EXHIBITION SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2477, 15 March 1882, Page 3

EXHIBITION SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE.

A meeting of this committee was held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, his Worship the Mayor presiding. A letter was road from the Government, stating they conld not give free passes on the railway to bands attending to take part in the Exhibition festivities, but special facilities would be afforded to them. Free passes would be given to officers and men of war vessels over the railway. The Government conld not arrange for any contribution towards the expenses of the entertainment of distinguished visitors. The Premier stated that he was glad to notice that his Excellency had acceded to the request of the promoters to invite the war vessels to be present in time for the opening. A letter was read from Mr E. Mitchell, stating that he bad pleasure in offering the nse of tbe North Park for sports dnring the Exhibition. A letter was read from Mr Wilson, stating that it was probable that the Grand National Steeplechase conld be arranged to be held in Christchurch on the 24th May, if a subsidy towards the prizes could be given by the Exhibition sports committee. Mr Thomson moved—" That the matter of the Grand National Steeplechase be accepted and referred to the sub -committee to see what funds they would allocate.” Mr Hebden pointed out that the sub committee were in communication with the Hunt Club as to steeplechases. He would like to know if any information had been received on the subject. The Mayor replied in the negative. Mr Hebden then seconded the motion, which was put and agreed to. A report was brought np by the ball and entertainment sub-committee, stating that they bad resolved that a ball beheld, if practicable, in the Exhibition building at the end of Ap-il, and that a subsidy of -£lso be voted for the same.

The Mayor said Messrs Jonbert and Twopeny had consented to allow the use of the art gallery for the bail. The Exhibition, he might say, would be open on that night. The only charge would be for the gas and the band, which latter would be the Austrian band. The price of double tickets would probably be wSI Es, single gentlemen’s jBI Is, and ladies’ 10a 6d. There would, in addition to the .£l5O asked for, have to be a guarantee from a number of citizens at £,Z 3s each. On the motion of Mr Stevens, the report was referred to the finance allocation committee. Mr Thomson briefly reported as to the collecting, and gave it as his opinion that they would not be able to get much more than .£SOO. As to coursing, Mr Hebdon pointed out that all the coursing clubs would have their meetings in full swing about the Exhibition time. The fo lowing gentlemen were appointed as additional members of the collecting committee : —Messrs Newby, O. Louieson. The question of a regatta, for which £3OO was asked by the sub-committee, was postponed till next meeting. The application of the Friendly Societies for .£55 was also postponed. With regard to the procession, Mr Leahy said the Friendly Societies had arranged with M- Jonbert as to the arrangements. In answer to Mr Gapes, the Mayor said that the beat method for the Friendly Societies to adopt would bo to place themselves in communication with M. Jonbert and the various trade societies, to ask them to join with the Friendly Societies in the procession. Mr Thomson denied that he had in any way given cause for the remarks which had been made by the members of the Friendly Societies as to what ha had said at a former meeting. He had pointed out when a large number of societies were congregated together that they could not expect to go into the Exhibition. Mr A. C. Wilson said the whole matter was a misunderstanding, and no one there ever thought for an instant that Mr Thomson would oast a slur on any body of men. [Bear, hear.J Mr Hebden suggested that as it was probable the regatta would fall through .the committee might consider the advisableness of holding an Interprovincial Band contest. Be would move —“That the musical committee be requested to consider the advieablenesß of holding an

Interprovincial Band Contest daring the Exhibition.”

Mr Davis seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Dr. Frankish and Mr Kohn were elected as members of the general committee. The meeting then adjourned for a fortnight.