INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2428, 17 January 1882, Page 4

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION

A meeting of the Exhibition committee of the Industrial Association was held last evening in the rooms of the association, Hereford street, at half-past seven o'clock. There were about thirty members present, and the chair was occupied by Mr J. P. Jameson, president of the association. The Chairman said the committee appointed to suggest sub-committees to procure exhibits in their respective departments had reported as follows : Class A—Ores, marble, building stone, cement, kerosene shale, paraffin, hematite paint, coal, and kindred substances—Dr. Haast, Professor Bickertm, Mr F. Jenkins. Class B—Machinery, steam and other engines, manufacturing machines, mechanical tools, agricultural implements and machines, pumping machinery, windmills, carriages, drays and waggons, perambulators, &o. —Messrs J. L. Scott, Howland, A. B. Kirk, W. Moor. Clsss C— Woodware, timber, terracotta and pottery, drain and other pipes and articles for sanitary purposes, designs of buildings, bridges, Ac, (models), beats, mechanical inventions, architectural contrivances for civil, military and marine purposes, &o.—Messrs B. W. England, B. Ford, Espenett, H. B. Kirk. Class D—Textile manufactures in wool, eotton and silk, manufactures of flax, hemp, clothing of all kinds, hat manufactures —Messrs B. Hale, Pascoe, Hulbert, Olauville. Class E—Saddlery, harness, leather, boots, skins (prepared), fora, hair (manufactured), soaps, candles, and manufactures from animal and vegetable substances—Messrs B, Allan, Kelsey, Toomor, P. Trent. Class F—All manufactures and preparations of food, dairy produce, fermented and nonintoxicating drinks, confectionery, spices, coffee, wheat, oats, barley, rye, linseed, Ac , agricultural and gsrden seeds, &c. —Messrs J. P. Jamieson, Kelsey, Banks, F. Trent, Boss. Class Q—Vegetable and other substances, malt and hops, flax, hemp, wool, oils, skins, silk (raw), tanning material, bird skins (cure-11, glue, gelatine, dextrine, farm manures, hones for manufacturing purposes, &o.—Messrs K. H. Wood, W. Pratt, a. Manning. Class H—Paper manufactures, bookbinding, printing, lithography, inks, &c , photographs— Messrs W. S. Smith, Tombs, G. Hart Class J—lron, brass, zinc, and other castings and manufactures, ornamental castings, hydraulic apparatus, stoves, ranges, gates, general hardware, lamps, iia and japanned wore, 4o.—Messrs E. Buchanan, Bergh, P. Duncan, J. B. Sheath. Class K—Furniture, upholstery and furnishing, basketware, brnshwaro, &o.—Messrs A. J. White, W. S. King, J. Waller, H. Smithy Class L —Qoid and silver smiths’ work, jewellery, articles of vertu, glass, porcelain, &0., sculpture, paintings, engravings, &o.—Messrs Sandstein, Hall, J. A. Bird, T Pavitt. Class M—Scientific and philosophical instruments, apparatus for electric lighting, electric telegraphy, surveying, &c., pianos, organs, and musical instruments, &c.—Messrs J. P. Jamieson, H. B. Webb, W. B. Mitchell. Educational apparatus and appliances—Professor Biokerton. Special Class—Under seventeen years of age, and to be hona file their work —Girls: No dl:>work (plain and fancy), embroidery, crewel work, also drawings. Boys—Cabinet wo;k, models, mechanical contrivances. Both—Wood c trying, fretwork, collection of birds (mounted), collection of shells, ladies’ work—Messrs E. Allan, B. H. Wood, Stenhonae, W. Bates, B. H. Webb. The report was adapted. On the motion of Mr Hulbert it was resolved that the members of the sub-com-mittees might be added to at the discretion of the general committee, provided the new members had paid their subscription to the association. The Chairman said the next question for them to consider was the suggestion of Mr Twopeny that the committee should undertake the judging and granting of awards. He would be glad to hear the opinion of members on this question. If they agreed to the proposal they would have to consider whether the judges should be selected from members of the association exclusively, or from persons outside as well. Mr Mitchell thought the question of judging might be left over for tho present, because of course the judges would nave to include gentlemen from outside of Christohuroh. Mr B. Allan suggested the appointment of w sub-committee to consider this subject, and moved—“ That the president and Dr. Haast, and Messrs England, Kelsey, Mitchell, and the mover be a sub-committee to consider and report generally on tho course to be recommended in the matter of judging and awards. ” Mr Tombs seconded tho motion, whioh was agreed to. Professor Bickerton asked if it would be wise for the committee to express any opinion on the question of the site for tho Exhibition ? The Chairman said that at last meeting the -committee had approved of the selection of Oranmer square, and he thought that the feeling of the committee generally was in favor of that site. [Hear, hear.] Professor Biokerton suggested that a resolution might be carried approving of Oranmer zquare, and thanking the City Council for their aotion. The Chairman believed that the view held ky tho City Council was endorsed by a very large number of citizens, who thought that as it was a matter affecting Christchurch so closely it might be desirable to put aside for a time what might be considered the ordinary rule and the law. The people dwelling in the neighborhood of the square might exercise a