NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1975, 28 November 1889, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

The weather was all that could be desired and the opening ceremony on Tuesday was a great success. From an early hour the streets were crowded with people, and at 10.30 (/clock THE PROCESSION was formed in the following order: Volunteers, 9(5'L Protestant Alliance,- 90 : Broi. Arnold and Mulligan, marshals, Independent Order of Oddfellows, 80 ; Bro. J. M. Wilson, marshal} D.G.M. Pro. Cole and G.S. Bro. Reid, chief officers. Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, 60; Messrs S. Whitty and A. Carroll, marshals. Loyal Orange Institution, 150} Bros. Fiddes, Trotter, and Winget, D.M. Bro. Oarriok, rnd D.D.M. Bro. Adams, chief officers, Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, 200 ; Bro. J. H. Chapman, marshal. Anoiant Order of Foresters, 150; Bro. W. Woodland, marshal. Ancient Order of Druids, 228 } Bros. A. H. Shelton and Chas. Bird, marshal. Brewers, 104; Mr J. Keith, marshal.

Tailors, 50; Messrs R, Wilson and J. Montgomery, marshals. Carters, 70; Mr W. Watson, marshal. Butchers, 30} Mr W. Patrick, marshal;

Milkmen, 30. North-East Valley Band, 26 bandsmen; Mr W. H. Corrigan, conductor. Iron and Brass Founders, 80} Mr R. M’Einlay, marshal. Bootmakers, 40; Mr James Hunter, marshal.

Agricultural Implement Makers, 100; Messrs J. Garrett and W. Coates, marshals. Fire Brigade (Dunedin), 20 men ; Superintendent Robertson iu charge. Fire Brigade (Port Chalmers), 20 men; Captain Mitchell, Railway Ambulance and Brigade, 20 men ; Captain Loring. Fire Brigade (South Dunedin), 13 men; Captain Osborne.

Fire Brigade (North-East Valley), 10 men ; Foreman M’Grath, Salvage Corps, 7 men 5 Superintendent Jacobs. Seamen’s Union, 300. Nino bande took part in the procession, which was IJ miles long and a most imposing spectacle. It traversed the principal parts of the town, and upon the arrival at the exhibition, that portion of it which consisted of the members of tho friendly and trade societies and fire brigades lined the western avenue of tho building. The volunteers lined the western avenue to the concert hall.

THE VIOB-BEGAL PARTY. The vice-regal party were driven in three carriages. The first carriage contained His Excellency tho Governor (Earl of Onslow), the Countess of Onslow, the Hon. the Premier, and Captain Bosanquet (of H.M,S, Opal). The second carriage contained Viscount Oransley, Lady Dorothy, Miss Atkinson, and Commander Pelley (of H.M, Lizard). The third carriage contained B. Walrond, Esq. (private secretary), Miss Constable, Lady Gwendoline, and Mr Gark id. The Governor and suite upon thair arrival at tho exhibition were met in the main hall by the president and commissioners, and a procession to the CONCERT HALL was then formed. Tha concert boll, a square-shaped building with a high-pitched

roof, has at one end a platform rising up in gradations, on which was placed tho choir, orchestra and organ. In the centre, and facing the aisle leading from the entrancedoor from the avenue, was placed a dais and canopy. Under tho latter, which was backed by the Royal Standard, was placed the Governor’s oh dr, and by its side one something a little less enormoa 1 fo; tho Countess. The ohsirs for the Pres’dent and the Executive

Commissioners were placed on either side of the steps leading from tho body of tho hall to the dais, and flanking the chairs already described. Right and left, running lengthwise on the dais on either side; where the seats for the Ministry and the Australian Commissioners, whilst at the end of these again were those for the j ridges. On the right and left ef the canopy, which was surmounted by the Royal Arms; wore the English and New Zealand flag', one of each. The dais itself was carpeted with scarlet cloth, and when filled with its distinguished occupants

presented a brilliant appearance. Banged on each side of the dais, and extending from it back to the choir platform on one side and to the beginning of the spate under the gallery on the other side, were the seats alloted to the Commissioners, members of both houses, consuls, editors, aud other distinguished personages. THE CEREMONY. The commissioners, headed by the marshal of ceremonies (Mr A. Maxwell), went first. Then came the directors, who were followed by the vice-presidents and the mayor of Dunedin. The officers of Her Majesty’s vessels were next in order, and then came the representatives of the Supreme Court Bench and

