INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81878, 1 November 1906, Page 2

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

IN AN UNFINSHED STATE. CHRISTCHURCH ON TIP-TOE OF EXCITEMENT. Per Press Association. Christchurch, October 31. So far as completeness on opening is concerned," the International inhibition is not likely to prove an exception to the general rule, for there is much to be done to get many j£ the courts and a considerable portion of the grounds into ship-shape,. • Strenuous efforts are, however, being, ■nade to have things as forward as possible by the morning, and the general impression is that aftaira will be found to be in a satisfactory, condition when the Governor performs the opening ceremony. To-day heavy, rain has been an obstacle to putting the grounds in order, and sheets of water cover many parts of the traoks and lawns, while the roofing of the buildings has proved to be somewhat leaky. Much interest is being manifested in the opening ceremony tomorrow, and people from all parts o£ the country are flocking into the city ~ There will be a galaxy of distinguished representatives and visitors! and (he function will certainly be the moßt majestic in the history of the colony's progress The scene in front of the Exhibition as the ceremonial hour approaches promises to be extremely; brilliant

Sir Joseph Ward will present Hia Excelcncy with a gold key, and Lord, Plunket, after replying, will declare, I the Exhibition ogen. This will be th-> signal for a military salute by the Artillery on the sports ground, simultaneously with the hoisting of the Union Jack and the flags of other nations. The National Anthem will bo played by the massed bands, and the New Zealand Exhibition of 1906 will be launched, the publio being immediately admitted by all doors_,. THE MAORI PAH., There was a very interesting event at the Pa to-day, when all the inhabitants assembled in the mare and gavq a hearty Maori welcome to the Raratongans, who arrived at Lyttelton this morning, and were at once tak«n to the pa. The Maoris were ready for their visitors, and the old-style welcome was given. The visitors were, taken to the large runanga house.; They gathered in the verandah, the I women sitting in a row in front, and the men standing behind Grouped in that way, they sang one of their old part songs The effect was most musical, and all th« spectators .were charmed with the harmony and soft cadence, which, it must be admitted. I was a striking contrast to the fi'ercs ! war songs of tie Maoriß, The Hon. J. McGowan addressed the Maoris, and asked them to do what they could for the comfort of the visitors; and then the "hongi" took place, the Maoris being led by. old Mahuta, and the hosts and guests rubbed noses in accordance with ancient custom. The Raratongans number twenty-three altogether. They; state that they feel the cold of thq climate severely.

A FINE COURT, Received Nov. ist, z.15 a.m. : Sydney, October 31. One of the New South Wales represe'ntatives at the Now Zealand Inter* national Exhibition writes that the New South Wales Court will be one of the best, and certainly finer than any other Australian State,,