THE GREAT FAIR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81881, 5 November 1906, Page 2

THE GREAT FAIR.

DEFECTS REQUIRING REMEDYING. Per Press Association. Christchurch, November 4. The attendance at the Exhibition dining- the morning was scanty, ljut in the afternoon there was a large assemblage of visitors. The weather was fine and both the interior of the building and the outside surroundjings presented a lively appearance.

The courts, on the whole, are now fairly complete, though many little details have yet to be attended 10. In some of them there are some serious defects, which should be remed'ed without delay, defects which are causing- much inconvenience. Among these may be specially mentioned the absence of catalogues, and absence of means to guide visitors to any particular court, they might wish to visit. The only guide at present are the names of ilie courts or departments of courts, and visitors have to "fossick" their way as best they can. and may wander long and far before reaching their destination.

Then again the ventilation is still very defective: and the build'ngs are oppressively warm on sunny days. The only entrance at which the tramway cars stop is opened only in wet weather, and when the sun is hot passengers by tram Rave to walk to an other entrance at a considerable distance .

The absence of catalogues is keenly felt, especially by visitors to the magnificent Art Gallery, and the superb Tourist Department. There appears to be no certainty as to when the ca talogues will be isnied. The various Departments of the New Zealand Government are scattered in a manner that is embarrassing to visitors interested in the colony's display. Some of the Depart mental exhibits are 200 yards apart, and to get round them all for a cursory inspection occupies a very considerable time.

The Tourist court, abutting on the main entrance hall, with its unique display of stags' heads, trout, and oil paintings and photographs of the finest scenic parts of the colony, is highly attractive to visitors. It is a spa;, cious room, wo]] lghted and one of 'he best located in the Exhibition. The British Government's- oxh'B'.t, covering- Great Britain and Ireland, is a valuable and picturesque display. It includes ducation, social economy, naval and military matters, medals coins and seals, geography and exploration, meteorology and photography. The exhibit is divided into two sections, ''Art" and "General.' 1 In the main buTcling a space has also been allotted to Applied Art and Architecture. The educational exhibit includes a ci.liect on illustrative of British educat.on from primary schools so far as to form a complete representation of the whole subject. The groat English public schools are adequately represented, /nd also a number of the Schools of Art, agriculture music and mining. The collection of exhibits, taken as a whole, .s of vast educational value. The New Zealand, Canadian, and other national courts will be generally described in due course.

From the opening hour up to the present time the weather has been delightful, and the aggregate attendance has been fully up to expectations. Ihc city presents an exceedingly animated appearance, but the crush that was ant.cipated during the initial week of the Exhibition has not been realised, for the extra accommodation arranged for under the auspices of the accommodation bureau has not been anything like absorbed, though it is l'.kely lo be somewhat taxed next week, when the International Sliow is on.

The King has replied to the Governor's message re the opening of the Exhibition: u Re your telegram of November ist, Ilis Majesty commands me to thank your Government for Iheir information, and to express his satisfaction that the Exhibition has been opened under such favourable auspices, his cordial wishes folks success, and his belief that it will conduce to the good relations and prosperity of the whole Empire. (Signed) E. Elg'n," The New South Walps Governor has sent hearty congratulations. Vincent T. Taylor, an aeronaut of Sydney, has made a proposal to the authorities to give a display of balloons and parachute in the grounds. The terms are favourable and "the proposal is being considered.