THE CENTENNARIES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2506, 2 August 1888, Page 2

THE CENTENNARIES.

OPENING OF THE MELBOURNE EXHIBITION.

AN IMPOSING CEREMONY. (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) | By Electric Telegrami.—-Copyright.] Melbourne July 1. The town was early astir this morning, and thousands were thronging the streets. Tho day was observed as a public holiday all over tho colony. Tho principal feature of the opening ceremony was the procession. Collins-street was the rendezvous for the various bodies taking part in it. At the upper end of this thoroughfare was a parade ef the naval and military forces of the colony along with a contingent of bluejackets and marines from the English and French men-o'-war now in harbour. Next to them marched 800 firemen in uniform, accompanied by four bands and forty different pieces of fire appliances ; these were joined by 3000 members of friendly societies and four bands, by way of William-street, and 8000 members of trade societies with forty banners and six bands, who marched up from Drummondstreet. The combined procession then lined the greater part of Collins-street four deep on each side awaiting the appearance of the vice-regal party. Twelve officers and 40 sub-officers, with 350 constables and 58 mounted troopers kept order. At half-past 11 a.m. the Commissioners and members of Committee assembled at the northern entrance of the Exhibition Buildings where a guard of honour v/as stationed. The main corridor of the building known as the Avenue of Nations, was lined with troops, and the Grand Hall with seamen. The Governor arrived at noon, and was received with a general salute, after which he and his entourage, which included the Governors of all the Australasian colonies, were conducted along the Avenue of Nations, in the following order : — Marshal of Ceremonies {Colonel Hutton) Deputy Marshal Queen's Colours Victorian Colours Imperial Naval and Military Officers Officers of Foreign Warships Commandants oi Colonial Forces Members of Ceremonial Committee Members of Ministries from Neighbouring Colonies Chief Justices Speakers of Parliaments Admirals Staff of the Governors of Colonies Commissioners of Foreign Countries and Consuls. Passing tho various courts, bands stationed in tho annexe played the Star Spangled Banner, Ich Dien Prusse, Haydn's Austrian Hymn, the Marseillaise, and Red, White and Blue. As the head of the procession reached the Grand Hall, the organ and orchestra, conducted by Mr Cowan, played the National Anthem.

The Governors of the various colonies and piincipal officials, ascended the dais era-ted for the occasion, the remainder occupying the platform behind. The President, (Sir James Mcßain), then offered prayer for the success of the Exhibition, and the Old Hundredth was sung, followed by the Song of Thanksgiving, specially composed by Mr Cowan. The President ascended the dais and read the following address "Sir Henry Lich, the Commissioners of this colony desire to accord you their heartiest welcome, and convey to you an assurance of devoted loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen and Crown, as represented in your person. In response to the general feeling that the Centennary of Australia should not be allowed to pass uncommemorated, Victoria incurred the responsibility of proving the possibility of holding an Exhibition of art and industry. In undertaking this important work, the Government and people of Victoria believed an opportunity should be afforded to all the colonies, to combine for the purpose of showing hononr to the Mother colony of New South Wales; to demonstrate the progress of art and industry ; to foster the sentiment of Australa* sian federation, and generally to exhibit the varied resources of a great country." After referring to the work of the Royal Commission, Sir James proceeded to remark that the fact of the Prince of Wales having been elected president of the British Commission, was further evidence of the interest taken by His Royal Highness in the colonies. On behalf of the commission, lie desired to thank Lord Xnutsford for his good offices in assisting them; to Lord Roseberry, also, their thanks were due for his untiring exertions on their behalf. They also desired to thank the representatives from all parts of the world who were to-day present to assist in the opening celebrations. As the various countries agreed to send exhibits, it became apparent that the space, which was at first considered sufficient, would be totally inadequate. It therefore became necessary to extend the area of the annexes by about twenty-six and ahalf acres, making the total area of thirtyfive acres, as against the area of twenty acres occupied by the of 18S0. In addition to the countries officially represented, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Holland, India, China, Japan, Fiji, New Guinea and many others have shown their interest in the undertaking by sending exhibits, and the commissioners fairly claim that in niagnetude and value the exhibits far surpass anything heretofore displayed in the Southern Hemisphere. He desired to thank the Government for the liberality with which the necessary funds had been provided, and also the Governments of the various countries and colonies exhibiting. On behalf of the Commissioners. he thanked His Excellency the Governor for the hononr done theiri in consenting to open the Exhibition, and begged to hand him a copy of the official catalogue, the diversity of which would enable him to form an idea of the magnitude of the undertaking. In conclusion, Sir James expressed the fervent hope that inspection of the products of the world's thought and labour would, under the blessing of Providence, educata people, stimulate them to greater enterprises in the future, and enhance the prosperity and happiness of all. It only remained for him in the name of his fellow Commissioners, to request that His Excellency would be pleased to declare the Melbourne Exhibition of 18S8 open, in the name of Her Graoiouß Majesty, whom God preaarve.

