THE EXHIBITION OPENED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13324, 2 November 1906, Page 5

THE EXHIBITION OPENED.

BRILLIANT AND IMPOSING PAGEANT, SPEECHES BY THE GOVERNOR AND PREMIER. ATTENDANCE NEARLY 37,000, THE PROVINCIAL DISPLAYS. AMUSEMENTS FOR THE PEOPLE. [from our own reporters.] _\

Christchurch, Thursday.

■The- opening ceremony in connection with the New Zealand International Exhibition, the culminating point of many months of anxious thought and labour, has taken place, and the important undertaking which represents the result of the colony's greatest effort in industrial displays has been launched upon its way. During the past five days a wonderful transformation has taken place in the appearance of the interior of the buildings, and though everything was not complete at the opening ceremony much has been clone in a short time to make up for the backward condition of the Exhibition, which was so much in evidence a week ago. The gathering for this morning's opening function was a large and fashionable one, the programme was well carried out and altogether the function passed off with great eclat. It was a ceremony worthy of the great occasion that it was intended to signalise, and Christchurch, which has many things to be proud of, has special reason for pride in the brilliant and imposing pageant that has marked the opening within her gates of what His Excellency the Governor described in his sjjjech, as '• the greatest exhibition held beneath the Southern Cross." With all their reasons for rejoicing and making glad the people of Christchurch have not been over-demonstra-tive so far as outward manifestation is concerned. A few flags have been flying in the town to-day, but there were many bare flag-poles, and other forms of street decoration and ornamentation were conspicuous bv their almost entire absence. .

' A CLOUDY MORNING. 'The rain, which,fell all day yesterday exhausted itself dining last evening, but the sky still remained overcast and threatening, and residents and visitors alike sought their rest with gloomy forebodings ~as to what the morrow was going to, bring forth. The morning was ushered in with a cold, gray, cloudy dawn, which left the all-important issue of the weather for the ceremony very much in doubt. As time wore on the Exhibition authorities were relieved by a partial clearing of the sky. and the feeble "warmth shed by a few rays of sunshine as they Struggled out from behind the dark fleecy masses of cloud. The clouds, however, were not to be forced or coaxed away just yet, and the .sky remained more or less overcast during the. whole of the forenoon. The night had been cold, and the air still remained chilly and somewhat depressing. The rain, however, besides gladdening the hearts of the farmers, had effectually laid the dust, and in this there was much to be thankful for. ■

A STEADY PROCESSION..; As the hour fixed for the opening of the gates of the Exhibition building approached the guests invited for the opening ceremony and the general body of sightseers, who intended to survey the scene from without the gates, began to wend their way in the direction of the North" Park. . The gates were opened at ten o'clock for the admission of holders of tickets for the ceremony, and from that time until shortly after eleven o'clock the privileged owners of the passes formed a steady procession within, the grounds and buildings. The fresh appearance given to the grounds by the rain at once caught and charmed the eye, and i contributed much to the creation of a good impression. On entering the grounds by the main entrance in Kilrnore-street, which ! was now opened to the public for the first time, the sparkling waters of the Avon, glided noiselessly beneath the bridge, and with its pretty fringe of willows and other trees, all in the full beauty of their spring garb, it gave an admirable setting to the Exhibition Buildings. Between the river and the buildings stretched a long green sward, divided by the newly-completed walks and drives, and dotted here and there with blooms of varied form and colour. Above the dome of the building the New Zealand ensign fluttered proudly in the breeze, and the flags of the other portions of the Empire represented in the Exhibition were also in evidence, the Canadian emblem, the first' to be hoisted above the building, being prominent above the entrance to the spacious court which holds the Dominion's exhibits. t RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOR, All the seating accommodation in the main hall, or Grand Avenue, was taken up by about eleven o'clock. At twenty minutes past eleven the officials of the Exhibition and the members of the Ceremonial Committee assembled at the main entrance to await the arrival' of the Governor and party. A mounted guard of honour was stationed on the city side of the main entrance bridge, a naval guard in single file was lined up on the bridge, and another detachment of mounted men took up thenposition between the inner bide of the bridge and the building. Inside the building the Grand Avenue was lined; by bluejackets on one side and local volunteer* on the other. At half-past eleven the Governor arrived at the main entrance of the building, where he was received by the Premier (president of the Exhibition), the members of the Ministry (as vice-presidents), and the Ceremonial Committee. His Excellency was accompanied by Lady Phuket, the Hon. Kathleen Plunket, Mrs. H. C. Waterfieid. and Mrs. Braithwaite (wife of Lieutenant Braithwaite, of the Pyramus), Captain Braithwaite. and Captain the Hon. A. >. R. Bingham, A.D.C.'s, and Mr. H. C, Waterfieid, private secretary. The Premier was accompanied by Lady Ward. Hand- , some bouquets were carried .by both Lady ( Plunket and Lady Ward. A BRiLLIANT SCENE. > -■' As His Excellency and party entered the main avenue on their way to, the places ar.- •

