THE EXHIBITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1659, 27 January 1906, Page 2

THE EXHIBITION.

OFFICIAL REVIEW.

(Per Press Association.) Christchurch, last night.' The weekly official reviow of the pro-* gress of the New Zealand International Exhibition states that a heavy wind swept over Hagley Park on Sunday, and damaged the main building of the exhibition, which is in oours9 of ereotion. The extent of the damage was very much exaggerated, and some unwarranted statements of serious delays, etc., were made. An independent survey of tho damage was held, when it was ascertained that the total loss is eotne £704. This survey confirms the statement of those who ought to know that tho accident would not iu apy way affect the prog ess of the exhibition, and that there was no occasion for alarm,

The decorative committeo has recommended that advantage be takon of Sit Joseph Ward’s visit to Italy, and that he be requested and empowered to purchase £SOO pounds worth of statuary for docorative purposes. The commissioners have endorsed the committee's recommendations, and the Government has given the necessary authority. Mr James McDonald, of tho Colonial Museum staff at Wellington, is now preparing a series of life size models of Maori chiefs to be placed in the Maori hall of tho Museum, and it has been decided to ask Government to lend the executive oommiesioners those models for the decoration of the grand hall of tho exhibition. It has been definitely settled to issue commemorative posiago stamps iu connection with the exhibition, and these will only bo purchasable at the Government Postoflices within the exhibition buildings. Stamps of this nature ate not available for general purposes according to the rules of the Postal Union, but arrangements may be mado with certain countries to recogoise them. It is anticipated that the United Kingdom end the Commonwealth of Australia will agree to recognise these stamps, which wiil ensure a considerable circulating value.