On concluding reading the address, Sir Jamos Mcßain presented His Excellency with a gold key, made by Chubb, of the main entrance to the Exhibition buildings. His Excellency, Sir H. B. Loch, said it would be a most pleasing duty for him to convey to Her Majesty the Queen the assurance of devoted loyalty, and he had to thank them for the welcome accorded to him as Her Majesty's representative. The feeling entertained at the Centennary marked a worthy occasion, and had 1 found expression at the great gathering at the celebration of the Centennary in Sydney. He felt doubtful whether future generations would show the same record of progress as that of the first Centennial. Ho was only congratulating the Commissioners on the result of their labours which had been most arduous and attended with a great amount of responsibility in making the exhibition the success it was. The building covered a larger area under roof and floor than any other building erected in the world. The site of the presont exhibition was Melbourne, the metropolis of Victoria, in which all the colonies take an equal pride as purely Australian in inception and character. He desired to place on record the obligation under which they were to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, whose exertion secured the most valued collection of loan pictures that had ever left England. They should gracefully recognise the generosity of Her Majesty's and other owners who had risked their valuable pictures in order to enable those in the colonies, which are to a certain extent shut out from the museums and ait galleries in Europe, to study some of the most beautiful specimens of art produced in the old world, and to enjoy viewing a collection of art which alone marks the Exhibition as unique in the annals of similar undertakings. Thanks were

also due to tho sister colonies, tho mother country and foreign countries for their cordial reponse to send exhibits showing the advance in manufactures and industries. He referred to the successful efforts of the Commissioners to provide music unexcelled in any part of Australia, and under a leader of such great talent. He was confident that great beneficial results would be derived by the people of these young and energetic colonies by a careful study of tho great works of tho art and industries of the world. His Excellency continued that there was unlimited wealth hidden in the great store-house of tho world which would bring, in future generations, full value for tho instruction that may be derived from an intelligent study of the work of tho exhibitors. As so well described in the eloquent address delivered at tho opening of the Philadelphia Exhibition, they were described as being tho means of bringing together nationalities which had extended their relations to promote the acquisition and diffusion of a better knowledge of the natural resources, products and national methods of promoting industries. They create and enlarge mutnal respect, and contribute to the preservation of harmony and peace—the noblest aim of modern civilisation. He then declared the Exhibition open. His Excellency cabled to Her Majesty the Queen:—"l beg to inform your Majesty, amid great public rejoicings, open Melbourne Exhibition, commemorative Centennial anuiversary British settlement Australia. Ceremony performed presence of Governors colonies and vast concourse spectators. He also cabled to H.R.H. Prince of Wales thanking him for presiding at the British Commission, and also for the great interest he had always evinced towards the Exhibition. At the conclusion of the Vice-Regal speech a salute was fired from the English and French men-o'-war. The Cantata, of which Mr F. Cowen is the author anil liev. Allan King the composer, was then sung, after which both author and composer were presented to Hiß Excellency the Governor Tho Hallelujah chorus and National Anthem were sung, and three cheers having been given for Her Majesty the Queen, the Vice-Rogal party and procession returned to the Avenue of Nations, tho Commissioners of each Court being presented to Sir H. Loch. THE SPECTACLE. The largest crowd ever seen in this city assembled shortly before noon to witness the procession at the opening ceremony of the Exhibition. The weather was fine, but a cold wind was blowing. The ViceRegal party left Government House, and entered Flinders-street, by way of New Princess Bridge, entering the Exhibition grounds by way of Carltonstreet, the whole route being lined by the societies previously mentioned. From six to eight thousand spectators were seated in tho grand hall when the Vice Regal party were admitted by tho northern entrance, and the interior; presented a inost brilliant spectacle. As the Governors ascended the dais several persons tried to get up a cheer, but thero ivas no response, this not being part of the official programme, and the abortive effort of these excited peoplo created much laughter. A full choir and orchestra then performed the National Anthem, the music having a very grand effect m the great hall. The arrangements at the opening ceremony wore perfect, every part of the programme being carried out without a hitch and no accident of any kind marred tho proceedings. All parts of the city were brilliantly decorated in honour of the occasion. Owing to some disagreement between the Executive Committee and the local press, all information was denied to the latter till Thursday, exception being made in favour of the New Zealand Press Association, to whom every facility was afforded to enable full reports being sent to New Zealand at the earliest moment. The weather continued tine till after the opening ceremony, but a drizzling rain fell in the afternoon. .His Excellency gives a dinner at Government House to-night.

