BIG SHOW ENDS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18681, 3 May 1926, Page 6

BIG SHOW ENDS.

CLOSING SCENES.

NOTABLE MESSAGES

i 1 (PBE6S ASSOCIATION TBLBGBAIt.) DUNEDIN", May 2. Saturday, the final day of Dunedin's great venture, was ushered in by the patter of falling rain, which continued all day. Nothing daunted, thousands came from near and far to watch the curtain fall. Altogether, fifteen trains arrived from long distances. Tha town was full, and over all hung a spirit of carnival, in spite of rain, that outdid that of the opening day. When the gates opened, thousands were waiting, and all day long the people streamed down the highway till the courts and grounds were full. The Festival Hall, for the closing ceremony, was packed to the doors, and thousands listened under falling rain in the ground court to loud speakers, which had been installed for the occasion.

The King's Message. The Prime Minister read a communication from his Majesty the King. The message stated: — "It is a great pleasure to me to learn that the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition, which closes to-day, has been so successful, and that the attendances have reached the truly remarkable figure of three millions. "I am confident that the hope which I expressed at the opening of the Exhibition that it would achieve good results in promoting co-operation and prosperity among my people, and in furthering international goodwill, has been realised. '' (Signer) GEORGE, R.l.'' The Governor-General. Mr J. Sutherland Ross (president of the Exhibition Company) read a letter from his Excellency tho Governor-Gen-eral regretting deeply that ho and her Excellency were unable to be present owing to their departure for the Islands. He congratulated the directors on the success of the project, and stated that the whole Empire realised the value of the Exhibition So the Dominion, as a means of propzsganda and advertisement.

New liife Into New Zealand. Mr Boss said the Exhibition was over, but Exhibitions had long been recognised as a means of advertising, and in that connexion it had filled its purpose. All the overseas Commissioners would now be ambassadors and propagandists for New Zealand, which had sufficient to supply most of the needs of the Dominion. He appealed for support for New Zealand goods, and after that for Empire-made goods. He thanked the New Zealand Government for the displays made and the financial assistance accorded. He spoke of the courtesy and attention of the Bailway Department. It was a source of gratification to Dunedin that all the Government loan had been repaid. Dunedin did not look on the Exhibition in a parochial spirit, but as a Dominionwide project. The attendance of over 3,116,000 was proof that the Dominion as a whole had supported tho Exhibition. It had infused new life into New Zealand. (Applause.)

Other Messages. Other messages were read as follows: From the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs:—"The Prime Minister has asked me to convey to you and to your Ministers, his congratulations on the remarkable success of the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition. I wish to associate myself most warmly with his message."— (signed) Amery. From the Prime Minister of Canada: —"Permit me, on behalf of the Government of Canada, to extend hearty congratulations on the success of the South Seas International Exhibition at Dunedin, which concludes shortly. The efficiency with which the entire Exhibition was conducted is most creditable to all concerned, and results cannot fail to improve trade relations and understanding within the Empire."—(signed) W. L. Mackenzie-King. From the Prime Minister of Australia: —"On the occasion of the closing of the New Zealand and South Se&s International Exhibition, I desire to offer, on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth my congratulations on its successful completion. It required broad vision, high courage, and fearless enterprise on the part of the promoters, to launch such a huge undertaking as well as organising capacity of a high order to carry it through to a successful issue. I learnt with greatest pleasure that the attendance has exceeded three million, which is undeniable evidence of public support, and must be very gratifying to your Government and all concerned in the Exhibition. I feel certain the exhibition will have the effect of expanding New Zealand trade with all countries, of stimulating to an appreciable extent, commercial intercourse between the Dominion and Australia, and of strengthening the bond of kinship and friendship between the people of the Dominion and those of the Commonwealth. I also wish to take this opportunity of extending my thanks for the courtesy and kindness extended, and the assistance given to Mr Olive Macpherson and Sir Henry Barwell, who specially visited the Exhibition on behalf of the Commonwealth, and to Mr Smallhorne, the Australian representative."—(signed) S. M. Bruce.

The Closing Speeches. Mr Coates, in declaring the Exhibition closed, was enthusiastically received. It was with intense pleasure, he said, that he associated himself with Dunedin that day. He regretted the absence of his Excellency, who had shown great sympathy with the project. He thanked them for the opportunity, of closing the great undertaking. Ho wished to return to Mr Ross, the chairman of directors, the deeds, signed and receipted, for £55,000. From the great venture, seed must come which would indeed bear fruit, and spread branches far and wide. The Exhibition had stimulated a national spirit and pride with which we could face the i'utui'e and work out our' own destiny, lie could not conclude without referring to those who did the spade work. He hoped that the effect of the Exhibition would be felt for years to come, and would strengthen the bonds of unity in the Empire. It was a great pleasure to him, that in his first year of office lie was connected with such a venture. He would therefore declare the Exhibition closed. Mr 11. L. Tapley, M.P. (Mayor of Dunedin), congratulated the directors on the success of the Exhibition, a success that was not even dreamed of by the most optimistic. He referred to the Citv Council's action in providing adequate transport for the crbwds by means of a new tram service, and a complementary bus service, both of which had contributed largely to the snccesss of the Exhibition, aaA wMA had torn

conducted without an accident. The Exhibition has shown that Dunedin possessed enterprising citizens, who were alive to the importance of their town. The Exhibition had shown the business enterprise and commercial ability of the City, and it had put the loyalty of the people to a successful test. The Prime Minister presented Mr Anscombe, the Exhibition architect, with a commemorative casket.

Evening Scenes. Though the closing ceremony was over the Exhibition, remained open till midnight. Fifteen trains .arrived in the City, bringing over 6000 visitors. Altogether 83,935 people attended, and Lake Logan mud for once proved no legend. Till a late hour, the people filled every corner of the park. The Argyll'. and Sutherland Band played till almost midnight, antj the Dunedin crowd for once forgot its reserve and reticence, and cheered and applauded every item. The oponing day scones were surpassed in enthusiasm. All day and night the rain did not let up, and clothes and boots were covered with mud. The Corporation services and private transport concerns were taxed to the limit. Never before has Dunedin seen such scenes at such an hour. The exodus from the City by special trains went on well into the small hours of Sunday, and at 2.30 a.m., the last singing trainload left. The lights of the Dome and Grand Court winked for the last time in farewell, and the Exhibition closed one of the most epoch-making eras in the history of the City. The Band had a rousing farewell, and before the close the whole crowd sang with it ''Auld Lang Syne," and "Will Ye no' Come Back Again." Though it was feared that rain would spoil the day, the weather was not allowed to interfere with the pleasure of the crowd. No accidents of any kind marred the success of the day, and there was no unruliness among the crowds. Visitors Return. . Special trains from Dunedin arrived in Christchurch yesterday. Before noon, two trains—each containing 17 carriages—pulled into the Christchurch station bringing 1200 people. In the afternoon another train arrived filled with passengers. To-day, groireds mose & gpjr