EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1924, Page 3

EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

AITiTRALIAN AND N.Z. CADLE ASSOCIATION. A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE. THE OPENING SCENES DESCRIBED. LONDON, April 21. The Prince of Wales, wearing a naval uniform, had a great ovation. The vast audience stood, hands played the National Anthem on the Dais whereon were the Diplomatic Corps, menthol's of the Cabinet, and High Commissioners were seated. This presented a brilliant colour scheme with the ofl’r cials and soldiers of numerous regiments, including Indian and African. Every conceivable kind of uniform was represented, the whole being Hanked by flower beds and fronted by the green lawns. His Majesty replied to the Prince of Wales in a speech transmitted by gigantic loud speakers throughout the grounds, and broadcasted throughout the country. The conclusion was marked by a renewed outburst of cheering, the waving of hats and handkerchiefs, followed by the salute of 21 guns. Simultaneously three hundred flags, representing all parts of the Empire, were broken out and fluttered on the breeze.

Their Majesties received a mini her of engineers and workmen. The King was presented with a memento in the form of a gold model of the world. The Colonial Secretary’s daughter presented the Queen with a bouquet. The choirs played and sang British music, and the massed bauds played “Rule Brittania,’’ which the spectators rose and sang as their Majesties departed. The most brilliant scene and enthusiastic period was the appearance of

1 hoi I* Majesties in the arena with a glittering escort and lour State carriages with four horses apiece. 'I hr King wore a naval uniform, and the Queen a fur cloak. The bands crashed out the National Anthem as the.' alighted. There was a profound silence when the slight figure of the Prince of Wales rose on the dais. The Prince's word? were pronounced in sharp tone--throughout the great arena followed by handclapping. Then the King read a reply, every word of which was heard with the greatest clearness. Thereafter the Bishops of .London oflered a player, Then followed a salute of guns.

A pretty incident closed the ceremony when a. telegraph messenger ascended the royal dais with a large letter. informing the King that his special message: “'I have this moment opened the .British Knijiire Exhibition’ went round the world in eighty seconds. PRINCE OF WAI FS’ SPEECH. I.ON DON, April FI. The overcast chilly weather in no way n -»n<i the enthusiasm of the cosmopolitan crowds, hundreds and thousands of whom were surging to Wembley from six o'clock in the murn r ing. There was a continuous series of special trains packed to suffocation and the roads were crowded with omnibuses and motors innumerable. School boys and girls were among the earliest arrivals. Scenes at. the Exhibition defied description. An army of workers, including the clerical and managerial staffs were busy all the night long on the filial stages of clearing up. Scarlet bands were massed outside the building at an early hour and the tinge white-robed choir was already in position facing the royal, scarlet, gold and purple dais. At L 1.3!) their Majesties arrived and were greeted with a tremendous tour of applause which was. drowned in the fanfare of trumpets. Their Majesties were received at the richly carpeted dais by the Prince ol Wales as President of the Exhibition, who had arrived at an earlier hour. He presented an address asking his Majesty to declare the Exhibition open, and in doing so lie referred to the Exhibiti oil as a picture of our Commonwealth of Nations, tie truly believed it would suggest to the world that the most, powerful agency in civilisation had its heart set upon peaceful aims and the good of mankind. In expressing his gratitude to the organisers and others, including the representatives of the Dominions, India and the Colonies, the Prince said the great work had been carried through with splendid loyalty and energy. He concluded by imping the result would he to impress vividly upon nil the peoples of the Empire to work unitedly and energetically to develop the glorious heritage for the benefit of other races which accepted onr guardianship, and benefit mankind generally.

THU KrXG’FS SPEKCH. LONDON'. April dfi. The King, in openin'.'; the Umpire Exhibition. said: —“lt gives me the greatest pleasure and satisl action to come here and open the British Umpire Exhibition. Our heartiest congratulat ions are due to the Board ol Al:m--ngeniont, to the Executive Council, and tr.i all who worked with ami under them for the marvellous organisation of industry which lias produced this triumphant result. I am well aware of the numerous adverse circumstances, including the exceptionally unfavourable weather, which had to he laced. These were successfully overcome by arduous labours, carried out by le,solution and goodwill. Many, who, like the Queen and myself, had seen the earlier stages, can appreciate the utmost skill and toil which has translated this magnificent conception into the spleudid reality that now stands before us. 1 am happy to welcome the representatives, official and unofficial, of my Dominions beyond the seas and express the pleasure we all feel.

that they arc .taking part in to-day's opening ceremony.” “You said your object bail been to produce a picture of our Commonwealth of Nations. No one can doubt that this has been fully attained. The Exhibition may be said to reveal to us the whole Empire in a little space, containing within its 220 acres of I? ground a vivid model of the architecture. art and industry of all the races which come under the British flag. It represents to the world a “niphie. illustration of that spirit of free and tolerant co-operation which has inspired the peoples of the different races creeds, institutions and ways of thought to unite in a single Commonwealth anil to contribute their varying national gifts to one great end. “This Exhibition will enable us to take stock of the resources, actual and potential, of the Empire as a whole; to consider where these exist and how they can best bo developed and utilised • to take counsel together ot bow peoples-can co-operate to promote their national well-being. Tfc stands for the co-ordination of our scientific knowledge and common eii'ort to overcome 'sense aud to bettor the difficult conditions Which still surround life m many parts of the Empire, lhmk- fci example, of the scientific work accomplished in recent years lor the picvention and treatment of tropical d.s eases, and it is easy to imagine how greatlv the exhibition can contiibutc towards the progress of our tropica territories and the development ot yet unexplored capacities of the Kmpuc.“One thoughts go back to the great

Exhibition of 1851. associated for all time with memories of Queen \ ictoria and her Prince Consort, and to the brilliant hopes of the growth of inteinational peace and friendship v.itli which it was inaugurated. Our object here is not quite so ambitious, and for that very reason, perhaps, it is more hopeful for attainment. “Wo believe this Exhibition will bring tlie people of the Empire to a better knowledge ol how to nicet their reciprocal wants and aspirations. That where brotherly feeling and habit oi united action already exists a growth of international trade will make the bonds of sympathy yet closer. Stronger business relations lietwoen strangers may or may not lead to friendship, but co-operation between brothers for the better development of the family estate can hardly fail to promote family affection arid we hope further that the success of tlio Exhibition may bring lasting benefits, not to the Empire alone, but to mankind in general.

“No nation, or group of nations, can isolate itself from the main stream of modern commerce, and if this Exhibition leads to the greater development of the material resources of the Empire, the expansion of its trade, it will at the same time he raising the economic life of world from the disorganisation caused by the war. “I declare the British Empire Exhibition open and 1 pray that by the blessing of God it may conduce to tlnunitv and prosperity of all my people and to the peace and well-being of the world.”

THE N.Z. PAVILION. • Received this day at 8 a.nr.) LONDON, April 24. Despite the cold and over-clouded day considerable crowds attended tlx Empire Exhibition to-day. The oflicial figures give the total attendance at the opening ceremony at sixty-two thousand and the attendance for the opening days total one hundred and fifty tlio usaiitl. The sale of Australian apples was the briskest since the opening, £loß worth being sold in the first few hours. Crowds of young people arriver after work despite the lact that flit l amusement park is the most iiunm pletc section of the whole concern. Ihe dancing hall is a strong attraction and at the scenic railway there is a perpetual queue of waiting patrons. The Exhibition officials announced to-day lluii the whole Exhibition would he completed to the hist detail within a week, hut most probably New Zealand would need a fortnight before i would be completely ready. Her ex Dibits were ready awaiting the helatci and long over-due showcases. 'lie first to arrive came to-day and win smashed to pieces after a collision wit! a motor bus.

The British Government pavilion, though occupying one of the least pro mi no nt sites among the small Crown Colonies’ pavilion, is full ol ingenious ]y devised models. As the whole display chiefly deals with England s uava l and military history, the models n! historic battles are splendidly, done. But the most striking feature, occupying the whole entrance to the haT is the huge relief map of the work: lighted in colour from below, and inset in real water, wherein moving model shins show the world's trade routes and the character of the foot’ products and raw materials poured into Britain from every quarter of tin globe. Another miniature ocean eon tains floating models of ships of a! kinds, from the Roman days to tlu latset warships. These, together, will the Overseas Trade Department s hugi map of Britain sectioiudly lighted show up the seats of the chief export trade destinations of products.