CORONATION EXHIBITION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 11110, 6 May 1911, Page 7

CORONATION EXHIBITION.

A HIVE OP INDUSTRY. "' The big "J" and "U" stores on Waterloo _ Quay, which are to lose their alphabetical identity for tho time they inergo as "The Exhibition.," aro alive with building activity. Great consignments of timber are being discharged, into the sheds, p.nd a tattoo of hammers indicates that no time is being lost in preparing for the opening day—May 21—which was in danger- of being overlooked. Everybody is now fully alive to the fact that they have less than twenty days to build their stalls and arrange their exhibits. The Wellington Gas Company is already making a brave show in the centre of "U" store (tho building situated at the entrance to the Ferry Wharf). In their exhibit they will show what can be dona with gas in the equipment of a modern residence. To say any more would bo anticipating a very attractive and instructive exhibit. The frame-work of several other stalls is already up, and a few days' work will see the carpenters making way for the decorators. The main doors will be right opposite the entrance to the Ferry AVharf at the southern end of "TJ" store. The new doors have already been erected, and four registering turnstiles have been placed in position. The main part of the big annexe which is to Join tho two big stores together, is already up, and tho floor is being laid as speedily as possible, eo that there will be ready access from one building to the other on the level. A new stairway is also being erected to connect with the gallery of "V" store. INSURANGEjEETEGTED.i'.j ir, The Exhibition Commissioners have complied with tho demand of tho Harbour Board to have the buildings covered with the Standard Insurance Company. It has been held that tho underwriters were charging rather heavily m fixing tho rate as high as 6s. Bd. per cent, for the three months' currency of the Exhibition, or other fireproof buildings (brick walls and asphalt floors) are, as a rule, covered in Wellington for Ss. 6d. cer cent, per annum. The buildings have been insured for .£13,000—X22.C00 at ss. Ncr cent, and .£20,800 at Gs. Bd. per cent. The State Fire Department quoted is. 6d. per cent, for the three months, but tho board stipulated that , the insurance Yaa to be effected with the Standard office. Exhibitors must make their own arrangements for insuring their goods. The underwriters are quoting 10s. per cent, (less 10 per cent,). SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENTS. The Entertainment and Sports Comlnitteo of tho Coronation Exhibition met yesterday afternoon, Mr. T. Ballinger presiding. The chairman said that it had been proposed to alter tho position of the concert hall slightly. This meant the loss of the greater part of tho sido gallery, but he did not know that this would be any very serious loss, and only ono exhibitor would bo disturbed. Under the new scheme they would bo able to seat 782 persons, instead of 10(10. Tho amendment was agreed to. The secretary stated that the various schools were sending squads of 40 each who would give exhibitions of physical drill and singing. The children wore bcincf trained in. their singing by Mr. E, Parker. . . Tho chairman remarked that "The Stadium" had been suggested to him as the name by whicli tho sports ground should be known. With seats on ono side and oho end, they could seat 113G people. The sports ground proper was 303 foot long. It was decided that tho seating plan proposed bo adopted. Tho stadium is being so arranged that running, tennis, bowling, skating, etc., can be carried out. The CQu'rse works out at twelve laps to tho mile. Arrangements havo been mado for members of the Liedertafel, under Mr. Robert Parker, to sing the choruses at tho opening ceremony. The following wero .elected a Sports Committee to arrange and control the sports at the exhibition: —Messrs. T. Churchward, T. H. Ronaldson, A. Marr.vatt, W. H. Jones. C. E. Bridge W.H. Pollock, J. H. Pollock, and H C. W. Blick.