BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1924, Page 2

BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

There was another good attendance at the Exhibition yesterday, tho A. and I’. Show assisting to attract many outside visitors, while the season ticket holders were present also in considerable force. The principal features of the Exhibition again attracted nmcli interest and attention. Many who saw the display for the first time, marvelled at, tno extent of the show, and were surprised to learn that the Exhibition had been running so successfully. The attendance at night was very substantial. The Exhibition Royal Orchestra played a special programme in the main annexe, a large number assembling to bear the music. The Orpheus Theatre was packed out twice last evening for Miss Macdonald’s dance recitals, and the wonderful programme was enjoyed in its entirety. Tho entertainment lias proved to lie one of the most novel and best submitted locally, and every number was heartily applauded. By .special request some of tile feature items of the first part wore repeated in the second half to the delight of many who attended both presentations.

“Tlie Toy Shop” was a pretty revel. The idea was to represent a toy shop, and during the absence of the proprietress, the dolls hold their revels. The hailequin doll, the folly doll, the tin soldiers, the gollywog, and the princess all contribute their items. The teddy bear was a kind of unofficial 51. C.. and often was a.n amusing echo to the duties of lii.s (or was it lien companions. The little tin soldiers were specially good, while the princess captivated all. It was all a very pretty story told so pleasantly.

Great interest centred in the Fox Trot wedding. The caste was supplemcn ted by Master Billy Rutland as # the father, and Master Max Coulson as the Minister, while little Miss Valerie Nightingale in orthodox bridal garb looked sweet and charming, as all brides do. The other important characters were taken by Miss Macdonald's pupils, all most appropriately dressed, the item being particularly dressy. The bridegroom was Miss Della Brisk, and the groomsman Miss: Slieela Chapman. They represented the parts as to the manner born the groomsman not even forgetting to have a difficulty in finding the most essential ring—and had to lox trot round quaintly while lie-—lio she—searched for the missing link to complete the nuptials. Tile llower girls bridesmaids, etc., were all present, in appropriate gowns, and the whole seeua so pleasantly pourt raved quite captivated the audience. There were many other good items—for all were applauded heartily, and it was very pleasing, and satisfied the audience altogether. The season has been extended in response to a general wish. To-night there will be two performances. By request the Fox-trot "Wedding will be staged, and also the Egyptian corps tie ballet. In addition Miss MacDonald wil! put on. also, the fairy story told, in dance: “The Dream Birds”. This relates how a boy with a gun went tint to shoot birds. Be is caught by lim sweetheart who attempted to dissuade him from his pastime, but lie perseveres the result 'being a quarrel between the two. ’file boy lulls asleep and dreams that all t.hc birds ol the forest scorn him, with the exception of a dove (Miss Bessie MacDonald) who dances with him. The birds return and jo:ti in tlie dame. Those taking part include :—The girl, the buy. Fire Bird. Parakeet, Green Linnet. Purple Crackle. Canary. Regent. Azure .Mannikin. Gi.lali. and White Brazilian. King Bird. Miss MacDonald as rile dove will dance a solo in this number. There will be other new numbers introduced to-night. Tlie season will close finally to-morrow night, when a special request programme "ill be staged. To-nigbt at 8 o’clock the Hokitika Municipal Band will render a new programme iis the main annexe, introducing several .selections -pj,:il'y prepared •or the ensiling. EX HI BIT lON BALL. The ball of the season will be held to-morrow night. I nusuallv complete* arrangements are being made for the event, in keeping with the reputation cJ' the Exhibition itself. The whole of the Soldiers’ Hall will he devoted for dancing n.s an annexe has been erected lor a supper room, and sitting out lounge. The music will be bv Mr Lawn’s orchestra, and special attention is being given to the floor. The sale or tickets indicates a large attendance, but provision lias been made against overcrowding by the limit of the issue of tickets. Tickets may he procured at the Exhibition office by the public fins evening from 7to 0 o’clock. Those who desire to attend should not delay.

GENERAL. NOTES. The Exhibition will close with a short ceremonial at 9.J0 on Saturday night. Addresses will he given by the mcmI'ers of the Executive and the Band will lie in attendance to play suitable music. Being tile last evening of a memorable event a large attendance is expected. A large picnic party will visit the Exhibition on Saturday, including the schools from Brunner. Stillwater, Kokiri, Paroa, Ngahere, Blackball and Paparoa. The attendance on Saturday should constitute something of a record. Holders of season tickets who have not received copies of the souvenir catalogue may now do so on application to the doorkeeper at the Exhibition buildings. T'lie demand for material and bedding arising out of the closing down ol the Exhibition is likely to he considerable locally, so those who require supplies should make early application to the authorities.

There will be only two more nights of the cookery demonstration classes—-to-night and to-morrow—as Miss Todhunter who has become so popular during her stay, has to return to Christchurch oil Saturday. Miss Todhunter has carried out her work most capably and greatly to tbe instruction of the many patronising the stand of tin* Hokitika Gas Coy., where nightly demonstrations have been given lor the past five weeks.