THE EXHIBITION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 296, 15 December 1898, Page 2

THE EXHIBITION.

Last evening the Exhibition was again very well patronised. There being over* 2000 people present. The orchestral selections in the rotunda were much appreciated, there being a crowd around the baud stand all the evening. A meeting of the executive, committee was held during the evening. It was decided to make an experiment in the direction of keeping the Exhibition open continuously from 11 a.m. till 10 p.m., without closing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. as at present. Mr F. N. Meadows, the exhibition superintendent, has been against the alteration owing to its having proved such a failure at the Wellington Exhibition, but in deference to outside feeling the executive had decided to make the change from Monday next. In a fortnight's time the matter will be further considered by the executive. The question of concert charges and the rights of season ticket holders was definitely settled. At the previous meeting it had been proposed to charge a fee for booking only, unresprved space to be open to visitors free of charge. As there are seven large concerts still on the programme it was decided, on the motion of Mr Bell: "That, the entrance to special concerts be 1/, with an extra charge of 1/ for booking, season ticket holders to have a prior right to book tin til within 48 hours of the entertainment; that for the ordinary concerts 1/ be charged for registering seats, season ticket holders to have the prior right as before.'

Several exhibitors have complained of articles being removed at night, and it was decided to bring the matter under the notice of the inspector of police. It was also resolved to stringently put down smoking in the Exhibition buildings. Owing to the accumulation of work it was decided that the executive meet twice a week. CONCERT. The pupils of St. Mary's Convent last evening gave a very enjoyable programme of vocal and instrumental music in the Choral Hall, a good audience testifying its approval in a very hearty manner. The chorus 'Japanese .Fan' by Lewis evidently came first in public favour and deservedly so, being sung very prettily. 'Violets' by the same body of vocalists also received good treatment. One or two orchestral selections, viz., a march, waltz and pavotte were, played with considerable taste, showing that careful practice had not been neglected. The pianoforte solos and duet were rather ambitious, notably the valse. of Chopin. However the performers displayed much promise of things to oofne in their efforts to overcome difficulties of which older players do not think lightly. Miss Ansley recited two pieces with .great spirit aud received well merited applause. Misses R. Tole and S. Lynch contributed two songs, assisted by Mr Adams on his violin, which also proved popular. Much credit is due to the conductor, Mr Adams, who makes a careful study of the capabilities of those in his charge for the general success of the concert. TO-DAY'S NOTES. To-day a good number visited the Exhibition and strolled through and inspected the exhibits in the,various courts. Three stalls which .are ever

a popular attraction are those of the Exhibition mint, the lovely display of Bohemian glassware from Sydney, i and the glass engraving and Exhibition mementos of Mr Chas. Whitehead. The working of the 'looms' at the Onehunga Woollen and Wellingj ton Woollen exhibits is also a big ! attraction.

This afternoon there was a Punch and Judy show and Maypole dance by pupils of Miss Osmond. The Garrison Band was also in attendance.

To-night, in the Choral Hall, the Auckland Orchestral Union, under Mr Arthur Towsey, give a concert., Mr John W. Hill and Madame Dv Rieu will contribute songs. The body of the hall and gallery is free; reserved seats, one shilling.