WINTER EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 9

WINTER EXHIBITION.

CONCLUSION ON SATURDAY.

TOTAL GATE TAKINGS £3554.

"AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS."

Tho Auckland Winter Exhibition closed on Saturday evening. Tho weather throughout the day was the worst experienced during tho season and the gatetakings suffered considerably. The receipts for the day amounted to £354, compared with £358 on tho last day of the exhibition last year, when tho attendance was also seriously affected by wet weather. Tho total gate-takings amounted to £3554, compared with £3551 last year, an increase of £3. During the season the exhibition was visited by 11,327 school children, who wero admitted free, accompanied by 458 teachers. Another interesting round of entertainments apart from those normally provided at tho exhibition, was staged on Saturday. From early in tho afternoon until tho closo of tho exhibition a programme of dancing was provided by the Auckland Highland Dancing Society, and thcro was hardly a vacant scat at any tinio in tho largo entertainment hall. A brief break was made for the presentation of prizes in tho baby championship contest, the prizes being presented by the vice-president, Mr. G. Finn. "Tho exhibition has been an unqualified success," said the president, Mr. J. T. F. Mitchell, ou Saturday overling, "it was really one ot tlio best yet staged in Auckland, and the public has responded remarkably well." The authorities were exceedingly pleased with the exhibits staged and those in charge of the rabbit section, tlio poultry show and the Kennel Club's show had done splendidly. The Kennel Club's show had provided one of tho best exhibitions of dogs seen for many years. Features of the Show. Referring to the attention which the district courts bad attracted, Mr. Mitchell said visitors had been amazed by the variety of the Franklin Court's exhibits, and were greatly impressed by the manner in which they were staged. Considering that only three weeks had been spout in tho preparation of tho To Kuiti Court, the display had been distinctly good, it was hoped that next year the court would be more truly representative of the district. The vice-president, Mr. G. Finn, said tho object of the exhibition was to draw attention to the products of the farm and factory. The exhibition this year had several new features, and the rabbit, section particularly had proved a welcome addition. Rather more working exhibits had been provided than usual, and these had been greatly appreciated. The number of entries in the homo industries section had been just about doubled and tlio space provided had proved insufficient. Tho exhibits had consequently been cramped, but this would bo overcome next year by dividing them into sections to l.io shown at different periods. Greater attention would be given next, year to tho one-man farm exhibits, as the section was considered to have great possibilities. Satisfactory Attendances. "The exhibition has maintained very satisfactory attendances, and in this respect it has exceeded expectations," said Mr. W. F. O'Donnell, ono of the managers. "It has mado a definite appeal to the public. This has been accomplished largely by having portions which changed from day to day." It was long after closing time on Saturday evening before the largo crowds could be dispersed, but immediately this had been accomplished tho work of demolition commenced. The sheds arc expected to bo cleared and everything restored to order by Thursday Prizemoney in connection with tho exhibition will bo distributed almost immediately.