EXHIBITION OPENED.

Patea Mail, 2 October 1880, Page 2

EXHIBITION OPENED.

PUBLIC PROCESSION AT MELBOURNE. THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH. (,Special Despatch to Mail.) A ■ Melbourne, Friday, The Exhibition was opened to-day, which was observed as a public holiday, the weather being fine, but windy. Various associations and trades assembled at an early hour, and formed a procession, which traversed the principal streets. The fire brigades rendezvoused at Flinders-stceet, awaiting the Viceregal party, which left Government House at 10.20, under salute. The party consisted of the Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby, the Duke of Manchester, Lord and Lady Loftus> Sir William, Lady, and the Misses Jervois, Sir Hercules and Lady Robinson, Sir Francis and Lady Smith, Commodore Wilson, and their respective suites. The procession consisted of twelve carriages ; the military and naval forces, comprising 500 British and 300 foreign bine jackets ; and provincial and metropolitan volunteers, the former taking up position at the Exhibition, and the latter preceding the Governor and party, and forming in line. The trades formed in double lino, and the carriages passed through, the trades then following the procession to the gates and entering the grounds; bands playing the National Anthem.

The Governor’s party were received at the Exhibition by the Victorian Commissioners, and were then conducted to a dais, where there were assembled distinguished visitors, foreign Consuls, Ministers, members of Parliament, bishops, judges, and other functionaries. On the approach of the Marquis of Normanby, the National Anthem was sung by the choir, which afterwards sang a cantata specially composed for the occasion. The Resident Commissioner then read an address to the Governor.

His Excellency in reply said the undertaking was most creditable to the Commissioners, to the Executive, and to Parliament; and that the display of Industry and Art in the building was such as any country might be proud of. The foresight, energy, and ability with which the details had been carried out reflected the highest credit on the community. The Imperial Government and foreign countries had promptly co-operated ; and it was now an assured fact that the Exhibition would rank as equal to any of its predecessors as a satisfactory exponent ot the world’s industries. The Gorenor concluded by declaring the Exhibition open in the name of the Queen.

The Royal Standard was then hoisted on the building; salutes were fired ; and the Governor and party proceeded round the Exhibition, visiting various courts, where the Commissioners and representatives of the various countries were presented to His Excellency.