the Ministers of the Crown. The Earl and Countess of Onslow, and the Ladies Dorothy and Gwendoline, accompanied by the president, the executive commissioner, the Premier, Captain Bosanquet, E.N. 5 his Exoellenoy’s aide-de-camp and his private secretary followed 3 and Miss Constable, Miss Atkinson, the Hon. Q-. D. Langridge (president of the Victorian Commission), Mr Oscar Meyer (official representative of New South Wales), the Hon. J. M'Kean (of Victoria), ' Viscount Oranley, Commander Pelley, E.H., Mr 8. H. Garland, Mr H. J. Scott (official representative of South Australia), and the Hon. E. Viekery (of Hew South Wales) formed the rest of the procession. The National Anthem was played by the bands as the procession moved along the avenues, and was sung by the choir as his Excellency passed up the centre of the hall to the dais, which was immediately opposite the door by which the party entered. Upon the dais Lord Onslow occupied a seat in the centre, and had the Countess af Onslow on his right hand. Seats ranged along the right-hand side of the dais were occupied also by the Premier (Bir Harry Atkinson), the Native Minister (the Hon. E. Mitchelson), Mr Oscar Meyer, and the Hob. G. D. Langridge. Behind these ( were Captain Saville, Mr Walrond, the Minis- ' ter for Public Works (the Hon. T. Fergus), the Minister for Education (the Hon. T. W. f

Hislop), the Defence Minister (the Hon. Captain Bussell), and the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens. The president of the exhibition (Mr Roberts) was seated in front of both these lines of chairs, ond opposite to him was the executive commissioner (Mr Twopeny). On the left hand side of the Governor were the Ladies Dorothy and Gwendoline, Miss Constable, Miss Atkinson, Viscount Cranley, Captain Bosanquet, R.N., Commander Belley, R.N., Mr Justice Williams, Mr Justice Denniston, Mr H. J. Scott, Mr S. H. Garland, the Hon. J. M'Kean, the Mayor of Ballarat (Mr Meakin), and the Hon. E. Vickery, The manager and the secretary stood on the right and left of the steps leading to the dais. Behind the Governor and Lady Onslow were four of the landing party from the warships, who held the national flags, and behind these were four members each of the Highland Rifles and Irish Rifles. In the reserved seats beneath, and in front of

the dais, were a large number of distinguished guests and tioketholders. Among them were the Hons. M. Holmes, G. M'Lean, W. H. Reynolds, B, Oliver, R. Pbarozyn, W. Reeves, and H. K. Taiaroa, M.L.C.’s; Colonel Fraser, Major Steward, DrFitohelt, Dr Newman, the i Hon. W. J. M. Larnaoh, Messrs W. Barron, H. 8. Fish, -I. Allen, W. D. Stewart, J, Mills, A. H. Ross, M. J. 8. M'Kenzie, J. M'Kenzie, T. M'Kenzie, H. S, Valentine, J. Fulton, T. Duncan, T. Fyke, H. S. Fitzherbovt, J. Kerr, T. Pratt, B. W. Humphreys, D. fl. Macarthur, A. I. M'Gregor, W; O. Walker, A. E. G. Rhodes, J. Joyce, R. J. Seddon, J.Grimmond, J. C. Brown, and S. Taiwhanga, M.H.R.’s; Bishop Nevill, Bishop Moran, the Rev. Dr Stuart, the Ven. Archdeacon Edwards, Monsigoor Coleman, Father Lynch, the Rev. A. R. Fitobett, the Rev. A. H. Wallace, the Rev. A. North, the Rey. B. Lichtenstein; the Mayors of Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Wanganui, Invercargill, Queenstown, Ashburton, Lawrence, Balolutha, Sydenham, North-East Valley, Moraington, Roslyn, Maori Hill, South Dunedin, Port Chalmers, and Hastings; Colonel Humfrey, Colonel Wales, Colonel Sumpter, Major Gudgeon, Major Goring, Captain Anderson, Inspector Weldon ; Sir John Hall, Sir Robert Stout, the Hon. T. Dick, Mr W. Montgomery, ex-Oabinet Ministers; the Preneh Consul (Mr P. O. Neill), the Consular-Agent for the United States (Mr H. Driver), the Imperial ViceConsul for Denmark and Vice-Consul for Portugal (Mr S. E. O. Quick), the Imperial German Consul (Mr H. Houghton), and the Consular-Agent for Italy and the Consul for Netherlands (Mr E. B. Cargill); Viscount Dunlo ; the Hon, E. W. Parker; and several high Government officials, including tha Rev. W. J. Habens, Messrs W. N. Blair, W. M. Hannay, D. M. Buckie, A. D. Lubeoki. 0. W. S. Chamberlain, and E, D. Butts. The choir, numbered altogether 340, divided as under:—Soprani 145, contralti 80, tenor 50, baisi 65. The orchestra numbered 40 performers, and although scarcely strong enough for the hall, was jet well balanced end play with much precision. As the last tones of the “Old Hundredth” died away Mr Roberta stepped to the front and read a congratulatory cablegram from the Hon. Mr O’Connor, the Postmaster-General of New South Wales, who had been appointed as the representative of the Ministry, bat was unable to attend. Having also read his reply ho took from the Secretary, who stood upon the steps of the dais facing Mr Joubert, the President, moving to the Governor and Lady Onslow, commenced his address. As ha did so Lord Onslow rose, and remained standing during the whole of the time Mr Roberts was speaking. The President addressed His Excellency as follows : Yonr Excellency,—We, the Commissioners for the New Zealand aod South Seas Exhibition of 1889-90, desire with

