THE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7342, 5 December 1884, Page 7

THE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

MK m NT. Ill' M \y\iv ALTUKKK3. A largo uid i i l l iu■ l li .l l ima-aug of Welling. bn ii; un; facturci’m was hold in the Chamber of Commerce last evening week, to discuss lu.nu-is in connection with the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition to be held in Welling* ton. M> Kitchen, who was voted to the chair, ha 1 tik-n upon himself to call this mealing, and he waa afraid that some manufacturers had been overlooked hi issuing of post-oard invitations. Ho explained that the matter of the industrial exhibition was in a stagnant condition ; the Goe»*rnnuut seemed to have no dt-Knico idea of action in rogutd to h, and ah hough £IOOO had been voted towards this obj-ct, nothing had since been done. lie leornt that the Premier would be prepared to receive a deputation re tin matter on Saturday morning. The questions for this meeting, then, in view of that deputation, were where this txhibition was to be held, when it was to

be held, aud what space was to he offered? All these, he said, were roo t important considerations, inasmuch us a*l manufacturers Would need to bo well aware of the proposals of the inaragtiumt before they could prepare th.ir exhibits. lU* kmw 000 gentleman who would occupy a v-ry large amenut of space imbed wi’li his exhibit*, and time would also be r. quirt-d for tho preparation of exhibit*. Another important matter was the question who was to be entrusted with tho management of the exhibition. To have it to a few Government * llicials, he contended, would be abmid. Mr Kitchen poinfad o it that £IOOO would bo a very small aid to carrying out such an undertaking.

Mr J. C. Hun is said d to him that tho whole question lay in the amount voted—£looo. That was ev.deu ly the full »xtcol to which the Government Would go. The exhibiting under a ich cboum-tuiicf* would be ioterprovuudal, n*t international ones. These exhibitions had b.eudangled before tho people as a sort of golden calf, which, if not Urge enough, tho people would have to make larger out of tlu-ir own pockets. If £IOOO ww the full extent to which tho Government would go—ami the Government, of course, could not exceed tho amount passed iu the Estimates—it would not pay the people of the colony to hold annual exhibitions under such circumst-ncoH,

Mr Didsbury said it appeared to him that the question was one of space—a suitable building was a vine qu i non. If they had only £IOOO to work upon, lot them do the beat they could with that. Having comudered tho matte r, he had oome to the conclusion that (he DrilUhed aud St. George’s Hall, by utilising tho spare space in (ho locality, could bo eo fitted as to seiwo the purpose very well, and he pn-smm ?d that by mums nf the amounts paid by exhibitors, admission fee*, &c., they would rabo a considerable sum ; and so fur as lie could see the most advisable course for them would be to make the bent of the resource* at their disposal. If a deputation waited upon the Pro-, micr, that deputation ought to go prepa.re<£ with a scheme. No doubt the whole bru&t o& the undertaking would rest upon tho peopleof Wellington,although the Goveruuftpat would; render such asssistance as wa,a iu thempower; ami it tho Government could, not iiud a t-uitahlo building it would: he useless to hold tho exhibition. Iu auy cue tho exhibition iuu*t bo a moro secondary matter until a good sbo hud been determined. Aground floor, ho point&lout, wmld bt» required for agricultural implements, &c., and a ynH or steam ongiuo would bo essential for the exhibition of machinery. That was ouo of his reasons for sugg< Sting tho Urillshed. Mr J. C. Ilunid uskul whether it would not. be advisable for action to be deferred till the* proposals of tho Government had heca definitely asceitdued. (Hear, heaiy If tho exhibition was to be a o denial ouo, with exhibitions coming from all parts of the colony* tho suggestion of Mr Didsbury would affonii inadequate accommodation. Moreover, they would have to pay for the Drillshed and St.. GooJge's Hall. The Chairman suggested that a resolution should be subadttul.

Mr Han is ea.i>l be was prepared to more i» resolution to the effect that a deputation lx> appointed tu uncertain ull possible definite iniormatbu as to the proposals o| the Government in reference to the exhibition. Mr T. IC. Macdonald said that tho Chamber of Commerce sympathised with the action of the manufacturers of tho city. Ho suggested, however, that before the mo iou just proposed was put, a resolution should be carried expressing sympathy with tho Government, and its willingness to assmt in auy scheme il; might propose. (“No.”) Mr Macdonald saij Mr Harris said <l no/* but ho was afraid that Mr Han;s*a notion was based to a great extent upcm political convictions—that his idea* were tinged with irritation at the fact that be was now in tho cold shades of opposition.