ranged for them at the head of the avenue, the band played the National Anthem.- The : scone at 'this moment was most brilliant. The walls of the avenue are tinted a. light terra.cotta, and the arches and .side entrances are white. Against the walls on the right the Royal volunteers in scarlet tunics were drawn tip two deep. -On tiie left were bluejackets from H.M.s. Pyiamus, Pioneer, and Challenger. Both forces , stood at the salute with fixed bayonet*. ; On either side of the Governor and Lady Plunket were seated Judges Chapman and Denniston in wig and robes, the 'DeputyMayor of Christchurch (Mr. Payling) in his " robes of office, Sir John (Joist in Windsor uniform, officers of the navy and of the ' Imperial army and auxiliary forces in full | dress. Behind them, completely tilling ,the | body of the hall, were the specially invited j guests. Amongst those present were the I Hons. A. Pitt (Attorney-General), Jas. MoCowan (Minister for Mines and. justice), J. A. Millar (Minister for Labour), and G. ' ! Fowlds (Minister for Education), the Hon. C. C. Bowen, (Speaker of the Legislative ! Council), the Hon. A. R. Guinness (Speaker of the House of Representatives), the Hons. W. M. Bolt, J. Holmes. G. Jones, J. E. Jenkinsoii, 0. Louisson, T. Thompson; R. Trask, and H. F. Wigram. and Messrs. J.Allen, J. F. Arnold, A. R. Barely. D. Buddo, J. Colvin, T. H. JDavey, A. Dillon, T. Duncan, H. J. Greenslade, A. R. Guinness, C. A. Hardy, H. Heke, W. H. Herries, J. T. Hogan, A. W. Hogg, W. 1". Jennings, A. Kidd, G. Lauronson, T. Mackenzie, J. McLachlan, C. B. Major, W. F. Mussey, T. Parata, H. Poland, C. H. Poole, A." W. Rutherford, T. K. Sidey, J. Stalhvorthy, W. W. Tanner, and G. Witty. Amongst others present were - "member* of the -, clergy and the Exhibition officials, arid prominent citizens of Christchurch and other > towns. Mr. A. M. Myers (Mayor of Auckland) and Mrs. Myers occupied seats near the front of the hall. The foreign Consular representatives' were- for the most part conspicuous by their absence, and this " was the subject of remark. -The costume* of the ladies were particularly striking in material and design,, and. taken together made a splendid mosaic compounded of every ': ' conceivable: colour, bordered with the scarlet 'f of the volunteer uniforms on (he one side , and the indigo of the seamen's uniforms on the other. The picture. at this moment was one that should linger long in the memories of those present, to be recalled with renewed pleasure long after the Exhibition and every material vestige. of it has passed away, and the fair park in which it now stands resumes its wonted state ,of,..tranquility. As the Governor and party entered the Grand Avenue the band struck tip the National Anthem, and a group of Maoris who had gathered, near the entrance gave vent to a joyful whoop.

