WINTER EXHIBITION.

Northern Advocate, 24 July 1923, Page 8

WINTER EXHIBITION.

PEOPLE DEFY THE WEATHER,

BIG CROWDS ON SATURDAY.

{Spocial to "Northern Advocate."s

AUCKLAND, This BUfr

As indicated by wire on -MtWtfa'y 'the weather for the "was anything bat propitious for -the Winter Show. It speaks voiffnws 'for the popularity of the fixture when it is mentioned that despite all drawbacks a rccord has been again established.

Nothing more dreary and uninviting than the outside of the Show could have been seen on Saturday. The very fact that more outside attractions had been added this year seemed to add to the dismalness of the afternoon. Yesterday, the avenue between the big sheds,' lined with palms, guy bunting, and side shows, was full of light and laughter, arid it is generally accepted as a great improvement upon the abrupt entrance of last year. But it should have been seen on Saturday! Rain dripped from the palms, tents, bunting, roofs, umbrellas and many juvenile noses. The hurdy-gurdy played a cheerful tune and scattered rain drcips as it carried around young and old who had come to "do the Show" and gel' all there was available for .their attendance. Inside the conditions yere'not quite so vigorous, but, per-, chance, eVen a little more unpleasant, Ovfercoats steamed and umbrellas dripped) .but Auckland was out to see the ' Showxand the job was done thoroughly.

Another record was established. The takings at the gates for Saturday were £890, as against £875 for the corresponding day last year. Fine weather i would have meant a big increase in these figures and the Society has every reason to feel well satisfied. There is rilso a big chance that the Show takings this year will amount to somewhere about £5000. Anyhow, Chairman McLennan this morning told the "Ad\ocate" representative that he confidently looked for that amount. The total for last year was £4333, and on Saturday night the cash taken had reached £3579, and there were yet three days to go. Charges for admission have been reduced to .1/, which, may also have an influence on the attendance.

LOOKING AFTER VISITORS. The committee this year has done its very best to look after the amusement of visitors, but here, again, the weather >.as not been, helpful. Nevertheless there was a harbour excursion on Saturday promoted by the Harbour Board and a visit to H.M.S. Chatham. It was thoroughly enjoyed despite the rain. .»•,' The committee is coming right up-to-date with modern ideas and facilities are being provided for young couples to jazz, fox-trot, and generally contort their limbs intti rhythmic response to broken music. THE WORSE FOR WEAR.

As time goes on the courts <uid stalls I are shdwing signs of wear. Greenstuff is drooping and other perishable produets showing signs that their first ! bloom is departed Tience. Whangarei Court, however, is looking fairly fresh. Dead leaves have been plucked off and fruit partially rearranged to look bri'ght and healthy. Keen interest is still being taken in the Court and additional supplies of the "Folder" are finding their way into the hands of the t'public. Mr Andre is "keeping an eye on things" and is proving a genial, persuasive and efficient representative of the North.