MELBOURNE EXHIBITION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1909, 3 August 1888, Page 2

MELBOURNE EXHIBITION

(per press as ociation)

Melbourne, August 2. The attendance at the opening ceremony yesterday is estimated at 36,000. During the firing of the Koyal salute a charge exploded, and shattered Bombardier Mackenzie's arm so badly that it had to be amputated. The choir, under the guidance of Mr Cowen, numbered 600 voices. The principals, to whom the solos were entrusted, were Amy Sberwin, Madame Christian, Armes Beaumont, and Otto Fischer. Sir Henry Parkes, Premier of New Houth Wales, was unable to be present owing to pressure of work m Sydney. Lady Loch was present with an Exhibition pass set m diamonds. Magnificent bouquets cf orchids, sent from Sydney, were presented to the wife of each Governor. Cowen's song of thanksgiving, which he composed for the occasion, was splendidly rendered, and was pronounced to be a scholarly work. The first and last parts of the cantata were decidedly the best m conception and treatment. The other portions were regarded as rather weak. Germany makes a splendid display of art exhibits, which occupy a position corresponding to the British art collection. The art collection m the New Zealand court forms at present one of the most pleasing and interesting features of the Exhibition. Maori curios and models of the lost terraces attracted much attention.

Sir H. Loch,, m the evening, entertained three hundred guests at dinner, including the Governors and Ministers from the neighboring colonies. A cable message was received from the Queen, wishing success to the Exhibition. This was not m reply to the telegram sent to her, but was a spontaneous expression on the part of her Majesty. The lighting of the Exhibition Building is superb. Looking down the Grand Avenue of Nations it is a magnificent spectacle of striking brilliancy.

The German, Austian, and Hungarian courts have a rich decorative effect.

The Broken Hill silver trophy is the most striking trophy m the Exhibition.

Canada makes a very poor representation, and France bad only a moderate display. . Many of the Courts are behindhand m their arrangements.

London, Augast 2. The opening ceremony of the Melbourne Exhibition is warmly eulogised by the Press.