BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1924, Page 2

BRITISH & INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Tho Exhibiton so successfully conducted over the past seven weeks, closed on Saturday night in the presence of a great concourse of people. During the day the attendance was greatly augmented by the visiting picnic party from the Grey Valley, embracing the residents of Blackball, Brunner and Kokiri. At night, the .whole town flocked to the buildings, some thousands being present at the hour appointed for the closing ceremony. In the earlier part of the evening the Exhibit ion Orchestra rendered a programme of selections, followed later by the Municipal Band. At 9 o'clock an art union for pictures painted by Mr Attwood of Palmerston North was drawn in the presence of the police, and supervised by the Deputy Mayor, the Town and County clerks. Eight prizes were allocated. At 9..30 the closing ceremony took place. Mr Butler, President, presided and conducted the proceedings. Before tile formal closing the Hon G. M. Thompson M.L.C., was invited to present the Snodgrass Cup to Miss Kcrridge of the Convent School, who won the essay prize on the subject “The Resources of Westland.” Other speeches were made by the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry). Mr J. Schmitt of the Industries Department. Christchurch, and Mr Duff. County Chairman. The formal closing was then pronounced, and cheers given for the Executive, tile band contributing musical honors. Afterwards “Auld Lang Syne” was played, followed by the National Antheb. But the crowd lingered on, and it was far into the night before the buildings were clear of sightseers. At 11 o’clock at the Westward Ho Tea Rooms the Exhibition Executive entertained the Rxhihitois at supper. Mr AY. J. Butler presided, and the rooms were crowded, the proceedings being very hearty. The "President convoyed the thanks of the Executive to the Exhibitors for their support and patronage. Mr Norton, of Lyttelton acknowledged the remarks in very happy and cordial conns, and tho health of the Resident was toasted. Mr A. Aitken proposed the health of the ladies, many of whom were present, and Mr Bourdot of Rangiont responded. Before the proceedings closed, Mr Aldridge, oil behalf of the Exhibitors presented tho general secretary with two oil paintings and a. leather cushion in appreciation of the pleasant relations which had existed between the Secretary and Exhibitors throughout. Mr Evans responded. A merry and bright gathering terminated at midnight with the singing of “Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot,” and “God Save the King.” and the formal closing of the Exhibition at Hokitika was duly consummated. The interest evinced in the local Exhibtion was demonstrated further on Saturday by tlie number of telegraphic messages received expressing pleasure and gratification at the successful conduct of the Exhibition. These included telegrams from the President of the Canterbury Industrial Association, Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Canterbury Progress League. \Y J. .Tonkin Esq. Christchurch. .1. Sutherland Ross Esq.. President of Dunedin Exhibition Company, J. A. Archer Esq., County Chairman AA estport. E Seaiitlebury Esq. NeKon. and Ht Mon W. F. Massey.

A SUCCESSFUL FINISH

I'HE CI.USING SCENE

The scene at the Exhibition on Sat-in-tiny night was a very animated one and as the closing hour approached flic throng increased. A\ lion the final addresses were given there was a very large crowd in the vicinity of the handstand, who listened attentively to the various speakers.

Air W. J. Butler (President of the Exhibition Council) Wits the first to speak. He referred to the great .success achieved and thanked one and all for the assistance and- support, given specially mentioning the executive officers and hon. secretary (Mr 1). J. Evans) the Government Departments, and all the other exhibitors generally. The Hon. G. M. Thomson M.P., expiessed lii.s regret that ho had been unable to arrive hero earlier, having only reached Hokitika that day. He congratulated the people of the district ni the highly successful result of the Exhibition, which was a distinct credit to the organisers and all concerned. Mr Thomson said lie had a pleasant duty to carry out and that was to present the Snodgrass Cup to .Miss Mary Kerridge, who had been awarded the first- prize for her essay on “The Province of Westland.” In making the presentation he congratulated the young lady on her success. (Applause). .Mr L. M. Schmitt, of the Department of Agriculture, in the course of a leng r thy, interesting address, referred 1o tin, splendid success achieved, congratulated the organisers on the results of their efforts and assured the assemblage that the exhibition had had a wonderful advertising result for Westland. which would continue to benefit in the years to collie. The Exhibition had proved a credit to all who had taken part and he congratulated the district on such a splendid result. -Mr G. A. Perry (Mayor of Hokitika) expressed his pleasure at the Exhibition having proved so .successful. It had beer, a big effort for Hokitika, but those efforts had been highly successful and creditable to all concerned. Mr T. W. Duff (County Chairman) congratulated all on the wonderful success achieved. Much of that success wa • due to .the splendid work of the executive secretary (Mr Evans) who had proved a wonderful organiser. He congratulated one and all on the distinct success of the large undertaking. The Presiednt (Mr AY. J. Butler), then formally declared the Exhibition closed. Cheers for the President and Secretary followed.

Tile Band then played ‘‘Aiild Lang Syne” and the National Anthem and the proceedings terminated. A number of .semi-private functions followed later.

The large gathering then slowly dispersed, everyone declaring themselves highly satisfied at the splendid finish 1 1 a notable event in the life of Westland.