great respect to accord you our heartiest welcome, and to convey to you, as the representative of Her Most Gracious Majesty, the expression of our devoted loyalty to Her Majesty’s Grown and Person. In response to a general feeling that some steps should be taken to make better known the resources of New Z»aland, and its capacity for bearing the burdens to which so much attention has been called of late, this exhibition was projected at a public meeting held in Dunedin on October 24th. The approach

of the jubilee of the colony suggested the idea of making the exhibition a commemoration of that event, and an illustration of the progress of New Zealand daring the first half century of settlement in comparison with that of the sister colonies in Australia. The desirability of cultivating closer relations with these colonies, and tha islands in the South Pacific Ocean, of which New Zealand is the natural head, was a leading idea in tho organisation of

the scheme, and the Commissioners have directed special efforts to secure the assistance of tha Australian colonies, and to give prominence to the representations of the manners and resources of the South Sea Islands. The project was warmly taken up throughout the colony, and especially in this city aod province, with the result that 1050 gentlemen subscribed a sum of £15,689 for the purpose of holding the exhibition, for it was from the outset

determined to follow up on the Hues of the great exhibition of 1851, in appealing to the public spirit of the colonists to carry 1 out the undertaking, the Government contributions being limited to a subsidy of £IO,OOO, for the purpose of providing collections of a public character such as could not be exhibited by private individuals. The appeal to the selfreliance and patriotism of the people has produced a result of popular interest and voluntary effort on behalf of the undertaking such as we venture to claim has never been seen in connection with any

previous enterprise of the kind. Committees have been formed in every district in the colony, the funds to carry on their operations being raised entirely by voluntary subscriptions, and the personal exertions required being given freely for the public good. We believe that the public spirit thus evoked is a legitimate mutter of pride for the people of New Zealand, and that the co-operation of so many widelyscattered districts in this work cannot but conduce to the consolidation of the colony. We have to thank Your Excellency and your predecessor, Sir William Jervois, for the interest you have from the first

evinced in the undertaking, and especially for tho influence you have so kindly exerted on behalf of the fine arts department. We have also to thank your constitutional advisers and the Parliament of Now Zealand for the recognition of the enterprise as the official celebration of the jubilee. We desire also to express our indebtedness to the Governments of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Fiji, for the important part they are : taking in the exhibition. Nor can I con-

dado our acknowledgements without thanking the many thousand of private exhibitors from all parts of the world, who are coatributing so liberally to onr success. The building in which you now stand covers an area of over 19 acres, the main structure being 1162 feet long by 455

broad, The countries official y represented are New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Mauritius, Fiji, and the Republic of Oosta Rica, besides which a large number of private exhibits have been contributed by the Mother Country, the United States of America, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Belgium, Japan, (Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. v7e have the honor to present with this address, a copy o the official catalogue of the exhibtion, fof Your Excellency’s acceptance, and tras* that the results of the undertaking wiltpro ve that the great confidence reposed ia* ua by Tour Excellency and your constitutional advisers, as well as by the public at large, iu trusting the credit of the colony to a body of private individuals has not been misplaced. In now only remains for me, in the name of my fellow /

