NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 241, 16 October 1906, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

THE EIJI COUET

Mr 'Leslie, E. Brown, Fiji Commissioner to the New Zealand International Exhibition, arrived this morning by the Hauroto en route to Christchurch. Mr Brown has brought with him something like 30 tons of exhibits typical of the group he represents, including specimens of most of the natural products, such, as sugar cane plants (growing), paddy plants (rice), and numerous ofcher interesting botanical curiosities to our less torrid dime. In addition to this, the exhibit embraces a large collection of Fiji curios and articles associated with the life and customs of the islanders, a band of whore ■will next month arrive to erect Fiji houses in the Exhibition grounds, and to represent to visitors the home life of the Fiji aboriginal, while the addition to this section of a body of the renowned fire-walker of Bega will be of itself a powerful magnet of attraction to the curios. Altogether, the court, although not a very large one, promises to be not the least attractive among the representations made by the various island groups of the Pacific. An official handbook has been prepared, containing everything pretty well that an enquirer may wish to know about Fiji, its climate, Government, legislation, history, population, education, agriculture, etc., with notes set t'ng forth the special advantages which the colony presents to intending settlors. RAILWAY AND DEFENCE EXHIBITS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.! CHKISTuiiUxiCH, this day. A splendid display of New Zealand made plant and appliances is to be made by the Railway Department, 'j-here will be shown samples of track in 301b, 401b, 561b, and 701b rails, illustrating the evo--1 hition in that direction from the earliest times up to the present date. Different kinds of -velocipedes and platelayers' trolleys are to be shown, in addition to a 2000 gallon vat for supplying water to the locomotives. A short section of 701b track will be laid to illustrate the working of the various signalling apparatus. The famous Waikato Maori War canoe Taheatokitiki arrived from the North by the Victoria on Saturday, and was landed at the pa on the exhibition ground. To-day the craft, which presents an imposing appearance, was transhipped in three sections (the largest being 50ft Din in length), and was put together in the afternoon, under the direction of Mr. A. Hamilton. The canoe is rapidly being prepared for launching upon the waters of A'jctoria Lake in view of the aquatic display to be made by the natives early next month. Captain Wall, his officers and men, are making yxcellent progress with the preparation of the extensive exhibit representative of the New Zealand Defence Department. Yesterday some seventeencases of arms came to hand, most of the contents being of great historical interest, including, as they do, arms of various kinds dating from 179S to the present time. The large 6in. gun (Mark 7) with full equipment, is expected to arrive from Dunedin this week, and should form a most interesting feature of the g-eneral" display. The weapon is of the Jatest pattern, and has a range of from 14,000 yards. At present the men are engaged laying down the foundations for its reception. A mode fort and model mine field, ■with equipment, are in process of construction. The searchlight projector has been placed in position, and Oaptain Wall expects to have everything ready in good time for the opening. He has a staff comprised of twenty permanent artillerymen at his disposal, and all arii dciug excellent work. PREPARING FOE INFLUX OF CRIMINALS. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. During the Exhibition the total force of police in Christchurch will be increased by from sixty to a hundred men. Commissioner Dinnie, who is at present in Christchurch, is making arrangements for the thorough policing of the Exhibition and of Christdiureh. From now onwards the assistance of the permanent artillery will be sought, and the Department will be able to place thirty men in the building and grounds. A number of constables will be transferred from each police district in the colony, and detectives will be drawn from all parts of the colony, as well as from Melbourne and Sydney. AddiFional men will be distributed throughout, the city both day and night. There will be three reliefs in the building - , each superintended by a sergeant, and probably under a sub-inspector. A large number of plain clothes men will be engaged both in the city and in the. Exhibition, also in the grounds and gardens. Mr Dinnie thinks there will be a large contingent of undesirables and criminals from Australia, doubtless they are arriving now, and detectives from Australia will make them their special care. Arrangements have been made with the police at Hobart, Melbourne, and Sydney to watch all boats, and advise the New Zealand police of any shady passengers, while detectives here will watch all vessels arriving in New Zealand. Mr Dinnie says there are apparently several confidence trick men in Dunedin, and a school is expected in Christchurch. They come as stowaways and in all manner of disguises. Several stowaways-have been arrested here, and the finger print system assisted to reveal their identity. That will frighten many away, and the fear of the Indeterminate Sentences Bill being passed shall also be an effective deterrent.