25 YEARS AGO

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 8

25 YEARS AGO

Coronation Exhibition (From "The Dominion,’’ May 25, |911.) Tfae New Zealand Coronation Exhibition of 1911 was opened yesterday afternoon in perfect weather. For many weeks past manufacturers and vendors of wares made in New Zealand have been active in preparing for the event, and yesterday their efforts were crowned with a high order of success. The general opinion expressed was that the exhibition is the finest local exhibition ever held in New Zealand, and on every hand expressions of praise could be heard. [The exhibition was held in the Harbour Board’s shed, then new, between the Lyttelton Ferry Wharf and the Railway Wharf.]

Shortjy after 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon the blocks that held the new harbour tug Muritai were knocked out, and aided by a tow-line from the Pilot, and to the accompaniment of cheers of the spectators, the Muritai made her debut in Port Nicholson. She was at once taken in tow by the Pilot and brought to the Queen s Wharf, where (with the help of a crane) her engines were lowered on board. Before the launching Mr. A. E. Mabin (chairman of directors of the Ferry Company). in addressing those present, said that the vessel was shortly to take her place in the tleet of the berry Company. She was only a small boat not nearly as bi'’ as her ill-fated predecessor, the p ueo 2_b n t the day of the big tug was past. The Muritai was the first vessel built here for 14 years—there had only been three others—and she reflected great credit on her builders (Messrs. S. Wood and Son). After the launching Mr. H W. Shortt, Mayor of Eastbourne, congratulated the Ferry Company, and Mr. E. G. F. Zohrab. manager of the company, replied on behalf of the directors. [The report does not state exactly where the vessel was built. The Duco disappeared at sea.]* The Imperial Conference was opened on May 23 at the Foreign Office. The Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith, presided.