Commissioners, to request that Tour Excellency will be pleased to declare the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition of 1889-90 open in the name of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, whom God preserve. At the close of the Presidential address, which was but imperfectly heard by those not in the immediate vicinity of the dais, the President stepped forward and presented the Governor and Lady Onslow each with a copy of the official catalogue, handsomely bound, as a souvenir of the event. As Mr Roberta handed the copy to the Governor, with the address, which is engrossed on parchment, His Excellency passed them quickly to Mr Walrond, who tucked them unceremoniously under his arm, as if quite used to the reception of such souvenirs. His Excellency replied as followsMr President, Vice-Presidents, Commissioners and Gentlemen, —I receive with great satisfaction the assurance of your oontinued loyalty to the throne and person of the Queen, which it will bo my pleasant duty to convey to Her Majesty, The extraordinary contrast presented by the condition of these islands between the years 1839-40 and the present time makes the jubilee of the colony a fitting date on which to display to the world the great nalural capacities of New Zealand and the manner in which her people have utilised and developed those resources during the past half century. The European population, which in 1839 consisted of a few of

our countrymen dispersed among the

natives in the extreme north of the North Island, is now settled throughout the length and breadth of both islands, inhabiting four cities, and many prosperous towns and villages, scattered in every direction. Fifty years ago of the four cities Auckland was just begun. The founding of Wellington had not advanced beyond the stage of conception io London, while Christchurch and the important city in which we now stand were still undreamt of. A great part of both islands was covered with a forest so dense that it would seem impossible for man to penetrate it. Over hundreds of square miles no human foot came to disturb the solitude. No sound broke the universal silence. Narrow tracks existed in certain regions only, by which Maoris in single file travelled from viPnga to village, or on warlike expeditious. To-day large areas of primeval forest have been entirely swept away. Where formerly the eye might range over a wide stretch of swamp and jungle are seen thousands of acres bright with corn, or browsed over by flocks and herds. Where in 1840 there was but a wild expanse of spurs and ravines covered with immense trees or thickly matted bush, may now be found populous towns, whose buildings occupy every possible site, while in place of only a narrow pathway then available at high tide large areas of land filled in from the cliffs carry wide streets and long quays of warehouses or busy wharves, and lines of railway. All the resources of modern ingenuity now bring machinery to bear on the produce of the land and of the mine.' The locomotive, carrying away the results of civilised labor, wakes with its whistle the echoes from Auckland to the Bluff. Fifty years ago a few whaling ships and some native canoes, or n vessel from Sydney seeking a cargo of fiax, alone ploughed the seas of New Zealand. In 1889 fleets of fine

steamboats pass regularly several times a week up and down our shores, maintain-

ing a coastal service which is not surpassed by any country in the world, while oceangoing steamers, among the first of their

class, maintain with speed and regularity our communication with the Mother Country and with the United States of America, and the news of the whole world is daily supplied to us by the service of the cable. Fifty years ago those Euro, peans who inhabited these islands lived only by the forbearance of the natives, obliged often for their own security to take part in the tribal quarrels of the Maoris, to join in their wars and to adopt their customs. To-day, though not without having passed through a period of strife and bloodshed wh'ch did not always redound to our glory, and which has sadly burdened our finances, we English rule the country in peace and contentment. Equal laws exist for Maori and European. Natives and Englishmen are alike represented in the Parliament of the colony. The law courts of New Zealand, in the ordinarj course of business, ace engaged in the settlement of disputes between litigants who fifty years ago would have been considered savages, while the representatives of the ancient inhabitants sit and

vote aide by side with yourselves, dlscoss-

ing every measure, voting freely and equally on all questions, and able on oc> casions to use their power to such purpose as to arrest the progress of Parliamentary business. Such a growth as this amply warrants your beat endeavors to call the

