EXHIBITION COMMISSIONERS.

Evening Star, Issue 7875, 6 April 1889, Page 4

EXHIBITION COMMISSIONERS.

A meeting of the Exhibition Commissioners, held yesterday, was attended by Messra J. Roberts (chairman), J. H. Morrison, J. Gow, A, H. Ross, B. Hallenstein, M. Joel, G. 8011, W. Dawson, H. S. Fish, R. E. N. Twopeny, J. White, the Hon. R, Oliver, Professor Parker, J. Allen, W. Carlton, Sir Robert Stout, and Dr Belcher,

Mr Joubert (manager) and Mr J. J. Kinsey (secretary of the Canterbury Local Committee) were also in attendance. Letters of apology were received for nonattendance from Messrs W. D. Stewart and T. Brown.

The Chairman requcited Mr Kinsey to give tho Commissioners an account of what had been done in the neighboring provinco in the interests of the Exhibition. Mr Kinsey said he did not know he was goiDg to be called upon to do what the chairman had asked him, and he was, in fact, unable to do it at that time. He, however, could assure the Commissioners of the hearty good-will and co-operation of the people of Christchurch, and Canterbury generally, in this important undertaking. —(Hear, hear.) Tho visit of the Executive Commissioner and himself to the Ashburton and Timaru districts set at rest any doubts they might have had as to the support they would receive from those districts, and also as to having a successful and presentable respresentation of the Canterbury province. When the matter of the Exhibition was mooted in Christchurch it was thought by many that the undertaking was unnecessary, following so soon after the Melbourne Exhibition, but owing to the able address of Mr Twopeny not only was the opinion altered, but many who were strong opponents of the scheme became strong supporters of it. The farmers were now beginning to bring in their grain—sample sheaves and grain in bulk—and they had only been too eager to have their samples photographed; and the crops were such as they need not be ashamed of. He looked upon the agricultural department as likely to be one of the great attractions of the Exhibition. He would be visiting Dunedin again, and hoped to be able on that occasion to give the Commissioners further details of Exhibition matters in Canterbury. In the meantime he could Biy that Canterbury was going forward with the matter of the Exhibition, and he knew for certain that the indications were very encouraging. He wished the Commissioners success, financially and otherwise, in connection with the Exhibition.

Mr Archibald Dryden wrote suggesting that the Governor be asked to legalise a monster " consultation "—say on the New Zealand Cup, which will be run during the Exhibition—to be prepared by the Exhibition Commissioners.—lt was resolved that a reply be sent to Mr Dryden stating that the Commissioners could not see their way to accept the suggestion. Mr W. F. J. Anderson, secretary of the local Committee at Napier, wrote as follows:—" Upon receipt of yours of the ult. the mayor, Mr G. H. Swan, called a meeting of those interested in having this province fully represented at the forthcoming New Zealand Exhibition, when a very influential committee was appointed, consisting of the members for the province, city councillors of Napier, and Messrs H. Nelson (Nelson Bros., Ld.), M. R. Miller, H. Baker (Baker and Tabuteau), A. Chang (Murray, Roberts, and Co.), E. Lyndon (Lyndon and Sidey), H. Hamilton, W. Broyse (Broyse, Simmonds, and Co.), H. Heel, V. Jensen, and B. L. Knight, with Captain Bower (town clerk) as hon. secretary. It was decided to canvass the public for subscriptions to defray the expenses of the exhibits which will be sent from here, and judging by the amount already guarantaed, and promises of exhibits, there is every likelihood of our securing an adequate representation." Mr J. M'Kinley, Lcviika, Fiji, wrote as follows:—" I have spoken to the most likely people here, and there will certainly be a number of exhibits sent. I would suggest that the secretary to the Executive oommunicate direct with Mr Wilkin, manager of tho New Zealand Mortgage Company here. He has the control of a number of plantations, and will gladly do all he can to procure and send exhibits. Mr Joske, Suva, secretary to the Fiji Agricultural Society, would also move in the matter if communicated with direct. A Fiji court might be got up if the different little associations and societies were judiciously patted on the back by the Executive. Should I meet any growers through the group I will bring tho matter before them." The clerk of the Waihemo County Council wrote stating that the Council had appointed Mr A. D. Bell (chairman) and Crs James E, Glover and Thomas Muir as members of tho local Committee, to act in conjunction with the members appointed by the Palmerston Borough Council in order to secure the proper representation of the district at the Exhibition.