Mr Harris said he was entirely out of politics. Ho appealed to the gentlemen present whether £IOOO was not a ridiculous amount for the purpose. Mr Macdonald eulogised tho action of the Government iu moving the vote, and pointed out that it only stood goad till March next. He moved, That this meeting of manufacturers desires to place upon record its*«ympa-Uy with, the proposal male by the Government to hold! an exhibition of manufactures iu the city oi Wellington, and pledges itself to support any reasonable proposals made by the Government with a view of making such an exhibition a> success.

Mr Harris said he would second the naoitoou if tho word “ adequate” were substituted for “ reasonable.” Mr Macdonald agreeing to this amendment, the motion was seconded by Mr Harris, put, and carried, and Mr II arris’ motion having been carried; the following gentlemen wore appointed as a deputation, in terms of the resolution, ta wait on the Premier s—The Mayor, Messrs T. K. Macdonald, Gable, Ballinger, Jas. Robertson, Evans, LittEjohn, Kohu, Barber, Lindsay, Hill, BHir, Kemble, Grease, No**bury, Kitchen, Stewart, aud Captain Williams.

It waa arranged subsequently that tho deputation should meet at the chamber at 9.3 d on Saturday morning. It was also decided to invite the representatives iu Parliament of the city to accompany tho deputation.

Mr J, R, BJair moved that a veto of thanks be accorded Mr Kitchen, and that he be reimbursed any expense which he may have incurred.

Mr Kitchen, in returning thanks, expressed a hofo that a manufacturera’ association.would be formed in the city. (Hear, hear.V The meeting then terminated with a vote o£ thanks to tho chairman.

DEPUTATION TO TMK COLONIAL TREASURER. At noon yesterday week a large and influential deputation which had been appointed at the recent meeting of manufacturers, waited on the Colonial Treasurer at hia private residence, in reference to the proposal of the Government re the Industrial Exhibition proposed to ba hot'd in Wellington. The Mayor, in introducing the deputation to Sir Julius Vogel, explained that these gentlemen had been appointed at a large and enthusiastic meeting of Wellington manufacturers, to make certain representations to the Government in reference to the proposed Industrial Exhibition. His fellow deputationists agreed with him that the Government were to he con** gratulated upon having brought forward such a means of developing the industrial resources, and producing capabilities of the colony as would be provided by these annual exhibitions. There were two points upon which he would touch. First, as to the building. It was on all aides admitted that it was desirable that a building should be specially erected for the purpose, for although there were many buildings which were suitable for smaller undertaking of a similar nature there were none large enough for the purposes of an exhibition, which ho took it the Government wished to make a colonial one. The exhibition, he considered, should be of a distinctly colonial character. Another point in connection with the exhibition, and one which would not, ha hoped, escape the attention of the Government, was that it should be an exhibition, and should not degenerate into a bazaar for the sale of goods, such as the exhibition held by files ar& Joubert and Twopenny in Christchurch. That exhibition was very disastrous, in some cases ruinous, to the local tradesmen and manufacturers ; and in an exhibition such as ho hoped this would be, the aim should be to assist the representation and encourage manufacturers. So that it was to be hoped the Government would eliminate that element from their colonial exhibition, the object of which should be to act as an exponent in a material form of what the colony was capable of producing. He dared eay that in respect to the oost of the building, the Government were well aware that LXOOO was a mere drop in the bucket, and he ventured to urge that whatever money was put into the matter would be most reproductive in advancing the interests of the colony, an object which the Wellington manufacturers were extremely desirous of encouraging and assisting. filr Kitchen said the manufacturers of Wellington had met to consider the matter, and had come to the conclusion that until they were in possession of the actual proposals of the Government they could do nothing at all. That was his own opinion—that in the absence of any information from the Government, nothing could be done ; and therefore they had come now to hear what the Government proposed to do in the matter. Ho suggested that if goods not manufactured in New Zealand were exhibited, it should be distinctly stated and understood that such goods were foreign productions, and, at the same time, the exhibition of those goods would do good, inasmuch aa it would stimulate the" energies of colonial manufacturers.

