INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION

North Otago Times, 1 November 1906, Page 2

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION

By Telegraph, Christchurch, October 31. So far as the completeness of the opening day is concerned the Nov Zealand International Exhibition is nut likely to prove an exception lo the general rule, for there is much y?t to he done to gel many o( the courts and a considerable portion of the grounds into ship-shape. Strenuous efforts are, however, being made to have thirgias far forwatd as pjssi' le by the morning, and the gent ral impression is that affairs will be found lo be in a satisfactory condition when the G 1 vernnr perforins the opening ceremony. 1 0diiy heavy rain has b( en an 0 stacle to putting the grounds in order, and sheets of \va er lie on parts of the tracks, while the roofing ot the builJ ing has proved to 1 e son e.vhat leaky. Keen interest is centred in the opening ceremony to morrow, and people from all parts of the country are flocking into (he cily. Tl.ce will bp a.galaxy of distinguished representatives and visitors, and the function will certainly be the most majestic in the history ot the colony's progress. Tie scene in front ol the Exhibition as the ceremonial hour approaches promises to be extremely brilliant. The main body of vice presidents, chairmen, executive commissioners and ceremonial committee wi'l await the Governor's arrival at the main entrance, wlure His E<cellency will be received at hall-past ti o'clock ly the president of the Exhibition and conducted to his seat. A verse of the National Anthem will salute the vice-regal procession, and the choir, accompanied by tho ocht s tra, will sing the National Anthem after the Governor has been conducted to his seat, and the Exhibition Ode will also be rendered. Sir Joseph Ward will then present His Excellency with a gold key, and Lord Plunket, after replying, will declare the Exhibition open. This will be the signal for a military salute by the aitillery on the sports ground, Simultaneosly with the hoisting of the Union Jack and flags of other nations, the National Anthem will be played by the massed bands, and the New Zealand Exhibition of 1906 will oe launched, the public being immediately admitted by all lie doors.

There was a very interesting event at the pah to-day, when all the inhabitants assembled in the marae, and gave a hearty Maori welcome to the Raro tongans, who arrived at Lyttelton this morning, and were at once taken to the pah. The Maoris were ready for their visitors, and the old style welcome was given, The visitors were taken to the large runanga house, They gathered in the verandah, the women sitting in a row in front, and the men standing behind. Grouped in that way they sang one of their old native part songs. The effect was most musical, ar.d all the spectators were charmed wfth the harmony and soft cadence, which it must be admitted was a striking contrast to the fierce war songs of the Maoris. •

The Hon. J. McGowan addressed | the Maoris, and asked them to do what they could for the comfort of the visitors, and then the "hongi" took place, the Maaris being led by old Mahutu and the hosts and guests rubbed noses in accordance with | ancient custom. The Raratongans' number 23 altogether. They slate they feel the cold of the climate severely