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Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2055, 16 April 1907, Page 2

THE EXHIBITION CLOSED DOWN THE CEREAIONY. Tress Association. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. Tlio New Zealand International Exhibition was brought to a close tonight. The closing ceremony took place in the main corridor, which was densely packed from end to end. while a huge crowd of people were gathered outside. The ceremony was performed by Lord Plunket, in the presence of Sir William Hawkes, the Admiral of the fleet, the Acting-Pre-mier, Hon. W. Hall-Jones, and other Alinisters of the Crown, the Executive Commissioner,of the Exhibition, and other notabilities. The proceedings continued for about an hour between 9 and 10; but were marred by a continuous disturbance from the western avenue at the back of tlio. platform, which prevented any of the speakers being heard. A confetti stall bad been placed there, and that had the effect of attracting the noisy element. to that spot. Air. Hall-Jonet read an address in which he sketched briefly the main features of tho Exhibition. His Excellency, in reply, said tile review of the Exhibition had said the review of the Exhibition read was a statement which did credit to all concerned. The Exhibition had firstly strengthened the links which bound New Zealand to her neighboring sister States, while New Zealand had learnt through the exhibits ol Australia, Fiji, and Canada, more oi the circumstances and importance ot her neighbors than could have been grasped otherwise. The Exhibition had given tho rising generation an object lesson in the coming greatness of their country, at an age when that impression would remain permanent. He should ever remember with pride that as His Majesty’s representative he was privileged to take some parf in an undertaking so pregnant foi the good of the country, and for the general advantage of the Empire.