THE EXHIBITION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8736, 9 February 1907, Page 2

THE EXHIBITION.

Day fay Day. (By Telegraph, Special Service.) Christchukch, February 8. There was a good attendance at the Exhibition again to-day. The Ngatikahunatives, from Hawke's Bay, gave a first performance of hakas and nob* in the pa this afternoon before a large number of spectators, and made an excellent impression. Thirty men, and an unusually large number of women, took part in the hakas, which were given with immense energy and enthusiasm. Experts pronounce the performance, without doubt, the best that has been seen in the pa. The men were practically naked, except for their piu pius, and the front rank especially had been realistically tatooed for the occasion by Dr Buck. A party of seven girls danced a poi dance very gracefully. The Lord Mayor of Melbourne was among the spectators, and was formally welcomed to the Exhibition by the Maoris. There was a large attendance at the or ehcstral concert this afternoon. Arrangements have been made for the orchestra to play in the concert hall on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons next week at intervals between the solo competitions of the Band Contest. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoon and evenings, the concert hall being disengaged, the orchestra will render a programme of music. Glowing references to the Exhibition were made at the Mayoral banquet last night, The Hon. H. Weedon, Lord Mayor of Mel bourne, said it was a credit to New Zea. and, and any part of Australia would bo proud to share in the honor that would fal upon New Zealand by reason of the Exlr bition. It would be productive of much good to the colony, and even if it cost tha j colony a fair sum, people ouyht not to grudge it. He would like to congratulate the visitors from abroad. He would also like to congratulate New Zealand on its splendid display. Next week will he commenced tho plan of choosing tho Saturday evening pro- • ••rammo for the orchestral concert from written requests sent in by patrons of tho concert.-, during the week, and subjected to ballot on Friday. The programme for tomorrow afternoon's concert will consist ' entirely of items specially requested, but the selection has not been made in such systematic manner. Wonderland attracted a largo attendance to-night by means of toboggan races for mixed t suus of ladies and gentlemen. Eighteen 'aams competed and some exciting finishes were witnessed. Won* derlaud's next special feature, will bo a big show of pet-, and tho baby show, which will take place on March 1 under tho control of tho Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Nine hundred bandsmen will take part in the Band Contest starting on Monday morning. Thiity bauds and 400 soloists will form the contestants. Solo competitions will 1)0 held in the Concert Hall on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and tiw grand selection and quickstep on the Sports ground on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday A battalion of 300 school cadets is expeeted to arrive at the Exhibition from Duncdin on the lot!) hist. Tho special popularity of two features of the Exhibition is being proved by tho inability of Christchurch citizens, even, at this early stage, to contemplate with equanimity tho prospects of losing them at tho close of tho undertaking. These are the fernery and the aquarium. Tho former, in regard to which a desire for permanent retention is particularly shown, is a singularly beautiful resort. Out of 130 species of ferns native to New Zealand, it contains more than eighty, and it is so arranged, with falling stream* lets, little cascades and moss-covered brieves, as to resemble a perfectly lovelycorner of the natural bush. Probably never before has such a large proportion, of New Zealand ferns been brought together in a public fernery. One or two nikau palms, five Bpecies of tree ferns, and a specimen of lance wood add beauty and dignity to the collection. Many of tho ferns seem to bo thriving almost better than in the bush itself.