INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 116, 14 May 1909, Page 3

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

LONDON, March 26. The High Commissioners and Agents-General of the self-governing Colonies have been appointed members of the new Royal Commission which is to assist the Board of Trade in the organisation of exhibits illustrative of British Arts, Industry, and Agriculture at the forthcoming International Exhibitions at Brussels in 1910 and at Rome and Turin in 1911. The Prince of Wales will be president of the Commission. ';

The exhibition at Brussels in 1910 will mark the inauguration of a newpolicy on the part of his Majesty's Government with regard to official participation in foreign international exhibitions. It has been felt for some time past that British exhibitors have been at a disadvantage as compared with those of other countries, owing to the absence of any permanent organisation for preparing the British section at important international exhibitions. A committee was subsequently appointed by the President of the Board of Trade in 1906 to make inquiries and report as to the nature and extent of the benefit accruing to British arts, industries, and trade from the participation of this country in great international exhibitions, and to advise as to the steps which should be taken'to secure the maximum advantage from any public money which might be expended on this object. As a result of the recommendations contained in the committee's report, a special branch of the Commercial Labour and Statistical Department of the Board of Trade was recently established to deal with all matters relating to the participation of Great Britain in foreign, international exhibitions, and active preparations are now being made for the organisation ■of a comprehensive display of British arts and manufactures at the three exhibitions in question. The Brussels Exhibition, which will •include sections devoted to art, science, industry, and agriculture, is to open in April, 1910, and will continue for a period of about six months. The exhibition, at Rome and Turin will open in April, 1911, and continue for a like period. They are being held to commemorate the-fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation of the kingdom of Italy, and are under the patronage of the King of Italy and the honorary presidency of the Duke of Aosta. The exhibition at Turin will be devoted to industry and labour, ■'and that at Rome to art and archaeology-