THE EXHIBITION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1160, 22 June 1911, Page 6

THE EXHIBITION.

ROUGH WEATHER AFFECTS ATTENDANCE. NAVAL SPORTS POSTPONED. CAMBRIAN'S MEN UNABLE TO LAND. Owing to (lie bad weather yesterday there was not a very large attendance at the Coronation Exhibition. This iwas not surprising in view of the fierce gale and heavy continuous rain, which to a very great extent prevented people leaving the shelter of tho city verandahs in the afternoon and all tho comforts of homo in tile evening. The northerly gale was responsible tor the postponement of the naval sports, which were to have been held in the Stadium last evening. At 7 o'clock a doubt arose as to whether tho men would bo able to come ashore, and as there was no sign of them the Exhibition authorities, through tho courtesy of the first lieutenant of 11.M.5. Cambrian, got into touch with the warship by Morse. Tho lantern winked a query about the men coming ashore, and the reply was that they could not do so in thenown boats. The question was then asked whether the men would be allowed to come if a lug was sent out. An answer in tho affirmative was given, and further leave, was given for them to stay ashore all night. Tho "Ferry Company was consulted, but ou tho captain stating that the job of getting alongside the warship in such a gale and sea would bo too hazardous for the safety of the steamer, the project had reluctantly to be abandoned.

It is hoped that the'sports will be held on Monday evening next or on some night before the Cambrian sails from Wellington.

EXHIBITION EN FETE. Everywhere in the Exhibition may be seen emblems of loyalty to the King and Queen on the occasion of their Coronation, from which august event the Exhibition takes its name. Most of the stall-hold-ers and exhibitors have patriotic designs, pictures, flags, or illuminations to mark to-day's great occasion, and the Executive Committee have tittivated up the Stadium steps and the Stadium itself with flags and ferns in a most attractive manner. "PUNCH AND JUDY." That imperishable melodrama "Punch, and Judy," crowded with sensations tragical, comical, and loveable, may now Ire seen, afternoon and evening, in a pavilion opening off the first landing of the Stadium stairway. Professor Luella is the chief manipulator of the dolls.- The entertainment is finding great favour with the children. A BRILLIANT ILLUMINATION. Not to be outdone by the Coronation illuminations in the city, the Exhibition Executive have erected a brilliant illumination round the tower of itho Customhouse. This takes the form of the single word—"Exhibition." worked in large block - letters in electric bulbs on each side of a triangle. The sign can be seen from nearly every point of vantago in the city within a two-mile radius.

CORONATION SPORTS. The Coronation sports are to take place in the Stadium this evening. A great programme has been arranged, including a. 11-mile' Marathon race to South Kilbirnie, ■ via Oriental Bay,- and back by way of- Newtown. Apart from a lengthy sports 'meeting (which has attracted large entries in all sections), the Pageant of the Nations will be performed again under the direction of Mr. J. Harrison. This was a great success last week, and should attract a large audience this evening. PIERROTS AND PICTURES. The English Pierrots, that clever little combination of entertainers from St. Kilda, attracted a fairly large audience last evening considering the weather. In Maynard Dakin, the Pierrots possess one of the brightest comedians seen in Wellington for a long time. To hear him sing "Come with Me to Brighton" is a joy, and his "My Idea of a Girl" is a bit' of comedy mumming of the first water. Good turns arc also provided by Miss Phyllis Phillipson. who sings good songs charmingly, and Messrs. Chapman, Austin and Turner. Mr. Rob Thomas does valuable work at the piano. As the Pierrots are contemplating a move all who enjoy a real good entertainment should see them in their home at tho Coronation Theatre. Pictures from the ends of the earthhistorical, educative, comical, and dramatic—will be shown this afternoon. The .All Nations Pageant, which- was so successful at Mr. Harrison's entertainment last week.-is to bo repeated in the Stadium to-night, by special .request and arrangement with the Exhibition Commissioners. Some 70 young ladies dressr-d to represent different conn-' tries are reviewed, and pay homage to Britannia,' and perform evolutions for her edification, and that of the audience. A Spanish Castanet dance is also contributed. Altogether, a brilliant spectacle of colour is promised. This item is arranged for nine o'clock.