We take the following from the " Evening Mail 1 ' of the 23rd Nov. 1859, and givo it insertion because we feel assured that it will prove interesting, not only to the members of our Auckland Choral and Philharmonic Societies, but also to all lovers of the beautiful and classical compositions of this highly-gifted musician :—: — The coloisal statue of the late Mendelssohn Barthol dy, modelled by Mr. Bacon, was yesterday cast in bronze at the works of Messrs. Eobinson and Cottam, Lower Belgrave-place, Pimlico, in the presence of many of the late composer's most eminent admirers and a large body of ladies, among whom was the relict of the revered and lamented Sir John John Franklin. The erection of a statue to the memory of Mendelslohn originated with the Sacred Harmonic Society about seven years ago, the council of the society commencing the list by a donation of 50 guineas ; but the idea had no sooner been promulgated than Her Most Gracious Majeity transmitted » similar amount in furtherance of the objects of the society. Among the contributors also are to be found the names of Lady Caroline Cavendish, Sir George Smart, Mr. Costa, Miss Alexander, Mr. Buxton, and others, who were all most anxious to perpetuate the "man as he lived," and to pay their heartfelt tribute to his tra.nsoendent genius. Upward! of 400 guineas having been subscribed, the task of carrying the work into effect was intrusted to Mr. Bacon, and he immediately applied himself to produce an exact likeness of the great original, calling to his aid portraits in the possession of Mr. Buxton and Miss Alexander, and assisted by the vivid recollections of Mendelssohn's most intimate friends. The fidelity of the likeness and the close resemblance of the costume worn by the composer were the theme of universal approbation, and while the model was in progress it was inspected by the Prince Consort, who was pleased to express the great satisfaction he had experienced in viewing so faithful a counterpart of the illustrious original. The method of casting the statue, which is upwards of eight feet in height, is peculiar to the establishment of Messrs. Robinson and Cottam, for, while it used to be the practice to cast large statues piecemeal, by an improved plan they are now cast entire. The preparations consisted of a large iron case, bound and rivetted together, and built on the floor of such dimensions as to allow the reception of the full length figure in a horizontal position. Immense furnaces charged with metal were heated to a degree which it would be difficult to define, and at a given, signal an opening was made, and truly and literally the liquid fire poured in one vast stream into a large iron cauldron placed for its reception, into which the contents of two other cauldrons from other furnaces were poured, to form the required composition of metal. This immense cauldron of mixed metal, containing nearly two tons, was then raised by machinery, and when immediately over the mould it was tilted into a large receiver, communicating with the mould beneath. A wheel was then turned, and immediately there was a gurgling and gushing of the
horizontal figure beneath. It was lomewhat curious to watch the skimming process which went on while the metal was in a itate of fusion, so that no unsightly excrescences might appear on the surface of the casting. After the lapse of s, few minutes the workmen commenced knocking away the frame-work and block [mould, but it will be a day or two before the statue ii completely cleared. It is believed, however, the work was most successfully performed. ' The quantity of metal used in the statue is about a ton and a-half ; it will stand eight feet high, and will be elevated on a granite pedestal. With respect to the site on which the statue will be placed, application has been made to Her Majesty's Government to allow it to be placed in the Mall in St. James's Park, but the answer has noj; been received.