The International Exhibition

Hastings Standard, Volume X, Issue 5345, 5 November 1906, Page 3

The International Exhibition

Christehureh, November 5 The police "officers questioned are of the opinion that the Exhibition has not attracted the number of questionable characters it was expected there would be, and state that the 2ieoplo have been unquestionably quiet and orderly. One of tho authorities, on being questioned as to Sunday opening, replied that he aid not think there was much chance of that, as a decision had been arrived at against it. Per sonally, he favoured opening on Sunday afternoon and in the early part of the evening, though not the side shows. The absence of a drinking fountain is causing great inconvenience inside and outside the Exhibition. The attendance during Saturday totalled 14,382 Up to Saturday night season tickets, valued at about JE7OOO, had been sold, over £2OO worth being sold that day. A large proportion of the visitors on Saturday afternoon were school children. In the evening there was a great crush. All the avenues were thronged. The art gallery, fernery, concert hall, and Maori pa were the special attractions, while the side shows did a huge business. The opening day takings at the Exhibition amounted to £5!)0, and up to Saturday evening about £ISOO. The first arrests in the building took place on Saturday night, when .six youths were arrested for pilfering from stalls. The police have reason to believe that other cases of pilfering are occurring, and vigorous steps are being taken to put it down.

HA WEE'S BAY COURT

Among the provincial courts, (says the Lyttelton Times) Hawke's Liay must stand out as one of the largest and most tasteful. No particular scheme of colouring or decoration has been adhered to except the light green and white adornment of the pillars and arches, but the exhibits themselves have been harmoniously arrayed, and the result is in every way pleating. To inspect the court a start may very well be made on its particular beauty spot, a nurseryman's exhibit of the very lirst class. The pot exhibits comprise native plants for the most part of all descriptions, cut into three sections and covering a large area. The display has obviously received the enthusiastic attention of a master hand, and there is no imperfection in it either from a botanic or artistic viewpoint. Next to it are a couple of show cases containing the very linest product of Maori applied art in the shape of Maori mats of feather and flax. They come from the Maoris of Hawke's Bay, and are of the greatest value and merit. The wine and fruib section occupies another long northern frontage, and the dclicueit s that Frimley can produce are paraded in their most attractive garnishment. There are tiers on tiers ! of canned comestibles, chiefly table fruits, and they speak well for the fertility of the district and the enterprise of the canning companies. There are preserved vegetables and an epicurean variety of other foods, and they are all set out advantageously. The wines make a sparkling spectacle, and are confined to no particular classes. They occupy, the wesern end of the northern frontage. Beyond the partition and facing southwards arc the wine exhibits from the Grcenmeadows and Te Mata vineyards. TheMeanee Mission vineyard also has a section of its own for special altar wines. In the same section there is a delectable diversity of honey pots. Tho Steinmitz wines are next in order, and bedecking the exhibit is a line selection of photographic views of Napier, Hastings. Hawke's Bay and the surrounding district. It is intended in a few days to embellish the wine exhibits with progressive photographs from the vine to the cellar. Turning south again there is a reminder of the Eiverslea hops, a growing industry, and one that rivals Nelson, although as much is not heard of it. A rather abrupt change comes in the adjoining exhibit of Murton and White's sheep dips, but an equally abrupt pass takes one back to the victuals once more, the Swan Brewery making a very extensive parade of its brews, with columns of beer kegs, starting from the bulky butt and tapering off to the topmost " two-gallon." An exhibit of furniture in rimu occupies a cosy corner, which is protected by a Maori figure from on 6 of the old Napier meeting-houses. Several other Maori figures and carvings tend to tone down the aggressively businesslike aspect of the court, but no time is available for, their contemplation, for an alluring exhibit of grain samples catches tho eye, and the visitor is soon back to commercial considerations. The ryegress is particularly pleasing, and with its -111b to the bushel should gladden the heart of the agriculturist. All the samples, however, are well above standard, and include skinless and Cape Barley, oats, prairie grass, etc. Butter-boxes from various factories peep out above substantial tallow casks, and collections of canned meats and other viands meet the eye in promiscuous profusion. Mot the least treasured trophy is a case of merino Ueeces of the first quality. ' There is accommodation in several show cases for more wool when it comes to hand, but the exhibit does not in any way leave an impression of incompleteness, and taken altogether ranks among the best provincial ventures. Mr F, Steans, who is in charge, intends to drape the overhead rafters to more effect, and when this is done he appearance of the court will be greatly enhanced.