FLOATING EXHIBITION.

Auckland Star, Volume XV, Issue 3795, 28 August 1882, Page 2

FLOATING EXHIBITION.

Proposed Visit to Auckland.

Aekangejients are now being made in England for a Floating Exhibition to tha colonies. It is proposed to charter the s.s. Viceroy, a ship ct some 3,000 tons, and to set apart in the- vessel a certain space for exhibits of manufactured goods tuitable to the wants of colonial merchants. A Floating Exhibition has not, bo far as we are aware, been previously thought of—at all events never brought prominently befoic tho public. It is well known that many loading firms are constantly in tho habit ot sending throughout tho colony and to various other parts of tho Globe, with samples, to wait on their various correspondents, or in search of new markets. Tne Moating Commercial Exhibition offers to extend these two facilities by—in addition to taking those who may engage one, two, or three cabins, or large spaces, in accordance with their requirements—admitting "small ex-' hibits ot all classes and kinds, explosive and combustible elements only excepted; so that really, when th« ship is fina'ly fitted out and ready for the voyage, shp willbe a baziar, an exhibition, aud a show all in one. .The route ohosen can hardly please all, but we at least have no cause to complain, Auckland being montioned as the principal port of call for New Zealand. It is intended that the Viceroy shall proceed through tho Mediterranean, the Straits Settlement, Java, Australia, Fiji, Mew Zealand and the Cape. Anived at a port, it is the intention to invite tho leading Government and other celebrities arid the Press to an official opening, in a similar manner to that adopted in the case of Exhibitions on terra firma; after which the public will hs admitted, but whether tree or on payment has not as yet been definitely decided. And to on fiom port to port, the ship remaining only as long at each place a» may be necessary, regard being had to its size and importance. Auckland merchants will probably find it to their special advantage to make their own selection of goods from the varied coU lection, and it follows that dissatisfaction can hardly arise, and that both trader and Consumer will get what they really require.