attention of your elder sisters on the continent of Australia, of the great AngloSaxon Republic in America, and of the nations of Europe to the varied production of your soil and of your mines; and to demonstrate to the world the advancement ot which you are capable. I congratulate you, Mr President, vica-Presidents, Comraissionera, and Gentlemen, on the success which has attended the voluntary efforts and the personal exertions of those whom you inform me conceived and carried oat this undertaking, and I congratulate you further on the manner in which the whole colony has recognised its importance, md has cordially co-operated ’to,.give a national character to this exhibition. I think expression should be given to the gratitude which we feel in those countries and colonies who have joined in a friendly

rivalry with us here, as well a* to those who have so generously lent for exhibition their treasures of industry and art. I

join with you, sir, m the expression of a hope that this gathering may be instructive and beneficial both to ourselves and to those who are entering into competition with us ; that we may find it the means of interchange of thought as well as of merchandise, that it will give us the opportunity of dispelling all jealousies which rival enterprise may engender, and enable us to cultivate those friendly sentiments and that mutual esteem which alone can bring peace and goodwill among the nations of the earth. 1 have now much pleasure, in the name, and on behalf, of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, in declaring open the Now Zealand and South Seas Exhibition of 1889-90,

The Governor in replying spoke with much clearness and force, being audible in every part of the building. The reference in his speech to the publicspiritedneas of the people of Otago in promoting the undertaking, and to the

liberal spirit in which it was seconded by the other colonies were received with hearty applause, which was revived and long continued when His Excellency declared the exhibition open. The hoisting of the ensign on the dome, followed by a salute of seventeen guns by artillery stationed on the reclaimed land, announced to the expectant thousands assembled outside that the day’s function was practically at an end. The choir sang in fine style Cowen’s Hymn of Thanksgiving, the Old Hundredth, and the Hallelujah Chorus, and the organist, Mr Barth played a voluntary while the vice- . regal patty reformed into procession and passed from the hall along the avenue, where the commissioners of the other

colonies were presented. The acoustic properties of the concert hall were fully tested and Mr Hislop, the architect, was complimented on all sides on the excellent results achieved. CONGRATULATORY. The Governor, at tbe request of the Exhibition Commissioners, cabled to the Queen a message announcing that he had just opened the exhibition, and a cable was received from Sir Henry Parkes, Premier, conveying the congratulations of New South Wales. Before leaving the concert ball, the Governor announced the despatch of a cablegram to the Queen, who replied as follows; “Tbe Queen heartily congratulates New Zealand on the marvellous progress made during the past fifty years, and on the signs of recovery from the recent, temporary depression. She highly values the continued expression of loyalty of the people of New Zealand, and authorises me to say she hopes that the attachment to the Mother Country, which has been unimpaired since the proclamation of sovereighty on June 29th, 1840, may long continue unimpaired.— Knutsford.”

The reading of the cable was followed by immense cheering. The Governor then despatched the following reply;—

“The Earl of Onslow presents bis duty to the Queen, and begs to inform Your Majesty that tbe New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition was this day opened in your name amid manifestations of devoted loyalty, and Your Majesty’s congratulatory telegram was received with great enthusiasm,”

Cheers for the Queen, the Governor, the Countess of Onslow, and the president of the exhibition were called for and heartily given. GENERAL OUTLINE. A brief description of the present appearance of the building is appended. Entering the main hali, you find yourself

immediately beneath the dome. The prevailing feature in the decoration of the dome is gold, which has been freely used. In the centre of the entrance hall is a fine statue of Her Majesty the Queen. The statue was shipped in Melbourne to come to the exhibition, but on the passage over it became very much damaged, so much «o that hardly a fragment ®f the original statue remained intact. However, thanks to the skill ef a sculptor named Kretchmayor, the statue has been restored to its original form. The entrance hall is octagonal in shape, and is made to appear even larger than it really is by the insertion of mirrors in each of the octagons forming (he sides. Facing the entrance, from which the avenues go off right and left, is a large window looking into the fernery, which is lighted up with the electric light, and gives one what may be called a glimpse of fairyland. NEW SOUTH WALES COURT. This court takes precedence because New South Wales is the mother colony of the Australian group. The attraction of the court —as, indeed, it is of the whole

exhibition, in which it is the most notable feature—is the mineral court. Never on any former occasion has so grand a collection of the mineral wealth of a colony been gathered together in Now Zealand, and the New South Wales Government is to bs congratulated on their enterprise in having sent over such a grand display. Its extent may be gathered from the fact thst it occupies an area of a little over 10,000 feet, There are specimens of coal, kerosene shale, alluvial gold, antimony

