AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 2 December 1913, Page 7

AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

THE OPENING CEREMONY

{By Telegraph — Prett Auociation.) AUCKLAND, Last Night.

Tho Exhibition was opened at 11 o'clock thix morning by the Governor, assisted by the Prune Minister, Lady Liverpool and suite, and a large parliamentary party, including Sir Ward. Tho weather was fine, though overcast. The day was observed as a- partial holiday, and there was a large attendance of the public. Gold keys wore presented to the Governor and Premier as souvenir*. Mr Masscy handed over the presentation tea kiosk to the 'Mayor for the uso of the citizens. The "Hallelujah Ohorus" was sung by tho Choral Society, assisted by the Royal Artillery Band. Mr George Elliott, Provident, in his speech at the opening of the Exhibition, recalled the fact that since tho last exhibition in December, 1898, tho population of Auckland and suburbs, then 57,000, had doubled. The guarantee fund was three tines larger than was originally considered essential, Donations by local bodies, private' firnls anil public companies totalled over £60,000, in addition to tho tea, kiosk, provided by the geilM 1 - osrity of fifteen business firms, which would remain a memoi'iial for all time. Mr Elliott expressed thanks-to Mr Massey and otlr.'r Ministers for their generous support. They did not ask Uiv a subsidy for the exhibition proper but had asked for and had been promised donations towards the expenses of bringing out the Royal Artillery Band. • Had it not been 'for tho'•Governor's assistance, lie. did ,nbt think that the Imperial ■'authorities would hare been induced to permit tho bandsmen, to leave England for such a. lengthy period.