DUNEDIN EXHIBITION.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2248, 16 June 1881, Page 3

DUNEDIN EXHIBITION.

The above exhibition was opened with great rclat on Tuesday afternoon. Shortly after two o’clock his Worship the Mayor (A. H. Boss, Esq), accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Stuart, Mr Alexander Burt (vice-president of the National Industrial Association), Mr John Bathgate, Mr O. S. Beeves, and Mr Thomas Bracken, proceeded to occupy the platform, the greater part of whioh was taken up by the performing members of the Dunedin Choral Society, about ninety vocalists being present. The orchestra, numbering about

(twenty performers, was placed immediately in front of the platform. Mr A. J. Towaey ■ ably conducted, and Mr A. R. Kelsey prei tided at the organ. About 500 persons were i present, when the programme was commenced fcy the Rev. Dr. Stuart offering up prayer, i Selections wore then given by the choral society, and were followed by addresses from the Mayor, Mr John Bathgate, and Mr A. Burt, Mr T. Bracken also read a poem composed for the occasion. Wo take the following sketch from the “Times”:As the crowd streamed up the steps to the main entrance and passed into the Hall, not a few ejaculations of surprise and pleasure were audible, and they seemed fully justified by tho spectacle presented.. The folding doors wore opened to their full extent, and flags disposed on either side to form a graceful archway. An open aisle, some ten feet in width, was loft in tho centre of the hall from end to end, and tho space on either side was occupied mainly by glass cases and stands of very tasteful workmanship, the more ponderous exhibits of machinery, &o. being allotted positions at the extreme sides of tho building. Quite a dazzling spectacle greeted the eye on the first superficial glance oast around tho hall, Flags suspended the length of the building, adjusted so es in no way to interfere with the upper light; evergreens, draped in festoons along tho gallery and in any space where room for additional decoration could be found, and a most varied assortment of color of every shade. So many objects present themselves at the moment of entrance, each inviting immediate inspection, that the incomer scorcoly knows for an instant where first to direct his steps. On tho right band are several cases of jewellery and silver work, which at once attract the eye by their extraordinary brilliancy; and farther on a banner of exceedingly tasteful workmanship marks the stand of the New Zealand Clothing Factory. A large number of persons also assembled round the cases containing Messrs McLeod’s |and Bardaley’s exhibits, tho disposition of many colored soaps and candles being most artistic. On tho platform at the farther end was placed an organ (of Colonial manufacture), and beneath the verandah-work which skirts the front and on either side of the steps, were erected stages for tho accommodation of the band, which was an exceedingly large one. From this point too, the gallery at the southern extremity presented a very animated appearance. Immediately above the doorway was fixed tho well-known device of the Union Steamship Company, and the exhibits of Messrs A. J. White and Guthrie and Lirnach occupy the space on either side. Pictures and rugs of variegated patterns were suspended from the side galleries, and served as very suitable decorations, entirely preventing any bareness of aspect being visible at this point. It was a matter of regret that the space at the disposal of the committee was not larger, as, in spite of the judgment which had been exercised in arranging the exhibits, the intervals of space hardly served to allow free movement to the number of visitors assembled. The smaller building, entrance to which is obtained from the north end of the Garrison Hall, although not, of course, displaying the brilliancy of effect observable amongst the fancy exhibits,contains some highly interesting samples of New Zealand industry, and attracted a large number of spectators. Huge blocks of coal from various parts of the colony occupy one end; and Messrs Robin and 00. are exhibiting some carriages of very elegant build. The general impression produced upon spectators by their first glimpse of the whole was unquestionably a most favourable one, and some considerable time was spent in a comprehensive study of the scene before any minute examination of the exhibits could bo attempted.