THE PARIS EXHIBITION. COLONIAL COMMISSIONERS IN DIFFICULTIES.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 379, 22 June 1889, Page 6

THE PARIS EXHIBITION. COLONIAL COMMISSIONERS IN DIFFICULTIES.

The opening of the Paris Exhibition took place on May 6bh, with much eclat, although the arrangements were as bad as they well could be. The ambassadors were absent, each country being represented by one or more members of its diplomatic staff. Sir Polydore de Keyser was prevented by indisposition from presiding at the reception of the President in the British section, and this duty was fulfilled in his absence by Sir Francis Dillon Bell. The colonial and British officials having assembled, made a start for the British sections. On arriving at the pathway near the main building they were brought to a dead halt by a cordon of troops, the officers in command of which would nob hear of allowing the British commission to pass through its ranks. In vain were special passes and special * authorisations to " rompre les files " displayed. In yam did commissairea of police, engirded with their tri-coloured sashes, address passionate invocations on behalf of the Britishers to military authorities. "La consigne est precise " was the only answer vouchsafed to the civil power. Bayonets were fixed, the order was given, " Serrez les rangs,'"' and the British Commission, despite the tennede gala, stars, and crosses, of its leading members, was peremptorily ordered to cease from troubling, as it would certainly not bo allowed to pass through the lines. Seeing that there was no hope of obtaining admission in a legitimate manner, the members of the Council executed a detour round some outbuildings, forced their way through a thickly - planted shrubbery, scaled a wall, and, somewhat to the detriment of their festal garments, they got into the British section by certain back doors and winding ways, just in time for Sir Francis to welcome the President in a little speech couched in excellent French. The " Daily Telegraph " says Sir Francis Dillon Bell was not only ordered out of the British section by the French police, but on refusing to leave was actually threatened with forcible expulsion. He declined resolutely to stir, however, and dared the authorities to lay a finger on him, which fortunately they did not venture to do. Another memberof the Executive Council, a Royal Colonial Commissioner, was changing his dress for the ceremony in a room attached to the section, and was in his kilts, just about to- draw on an indispensable garment, when his place of retirement was suddenly invaded by several agents de police, who bade him begone as he was. On realising their horrid meaning he refused indignantly to budge, emphasising his refusal by waving hi? " continuations " before their eyes as they continued to shout "Sorbez, sortez, allez vons en." He called for aid and was rescued promptly by some handy Britons who showed such a menacing front to the French policemen that the latter beat a retreat.