NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13357, 11 December 1906, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

DAILY AVERAGE ATTENDANCE, 13,300. [BY TELEGRAPH. ASSOCIATION".] Christchurch, Monday. The total attendance at the New Zealand Exhibition up till Saturday Was 420,000,, the daily average being 13,300. The Fijian fire-walkers are now on the way from Suva by the steamer Hauroto. Great preparations are in progress for the ceremonies. His Excellency the Governor will make a special visit to Christchupch to witness the fire-walking ceremony on the 20th inst. The Hon. W. Hall-Jones says the Exhibition is proceeding as satisfactorily as was anticipated. It was expected there, would be a falling off in the attendance after the first fortnight, but this is not in any way disconcerting. He is confident that towards the end of December there will be a large influx of visitors, not only from the farther parts of New Zealand, but also from the Australian colonies. He knew there were a large number of people in Australia waiting to take their annual holidays and visit New Zealand and the Exhibition. Mr. Hall-Jones is determined that the fire-extinguishing appliances at the. Exhibition shall be thoroughly efficient. The various hydrants outside the building have been tested with satisfactory results, and the Minister, from his own observations and the inquiries he has made, feels no misgivings as to the adequacy of the fireextinguishing arrangements. The musical and elocutionary competitions began at the Exhibition to-day. The first was a Shakesperean recital for men, and 10 competitors essayed " Hamlet's Address to the Players." In the evening the same competitors gave their own choice of selections, and the prizes will be awarded on the all-round performance. In the afternoon the ladies' competition for a Shakesperean recitation was commenced. For this division there are 15 entries.