THE EXHIBITION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8359, 16 February 1907, Page 5

THE EXHIBITION.

By Telegraph—Special Service.

CHRISTCHURCH, February 15,

I A class for twins has been added to the programme of ,the baby show. It is suggested that no entry fees shall be charged 'for the show, and that the purchase of one ticket shall entitle a mother and child to entry to the Exhibition both afternoon and evening. To encourage all competing babies to remain during the whole of the show, it is suggested that each baby should be handed a small memento as he or she is taken home at 9 p.m. The thousandth infant at the Babies' Rest is expected to make its appearance by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week,and be on exhibition .on the following Thursday. Entries for the baby show close next Tuesday evening. Mr D. C. Mclntyre, in addition to his position as director of exhibits, has been appointed superintendent of awards. Over 1,500 applications have been received for the exhibits to be judged. Mr Mclntyre will meet exhibitors on Monday night to discuss certain details in connection with the judging, which it is expected will be commenced on the 20th inst. / The greater part of the home' industries section has been judged, and it is hoped that the few judges who' have not been able to undertake their duties will complete their work in a few days. The first Exhibition militaiy tattoo on the Sports Ground has been the great event of the Exhibition to-day. All day long there was a large attendance, but in ~ the evening an immense multitude filled all the seating and most of the standing accommodation in the Sports Ground and crowded every overlooking coign of vantage surrounding the enclosure. The night was perfect for the event, and the volunteers were present in good numbers and the Maoris in all their warpaint. The pah, which formed the object of an attack by the military, was found to be not the pah proper, but an excellent imitation hurriedly constructed on one side of the Sports ground. The Maoris, armed with rifles, took their stand behind a strong breastwork with numerous embrasures through which 1 a deadly fire could be poured on the attacking force. At the last moment it was found that the massed bands, whose parade with torches was to , have been a feature of the entertainment, had not put in an appearance. The weather had been damp ard threatening in the afternoon, and they were specially anxious to preserve dry and bright their instruments, which they had polished to perfection for to-morrow's contest. The Garrison Band, who turned out with the Volunteers, were left to fill the breach. The Maoris', who were called on to defend their impromptu pah against the military, danced a magnificent haka of defiance - as the two companies chosen for the attack advanced towards their breastwork. They then fell back on the pah, against which the Voluntee; s advanced, Maintaining a steady rifle fire, and supported by the gun cf "E" battery. The Maoris made no reply till the enemy were close upon them, with the Sports Ground fence between, when they poured in such a volley as must have wiped the attacking force, out of existence. The Maoris, headed by the Band, then marched round the ground. The Band, and afterwarcs the Volunteers and West Coast ar.d North Otago Cadets, joined in the march and various movements which had a very fine effect. Fireworks were sent up at intervals by a representative of Pain and Co. Despite the absence of the Bands, the tattoo may be considered a very great success, and will probably be repeated on another occasion with the assistance of the local bands. The Hon. George Fowlds invited the visiting band conductors and the president, secretary and delegates of the North Island Band Association, who have given valuable assistance and advice in the carrying out, of the Contest, to a supper, held to-night, in the Minister's rooms. The Hon. Mr Fowlds had, unfortunately, to leave for the North before the supper took place, but the Hon. J. McGowan'did the honours in his stead. The toast "list included:-—"The King," [proposed by the Hon. Mr McGowan; "North Island Bands Association," proposed by the Hon., Mr McGowan. .aid responded to by Mr M. Cohen, President of the Association; ."Visiting Bands," proposed by Lieut. Siddall 1 and responded to by Mr Cricliton, Conductor of the Wanganui Band; "Newcastle Band," proposed by Mr j Cohen and responded to by the con- , ductor; "The Judges," proposed by I the Hon. ,Mr McGowan,'and 1 "The Exhibition," proposed' by-Mr Cohen and responded to by Hon. Mr Mc--Gowan. A late train will be run. from Christchurch to Dunedin, tomorrow evening, after the Band Contest. The next display of fireworks will be given on Wednesday.