EXHIBITION CROWDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 21, 25 January 1940, Page 13

EXHIBITION CROWDS

PRIZEWINNER TOMORROW?

ATTENDANCE RISING

The fine warm evening drew another large crowd to the Centennial Exhibition late yesterday, and as dusk fell and the brilliant lighting scheme was turned on and'the fountain played gently, the turnstiles at all entrances clicked merrily. Though rain had threatened in the late afternoon, the sky cleared after the tea hour, and the grounds and open air attractions were extremely popular. The holiday spirit still holds the Exhibition visitors, and last evening's crowds were gay and carefree, patronising the amusement area and other attractions. . , Altogether the attendance yesterday was 18M62 and the total to date since the Exhibition.opened on November 8 is 1,170,468. The Exhibition authorities ianticipate that if today's crowds main-

' Yesterday's attendance,.. 18,162 Total (67 days) 1,170,534

tain the figures reached. early in the week, the 1,200,000 th visitor may pass! through tl>e gates tomorrow eveningl and claim the second £5 prize. The arrangements for clocking in the prize-winner will be the same as that adopted this week for the 1,100,000 th visitor, all traffic at that stage being concentrated on the Titirangi Road gate and the crowd being gradually narrowed tc one turnstile when the number is approaching. Among yesterday's visitors was a party of soldiers in khaki, whose march into the grounds caused visitors to anticipate some special military function, but the men were on a route march from an examination battery, j and were under the command of Captain C. H. Gallagher. Upon entering the Exhibition after their route march, they were dismissed for an hour and a half and permitted to enjoy the fun of the fair. ; Captain Gallagher explained last evening that it was usual at the end of a route march to dismiss the men for a time at one of the bays and allow them to swim. On .this occasion they had been permitted to visit the Ex-, hibition and they had all had. a thoroughly good time. . Last evening the Centennial Serenaders concert party, under Mr. Will Bishop, presented a concert in the south sound shell, and.a large c^owd of spectators gathered -to ; listen. The items were popular, and were enthusiastically received by the audience. When the courts closed at 10 o'clock last evening, visitors found conditions ideal for the enjoyment of Playland, and the buildings disgorged large numbers into sideshows arid amusement devices and games. , ORGAN RECITAL TONIGHT. In the Exhibition festival hall tonight at 8 o'clock, Mr. C. W. Kerry will .give a recital on the Hammond electric organ. The programme will include "Toccato and Fugue in D Minor" (Bach); "Chelsea Fayre" (Goss-Cus-'3tard); "Valse in' A: Major" (Brahms); Serenade, Minuet, Fairy Pipers and Slumber Song from the "Wand of Youth" Suite (Elgar) arranged by Mr. Kerry. Tonight at 8 o'clock in the Maori . Court, the visiting Taranaki and Wanganui Maori party will give a concert. Another concert will be given by the party in the Maori Court on Saturday, either at 8 p.m.' or 8.30, p.m. This will probably be the Maoris last appearance before they return to their 'homes. ■, ;