OTAGO.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume V, Issue 220, 30 January 1865, Page 3

OTAGO.

OPENING OP THE NEW ZEALAND , EXHIBITION. (Abridged from the Otago Daily Times, Jan. 13.) The first New Zealand Exhibition was successfully opened yesterday. His Excellency the Governor failed to arrive to perform the ceremony, as the representative of Her Majesty, and the duty was delegated to the Superintendent of the Province, John Hyde Harris, Esq. There was no public demonstration, in the nature of a procession. The attendance was considerably less than it probably would have been had the Governor of the Colony, accompanied by the naval and military commandants, been present in the building, and so given something of official pomp to the proceedings ; but, despite the absence of all pageant, and the sense of disappointment at the seeming breach of a longstanding promise on the part of the representative of Her Majesty in this colony, the merits of the confessedly very incomplete Exhibition produced a general and deep feeling of gratification. On all hands were to be heard expressions of pleasure and surprise—declarations that the display was much better than could have been anticipated—and congratulations that so much should have been accomplished by a first effort in so young a colony. The Royal* Commissioners must have found solace in their anxieties, and reward for their long-continued and wearisome labors, in the unmistakeable satisfaction which was given by their work to those who yesterday had a hurried opportunity of seeing it: and they may with the utmost confidence, feel that, when tlie Ramsay has arrived, and the varied and most valuable exhibits of British, French, and Indian produce and manufactures which she has on board, have been brought into the building and arranged, there will be but one verdict—that they have done well a groat and good work. The doors were opened shortly after noon, and about 600 holders of season and special day tickets passed slowly into the building. As is usual in such cases, the last day’s work had effected wonders in the appearance of the interior. It would be affectation to say that there are not many improvements in details of arrangement and display which can be effected, and undoubtedly will be; and it was of course a pity to see the English, Indian, and French departments hare, or all but bare. But several of the Provincial departments showed exceedingly well; and the whole exhibition had been brought into a most presentable condition. There was a want of effectiveness in the look of the central hall; but that is one of the defects that will speedily be remedied after the arrival of tho Ramsay. The obelisk representing the bulk of gold got in Otago is the most prominent object; and opposite it stands the elaborate and beautiful apparatus for fbe lantern of the Cape Saunders lighthouse. The displays of gold and jewellery, in several cases, attracted much notice and elicited

decided admiration. At the northern end of the hall, in the dividing line between Otago and England,stands the dais, surrounded by a rich crimson canopy, finished with a deep vallance edging, which was intended for the Governor. It is semicircular in form, has three steps, and bears upon the front of the canopy, in letters of gold, the words, “ Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax.” At the other end of the hall stands the Welling-ton-built organ, contributed by Mr. Lewis. As a finish at the top of the screen, some crimson hanofings, with gilt-colored cording and fringe, have been placed; and in front of the organ was an orchestra for 50 members of the Philharmonic Society. Over the dais, the Royal standard floated; and a line of flags, festooned near the ceiling, extended the length of the building. Above the entrance there was hung a very large piece of carpet-work, the centre of which represents Napoleon 111. presenting to Queen Victoria a document bearing the words, “ The Treaty of Commerce—a further proof of our friendship.” The border is deep, and good in pattern and color, at the bottom being the inscription, “La reciprocite est la base vraie et durable de la paix.” Opposite this, over the doorway leading to the corridor, there were flags, and a blue ribbon beneath them bore the words “ Alternately the nations learn and teach.” At several points, rich carpeting and other specimens of manufacture were displayed in front of the gallery: and a broad band of crimson cloth, fluted and otherwise effectively arranged, stretched round the building, just below the line of the glass forming part of the central roof. The interior of the building looked light and exceedingly pleasant, despite the absence of chromatic coloring on the walls and ceiling, which one is apt to consider as the necessary and only appropriate decoration of the interior of an Exhibition Building. The visitors had time to walk round the interior before the commencement of the opening ceremony, and the corridor, in which there was an excellent display of flowering plants and shrubs, ferns, he., received a full share of commendation. Tin f contain, originally placed in the central hall, was playing, and it could not but be felt that the change .nits position was an improvement. A large am? beautifully-finished boat, built and exhibited by Messrs. Fisher Brothers, was much criticised and praised. The Fine Arts Gallery proves to possess an excellent light; the painting and water-color drawings have been effectively hung; and the gallery will, we doubt not, prove one of the most attractive points in the Exhibition. The Refreshment Department has been well finished, decoratively and comfortably furnished; Mr. J. Johnston and his assistants were for some time very busily employed; and the refreshments, we fancy, gave general satisfaction. A few seats for ladies were placed lengthwise in the hall, on each side of the dais; and there were others in rear of them.