CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 233, 10 April 1882, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

The weather this morning was gloomy and threatening, and the streets of Christchurch were in an extremely muddy condition from yesterday's rain. From an early hour, however, the whole city was astir, and as train after train arrived with the country visitors, the streets became thronged. As early as seven o'clock the Trade and Friendly Society's procession began to assemble, and bands were heard playing in all directions. At half-past nine it was almost impoßsible to move along the streets, owing to the dense crowd. Along the line of march platforms had been erected at every available point, and all windows along the line were fully occupied. Altogether, there must have been nearly 40,000 people in the streets. The procession included nearly 4,000 persons, and the display of banners and trade emblems was exoellent. Several bands took part in the procession, which arrived pretty punctually at the Exhibition Buildings, where the Volunteers were drawn up in line outside, and formed a guard down each side of the main arch. The procession marched down between the ranks and took up ground in the transepts at the back of the aisle, which was erected at the bottom of the art gallery. The trade and society banners were grouped round the platform with very pretty effect ; holders of season tickets, and invited guests were comfortably seated at each side, and the gallery was occupied by the Austrian Band, and the Chrißtohurch Musical Society. By a quarter to 11, and with wonderfully little confusion, all things considered, the whole of the procession and holders of tickets were inside the building, which in every part which from my view of the proceedings could be obtained was densely crowded. At least 10,000 persons were within the walls. Punctually at 11 o'clock, His Excellency the Governor, Lady Gordon, and suite accompanied by the Hon. Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Postmaster- General, the Captain and officers of H.M.S. Miranda arrived, and were received by Messrs. Joubert and Twopenny, His Worship the Mayor, and the Chairman, of tke Committee. They were conducted to the platform, the band playing the National Anthem, and His Excellonoy being greeted with cheers.

Mr. Joubert then presented His Excel' lency With an address, briefly setting ont tbe objects of the Exhibition, the proportions it had assumed, And concluding by asking His Excellenoy to open ifc--. His Excellency read a long roply, and then formally declared the Ghristchvirch | Industrial Exhibition to be opened. The announcement was received with lor.d cheers, and then, at Mr. Joubert's request, three hearty cheers were given for the Governor. The Bailway Band then performed an original march, at the conclusion of which the conductor and author (Mr. Hamilton) was, at hir Excellency's request, • presented to him. Mendllsohn's Hymn of Praise was then performed by the Christchurch Musical Society and the Austian String Band, the solos being taken by Miss Urquhart, Mr. Appleby, and Master Appleby; and cheers greeted them. . At the conclusion of the Anthem, the Austrians performed the Grand Exhibition March. His Excellency and party then retired, and the procession reformed and left. The Exhibition itself is fine but very incomplete, many of exhibits not being unpacked, and very few of the bays being in perfect order. Work is, however, being vigorously pushed on. The Art Gallery is well fitted, and altogether the opening proceedings have been eminently successful.