ore, auriferous granite, a large collection of silver ores, tin, copper, and hematite ore. There are also bricks, fire-clay, pottery, and s collection of precious stones. A very interesting exhibit—and one which will attract a good deal of attention—is a collection of characteristic fossils from the principal sedimentary formations of New South Wales. In addition to the mineral specimens, there are also some very interesting plans, maps, and books, bearing on the mineral resources of the colony, which are fall of information. The Australian Kerosene Oil and Mineral Company send petroleum oil, cannel coal, products obtained from tbe shale, and the Flnid Carbon Company a coal gas carbonnetter. The Prison Department show the economic value of prison labor in the shape of a number of fancy mats and matting, and there are also specimens of printing and bookbinding and photo, mechanical printing, a hansom cab, collections of indigerous plants, collection of British and foreign coins, mathematical instruments, models of tbe s.s. Wairarapa, and a ferry boat. The Technological Museum has a fine fine collection of forestry products, and the Minister of Mines a very excellent exhibit of New South Wales timber, resins, barks, etc. The wines of New South Wales are well represented, all the principal vineyards having samples in the courts. There is a capital representative exhibit of wool in fleeces, In order to allow of the vintage of Australia beinir brought fully under the notice of visitors, a wine bar has been established, in which the products of the vines in the three colonies of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia are to be obtained. THE VICTORIAN COURT, make an excellent show. All along the avenue running through the court the names of the various towns in Victoria are represented in blue letters on a white ground, and the effect is of a highly decorative character. The area occupied by the Victorian Court is 16,000 ft, the length being 350 ft, and the width 12011. The exhibits are of a varied nature. There is a mineral court on a smaller scale than the New South Wales one, but though it is small, it is exceedingly interesting. The principal feature in this is of course specimens illustrative of the gold diggings in Victoria. These include models of the most famous nuggets which were found in the early days of tbe diggings. They are displayed in glass cases, and the names

will call up memories of the good old times in the minds of those who were in Australia away back in the fifties and sixties, when nuggets were far more plentiful than they ’are now. Specimens of cereals grown in Victoria are exhibited. There are also some very good exhibits of mining and metallurgical machinery and appliances, chemical manufactures, glassware, pottery, &o. Household furniture is represented by mirrors, music steels, and a capital collection of billiard tables. Under the head of halting and lighting appliances there are gas stoves, water heaters, and gas fires. The GVstlemaine Woollen Company sends blankets and flannels in competition with our local factories, and the Victorian Woollen Company sends piece goods. The importance and universality of ready-made clothing is illustrated by a glass case containing wax figures from the snail boy i« the man-of-war suit to the curled darling of society dressed to do the Collins street block. The gentle art and mystery of printieg is well illustrated by sample* of electrotypes and printing inks. There is also a very interesting collection of postage stamps. Some very good carriages show that in Victoria they understand how to build a carriage combining lightness with strength. A very interesting exhibit comes from the Working Men’s College in the shape of specimens of the work of the students, and the Educational Department sends a collection which it will be interesting to compare with our own capital exhibit. Science is represented by a collection of spectacle and other lenses. Our boating men will be interested la a collection of boats and racing oars which come from tbe well-known sheds of Edwards and Sons. From the Director of the Botanic Gardens at Melbourne comes a very fine collection of carpologieal specimens of Anstralasisn and exotic plants eemprißing 570 species. Baron Von Mueller sends specimens of Australian woods in book form, which give one a very good idea of the properties of tbe Australian timbers. In wine the Victorian court is exceedingly strong. All the principal vineyards have sent samples, and anyone can practically test the quality of any particular variety at the wine bar. A capital little collection of what is called artisans’ individual work, or, as it is termed in the New Zealand court, home industries, and a quantity of bronze and iron art castings, close what may be called the general exhibits in this court. There is also a very compact and representative art gallery; SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COURTS. This is situate following along the avenue in which the Victorian court is situate, The area of the court is about 1000 ft. South Australia is now bidding high for the market for raisins, currants, olives and wine. Of the former there is a very excellent exhibit, and the fr«:j is fully as well flavored as those of Malaga. The currants are a marketablelooking article, and the olives—of which the cultivation is spreading largely in South Australia—look quite as good as the renowned Spanish Queen Olivos. Wine is, however, the strong point of South Australia, and there are specimens of all the well-known vineyards. They range from the lightest of Chablis to tbe full-bodied Muscat. In Mr Scott’s modest but exceedingly comfortable little office he has samples of all South Australian products, and a visit there will prove to the most sceptical that it ia by no moans necessary to go into the foreign market to purchase either dried fruits or wine. The apricots of Auguston are well known throughout the oilonioi, a largo canning factory having been established in the midst of fruit gardens. This is an industry which has grown very rapidly and which promises yet to be one of the most successful in South Australia.

