THE EXHIBITION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXII, Issue 7024, 12 November 1906, Page 3

THE EXHIBITION.

(By Telegraph.) Chbistchttbch, Nov 12 Altogether 185,024 persons have entered the gates of the Exhibition. The big Melbourne Exhibition of 1888-9 scoured 89,000 visitors m the first six days, but the present Exhibition has been attended by 107,117. The Premier reoeived the following communications from the Dunedin and Auol - land Commissioners on Saturday :— " Many thanks for wire, and I trust yon will allow me to congratulate the Govemmenton what I consider a satisfactory solution of a most difficult position. lam sure that the Hon. A. Pitt's tact and ability will be the means of avoiding |all further difficulty, and I will be glad if you will kindly convey to him that my best services are most readily placed at his disposal.—Joho Soberts." " Your wire duly received. I regret very much that friction has existed so long m connection with the Exhibition but it was probably unavoidable, m view of the many conflicting interests. I believe that your decision to establish direct Ministerial supervision is the best solution that could have been arrived at, and that general confidence will be reposed m Colonel Pitt as Commissioner. I shall be glad to assist him m every way m my power, and believe a wise exercise of his authority will prevent any further conflict and secure the remedy of existing grievances.—H. Brett." Mr G. W. Roberts, the Westland Commissioner, notified the Premier that he would loyally comply with his desires respecting the rearrangement of the management of the Exhibition. An Australian visitor who has had a good deal to do with Melbourne and other Exhibitions, expressed to a "Timeß"' representative his opinion that m centralising the work and placing it under the control of a Minister of the Crown, Sir Joseph Ward had done the right thing. It is understood that the salaries of all directors of departments will be increased, m recognition of the manner m which they have performed their duties. Large saleß are still being made m the Art Gallery, and a considerable portion of the potfcery and silver work has also been sold. The officials of the Canadian Court are b'gh'y gratified at the interest shown m the resources and industries of the dominion so far, and by the information sought regarding the Canadian system of land occupation. The Hon. A. Pitt has gone into private quarters to rest for a couple of days. He is suffering from influenza, and the Commissioners will not be able to confer with him until he has recovered. It is semiofficially stated that another Minister, probably Mr Hall-Jones, will come to Christchurch to take charge of the Exhibition affairs. The Entertainment Committee meets this afternoon, when it i 8 expected they will resign m a body.