AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10969, 25 January 1899, Page 5

AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

TO CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 18.

Inn attendance at the Auckland Exhibition, although not to be compared to the crowds which attended a month ago, is still keeping up wonderfully, considering that the Exhibition has now been running continuously for almost eight weeks. Last night there were a good many people about the courts, and at the present rate the Executive could afford, to keep the Exhibition going right through the summer. This, however, is not to bl expected, and the Executive, at a meeting held last night, fixed the closing day for February 18. Some members were in favour of earlier closing, but a feeling prevailed that school children ought to have the opportunity of attending after the schools have reassembled, and on the other hand it was felt that after harvest operations are concluded there will probably be a fresh rush of country visitors. In any event, it is probable that it will pay to run the Exhibition till the middle of next month, and members of the Executive feel that from an educational point of view it would be a grave mistake to close the doors too early. THE CONCERT. The Exhibition Hall was fairly well patronised last evening, when a very fine vocal and instrumental concert programme was gone through. Among the performers were Miss Maud Howson, who, although wellknown as a Into member of the Pollard Opera Company, is a stranger to the concert platform here, and Mr. Walter Kirby, who comes from Melbourne with a very high reputation. Mr. Kirby created a mild furore, and judging from the applause he firmly established himself in the esteem of the audience. He is the possessor of that rarity, a true tenor voice, which he knows how to use as few singers know. Rounds of applause greeted his singing of Blumentbal's "Mv Queen," and for an encore he gave the beautiful and popular, "Alice, Whore Art Thou ?" Later on he sang Hervey's "Once," for which he received two encores, and substituted a fresh song each time. So pleased were liie hearers that they would have had him back again lia<J he responded. Such a reception lias seldom been accorded any singer in the Choral Hall, and Mr. Kirby has reason to feel flattered at the evident impression lie made. Miss Hewson was also a decided success, and it Is very gratifying to know that she has determined to take up her residence here, and follow her profession as a musician. She is a very charming ballad singer, and delivered her numbers with a natural grace that won the hearts of her audience at once. "Joyous Life," by Randepger, was given in a sparkling manner, and gained her a pronounced recall. " Daddy," her encore item, received tin affecting interpretation, and prolonged applause followed. Miss Hewson was equally successful with Millard's" When the Flowing Tide Comes In," a beautiful air, and one just- suited to her sympathetic contralto voice. It is to be hoped she will be heard again before the Exhibition closes. Mr. Arthur Towscy played two exquisite organ solos, "Santa Maria," from Meyerbeer's " Hinorah," and offertoire in A major, by Hainsworth ; Mr. Samuel Jackson contributed a clarionet solo from " Ernanl," and Mr. F. G. Radcliffe played an oboe solo, and later on the introduction and aria from " Tannhauser," as a cor-Anglais solo, all of which were well received. Miss Kent and Miss Prouse accompanied the soloists, and | Mrs. S. Jackson played the accompaniment to Mr. Jackson's claironet solo with taste. THE OPEN AIR CONCERT. Elaborate arrangements are being made for the Italian concert, which takes place to-night, on the lawn in front of the Exhibition Buildings. The whole front of the Exhibition Buildings will be strung with fairy lamps, and wires have been extended right across the lawn from the two corners of the building to Princes-street, from which some 900 fairy lamps will be suspended. The flower beds will also be picked out with vari-coloured lamps, and on the trees which adorn the lawn, will be hung Chinese lanterns. The scene should be a pretty one, and apart from its novelty it should be a very pleasant' and welcome change from the class of entertainment which has hitherto been provided. The Garrison Band has been engaged for the occasion, and the Exhibition superintendent (Mr. F. N. Meadows) is making every endeavour to make the entertainment as attractive as possible.