THE NEW ZEALAND COURT

The New Zealand Court faces the Grand Avenue of Nations on the left hand side, being the second Court from the grand north door by which the Governor and procession entered the building at the opening ceremony to-day. The first Court is Canada, but a small portion of the frontage next to the entrance has been given up to a Victorian exhibitor. The New Zealand Court has a length of 220 feet by 100 feet wide, but the frontage is narrowed by _ the Queensland Court, which runs back 75 feet into it. The facade is divided into rather more than four bays by lofty pillars, and for the sake of effect those principal bays which lead into the main Court have been selected to form the frontage. The decorations adopted are extremely simple, and throw the exhibits into bold relief, instead by drowning them by imposing magnificence as has been done in other Courts. They consist of three light arches picked out in green and gold, while lofty pedestals of native timber, Nikau pa'ti.s and fern trees supply a natural and effective ornamentation. On the left has been erected a great kauri tree 26 feet high, and 9 feet in diameter, forming a very striking feature, while on the opposite side | stands gilt columns almost equal in dimensions representing the total amount of gold which has been extracted from the diggings in Now Zealand. Down the centre there is a series of trophies and show cards, representing the natural resources of the country. On the right hand are all the manufactures bearing on the production of food, on the left, all relating to clothing, furnishing, etc., including carriages. A portion of the bay oil the right hand side, behind the office is devoted to mineral productions. Adjoining Canada is a tastefully arranged art gallery, divided by screens arranged so as to form six distinct octagonal courts, the other space being occupied by handsome show cases. The total number of entries in the official catalogue is about 528, about the same as at the last International Exhibition. In the art section there are 88 paintings in oil and 140 water-colours, which, with few exceptions, are paintings of New Zealand subjects by New Zealand artists, and mostly specially done for this Exhibition. In Class 2, education and instruction, there are GO entries; in Class 10, furniture, 2G; Class 27, glass and pottery, 4 ; Class 08, butter and cheeso, 20; Class (i 9, meat and fish, 17; Classes 82 and 82, mining, 30. The general effect is very satisfactory, and the tone of colours chosen for decorative purposes is green and gold and chocolate, to which name banners and other appurtenances are made to conform. The contrast with neighbouring Courts is in favour of New Zealand, which is readily distinguished from other countries adjoining nearly all the cases and fittings in the Court, even to to the dividing Bcreens have been made of New Zealand timber. Machinery is shown in a separate annexd, and some of it is at work in the grounds. Sir J. Hector has laboured unceasingly to get the Court in order, and the result reflects the highest credit both on him and his assistants. Mr Callis, Secretary of Commission, and Mr W. Vavau.