THE EXHIBITION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2452, 14 February 1882, Page 3

THE EXHIBITION.

A meeting convened by his Worship the Mayor was held in the City Council Chamber yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, for the purpose of considering the advisability of holding a series of sports and other entertainments during the approaching Exhibition season. Present—Hiß Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Messrs Crooks, Louisson, Ayors, Newby, Harris, Leahy, Ollivier, Back, A. 0. Wilson, E. 0. J. Stevens, 8. P. Andrews, Parr, W. B. Mitchell. H. Thomson, T. Searell, Bowman, Wolfe, W. G. Walker, B. Walton, J. Richardson, Major Lean, J. P. Norris.

The Mayor explained the object with which he had called the meeting together, and said he thought that Christchurch might be made more attractive to visitors during the Exhibition season by the holding of outdoor sports, comprising races, regatta*, football matches, coursing matches and other sports. Perhaps some of the gentlemen present would express. an opinion on the subject. Mr Ollivier suggested that the Athletio Association should be consulted. They would be able to say whether the boating and football clubs would be likely to assist. He was also of opinion that besides the Mayor's ball there should be a citizens' ball, which, together with the Atsembly balls, and perhaps a calico ball, would afford amusement to the lady visitors. He would movo that there should be three committees—one to get up athletio and other outdoor sports, another to see what)oould be done in regard to dancing arrangements, and a third to consult with Dr. Haast and the University with the view of providing entertainment of a scientific character.

The Mayor read a letter from Mr P. Cunningham, apologising for his unavoidable absence, and suggesting the holding of amateur concerts in the Exhibition twice a week. He referred to the probable inadequacy of the accommodation for visitors. He (the Mayor) thought the proposed entertainments should extend over as long a period as possible. This would to a certain extent meet the difficulty of want of accommodation, because if visitors remained a long while in Christchurch it would be easier to accommodate them. He was of opinion that it would be better at present to appoint one committee to confer with the different clubs and athletic associations.

Mr Stevens also thought it would be better to have one general committee to deal with the whole matter, and place themselves in communication with the different bodies likely to assist in the matter. Mr Andrews was in favor of having one committee. He suggested that a fire brigade demonstration should be included in the programme. The Mayor said his idea was that Christchurch should challenge the other parts of New Zealand in the different branches of sport, and that substantial prizes should be given. Mr Louisson said that the Jockey Club had advertised a race meeting to take place on the day of the opening of the Exhibition, and perhaps they might be induced to postpone the meeting until about the middle of the Exhibition season.

The Major said he had seen Mr Stead on this subject, who had informed him that it would be impossible to postpone the race meeting as suggested, because the acceptances had been fixed for the date mentioned. Mr Stead, however, had intimated that the Jockey Club would be only too glad to hold an Exhibition race meeting. Mr Wilson thought it would be better to appoint a small committee to interview the various sporting and other bodies, and suggested the names of Messrs Mitchell, Andrews, Harris, and the Mayor. Mr Thomson proposed that a general committee should be appointed, who should collect subscriptions, beginning with a fundof say £IOOO, and apportion the money amoEget the different sub-committees. Mr Stevens moved—" That a oommittee be appointed, with power to add to their number, to arrange all matters connected with the proposed entertainments to be given during the continuance of the Exhibition season."

Mr Ayers seconded the motion, whioh was carried after some discussion. It was also resolved—" That the whole of the gentlemen present form the above-men-tioned committee to carry out the objects for which this meeting was called." On the motion of Mr Louisson, it was decided that Mr Haskins should be asked to act as honorary secretary to the committee, and Mr Haskins expressed his willingness to undertake the duty. Mr Back suggested the holding of a flower show in connection with the Exhibition.

On the motion of Mr Thomson, the namcß of the following gentlemen were added to the committee : Messrs Cunningham, Stead, Holmes, Coster, L. Harper, Jos. Gould, W. Dav, W. M. Simms, Landeruan, Dr. Yon Ha'ast, J. T. Matson, Barnett, Wells, Griffiths, Malct, Pratt and Montgomery. Mr Wilson suggested that something should be done at once in the matter of raising subscriptions. Perhaps it would be well to distribute lists. He would propose that a com. mittee of three be appointed for this purpose. Mr Thomson said it would be necessary to have more than three collectors. The whole town would hare to be canvassed. Mr Mitchell did not think it would be necessary to collect such a very large Bum, as a small charge would no doubt be made for admission to the different amusements.

Mr Thomson pointed out that no charge could be made for witnessing tho regatta, and also that it would be very mean, particularly in the case of visitors, to make a charge for admission to any sports in tho Park. The citizens' ball also would be an invitation affair. After some further discusFion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Harris, seconded by Mr Mitchell —" That Messrs Ollivier, Walton and Thomson be appointed a committee to make arrangements for tho collection of funds."

Tho meeting then adjourned until this day week, at the same hour.