WELLINGTON EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 32

WELLINGTON EXHIBITION.

The Space Committee of (lie Exhibition mot yesterday week. Mr J. Smith presided, and there were al.-:o presentMessrs Littlejohn, Cassidy, ]'■■■' >e, Finn, Wilberfoss, I'limmer, llutson, '.'; e and Mi 11 ward.

The plan of tho building and the classification of tho exhibits, and the mode of allotting the .-pace were considered. It was resolved that the exhibits should be classified as far as possible in accordance with their nature and irrespective of their source, and also that all applications received up to 30th Juno will havo space allotted to them by ballot. It was decided that tho plan of tho building be lithographed, and copies sent to tho representatives on the executive) throughout the Colony.

The Executive Committee of tho Wellington Industrial Exhibition met last Thursday night, Mr S. Drown in the chair.

A letter from the secretary of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company stated that they would charge ordinary rates for goods consigned to the Exhibition, but if unsold they would be returned free of charge'. The New Zealand Electrical Syndicate wrote stating that by the last Sail Francisco mail the 5000 candle-power arc lamp had been ordered.

A telegram from Major Elliot stated that the Governor would become patron of tho Exhibition, and open it if desired. The report of the Space Committee, containing the recommendations reported in yesterday's Times, was adopted.

The Bower Committee recommended that a charge of 8d per horse-power per hour bo charged, and that a portion of tho building be set apart as a machinery hall. Mr Suckling-Baron explained jthat tho committee had adopted electricity as the power because it was thought if an exhibitor wanted power outside tho machinery hall it would be easier to run a couple of wires than a belt and shafting to his exhibit. It. was not desired to prohibit everything but electricity, as they wanted to make an exhibition of every kind of motor power. Tho report was adopted. Tho report of tho Printing and Advertising Committee, also adopted, stated that the tenders of prices for advertising in various parts of the Colony up to the date of opening of tho Exhibition totalled up to .£llO. This was exclusive of the Wellington papers. Tho Chairman said it was probable arrangements would shortly bo made for advertising in the Wellington papers. Tho Building and Lighting Committee reported that a plan for an ornamental entrance, estimated to cost £95, had been approved, subject to the approval of the executive. A sub-committee had been appointed to enquire into tho question of the electric lighting. The committee had decided to meet the wishes of the Music Committee with regard to a stage and concert-hall as far as possible without incurring extra expense. The estimated cost of tho building was £I9OO, and tenders had been invited for (he supply of the material.

The chairman was authorised to get copies of the plan of the entrance lithographed and sent to the representatives of tiie Exhibition throughout the Colony. The Musical Committee reported that the question of an organ had been considered, and an offer having been made of one now being built at I'etono, a sub-corn-initteo was appointed to inspect, and reported that tho instrument was small and too incomplete yet to make any definite recommendation upon. Two Melbourne fir in a had also been written to on the matter. The question of securing tho co-operation of tho musical societies in Wellington had been also dealt with, and a circular letter to be sent to those bodies had been drawn up. i'he New Zealand Brass Bands Association had been asked if arrangements could be made to havo the annual competition held this year in connection with the Exhibition. The report was adopted. Mr T. G. Maearthy read a memorandum which ho had written for tho information of the Finance Committee. In it he stated that ho undertook to endeavour to secure not less than 25 guarantees of £IOO each from reliable persons to support an overdraft for .£2500, to be expended in the construction and fitting up for opening the projected Exhibition, ilo obtained the assistance of Mr Brandon, who prepared an atrrMmanh and mlh i£_llS waited

on the following gentlemen, who cordially approved of the undertaking, and signed their names thereto, viz.:—Messrs 11. 1». Hell, M.H.R., W. Booth, Johnston and Co., Levin and Co., J. Plimmer, C. I'harazyn, J. But hie, M.I Lb',, J. B. Harcourt, Joseph Nathan and Co., W. 11. Millward, Sargood, Son and Ewen, W. and G. Turnbull, James Smith, Thomas G. Maearthy, Edward Seager, A. Brandon, Dwan Bind hers, Thomas Ballinger, Briscoe, Mac-Neil and Co., S. Gilmer, Bhmdell Brothers, S. Brown, Stewart Brothers, E. W. Mills and Co., S. Banks and Son, J. Kirkcaldie, M, Kennedy, Murray, Roberts and Co., Bing, Harris and Co. and G. M. lvebbell. The total amount ef the guarantee was £2500. To supplement assurances he had given to some of the guarantors, he suggested that the Finance Committee should examine the plans, and the detailed estimates and reports of the Building Committee, and also secure reasonable proof that the building can be completed and opened within the amount of the. proposed expenditure. Further, that Mr Brandon bo requested to prepare the necessary documents to vest the Exhibition and funds connected therewith in the Finance Committee as trustees in tho interest of the guarantors. With regard to the disposal of surplus profits, if any, he had not in any way pledged tho committee, but he suggested that any sum

so derived should be handed to the Industrial Association as trustees to bo devoted to the advancement of technical education in the city of Wellington. In his canvass ho was most cordially received by nearly every person whom ho visited, and heard many expressions of approval of tho work now being done by the various sub-committees, coupled with good wishes for the success of tho management in the effort to promote the prosperity of the city. Tho Chairman said they ought to pass a special vote of thanks to Mr Maearthy for his excellent services.

A long discission ensued as to what purposo the surplus from tho Exhibition, if any, should be devoted to. Ultimately the vote of thanks was accorded, and the report was adopted on the understanding that that part of it which refers to tho disposal of any surplus will be referred to the executive of tho Industrial Association for approval. Messrs T. G. Maearthy and W. Booth were appointed trustees.