THE EXHIBITION ODE. The National Anthem having been suits]? by all present, and the Governor being seated, the Exhibition ode began. Mr. . Alf.Hill. the composer and conductor, was most cordially applauded as soon as he rose to direct his forces. The ode opens with a chorus of welcome, beginning,." Hail, hail, from isles of the uttermost, sea," and then passes to a description of the sadness of heart of the children of the pilgrims first came to the land, and who were, not spared to , see its glory of to-day. This was followed by a chorus of men's voices, acknowledging the indebtedness of the chil- //■ dren to their fathers in the words ; / 'We from their labour have leisure, . We from their hands have our home. A glorious volume of sound closed the chorus of welcome, every available voice arid instrument being brought into service. Then came a delightful soprano solo, sung by Miss Amy Murphy, and beginning, " Long, long site lay in isolated splendour." This was illustrative of the isolation of New Zealand in the early ages of the world. Hitherto Mr. Hill's music suggested that he had cornel under Wagnerian influences, but in the/getting of this soprano solo he broke entirely different ground. The chorus, " See timorous ships, the white-winged ships of ocean,'' was a graphic piece of work, in- ; tended to describe the passage of the pilgrims to the promised land, and expressive of their emotion as they leave the white cliffs of England behind them, and set their faces towards the horizon. • Bye* eager gaze: hearts thrill with deep emotion, •' As the east sea lays bare, give* up its : mysteries. : Then followed a baritone solo, sung ;by Mr. A. Ballance, opening with the words— ~ Not unsought the isles were/found; . Not unfouglit the isles were won. ' In this number-there was a suggestion of the haka, the shout of defiance of the Maoris as the pale-faced newcomers landed on f.heir shores. . The conflict between Maori and pakeha was set to music in a most' effective manner, and, the rapid and vivacious character of the melody formed a striking contrast to the tenor solo sung by Mr. Crab- - tree at the beginning— Tillage and shepherding gave us their guerdon, '- Bridged to the distance of severing .seas.. Here again Mr. Hill's music recalled Wag. ' ner's methods, and was particularly remi- Z) niscent of the powerful scene in -Tristan . ' und Isolde," "here the herdianan piping ' bv the sea shore scans the gray >* ***. th« ' sail of the ship that shall bring Isolde vtc '■ her dying lover. The chorus and orchestra had plenty to do in the number. "The lakes, the trees, the everlasting hilis," the music of which was suggestive of the Orient, the clash of the cymbals, the thunder of the /,; drums,' the shrieking of the violins, the '/ wailing of the bassoons, the strident i tones of the trumpet, and the roar of the combined voues, were all utilised in depicting the action and influences of natural things. The chorus, " Open stands New Zealand's / gate," was set to a stalely. theme. /It was t certainly .the beat item in. the '/whole work. - : A tenor solo, 'beginning,, " Joyously, joyously sing triumphal song of toll yietorw - \ ous,': followed, together with a, fu&vie-j e*»" ':.'"■■■'■. ".'?■ ;/'/• ; "/ ; '' .'..':'.:■,■"'■■:. ■.■'■.':■ ' "■' "'■:&mMi-mmW ■ ■■' ■.".-:■ ~''=:,,;:,:::, ! .vr,^.,^^f-ii:Ksas!'}j:(

pressive of the triumph and dignity of labour, and the ode closed with a magnificently sung choral— •' Praise to God for aid in younger days, and pray For Aid in peaceful days to be; Praise to (Jed. Who Rives the heritage, who .Makes His people joyous, just, and free. The music was of a decidedly varied character, and showed Mr. Hill to be the possessor of great melodic versatility. SOLOISTS AND ORCHESTRA. The soloists were' most successful in their • efforts, Miss Amy Murphy, the soprano, being in magnificent voice. In addition to the artists already mentioned, there were Mrs. Wilson (contralto) and Mr. A. Millar (bass). The orchestra consisted of nearly 60 performers, who came specially from Australia, and from the North and South Islands of New Zealand. They included also a number of very tine soloists. In point of numbers, efficiency, and composition the Exhibition orchestra invites comparison with any of the principal orchestras of the Old Country. The orchestra was supplemented by the Christchurch Musical Union and the Woolston Brass Band, which did admirable work. At the conclusion of the singing of the ode. which occupied just over balf-an-hour. M* Hill was presented to His Excellency, and was warmly congratulated by him upon the successful issue of his labours..,. ..Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, the writer of the ode, was also presented to the Governor.