Mr Luke said his opinion of the matter was th imported article.-* should hi out of the exhibition lilt-'aCther, cr the distinct an i principal object «.f t.c-tV-’»v v.! .•

lout. He understood that the exhibition was intended to show what colonial manufactures could do. They knew very well that articles wore manufactured in America, for {““tance. which could he imported and Bold out. hero at n much cheaper rate than could the local ™Mr*Kohn suggested that they should hear what Sir Julins Vogel had to say. , Sir .filling Vogel replied that ho wan m the hands Of the gentlemen present, First he wished to «ay that ho was. very much ohhged to the deputation for calling Ins attention to tficHO matters, and very clad to see that the resident manufacturers showed no much interest in the subject-a circumstance which was the host guarantee for the success of the undertaking. At the same tune he might say that the impresKion which seemed to prevail at the meeting of manufacturer* that the Govern* meat ware not giving attention to the subject was a wrong one. The Government had asked him to look after this matter, and attached a great deal of importance to it. And within twelve hours after the vote being passedhy the House the subject was under consideration. Another point upon which the meeting appeared to lie greatly exercised was the fact that LIOOO had been voted for the carrying out of the project. The members for the city would bo able to inform them that it was slated that the LIOOO was an estimate of the amount required up to the end of March next (Hear, hem), not to cover the whole cost. At the same time he was not nrep ired to go the length of Mr Fisher (unless that gentleman was indulging hi metaphor), that 1.1000 was a “ mere drop »n the bucket. (\lr Fisher • " I went as far as ten times that amount. ’) Kir Julius Vogel continued that the Government proposed that the exhibition should he a colonial one, and, inasmuch as it was the first of the kind, it was necessary to limit the expenditure upon it: and while 1,1000 would not, perhaps, cover the cost, he did not think so large a sum woni d he required as aoooarsd to he estimated, 'i hero would bo charges which would help to swell the receipts and reduce the expenditure, such us for space, &c 'The view of the Government was not only tn make this exhibition a colonial one, but also to have it a type of future ones. As regarded other questions about imported articles, bea-reed to a certain extent with Mr Luke, that"to allow the exhibition of foreign manufactures would destroy the colonial character ol the exhibition. This exhibition, it was honed, would show to the colony the present position of its. industrial resources while future inhibition* would evidence the improvement that had taken place. Th order to carry out thin plan the deputation must consider that it would he a most unwise plan to stud New Zealand with large and expensive buildings to be used only at long intervv s and the idea was to use exnling buddings. Yet’ economy must not bo carried to such an extent as to destroy the representative character of the exhibition. He pointed out that one department of the maednery of the exhibition would ho under the control of the manufaotiirers that was in coming forward to support the project, for it was needless to say that if the matter were not supported by this class its chance of success would be a poor one. The Government proposed to take advantage, if possible, of the Industrial Associations all over the colony, such as those now in working order at Dunedin, Christchurch, and Auckland, and t mi-dit he possible to constitute suaji an association in Wellington. These associations, they proposed, should bo a sort of inadmih between the Government find the manufacturers, and would encourage the latter to come forward. WlierG there were no such asaociationa the manufacturers would probably agree to form themselves into committees, and thus the Government would not be required to go to any great expense in respect to management, Ihe ohiectsuf the exhibition were so essentially for the good of the manufacturers, that they should not ask the Government to go to any great expense beyond, of course, the clerical work. They had now a gentleman going round the colony who was well acquainted with exhibitions of tiiis sort, haying had great experience. Ho was now at the Bluff, but would be here shortly, when he would render all assistance in his power to the movement. That gentleman was Mr Chalhs. bir Julius Vogel said ho might say that ho was very glad to observe that the manufacturers recognised the necessityjfor making this exhibition a colonial one. Ho explamed that the Government, with a view of facilitating freedom of exhibition, proposed to give free oarriago. and they would make a sma 1 charge tor space, otherwise opuliustioiis would not be kept within reasonable bounds. They did not propose to exhibit imported articles, although in some cases it would doubtless require great discrimination to eliminate foreign manufactures, seeing that many articles were manufactured abroad, such os fittings, &C., and put together iu the colony. It might he advisable, too, in noma eases to allow foreign exhibits by way of instruction to colonial manufacturers. There would also bo an exhibition for scientific apparatus. It was proposed that the Government should (lireot the expenditure, but it was hoped that a committee of a number of gentlemen would be formed who would take au interest in the exhibition and help to make it a success. Ho proposed to comult with the Mayor, and ask that gentleman’s advico in the organisation of that committee, the duties of which would be not to undertake