opening, on May 1, 1893, and this
was the only display, other than the Floral and Aquaria (much
smaller) that was fit for the eye of the public at the time. Like
all its exhibits, the mining display of New South Wales challenged
the efforts of the greatest States and nations. The silver column,
bearing Atlas upon its capital, was the most conspicuous object in
its region. Nor were the towers of ingots and pigs the only wonders
of the place, for gold nuggets worth $50,000 vied with the treasures
of the Western States. The vista down the line shows Canada next to
New South Wales, then great Britain, and in the foliated iron
projections the German workmanship of Baron Stumm, who doubtless made
his great display at the behest of the German Kaiser. Mechanics will
be likely to note the steel structure of the Mines Building, as here
shown, which was peculiar; the arching arms did not spring across the
building, but were so balanced on the main pillars that they were cut
away to receive a higher skylight at the crest of the roof. The
three rows of glass may be seen on the west side; and so well
constructed was this edifice that it withstood the snows and
waterspouts of a most inclement year, from May 1, 1892, until May 1,
1893, when good weather set in and lasted all the summer. |
