OPENING OF THE SYDNEY EXHIBITION.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 460, 20 September 1879, Page 2

OPENING OF THE SYDNEY EXHIBITION.

Sydney, September 18. There was .fine weather yesterday, and a general holiday was observed on the accasion of the public opening of the Garden Palace. At 6 o’clock this morning a procession of public bodies and mounted police was formed, followed by Lord Loftus, the Governor of New South Wales, Lord Normanby of Victoria, Sir William Jervois of South Australia, and Mr Weld of Tasmania, and their fespee*

tive stafft, members of the Ministry, and the Mayor. The procession proceeded through the principal streets, which were gaily decorated and lined with crowds of people. The Vice-Regal party reached the building at noon. Lord Lflftus unveiled the statue of the Queen under the dome, and then proceeded to the dais; where he was received by the Executive Commissioners. The representatives of Foreign countries and British colonies and possessions and distinguished citizens surrounded the dias, the whole making a brilliant scene. The choir performed an inaugural cantata, after which Mr Jennings, the Executive Commissioner,presented an address to Lord Loftus; asking him to declare the International Exhibition open. Lord Loftus replied; congratulating the colony upon the success of its efforts to gather a representation of the achievements and industrial forces of the globe. He said the event was an era in Australian progress, and he welcomed the representatives of Foreign countries, and the British colonies Jlnipossessions, and concluded by declaring the Exhibition formally open. Salutes were then fired, ami the choir performed further music; including the National Anthem. Lord Loftus, his guests and suite, then proceeded through the building and visited the various courts. They were introduced to several commissioners. An enormous concourse of people attended the opening ceremony, which was con-f eluded at two o’clock, and passed off with great brilliancy and eclat. The Garden Palace is now completed, and was splendidly decorated, the dome especially. Many courts are finished, in others unpacking ii still going on. The exhibits are of a highly interesting character. Lord Loftus gives a series of entertainments to distinguished visitors and leading citizens. The New Zealand court in the Exhibition is fully completed. The display of grain, furniture; skins, mineral, and wool, were the special features, and were much admired. The attendance to-day was limited.