The New Zealand International Exhibition.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42792, 17 October 1905, Page 2

The New Zealand International Exhibition.

The “ Canterbury Times ’’ of October 11th, gives a birtb-eye tiswot Chris’church, showing the exhibition buildings in the posi ion which they will occupy. A description of the project soys New Zealand is to liavo the most comprehensive arid thoroughly international Fair that has yet been held in any portion of Australisia. Tho management !o date has been of tho sound, cautious, jet withal en'erprising, kind, and there is reason to believe that not only will the undertaking prove a huge success as an advertising factor for the country, hut it will probably turn out profitably from a financial p ant of view. This although the Government is prepared to sink a substantial sum in return for the benefits tho colony will derive from tho holding of the Exhibition. “ There w 11 bo within the Exhibi tion grounds a big array of side-shows, reminiscent of Coney Island in New York, The Pike at the World’s Eair and Earl’s Court in Lor don. Balloons, airships, shooting the chutes, toboganning, looping the lot p and scenic rail ways are aoungst the attractions p:o----niised.”

An Art Gallery will contain representative pieces of the world’s best in ’ fine arts. A theatre and concert hall I will be built. During the Exhibition period sporting and athletic competiti"ns of an international character will be held. A Maori Pa will be repro duced in the grounds, and peopled by natives who will demonstrate carving, tattooing, etc. The whole of the buildings and surroundings will piobably be illuminated by electric light. It is expected that, between 2,000 000 and 3,000,000 people will visit the exhibi'ion during tho six months it will be open. The arrangements are well in hand, and there is not the slightest doubt but November 1, 1906, wili fiad everything in readiness for the opening. The Executive Commis-ioue l- , Mr G. S. Munro, has done magnificii-nt work, and the Government is to be complimented up n its choice in selecting so capable an official to direct this important. undertaking. This brief review can best be concluled by a fmv extracts from a conversation with Mr Munro. who should t e in a better posi ion than anyone else to speak of the prospects of the Exhibition : “ New Zealand rs have no idea what an Exhibition this is going to be. It will exceed 100 per cent the ideas of i hose who first mooted it. I haven’t the slightest fear about the attendance. The chief trouble will be the accommodation, and in. this respect Christchurch citizens cannot make too extensive preparations. It is quite certain that we shall have to shut down on exhibit? long befi ie closing time. You would scarcely credit the interest this Exhibition is creating in the outside world, From England, Europe, America, Canada and India I am constantly receiving letters that give abundant evidence on this point. I can, tell you quite frankly it’s going to be on a scale that will startle Australia.”