OPENING OF THE CHRISTCHURCH EXHIBITION.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 599, 11 April 1882, Page 2

OPENING OF THE CHRISTCHURCH EXHIBITION.

(By Telegraph.)

(From our own Correspondent.)

The Exhibition has been successfully opened. The profession was formed at 10 o'clock on Victoria bridgo. and marched through the main streets. Eight bands took part. There were 4200 persons in the procession, and a splendid display of banners. About 400 volunteers and cadets formed lines from the entrance to the dais on which the Governor made a speech. The blue jackets formed a guard of honor, and the procession passed in, followed by the Mayor and Councillors, the officers of M.M.S. Miranda, the promoters, and inembeis of the Chamber of Commerce. The Governor and Lady Gordon and suita arrived at eleven, escorted by cavalry. The bands struck up the National Anthem, and the volunteers presented arms. His Excellency was received by tho promoters. As ho ascended the platform the artillery fired a salute, and three cheers were given. On the platform v/cro Commander Watson and his officers, .the lion T. Dick, the Hon Walter Johnston, Colonel Packo, and His Lordship the Primate. Mr Joubert read the opening address, and finished by giving His Excellency a gold medal struck that day in tho building, to be xor.vanled to the Queen. His Excellency replied in well chosen terms, and said it afforded him great pleasure to forward the medal to the Queen, who always took a deep interest in such exhibitions, and wished the promoters every success in their bold undertaking. He then declared the Exhibition open. Mr Joubert then called for cheers for His Excellency. The Artillery Band then played " The Exhibition March," composed by Bandmaster Hamilton. Mendelssohn's " Hymn of Praise " was thon performed by the Christchurch Musical Society, under tho direction of Mr Wells. The soprano solos were taken by Miss Fairhurst and Master Appleby, and the tenor solos by Mr A. S, Appleby, About 12000 paid entrance.

A great many bays are not filled yet, and cases unopened. The Peninsula bay attracted a good deal of attention. About 100 cheeses were exhibited. Mr Fedeili makes a good display with silkworms.