expenditure, but to advise the Government from time to time as to the objects for which it considered that expenditure should be undertaken. The committee would also conduct the opening ceremonials, etc,, and consult with the industrial department m reference to expenditure, always subject to Ministerial control. Ho should also ask the committee to assist in the allocation of space, and also to undertake the appointment of jurors, which was a most important part, of the proceedings. In view of the exhibition being hold on the Ist of August next, it would bo desirable, lie thought, to. appoint the committce as soon as possible, in order that subcommittees, which would ho found necessary, mi-dit be appointed from time to time. He wished to lay special stress upon the appointment of jurors, for that was a most important point. In connection with exhibitions there was always a gee&t complaint about the awards of jurors, especially by competitors who did not get prices. The Government were of opinion, therefore, that the appointment of jurors should rest with the manufacturers, aided hy the industrial associations and the committee. It was proposed to attach to the exhibition an order of particular merit, in the shape of a g dd medal, to bo given in each class where it was considered there was someone worthy of it. I his would be a recognition not only of excellence of exhibit, but also of services rendered to the industry of the colony, and to it would be attached the privilege of nominating a son or a daughter for a scholarship giving the right of secondary education for eigtit years. ..(Hear, hear.) With respect to a building, he was informed that the Drillshed was much more suitable than the woolshed, but that was a subject for future consideration, so long, as they did not work on the basis of making the exhibition au excuse for reckless expenditure. The classes of exhibits were, not finally settled, but the general scheme of the Government was somewhat as followslhe first would he textile fabrics, &c., such as—fa) thread fabrics, (b) woollen goods, (c) Silk fabrics, (d) lace, embroidery, and trimming, (e) hosiery, (f) clothing, (g) jewellery. Ihe second department would cm brace raw and manufactured products, forest products, farm* tare, Sec., fisheries, *e., agricultural products {nob for food), cliamicala, and leather, «o. The third department would comprise machinery, tools, implement#; Agricultural apparatus, machines in general, jjapcr*niaking machines, carriages, harness, railway; tus, telegraph apparatus, engineering, ana agricultural, &c. The fourth department would embrace elementary ceou* products, seeds, bread, fatty substances, meat, and vegetables, condiments, fermented drinks, &c. The .fifth department would com-; prise mining appaiatua and methods, mining products, meteorological works, .chemical works in connection withmining, &o» J,t would \ bo the aim of the Government ay old ■ conflict with the agricultural and pastoral I •exhibitions of the colony. U-© did notknow whether there was any further liuonnation he -could give the deputation. The question, they would see, had not at any rate been neglected, Hu asked the Mayor, in conclusion, to assist him in forming the committee he had alluded io. (Applause). , ~ Mr Fisher said the gentlemen present would agree with him that the Colonial Treasurer had shadowed forth a very able and comprehensive scheme. At the same time the scheme had . convinced him of one thing, viz., that the scheme had put the Drillshed out of the question. They had found in. the past that there was not too much room in that building for smaller undertakings, such as bazaars, See, . ISir Julius Vogel pointed out that nothing could be more mischievous Ithan for it to go abroad to the colony that Wellington desired to make this exhibition an excuse for getting a large building. Mr Fisher suggested that the manufacturers should speak upon the proposed charge for space. Sir Julius Vogel said that that charge was absolutely necessary, otherwise there would be no end to the evil done by a flood of. exhibits. In respect to the .Christchurch exhibition, he pointed out that that W a private venture. They had a learned pig on .exhibition there (L Mr°Fisher said that to return to.tljc serious p irt of the matter, be wight say. that vha manufacturers of Wellington Hmrl ijtjculecl to go j to considerable expense, if necessary, to make the exhibition a success. Ha know that the intention of the gentlemen hero was not to play , with the matter, (Sir Julius Vogel : Xam very glad to hear that.) No effort would be wanting on their part to make the exhibjtiou a Mr J. E. Blair approved of the charge for space as the only safeguard that persons applyinx; for apace would take it up> With regard jto the committee, the Mayor was now, ho tinted out, engaged in an election contest, iini it the appointment of the committee was; oft to Irm, some unpleasantness might arise. Sir Julia* Vogel said the Government would not leave the matter entirely to the Mayor, nor would they forego their right to nominate members of the committee. The mauufacturerfl, as well a« the Chambers of Commerce, might also assist. Mr Blair suggested that the matter of a ■committee would ho better left, perhaps, to the body of exhibitors. , , Sir Julius Vogel asked whether that would not bo putting the roof on bo/or.e the foundations were laid t In that case, the ■jq (nufacturent would have more Sfty than oaaiiutrcturers in other parts of the colony, which would occaaion unpleasantness. .; Mr Fisher said that when the Colonial Treasurer mentioned the matter be felt that the duty imposed on him was an onerous one, which he would ratb<?r leave .alone.

