BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1924, Page 2

BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Aii invitation has boon extended to the Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister to attend the closing of the Exhibition on Saturday night next. The Oreymouth schools picnic yesterday was responsible for a very large attendance at the Exhibition all day yesterday. The visitors enjoyed their stay at the Exhibition, and on behalf of the children, Mr Tennent, Chairman of the School Committee, expressed, thanks for the courtesies extended to the visiting children. The attendance at night was well sustained. Many congregated near the band stand, where the Exhibition orchestra rendered the programme which was announced in the previous issue. The Orpheus Theatre held two good audiences last night to enjoy Miss MacDonald’s pupils in a novel dance recital. Tlie good things said in advance of this troupe were well .substantiated. Roth programmes were well received. The second programme win the more distinctive, but both efforts showed marked capability. Tlie juvenile element was a special delight. Some of tlie ballets were particularly The Grecian corps de ballet was of outstanding merit. Plasties was another good item. The little dots in male evening dress brought down the bouse. The whole programme went with a swing and without a moment's wait. Miss MacDonald’s organisation was most complete, and Mrs Adam at the piano was always a ready accompanist. Every number was dressed specially. The wardrobe cf the company is an extensive one. Despite the fuel that the company travelled all day yesterday, and arrived at the buildings almost on time to appear, without the possibility of any local arrangement, toe whole performance went capitally, :tnr. was enjoyed to the full by all present.

To-night tlieii- will be- a complete change of programme. Several concerted items are being rehearsed this niternoon, and patrons will have special fare to-night, including the presentation of the Fox Trot wedding. Miss Macdonald will, herself also present an item. The two programmes will be distinctive and early attendance will be necessary to secure seating aeeommodat ion.

The ladies assisting with the Exhibition hall are invited to meet at tlie Soldiers’ Hall at 2.30 o’clock on Tlmixday afternoon. A start has been made already to prepare for this important social event of the Exhibition period. The mnr<p:ee annexe will he erected tomorrow, and other internal alterations in t'lie main hall effected. Mr H. A. Thompson will he in charge of the floor as M.O. on Friday night. Tickets for the hall are still procurable at the Exhibition Office:

To-night at the Exhibition MissMacdonald's pupils will again entertain large audiences with further programmes of a varied character in song and dance. The Fox Trot wedding will he included most probably in to-nighth new items. The company had such a

cordial reception last night that tli further appearance of the lalentei troupe are sure to he well patronsied The first entertainment to-night wil he at 8 o’clock.

To-morrow night in addition to furappearances at the Orpheus Theatre by Miss Macdonald’s troupe of young ladies, the Exhibition Orchestra will

render a new programme in the mail annexe. There will he a late train t< (• rC;,' mow i h , 10-iihiitow being a)si People's Day at the A. and IV Show a the Hokitika racecourse.

Everything points to the Exhibition Hall on Friday night at the Soldiers’ Hall being a pronounced success. The preparations for the event are in hand already. The lloor space for dancing will he increased by using the lean to hitherto used as a supper room, and to provide fresh quarters for refreshments, a lage marquee is being erected, whore cool sitting out quarters will he provided. The hand supplied by the Hoy a I Orchestra will he at the western end of the hall so as to provide the music also for the annexe. These alterations will he appreciated by patrons. The hall itself will he tastefully decorated with flags, and special attention devoted to the floor. The sale of tickets is being limited to avoid over-crowding and discomfort to the dancers. Supper arrangements are being supervised by the ladies’ committee which will he in charge of the general arrangements in connection with the hall, which should make it the outstanding event of the season. The Exhibition will wind up on Saturday next. On that day a very large picnic party from Grey Valley and the Otirn line will visit Hokitika, and this influx should assist to make the attendance for the day a record. The closing ceremonial will take place in the main annexe at 0.30 o’clock. The hand will he present, and several addresses will he made bv memehrs of the Exhibition Council. No doubt the citizens will roll up in force for the closing scene of an event which despite the large undertaking it was, has passed off so creditably. A number of •viuntrv visitors will be present, stud there will he a late train to Crcyinont.li. There will he cooking demonstrations at the Has Company’s stand at the Exhibition, to-morrow afternoon at 3.30 o’clock and a.t 7.30 o’clock in the evening. The demonstrations will conclude- on Friday, as Miss Todhunter has to return to Christchurch the following day. It is announced in this issue thatholders of season tickets will he presented to-night with a Souvenir Catalogue of the Exhibition, on presentation of the season admission ticket. The Souvenir Catalogue will he an interesting record to refer to in time to come of one of the . most important events in the history of Hokitika and district.