A letter was also received from the town clerk of Palmerston stating that tho Council had appointed J. M'Donald (mayor) and Crs J. Arkle and Robert Ewing as members of the local Committee. Mr William Mitchell, secretary to the Workmen's Court Committee, wrote forwarding the following resolutions passed by the Committee at a meeting held on the 29th of January:—" That we respectfully request the directors of the New Zealand Exhibition to advertise throughout the colony that awards and certificates will bD given for the best specimens of home and general work executed by any member of the working classes or other individuals, as follows :—(1) Work executed by mechanics, etc. ; (2) ditto by apprentices ; (3) ditto by women; (4) ditto by children. And we further suggest that the directors invite all classes to contribute specimens of their handicraft, and impress upon intending exhibitors the necessity of commencing the Bame without delay, and to make early application to the secretary for the Exhibition for the space they require." Mr Joubekt said he thought the matter referred to in the resolution was one worthy of consideration, and it was referred to him to report to next meeting. The following telegram was read from Dr Hocken :—" Good meeting New Plymouth last night. Excellent committee formed. Going Wanganui." Mr Joubert recommended that the Executive Committee be requested to take such measures as they deem fit in order that during the period of the forthcoming Exhibition international congresses be held in the City of Dunedin to discuss tho undermentioned matters:—(l) Australasia a Federation ; (2) Hygiene; (3) Chamber of Commerce ; (4) Chamber of Manufactures; (5) Mining, etc. He also recommended that the Commissioners empower the Executive Commissioner to call for tenders for the sale of the following privileges:—" (1)

Refreshments in tho Exhibition grounds and buildings ; (2) Bars and luncheon roomtea and coffee and lemonade drinks ; fruit stalls; (3) Advertising in and around the buildings; (4) Photographing; (5) Lavatories and cloak room; (6) Removal and storage of empty cases." The manager also made the following recommendations : "That the Commissioners be requested to sanction the issue and sale of season tickets available for the whole period of the Exhibition, as under: Gentlemen, L2 2s; ladies, LI Is; children (under twelve), 10s 6d." " That tenders be called for the most appropriate design for a certificate of award, and that a bonus of LlO 10s bo offered for that purpose." Mr Allen said he was very strongly of opinion that a congress should be held on scientific matters, and especially on metallurgy and mining. Mr Joi/r.Eivr: I perfectly endorse what you say. Dr Belcher said at the last meeting of the Council of the Otago Institute it was suggested that tho Australian Association for the promotion of science and social subjects should be got to hold their meetings in Dunedin at the time of the Exhibition. Mr Allen : I am afraid there is no hope of that. Mr TwoPENYaiid he did all he could when in Victoria to get the Association to do as had been suggested, but without effect. Mr Allen : Could you not try again ? Mr TworENY said there could be no harm In trying. He also referred to the Mining Congress as a very Important matter, and mentioned that he had reason to believe that the Departments of Mines in Victoria and New South Wales would be disposed to exhibit extensively at the Exhibition. The matters referred to in the manager's report were eventually referred to the Executive Committee.

At the suggestion of Mr Carlton, the Executive Commissioner, the chairman, and himself were appointed a deputation to wait on the Acclimatisation Society with a view of seeing what assistance they were prepared to give the Commissioners in the way of getting exhibits of acclimatised fish for the Exhibition.

The matter of appointing a musical con ductor was discussed in committee.

Mr White, chairman of the Gardens Committee, reported inte.r alia that the Committee had decided, subject to the approval of the Commissioners, to offer a prize of L 5 for the best collection of ferns, of not less than fifty specimens, staged during the Exhibition." Mr Matthews had returned from his Queenatown trip with a very nice collection of plants. Ho now proposed to visit Otira Gorge and Stewart Island.—The report was referred to the Executive Committee.

The Chairman reported that 11,805 had been paid for shares ; L 360 had been promised ; L 375 paid for advertising ; and LCS received as donations.

The Secretary stated that a donation of ten guineas had been received from Mr Nixson, and that Mr Fenwick had taken up twenty-five shares. A letter from Mr Joubert, enclosing reports from official agents in New South Wales and Victoria, was taken as read. Mr Joubert stated that alter the departure of the mail Mr Chatclaiu wired that he had booked seventy-five important exhibits from Victoria. He (Mr Joubert) also suggested that certificates of entry for wool and wine be at once prepared, printed, and posted to the official agents in Australia as soou as possible. One of the reports Mr Joubert forwarded was from Mr Mangein Espinasse, who reported that he had commenced a systematic canvass of Sydney and suburbs with fair success so far, many having promised to send exhibits. A much larger number, however, though favorably disposed, were hanging back in the hope that the Government would grant a subsidy or otherwise defray their expenses for freight, etc., as at the late CLE. The owners of works of art, which in many cases would be lent, were especially averse to going to any expense whatever. In this connection he had good reason for believing that a little money judiciously spent would go a long way towards makiug it known and raising the importance of the Exhibition in the eyes of the general public of New South Wales. He felt confident that wool would be well represented. The wine-growers have also been successfully interviewed, and they gave promises of showing to some extent.

[Pee United Pkess Association.]

WANGANUI, Ar-KiL 5,

A meeting was held to-day, at the instance of the Mayor, of those interested in the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. Dr Hocken, of Dunedin, one of the Commissioners, addressed the meeting, and explained the objects of the Exhibition. Great interest is being shown here in the matter of the Exhibition.