little self-denial, and yield to Che wishes of the large majority of citizens. Processor Biokerton said he would not wish to do anything that would not be unanimous or in good taste. He felt so extremely delighted when he heard of the aotion the Oounoil bad taken that he felt it would be a very nice thing on the part of the committee if they were to express their great satisfaction with that action, and their sympathy with the Oounoil in this matter. Although perhaps it might not be according to tho strict letter of the law, yet there must be under all circumstances in the case of a place intended for recreation a great deal of occasional self denial. It was very inconvenient, for instance, to walk soross the square when a football match was being played, and people generally walked round. And when the sports were on in the Park, which was considered still more sacred, tho thoroughfare across was practically stopped. If the people were content to exercise self-denial when only amusements were going on how much more should they be willing to do so in the case of a recreation of suoh a high character as an Exhibition, and surely it would not be very hard for them to walk round the square when necessary during the few months that the Exhibition would be open. He would be glad to move a resolution expressing entire approval of the course taken by the City Oounoil in granting the use of Oranmer square. He might mention that the first great Exhibition of 1851 was held in Hyde Park. The people of London were generally considered very tenacious of their rights in regard to public parks, and yet they permitted the great Exhibition to be held in Kensington Gardens. Mr T. Pavitt concurred in the resolution proposed. Were it not that the promoters had used all their efforts to procure a site as well adapted as Oranmer square, it would bo a different matter ; but it seemed that it was tho only available site within the city. Mr Jenkins thought it was premature to bring this question before the committee. He would much rather that it was not touched upon to-night, but was not at present in a position to give his reasons. Mr Tombs did not think the proposal was premature. As a resident in the neighborhood ofi Oranmer square a petition was recently presented to him for his signature protecting against the site, whioh he emphatically refused to sign. The gentleman who was carrying it round said ho was prepared to put a sum of money down to fight the matter in tho shape of procuring an injunction. Now he thought the committee would be in the dark if they allowed that matter to come forward without being able to fight their way in It to some extent. Ho was of opinion that it would be far better for them to retire from the square, and take a portion of Hagley Park, whioh he believed would be unanimously granted by- the citizens. If a little popular demonstration were made no doubt permission would be given by the Domain Board. Mr Kelsey agreed with the last speaker. If they could stretch a point and allow the promoters of the exhibition the use of Oranmer square, they could also stretch a point and Svo them permission to use a portion of agley Park, whioh, in many respects, was the more suitable site. Ho would vote in favour of the square being used, if it were put to the meeting; but, on the other hand, were they to be asked as an Association whioh they preferred, he would certainly give his rote in favour of the Park. Mr W. S. King thonght the present motion was premature. There was not a full Board at the City Oounoil when the matter was discussed, and, consequently, they had no right to grant the use of Oranmer square, which

belonged to the citizens of Ohristohoroh, Ho did not say this in opposition to what hod boon done, but in the interests of the promoters of tho exhibition, because he was certain that the opposition they would meet with to tho granting of Oranmer square would do them a great deal of injury. Ho thought the majority were against the exhibition being hold there. In the first place, it would deprive the children of the Normal school of ihoir recreation ground. Mr Mitchell said that Mr King was in error in regard to the children of tho Normal School. They used their own playground, and were requested not to assemble in Oranmer square. Dr. Yon Haast was of opinion that if a site in Hagley Park were asked for it wou’_d be granted. Some members of the Domain Board wore of opinion that they could not grant permission legally, but, no doubt, it there was a general expression of opinion on the part of the public that objection would be waived, and there would not bo the same difficulty raised as was the case on a previous occasion. He confessed, however, that he could not see why Oranmer square should not be granted. If tho promoters wished to have their hands so strengthened, he would suggest that the committee should sign a petition to the Domain Board on the subject. [Hear, hear.] It would be well to have a petition reedy at once in case there was any difficulty about Oranmer square. Mr Hulbert said Mr King had made one or two statements which he desired to correct. He had stated that there was not a full Board at the Council when Mr Twopeny’s application was granted. There were eight members and the Mayor present, who were all unanimous, and they were aware that two members who were not present were of tho same opinion as themselves. Mr King also said the City Council had no right to take the