THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12378, 18 December 1905, Page 8

THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

HISTORY OF THE MOVEMENT. THE FIRST MEETING OF CITIZENS. It is interesting to review briefly at this stago the history of tho present movement to hold an International Exhibition. Tho first meeting of citizens called to discuss the project was held in tho City Council Chambers, Christchurch, on January 18th of this year. About one hundred people wero present, the Mayor (Mr C. M. Gray) presiding. It was* pointed out by tho chairman that the Government had previously stated that an exhibition was to be held in Christchurch in 1906, and as the Government was prepared to foot the bill it remained only for the people to make tho undort&king the success it deserved to be. Mr W. Recce, the Hon. C. Louisson, and others Bilso delivered addresses approving of tho scheme, and the following motion was earned: — "That this meeting of citizens hails with the greatest satisfaction the proposal of tho Government to hold an International Exhibition in this city within the .next two yeare,' end pledges its enthusiastic support and heairty co-operation in carrying the project to a successful issue." A very strong end influential committee was set up to carry out the preliminary arrangements. On April 11th the Premier arrived in Ghristchurch to discuss tho proposal, and any doubts about tie serious intentions of tho Government . were removed. At this time the battle of the cites was proceeding briskly, and the same evening the matter was determined at a meeting of the general committee. It was a' long time since a more thoroughly representative gathering assembled in. Christchurch. In the interval large additions had been made to tho General Committee and the personnel o co fewer than seventeen sub-committees, was announced. The question of the site had already been fully discussed by newspaper ooarespondents, and every body had probably made up.his or her mind about it. After a prolonged discussion on the relative value of the three proposed sites—the North Park, South Park, and that portion of the park known as the Pilgrim's Corner— the meeting finally endorsed the recommendation of the special committee in favour of the North Park. The appointment of Mr G. S. Munro, as Executive Commiesioner, and Mr E. J. Righton as secretary, was announced a tew days afterwards, and frequent committoe and numerous sub-commit-tee meetings were held from time to. time perfecting the dry details of preliminary work. On May the 2nd the first meeting of the Finance Committee was held, and tho way was cleared for active operations. Enthusiasm grew apace, and from that time onwards the committees and ■the citizens as a wholo worked with a will to make the project a success. Mr J. C. Maddison was appointed architect for the main buildings and concert hall, and Mr F. J. Barlow for the art gallery. A few Weeks ago Mr It. Allan waa appointed Executive Commissioner to work in conjunction* with Mr G. S Munro. The contract for the eretfion of the main buildings was secured by Messrs Jamieson Bros., of Christchnrch, and with the completion of tho Gov >rnment railway siding from the Riccarton railway station to the site tho comrectors were enabled to commence the work of laying the foundations a coupie or weeks ago in readiness for to-day's ceremony. A great deal of work has yet to be dono, but everything to far has gone on very smoothly, and:i lareo amount of labour has been, spent in h n . proving the Park along the banks of the' Avon.