THE AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14838, 2 December 1913, Page 6

THE AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

In the midst of graver matters, it is very pleasant to congratulate heartily tho people of Auckland on tho opening of their Exhibition. With people of less energy and enterprise, the troubles of tho last six weeks might have had a serious effect on the undertaking, but tho Exhibition was opened yesterday under what was, in the circumstances, a very creditably forward condition. The last Exhibition in Auckland was held fifteen ' years ago, in a small field attached to Government House, and was a very modest affair of little moro than local scope. Its area could be comfortably accommodated in a corner of the present Fair in the Domain, ono of the loveliest of the many lovely parks belonging to New Zealand cities. In the intervening years Auckland has grown very much in tize and character. It sees itself now a city strotching out over the' isthmus, and a very much more progressive city than it was fifteen years ago. Its citizens have not only more energy and confidence, but more public spirit and better ideals of civic government and progrcs. Our report of the opening ceremony shows how readily citizens havo guaranteed and given money for the Exhibition, which, combined with good business management,lias enabled tho promoters to carry out tho enterprise without Stato assistance. Christchurch is more interested than the other centres in two of the reasons given by the President of the. Exhibition for claiming that the Exhibition is unique. If the Exhibition is not an international affair, it is one that interests the whole Dominion, and Auckland's friends in other parts will be glad to Lear of its success. From all accounts the Exhibition is excellently planned to suit both thoso who wish to improvo their minds and enjoy some of "tho things that are mora excellent," and those who like frivolity when they are not' working. Beautifully situated, and furnished with, numbers of attractions, ranging from the delights of Wonderland to fine music and good pictures, it should provide southern visitors with a most enjoyable holiday, and only needs a cessation of industrial trouble to ensure its complete success. We hopo its educational aide will fulfil all the hopes of its promoters, and that t_e mingling of Aucklandere and peoplo from other parts of the Dominion among its courts and gardens will strengthen old friendships and make new ones, and rub away somo of that petty jealousy between New Zealand cities, which is a handicap to national progress.