BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1924, Page 2

BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Tho lit Hon W. F. -Massey, who is a Vice-Patron of the British and Intercolonial Exhibition, telegraphed to Mi M'. ,J. Butler. President of the Exhibition. as follows:

Very pleased to hear that your

Exhibition has been so successful, and regret cireunistnwes have prevented my being able to attend it personally. 1 am sorry it will be impossible for me to visit Hokitika next Saturday. Please express to your Executive my appreciation ot their invitation, and my best wishes that tho closing night may prove a fitting termination to a very success-

ful event. Signed, A\. F. Massey.” As next Saturday night will mark the closing of the Exhibition, the continuous service at the local I elephone Exchange which has been operating since the inception of the Exhibition, will cease at midnight, next Saturday, and thereafter the ordinary restricted hours will obtain again commencing on Sunday morning from 9 to 11) only and in the afternoon from 5 to (i only. The Hon \Y. Snodgrass, M.L.C., the donor of the cup for the Essay Competition on the “Resources of 'Westland,” recently decided, has written that he will he unable to attend the Exhibition as proposed, owing to his health. Tn these circumstances it is probable that arrangements will be made to present the cup on Saturday night next during the closing ceremonial of the Exhibition.

The attendance at the Exhibition has been maintained remarkably well. An estimate at the outset was that ,‘IO,OOO attendance would justify the undertaking. The attendanee has far exeeeded that number already so that the. expectations of the promoters from an attendance point of view have been more than realised.

At a meeting oi tin* Building Committee last night it was indicated that the demand lor material from Cho used buildings was very substantial. Several tons of the best iron, and quantities of scant ling etc. have been hooked up already. A quote has been asked for a 100 feci section of the main annex t for a motor garage. Applita tions arc being received also for hods and bedding, electric lighting plant, ns well as sanitary and other utensils. The realisation of tlm assets connected with the Exhibition will naturally take some lime, hut they are a very essential factor governing the ultimate financial result. At present the outlook is very promising and it would appear that in the next, ten days or a fortnight a large amount of plant, material etc. will lie disposed of.

MISS MACDONALD'S RECITAL. The attendance at the Orpheus Theatre last night was equal to that of the previous evening, indicating how popular Miss .Macdonald’s dance recitals arc proving. The programme last evening was of exceptional merit. Two entertainments were given and at |,„th the audience were pronounced in their applause. The classical and acrobatic dancing were featured specially last night and won marked favor. A feature of the first part was the Egyptian Corps do Ballet, performed 1 1 \- the senior pupils. Clad in long pantaloons of black net, with bodices of coloured satin, and head-dresses and girdles of gold, the girls gave an historically correct interpretation of this ancient dance, pertonning with remarkable ease the dillicull and intricate movement. Another item by the seniors was a classical dance, in uhuli the soloist, wince I rock of amber tulle and gold tissue, showed to advantage against the the white and silver draperies worn bv the ballet.

The ‘ Dreamhird.’’ a wordless story told in dance, was of outstanding merit. The dancing, in which Miss Macdonald took part with distinctive ability, was very fine, while the dressing was superb. The story was ol two lovers roaming in the woods, lhe lover shot a bird and his sweetheart after recovering the victim of the gun, leaves her lover who falls asleep. Tn his dreams a bevy of birds circle the slumborer, who in a franco joins in the revels of the strangely garbed visitors. The dream runs its course, and the sweetheart returns to waken her lover, who after the lesson ol the dance solemnly agrees not to take bird life again. It is a pleasant phantasy, well brought out iu the dancing, and as has been remarked, was dressed lavishly.

The little tots lost night again captivated the audience. The dance of tho Rosebuds, and the duo of smart young men about town were both capital numbers. Altogether it was a most pleasing programme and a great delight.

To-night there will be two performances again. It was not possible last evening to give the Fox Trot A\ edding. But it will he given to-night, introducing the bride, bridegroom, groomsman, father. Minister, flower girl, enpid, and the entire company as bridesmaids, ft will he a great spectacle. To-night also will ho given another wordless story told in dance. This is “In the Toy Shop,” an original item, showing the revelry among the toys after they were locked up for the night in their respective places. Called to life hv the gay little jack-in-the-box, the tin soldiers march and drill, the golliwog turns somersaults to his heart’s content, the Teddy hear comes to life, while the dolls hold high carnival. On the return of the shopkeeper, however, stillness reigns, and the toys, hack in their usual places, gaze with unseeing eyes as the bent old man inspects his belongings.

To-night at B.lVf in the main annexe the Exhibition Royal Orchestra will render a special programme. The Exhibition will close finally on Saturday night next. On the Band Stand to-night at the Exhibition, the Exhibition Royal Orchestra will include the following items in their programme: — Selection. * ‘Till* Lily ot ICillarnoy,’

(J. Benedict) ; Selection. “Le Domino Noil*” (Auber) : Sehwtion. (by request) “The Troubadour” (T! Trovato), including anvil chorus, (Verdi); Ynlsc do Concert “Visions of Sleep,” (Geibel); Selection. “1-a Fille Du Regimentto,” (Donizetti) : Selection, “Belle of New York.” (Korker). arranged by Chas Godfrey) ; Selection, “Crown Diamonds.” (Auber); Selection. “Love’s Triumph,” (Vincent Wallace). Fox Trots. One Steps, etc. etc. as time permits.