THE EXHIBITION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8746, 21 February 1907, Page 2

THE EXHIBITION.

Day by Day,

CuMSTcnancii, February 20.

Tho free fireworks display by a representative of Pain and Sons _ has boon tho main feature of tho Exhibition programme to-day. A crowd of several thousands gathered to watch the display which was of a highly brilliant and novel character. Tho set pieces were of most ingenious designs and tho showers of myriad coloured fiery stars and other features of the aerial exhibition were beautiful beyond description. A gigantic fiery portrait of Sir John Hall, Mayor of Christchurch, proved a very faithful likeness and was greeted with loud applause. Other fireworks displays will be given every Wednesday night. Tho orchestra is still attracting big attendances and both concerts given today were largely patronised. Exhibitors who have selling rights have been finding business very good since the now year—especially during tho last two weeks. Some o! them admit that it is much better than they expected, and, if it remains as good, they will be well satisfied. Two hundred Hawke’s Bay Maoris have announced themselves willing and ready to come at once to the Exhibition Pa. Tho prospect of invasion in these' numbers caused some 'nxiety among the pa authorities, and p tt’sgram was at once despatched bidding the enthusiastic natives to take no action till Mr Gregor McGregor, who has been in charge of tho Maori contingents, can choose a body of fifty from their num- : her. i The time for receiving entries for the baby show, on Thursday, was extended till noon to-day with tho result that no less than 309 infants have been entered, which number includes several from the North Island. Winners of medals will receiye in addition a cash prize as follows : —Gold medal 30s, silver medal 20s, bronze medal 10s.

A largo number of additions have been made to the Aquarium in the shape ol stuffed fish of various American species, also numerous photographs of fish from America, The Aquarium is already one o£ the most popular portions of the Exhibition, and these additions will add to its attractiveness,

In connection with the N.Z. Amateur Athletic Association sports’ meeting on the sports’ ground on Thursday and Saturday next a Dunedin team of twenty-five athletes and also a Wellington team arrived to-day, the Auckland competitors having made their appearance yesterday. A number of competitors from Southland will also take part. The Hon. Powlds will present the provincial championship shield on the sports’ ground on Saturday afternoon and at the .Mayoral reception on same day trophies won at the meeting will ho presented by the Minister. _ • ; By special concession it is provided that tickets costing -one shilling can ba obtained on Thursday and Saturday at the entrance, which will admit holders to the Exhibition, the grounds and also the athletic meeting on the sports’ ground. A demonstration by members of the Christian Endeavour Union will also be held to-morrow.

The Besses o’ th’ Barn Band will commence a return season of twelve afternoons and evenings on 28th inst. Large promises of entries have already beenjjrcceived for the pet show to be held at Wonderland in connection with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, on Friday, March Bth. A number of performing ’possums from Tasmania will be among tbo pets on view, which will constitute an extremely mixed assemblage. Wonderland proprietary will provide all prizes to tiio value of over thirty guineas and defray all expenditure in addition to making a handsome donation to the funds of the Society.

The display of daylight fireworks on the afternoon of Saturday week is expected to bring an unprecedented number of children to the Exhibition. The attendance to-day reached the high total of 15,767, bringing the aggregate to date up to 1,266,278. The total attendance, therefore, is already well over the million and a quarter.