THE CANTERBURY COURT Is exceedingly pretty, and visitors from there will by no means be ashkmcd of the display made. The main display is made by the Midland Railway Company, who exhibit a collection of fifteen different timbers found on their property; Closely connected with this is a display of furniture and carriage materials, together with doors, sashes, etc., all exhibiting the adaptability of our New Zealand timbers to tbe purposes of ornamental or useful work. Seeds and grain are well represented, especially by a very handsome case containing specimens of grain grown in the province. Beers are fairly well represented, and there is alse a small but good exhibit of pickles, bottled fruits, and sauces. Boots and shoes are not so largely represented as might have been expected, considering the extent to which the industry has attained. In agricultural implements, af might be expected, there is a good show, and the home industries part of the court is well filled. In the department allotted to women’s work there is exhibited embroidery, crochet, and patchwork, knitting, and specimens of sewing. As has been stated tbe court makes a very good show, alike in the matter of decorations and quality of the exhibits. THE OTAGO COURT. The Otago exhibits are very numerous in every department, and an attempt even to briefly describe the various exhibits would take up a large amount of space. Prominent amongst thd exhibits may be noted the display made by the Mosgie) and Roslyn Woollen Factories. Both of these have grand shows illustrative of the advance which has been made of late years in this important industry. Tweeds of all kinds, hosiery, blankets, serges, flannels, and yarns are all represented, Tbe Roslyn Mills exhibit under the two great branches into which tbe industry is divided, viz., woollen yarns and fabrics of New Zealand carded wool, and worsted fabrics of New Zealand-combed wool. In connection with this, a very excellent show is made of readymade clothing, and there are also exhibits of costumes, tea gowns, mantles, and millinery. The arts of printing and bsok-binding are fully represented. A perfumery fountain in full work will no doubt be a source of great attraction. Another notable exhibit is one of specimens of the translation of the Scriptures into two hundred different languages, A very imposing and ornamental building has been erected for the display of the pianos and other musical instruments exhibited by the Dresden Pianoforte Company, and Messrs Begg and Company have a room in the court where the various pianos, etc., are exhibited. Photography is well represented by all kinds of pictures, and there is a particularly interesting series representing the Maori at home. The show of beer is a very full one. Boots and shoes are also largely represented in the Otago Court, as is also the agricultural implement industry. Some very interesting exhibits are to be seen under the head of jewellery, etc. In the Workmen’s court an interesting feature has been introduced—which it will be remembered was carried out on a small scale at the Cbristchnrch Industrial Exhibition at the drillshed. This is the display of the

various processes of manufacture in full work by the various artisans. The trades which will thus be illustrated are boot and shoe making, aerated water making, manufacture of gold and silver ornaments, candle making, watch making, die sinking, sausage making, and the manufacture of confectionery. The home ind uatries court is particularly strong, all kinds of articles being exhibited. In women’s work, too, there is a great display. The country courts are also well filled, comprising in the main nil those varied specimens of local industries which one meets with at the larger agricultural shows. HOME nBTTSTBIES COURT. This is devoted to the display of the work done at home by artisans and others —that is, outside the factory or shop in which the exhibitor may be employed. It occupies twelve bays, and is appropriately decorated with New Zealand ferns filled into the spandrils of the arohes. The scope of the present article ia not intended to deal with details. All that is necessary now is to give an outline, leaving the full description to the series which will follow. Therefore, only what may be called the salient points, as indicating the general scope of the court, need be touched upon. The appeal of the Committee in charge of this department for exhibits has been liberally responded to, about 150 exhibitors having come forward with an almost endless variety of articles of all kinds. A speciality is a rosette manufactured of butterflies, which is unique, and recalls memories of tbe celebrated speech descriptive of Queen Mab. The bay in which the models are plaoed is one which will attract a great deal of interest, and amongst other exhibits there is a beautiful model of a locomotive, and one of a self-supporting spiral staircase. In glass oases are two models representing the good old times aid the more prosaio, but perhaps far more comfortable period of the present day. Tbe first of these is a Maori whare, occupying in the year 1848 a site, which in the second case is shown to have been replaced by a modern villa. One of the bays in this court is filled with the overflow of exhibits in [the Canterbury court, Next to this is a court which, as illustrative of the working of our system of State education, is of considerable interest, and opportunity is also affored, by the inclusion of educational exhibits from other countries—notably from Sweden, Germany, and the South Kensington School of Science and Art—for a com-