Mr Kitchen asked how it would bo if the manufacturers made nominations and submitted them to the Government? Sir Julius *Vogel pointed out that that would still give the local manufacturer-, an unduo interest. Mr Kitchen replied that ho meant such gentlemen to represent the local manufacturers Mr O. Beetham, suggested that the various members of the Chambers of Commerce suggest the members of the committee. Sir Julius remarked that the Chambers would, perhaps, know whose bills were best in Wellington, but that did not constitute their ability to nominate a committee here. He did not think they need go to other parts of the colony to choose a local committee. Mr Shannon pointed out that the members of Chambers of Commerce were m many cases not connected with industrial pursuits. Sir Julius Vogel said it was not absolutely necessary for all members of the committee to attend to the work. t . , ~ . Mr Fisher said he did not think Mr Blair need trouble himself at all, for in the course of a few weeks he (Mr Fisher) might cease to be Mayor,' and the office would devolve upon a distinguished person named Bethenck. (Laughter ) Mr T. K. Macdonald said the Chamber of Commerce was in accord with the manufacturers. Ho considered the Drillshed quite insufficient for the purpose, and suggested that buildings of galvanised iron should be erected on the reclaimed land. These structures, he pointed out, would be removed when done with, and sold, and thus there would be very Sir Julius Vogel remarked that the reclaimed land would not be sold by putting up buildings to ho sold for removal. Mr Macdonald : I was not speaking of tho ale of the reclaimed land. Mr Kohn pointed out that if tho Government charged for space and sold tho buildings afterwards, there would not be much loss. Sir Julius Vogel : What is the objection to the Drillshed? Mr Kolia replied that there was no objec--Bir Julius expressed regret that the deputation “ would make Huch a point of this building.” He reminded gentlemen that they could not speak in that room without speaking to the ashed when the Government would he prepared to let them know what steps were to he taken. Sir Julius Vogel replied that he could not, of course, give any information until tho Government knew what applications were made for space. They must not expect, he pointed out, that the space would be allotted before full details of the applications had been received. That would involve an expenditure which neither the House nor the colony would sanction. '1 he proposal to institute these exhibitions, in fact, had been received with ridicule by some gentlemen iu the House who were not in the habit of voting with the Government, although it had subsequently been well supported. "If,” said Sir Julius, "as Mr Kohn suggests, tho expense would not be great, the manufacturers might organise a committee to guarantee the amount.” (Laught6Mr Blair thought the real question (that of space) had been answered by the Colonial Treasurer as fully as it could bo answered in tho present condition of the proposal. In reference to the Drillshed, he f all there was no vacant space around it which could be utilised. Sir Julius Vogel i X thought otherwise. Mr T. IC. Macdonald said the land in the locality of tho Drillshed was not all in the hands of private owners. Mr J. B. Evans said it was a question whether they could get the Drillshed from the committee. Doubts had been expressed on that point. Ho suggested that the exhibition should be arranged somewhat on the lines of that hold at Christchurch at the beginning of the present year. Sir Julius Vogel said that he might be allowed to say that if the volunteers, who included Mr C. Johnston, M.H.K., would not allow the use of the Drillshed, he thought that the exhibition had better be held in another town. Mr Chas. Johnston was sure there would be no difficulty about that as far as the volunteers were concerned.

Sir Julius Vogel said the volunteers had let tho shed tor all sorts of purposes, and had been paid rent for it. Mr Johnson : Yes, because they were compelled in the first place to erect the shed out of their own funds. Mr C. Hill would like to know whether exhibitors would be confined to articles, or whether he or any other person could exhibit the process of manufactures. Sir Julius Vogel: It would be very desirable, no doubt, in many cases. Mr Hill, continuing, said he was willing that a charge for space should be made, for obvious reasons.

Sir Julius Vogel: I think yon may assume that that will be well considered. It is proposed that the committee shall have a voice in that matter.

The deputation then withdrew, after thanking the Colonial Treasurer for his courteousness.

