NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2821, 10 April 1882, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

[By Telegraph.] Christchurch, April 10. The weather this morning was gloomy and threatening, and the streets of the city were in an extremely muddy condition from yesterday’s rain. From an early hour, however, the whole city was -astir, and as train after train arrived with country visitors the streets became thronged, and as early as seven o’clock the Trade and Friendly Societies began to assemble and bands were heard playing in all directions. At half past nine it was almost impossible to move along the streets, owing to the dense crowds along the line of march. Platforms had been erected at every available point, and all the windows along the line were fully occupied. Altogether there must have been nearly 40,000 people in the streets. The procession included nearly 4,000 persons, and the display of banners and trade emblems was excellent. Several bands took part in the procession, which arrived pretty punctually at the Exhibition building, where the volunteers were drawn up in line outside, and formed a guard down each side of the main arch. The procession marched down between the ranks, and took up the ground at the back of the dais which was erected at the bottom of the Art Gallery. The trade and society banners were grouped round the platform with very pretty effect. Holders of season tickets were comfortably seated at each side, and the gallery was occupied by the Austrian Band and also tbe Christchurch Musical Society. By a quarter to eleven, and with wonderfully little confusion, all things considered, the whole of the procession and holders of tickets wereinsidethebuilding which in every part from which any view of the proceedings could be obtained, was densly crowded, at least 10,000 persons were within the walls. Punctually at eleven o’clock His Excellency the Governor, Lady Gordon, and suite,' accompanied by the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. the PostmasterGeneral, the Private Secretary, and the officers of H.M.S. Miranda, arrived and were received by Messrs Joubert and Twopeny, His Worship the Mayor and the members of the Committee, and conducted to the platform, the band playing the National Anthem and His Excellency being greeted with cheers. Mr Joubert then presented to His Excellency an address briefly setting out the objects of tbe Exhibit tion and the proportions it had assumed and concluded by asking His Excellency to open it. His Excellency made a long : reply, and then formally declared the Christchurch International Exhibition to be opened. The announcement was received with loud cheers, and then, at Mr Joubert’s special request, •three hearty cheers were given for the Governor. The Railway Band then performed an original march, at the conclusion of which the conductor and author, Mr Hamilton, . was, at his Excellency’s request, presented to him. Mendelsohn’s “ Hymn of Praise ” was then performed by the Christchurch Musical Society, and the Austrian String Band, the solos being taken by Miss Fairhurst, Mr Appleby and Master Appleby. Cheers greeted this, and then the Austrian Band performed the Grand Exhibition March. His Excellency and party retired, and the procession reformed and left, The Exhibition itself is as yet very incomplete, many of the exhibits not being yet unpacked, and very few of the bays, being in perfect order. Work is, hon ever, being vigorously pushed on. The art gallery is well filled. Altogether the opening proceedings ' have been eminently successful.