THE NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7950, 27 January 1906, Page 5

THE NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

CHRISTCHUROH, January 26. The weekly ofßoißl review of progress of the New Zealand International Exhibition states that a heavy wind storm swept over Hagley Park on Sunday and damaged the main building of the Exhibition, which ia in course of erection. The extent of the damage was very much exaggerated and some unwarranted statements of serious delays, etc., were made. An independent survey of the damage was held, when it was ascertained that the total loss is about £704. This survey confirms the statement of those who ought to know, chat the accident would not in any way affect the progress of the ( Exhibition, and that there was no . oobaßiou for alarm. The Decoration Committee has recommended that advantage be taken of Sir Joseph Ward's visit to Italy, and that he be requested and empowered to purchase Ave hundred pounds' worth of statuary for decorative purposes. The Commissioners have endorsed the Committee's recommendation, and the Government has given the neoessary authority. Mr James MoDonald, of the Colonial Museum staff, at Wellington, is now preparing a series of life-size models of Maori chiefs, to be plaoed in the Maori Hall of the Museum, and it had been decided to ask the Government to lend the Executive Commissioners these models for the deoorating of the Grand Hall of the Exhibition. It has been definitely settled to issue commemorative postage stamps in connection with the Exhibition, and these will only be purchasable at the General Post Office within the Exhibition buildings. Stamps of this nature are not available for general purposes acoording co the rule of the Postal Union, but arrangements may be made with certain countries to recognise them. It is anticipated that the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Australia will agree to recognise these stamps, whioh wjll ensure a considerable circulation.