patiaon by thoia interested in the progress of educational science. THE SOUTH SEA COURT contains representative exhibits illustrative of Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, New Guinea, and the Solomon and Loyalty Islands. The exhibits in the Tongan couat, though small in number, are perfectly representative. They comprise specimens of coral, tappa (a matting made from the bark of the paper mulberry), candle nuts, coffee, and arrowroot. Here are also specimens of the kava root, from which a highly

intoxicating liquor is produced by a rather uninviting process. As illustrative of the vegetable products of the country, an immense yam is exhibited. A couple of blocks of wood used by the Tongana as pillows are also shown. The exhibits from Samoa consist mainly of canoes, which are remarkable for their peculiar shapes. The use of the mother o’ pearl in the decoration of the sterns of the canoes is exhibited in a variety of forms. Of course, there are photographs of scenes after the great hurricane, which has formed the staple of newspaper articles for some time. From these some idea may be formed of the immense power of the storm. The exhibits from Fiji are comprised in a large wall case, and comprise a great number of weapons used in warfare, articles of dress, etc. The Solomon Islands send more clubs and a couple of looms of a somewhat primitive construction, used in the production of cloth, a small portion of which is used as attire by the natives. The Loyalty Islands also exhibit drosses of a fringe-like character. New Guinea is represented by some remarkable tobacco pipes, 3ft. long and siu, in circumference, and a formidable hunting knife. BRITISH, AMERICAN, AND FOREIGN COURTS. A great part of the exhibits for the British Court are not yet to hand, the strike at the London docks having prevenied their shipment at the proper time.

Thera is wire rope from Sheffield, a trophy of Peek, Frean, and Co.’b biscuits, a magnificent trophy of whisky, exhibits from the Wednesbury Forge Company, and a kiosk which has been erected in order to display the adaptability of Lysagbt’s galvanised iron for building purposes. Irish whiskey is represented by a very fine trophy, which will, no doubt, attract attention. The Crown Perfumery Company will have an attractive display of their perfumes, and the ladies will also be interested in the show of corsets of all kinds made by W. S, Thomson and Co. The American exhibits are confined mainly to displays of tobacco and cigars. In the case containing the latter are some artistically got up regalias, cased, as befits their high quality, in gold foil. There is also a wonderful littleinvenlion in the shape of a carpet sweeper, which makes this operation quite a pleasure. Under the head of foreign exhibits are some very fine specimens of old German stoneware, Dresden bhina, and galvaooplastic ware. A very fine collection of artificial flowers from 1 Germany will be sure to attract attention. Oriental and Japanese goods are represented, and tha remainder of the exhibits in this court comprise trophies of brandies, champagne, Ac., from Bordeaux, and other placos. The Planters’ Association of Kandy have a very handsome tea kiosk, where cups of tea will be dispensed, ATTENDANCE. The following are the figures which go to make up the total estimated attendance Processionists ... 2,540 Free passes (to exhibitors and attendants) 750 Season ticketholders and choir ... 5,400 Paid admissions - 8,831 Total 17,521 The attendance at the Melbourne Exhibition of 1880 on its opening day, it may be of interest to know, was 24,100, and at the Melbourne Exhibition of 1888 was 36,395. GENERAL. Everything passed off without a hitch, and ns the weather was fairly good it may be safely said that the proceedings from first to last were signally successful. It is estimated that there were fully 25,000 people in the streets, and no accident of any kind was reported. Reference to the other courts will be made in future issue*.