THE EXHIBITION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2480, 18 March 1882, Page 3

THE EXHIBITION.

The first arch of the great transept, which will intersect the Exhibition building north and south, was erected this morning. An extra number of men were set to work to wall in and door the various offices, so that the promoters will be on the ground on and after Monday next to point allotted space to exhibitors as previously arranged. The numbering of the bays is being proceeded with to-day, and the ramos ot the various exhibitors is being painted and the door of each bay and space, the limits of wbioh are also clearly [defined. Very commodious quarters are also being provided for the various representatives of the Press in the balcony door above the main entrance, which, from its immediate contiguity to the telegraph office, and also from its overlooking the whole of the building, is most conveniently placed. In addition to this a box will be provided for each reporter, Mr Meddings has made arrangement* with Timarn, by which the whole of the electric lighting appartus of the Landing Service will be placed at his disposal, and erected under his supervision, thus aiding in the illumination of the building. The promoters are deluged with letters and telegrams from various parts of New Zealand, as also from Sydney and Melbourne, asking what arrangements will be made by the U. S. B. Company for rnnning excursion steamers for the opening ceremony, which, occurring at the holiday season, suggests that every possible facility should be given to intending visitors. It is rumoured that boats other than those of the company mentioned are likely to visit our port on that occasion for the convenience of excursionists.

The very defective lighting of the Lincoln road just above the Exhibition building is most noticeable. No lamp is erected between the western end of St. Asaph street and the Sydenham boundary at Munning’e store. At least two lights are badly needed in this intersecting space, and will be most urgently required during the approaching Exhibition season.

Mr Dilworth, manager for the International Exhibition Agency, hai secured nearly forty bays for the due display of the very largo collection he will exhibit on behalf of many leading home firms. The commencing point of his apace will be about the centre of the European avenue, going eastward from the main entrance past the African Octagon, and taking up a portion of the easttan avenue. About 200 tons of these exhibits are now in port, stored, and awaiting the time when all shall be ready for them to bo placed in their respective locations. Besides these a large collection is now under way from Melbourne, to which port they were conveyed by the Orient 8.3. Co.’s boats Potest, Chimborazo, and John Elder, The Bt. Leonards and Huntingdon have also convoyed largo consignments to the same port. The magnitude of the collection may be conjectured when it is stated that about two-thirds of the whole of the British Court will be taken up by them, in addition to which the machinery department will be largely occupied by machinery for every conceivable purpose belonging to the same agency’ MEETING OF DELEGATES. A meeting of delegates from the various friendly and trade societies was held last evening in the City Council Chamber, for the purpose of making arrangements for holding a procession at the opening of the forthcoming Exhibition. There was a large attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr Woodford, who afterwards vacated it in favor of His Worship the Mayor. After some preliminary discussion, Mr Joubert, who was present at the invitation of the committee, thanked the representatives of the friendly and trade societies for tho manner in which they had come forward to

in making the Exhibition a Buooes*. After lome general remark* on the subject of exhibitions, he explained how it was proposed that the procession should enter the building, and said that the president, Tice president, secretary and standard bearer of each society would be accommodated with seats on the dais, while the other members of the procession would distribute themselves along the avenues, or wherever they could find places. There would be about 1600 seats, 200 of which would be occupied by guests and 200 by officials, leaving 1200, which would be charged for at 5s each, With the exception of the office-bearers mentioned, who would receive cards of invitation, the members of the procession would be charged one shilling for admission.

The Mayor suggested that a committee should bo appointed to select a marshal, and make all the necessary arrangements for the procession. It would be better perhaps that , the order of precedence should be determined by drawing lots. Mr Gapes thought the present meeting would not be too large for the committee. It was composed of delegates from most of the societies and trades, who were unanimous in their desire to take part in the demonstration. He moved—“ That Mr Leahy be appointed marshal of the procession.” Mr Woodford seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Woodford proposed, and Mr Ooomber seconded—" That all tradfs and societies that intend taking part in tie procession at the opening of the Exhibition send word of such intention to the marshal, Mr Leahy, by the 31st March, giving the name of the trade or society, s.nd its officers and delegates, not exceeding four in number, and also the number of persons likely to attend ; that members of trades not affiliated with any society oan take part in the procession by sending word to the secretary of the trade to which they belong.” Motion agreed to. On the motion of Mr Hobbs, seconded by Mr Cotton, it was resolved —“That the various bands in and around Christchurch be invited to send delegatee to the meetings of this committee.”

Mr O’Sullivan proposed, and Mr Gapes seconded a hearty vote of thanks to Messrs ( Joubort and Twopeny for the liberal manner in which they had met the committee. The motion was agreed to, and Mr Joubert returned thanks.

After passing a vote of thanks to the Mayor, the meeting adjourned until Thursday next, at the same hour and place.