course it did. The Council had every right. They were trustees, and acted in that capacity. They told Mr Twopeny exactly the powers they possessed, and the risks ho ran, and, therefore, they had every right to do what they did. And it was only with the knowledge that the Domain Board bad positively refused permission to hold the Exhibition in the Park that they considered it their duty, as representing the citizens, to give the next best oite in the city for the purpose. [Hear, boar.] Mr Howland thought it w as a pity that this question had been brought up. If the Council was right, there was no need for the committee to back them up. Ho knew there were gentlemen who were opposed to having the Exhibition in Oranmer square, and it was not right to force the matter on, and to thank the Council for doing what some members thought they bad no right to do. Mr A. B. Kirk suggested to Professor Biokerton that he should withdraw his resolution. Mr England and Mr Sandstein agreed with this suggestion. Mr Manning asked if an application had been made to the Domain Board for the use of Hagley Park. Mr Mitchell said there was a great difference between the action of the City Council and that of tho Domain Board. When the former met and discussed the question they invited Mr Twopeny and himself to be present. With regard to tho Domain Board he was very much disappointed. He did hot make his application until after ho had been almost coaxed to do so. He was told by individual members that if an application were made, it would not only be considered but granted. The chairman promised to use every endeavor to got tho Park, and said ho would employ the very argument which had been advanced by Professor 1 Biokerton, namely, that tho Exhibition of 1851 was tho people’s exhibition and the people’s park was used. He was very much surprised when he received an intimation that his application had been received but could not be entertained. Mr Allan said that if Professor Bickerton’s resolution was put he would vote for it on the ground that the City Council were entitled to the thanks of the committee. They had stretched a point to meet a ease of emergency. If there had existed in Christchurch any other site whioh oculd have been obtained for payment, they would no doubt have referred Mr Twopeny to that site ; and after Mr Mitchell’s explanation he thought that the Council had taken a very fair view of the question, and it was only reasonable for the committee to support them. If Hagley Park □ould not bo obtained, the promoters must either have Oranmer square or leave Christchurch and go to Papanui or elsewhere. They had been offered Hirer's paddock and Matson’s paddock free of charge. The holding of the Exhibition at Oranmer square would no doubt inconvenience persona in the immediate neighbourhood, but were they to study the convenience of about twenty or thirty people when the interests of the inhabitants at large were concerned. Mr Webb thought that unless any resolution on the subject was unanimous they had better not say anything about it. Professor Biokerton was of the same opinion, and would withdraw his resolution. Would it be advisable for the committee to petition the Domain Board to grant the Park, which would be a much better place ? Dr. von Haast concurred with this suggestion, and thought all present should at once sign a petition. Mr Pavitt thought it would be better to leave the matter to Messrs Joubert and Twopeny for the present. It was a great pity that all this difficulty should be caused by the opposition of a few residents in the locality. Mr Allan pointed out that the same legal objections whioh had been urped against the square would bo raised in regard to the park. Mr Tombs moved—“ That a petition to the Domain Board be circulated by this committee, asking for the use of a portion of Hagley Park for the purposes of the Exhibition.” If a monster petition were signed and sent to the Domain Board they would be bound to grant the use of the Park. Professor Biokerton seconded the motion. He would like to ask Mr Mitchell whether Mr Twopeny would like the Park as a site if it could be obtained. Mr Mitchell said there were many parts of the Park. The oite he selected at first was between the Meteorological Observatory and the river. That would be a suitable site if there was time to erect a bridge and carry out all that was originally proposed. He might be permitted to say that he thought a motion suoh as that now proposed, if carried by the committee, might have a very bad effect, because the promoters were now waiting to see what strength the opposition to Oranmer square would reach. If it were strong enough to be likely to give them any litigation or legal trouble his advice to Mr Twopeny would be to retire. Mr Jenkins thought it would be better for the committee to allow Mess s Joubert and Twopeny to manage their own business. The Chairman was also of opinion that the committee had better not take any aotion in the matter at present. The opposition whioh had arisen to Oranmer square might subside. Mr Tombs said that after the remarks of Mr Mitchell he would withdraw his motion. Mr Sandstein presumed that Mr Twopeny would understand that if the assistance of the committee in signing a petition to obtain the Park would be of any use it would be readily available. The discussion then terminated. Mr T. 8. Weston and Mr O. B. Taylor were elected members of tho committee, and the meeting adjourned.