EMPIRE EXHIBITION

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 61, 15 March 1924, Page 17

EMPIRE EXHIBITION

VISIT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES

NEW ZEALAND'S CATERING . ARRANGEMENT. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) . LONDON, 29th November. Yesterday H.R.H. the Prince of Wales (President of the British Empire Exhibition) went out to Wembley, attended by the Hon. Piers Legh, to see for himself the progress that has been made. He spent over two hours waUcing about the grounds and buildings. i The Prince was received by Sir Travers Clarke (deputy chairman), Sir R. M'Alpine (head of the firm of contractors carrying out the work), Sir M. M'Alpine, Mr. Maxwell Ayrton (architect), Mr. E. O. Williams (engineer), and other .officials. From the Stadium the party walked across the grounds to the Palace of Industry and through the ornamental gardens to the Palace of Engineering. .From therethe Prince went on to the India Pavilion. By his desire work was not suspended during his visit, and he saw all the different processes involved in the work under ordinary ■ conditions. One thing after another off the beaten track claimed his Royal Highness's attention, and instead of following the comparatively clean path mapped out for him ho_ ploughed through the mud to the point' which interested him. In one of the nearly completed buildings the Prince showed much interest in the making of fabric blocks for partitions, and asked of what the material was composed and with what it was faced. The making of decorative plaster casts also attracted his attention, and- he spoke^ for a minute or two to: the men engaged upon the work. A GOVERNMENT PAVILION. In an artistic and interesting plan of the Exhibition it is announced that the British Government is erecting a pavilion of approximate dignity and design The Royal suites for the use of the King and Queen will overlook the portico, which wiO be supported by columns 32ft high, and will be guarded by six massive lions, symbolical of the might and dignity of the Empire. The Navy, Army, and Air Force are organising impressive displays, and many important aspects of Empire communication, Empire trade, Empire' settlement, and Imperial economic development will be presented. On a water stage 70ft wide, which, by an ingenious mechanical arrangement, can be converted in a few minutes into an ordinary stage for other displays, certain historical episodes on sea and land and in the air will be realistically reproduced. The Air Force exhibition of models will be supplemented by exhibits of actual aeroplanes and aircraft in an aerodrome easily accessible from the Ex hibition grounds. In the Central Court of Honour of the pavilion a gigantic model relief map of the world will show by changing lights the growth nnd extent of the Empire, its resources, development,- and population. The Home Country's productive capacity in relation to its ability to manufacture goods for export, and the importance of British overseas trade, will also be illustrated by a large scale model of Great Britain and Ireland. In an annexe there will be a cinema theatre, where films of Imperial interest will be in continuous display. Ihe Royal Mint, which will show a complete set of coins of the Empire and of British war medals, will strike special commemorative plaques. The Post Office exhibit will illustrate the most up-to-date methods in the organisation of postal services, as well as the recent developments in telegraphy. THE NEW ZEALAND RESTAURANT. New Zealanders will be interested to learn that a separate agreement . with Messrs. J. Lyons and Co. for the cater- j ing at the New Zealand Pavilion of the British Empire Exhibition has been signed. Messrs. Lyons undertake to pro. vide exclusively the following New Zealand products: Butter, cheese, mutton, lamb, beef, preserved meats, honey, fresh fruit during the season, and a percentage of Samoan cocoa. They undertake to use the following New Zealand products when available, at no higher price than current market price of similar products of Empire origin: Toheroa soup, tinned whitebait, tinned mullet, jams, biscuits, confectionery, pickles, I sauces, pork, bacon, and eggs. They guarantee to charge no higher prices in the restaurant than in any restaurant of a similar nature in the Exhibition. The kitchen will be built by New Zealand, and the cooking utensils and lighting will be supplied, but the. other details—including heat, tables, chairs, cutlery, china, etc.—will be provided by the caterers. OPENING AND CLOSING HOURS. The opening and closing hours of, the Exhibition have now been fixed. The grounds will be open from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., except on Sundays. The exhibits will be on view from 10 till 10.