The adjourned rasetinir of the manufacturers of Wellington was hold Monday evening, Mr Joseph Kitchen being appointed to the chair. The Chairman stated that ha bad, together with a number of gentlemen, appointed by a former masting of manufacturers, waited upon the Premier iu connection with the question of holding an exhibition. The local Press had, however, so very fully reported the result of tho depiction that ho need not dwell upon tho matter, They hnj all seen that the Colonial Treasurer had favorably considered the mbjeot. Sir Julius Vogpl had made several suggestions to the members of ths deputation, the result being that Dr Newman hud forwarded him, as tho chairman of the last meeting, a letter referring to tho subject, and asking the meeting to nominate seven representatives to be submitted to the members for tho city, Mr Blair expressed himself as being somewhat disappointed that the local memhera of Parliament were not present at the meeting, more especially as they had accompanied tho deputation to the Colonial Treasurer ou a recent occaaion. Ho certainly thought that the Wellington members should have attended the meeting, ip order that they might explain what the (Jovernuient iptfinded doing in the matter. Mr T. K. Macdonald said that ft? considered it extraordinary that nono of the members for the city had attended the meeting. Mr Kohn moved the following resolution, which wpe seconded by Mr Luke, ’’ That this meeting r.ejiolyp itself into an association to be -sailed 'The yVlsll/ngton Chamber of Manufacturers.' ”

The motion was seconded and carried. A desultory conversation followed as to the best Bourse to be taken with regard to the exhibition .committee, and a very tagonistic feeling was rjispiayed to the caviller treatment accorded tho jneetjpg by the City members and the Government, Mr Frost moved “ That no 'further steps bo taken by this meeting Jo appoint a board of advfce of seven until further information had been obtained from the .city members/’ Mr Evans wished to ascertain whole proposal it was that seven persons should b« placed ou the executive committee, The Chairman said that tho Government had, through tho Colonial Treasurer, expressed a desire that seven members should be nominated, the mvml era being composed of gentlemen of the local fcsdies. Mr T. K. Macdonald said that he did not feel at all Satisfied with the action of the members for tho city. Dr Newman appeared to bo the spokesman of the city members, or, at any rate, the amanuensis of those gentlemen. He certainly thought that some of the members (vr tli.e pity should have been present at the meeting. Mr C. Hill expressed jibe opinion that the city representatives had not acquitted themselves well while attending the last deputation.

Mr T. K. Mas ionald said that ho thought that they should have been present at the meeting, in order to explain the intention of the Government, so fur as the Wellington manufacturers were concerned. Mr Fisher possibly might he excused, inasmuch as he hud a municipal .contest on band, but Dr Newman aud Mr O. Jo)),papa certainly should have been present. Mr Evans seconded the motion. fjo expressed bis regret and surprise that neither Mr O, Johnson nor Dr Newman were present. Tho Chairman said that ho had fully expected that Dr Nowojap and Mr Johnson would have been present. Mr Didsbury thought tbit the Hon, the Treasurer bad intended that the commission should consist of a larger number thau was proposed. He certainly .considered that lb* city members should have boon present at the meeting. Tho Chairman did not consider that the city members were to blame altogether. Mr Shannon remarked that the city members uc.nupitd a most humiliating position. Mr j. O, Harris thought that perhaps there might be a mistsdep as to the inactions of the proposed ex, cutivo corarciftee. Ho should like to ask : Did the Government intend to act liberally with tho manufacturers I They knew nothing really as to the intentions of the Government in the matter. If the Government intended to act liberally with the manufacturers, then they might appoint n committee, but otherwise, he thought tbpy should wait for further information. Mr Lnke urged that the motion should go to tho vote. The Cl airman said that Dr Hector had elated to him that the exhibition should be thoroughly of a utilitarian character. The motion was carried junanimou-fy. Some discussion ensued as to whether the price of articles exhibited at the Exhibition should bo marked oa tho goods. Mr Kohu considered that ft would be well that the price should be placed on each article. Hr Evans objected to the prices being placed ou the exhibits, as be considered that it would cause exhibitors to brand themselves as liars. -

Mr Did bury said (bat Dr Hector bad informed him that tbs prices on the articles exhibited at the Christchurch Exhibition bad

been plainly marked, and therefore he thought it would be advantageous if the exhibitors of the proposed exhibition marked the price of their goods, Mr Evans emphatically contradicted this upon his own perronal observation at the exhibition.

Mr j. C. Harris punted out that the confusion arising from a declaration of prices between the wholesale and retail traders had hi ell h.st sight of. He considered that the declaration of prices should be optional. After further di.eussiou, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to carry out the objects of ‘ the meeting with regard to a Manufacturer’s Association : —Messrs Kitchen, J. C. Harris, Blair, Shannon, Luke, Didsbury, Crease, Evans, