OPENING OF THE INDIAN AND COLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Kumara Times, Issue 2967, 6 May 1886, Page 2

OPENING OF THE INDIAN AND COLONIAL EXHIBITION.

M* I [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] ' By Klectric Telegraph.—Copyright. •♦ (Received May 5, 3 p.m.) London, May 4, Noon. The Indian and Colonial Exhition in South Kensington was formally opened this morning by her Majesty the Queen, the members of the Executive Commission being preseuted to her Majesty on her entrance to the building, the vestibule of which was panelled round with views of Australian scenery. A procession was then formed which traversed the Indian, Australian and Canadian Courts to Albert Hall, where an imposing inaugural ceremony took place. The Prince of Wales then, ir. lu's capacity as President of the Executive Commission, read an address to lier Majesty, stating that the display made by the British colonies at the Paris Exposition of 187 S had led him to express the hope that her Majesty's subjects in England might be enabled to witness the marvelous development which had taken place in their colonial brethren. His Royal Highness dealt with emphasis on the hearty response which had been accorded throughout, the Empire to the invitations issued to take part in the display, and to the enthusiastic and successful preparations which had everywhere been set on foot ; he specially commended to the Queen's notice the hearty cooperation of the various Colonial Governments, the deep obligations of the promoters and Executive Commissioners. His Royal Highness concluded with a hope that the Exhibition would prove the means of stimulating commercial interests in all portions of the British dominions. Her Majesty replied that she was sincerely gratified to witness the successful result which had attended the exertions of the Prince of Wales, and she shaved in his expectations as to the benefits which would accrue from the undertakings, and hoped they would also have the effect of strengthening the bond of union now existing between every portion of her Empire. Special siauds were provided for the accommodation of colonists along the route taken by the procession.

There was an immense concernlse of people, and the pageaut was of a most brilliant nature, splendid weather greatly enhancing its success. Sydney, May 5, 3 p.m. Telegrams of congratulation have been despatched to her Majesty ths Queen ami the Prince of Wales by the Governor, Lord Carrington, and the. New South Wales Government on the occasion of opening the Indian and Colonial Exhibition. [special to press association.] London, April 29. The. Adelaide Court at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition is ready, and the ISTew Zealand Court is in a forward state. April 30. The exhibits sent from Samoa to the Indian and Colonial Exhibition have not been admitted. May 1. The following colonists were amongst those who were presented to and welcomed hv H.R H. the Prince of Wales at the Indian and Colonial Exhil.i tion:—Sir C. B. H. Mitchell, Sir A. Blyth, Sir Samuel Davenport, Sir F. D. Bell, Sir J. Cockle, Hon. Alex. Stuart. Hon. R. C. Baker, Hon. J. F. Garrick, Hon. W. H. Walsh, Dr. von Haast, Dr. Btiller, Messrs Russell, White, L. Coombs, J. Bosnto, R. Barrows, P. G. King, Hemant, Fraser, and the Secretaries of the various Commissioners. All the Courts were inspected and greatly admired. The principal attractions in the Colonial Courts were minerals, wool, photographs, the aviary, views of Port Jackson, ferns and Papuan collection from New South Wales; gold and wine trophies, wool, paintings, furniture, fi-rns, and timber from Victoria ; native scenes, fresh fruit, silver ware, and wine trophy from South Australia.; minerals, pearls and shells, and natural history collection from Queensland; timber, pearls and shells from Western Australia • furniture, timber, wool, and moa skeletons from New Zealand. His Royal Highness expressed snr- ] prise at the forward state of the Exhibition, regarding which he was bi«bly complimentary. India and Canada have a splendid display. May 2. The Visitors' Reception C mimittee of the Indi m and Colon! d Exhibition are organising a scries of excursions.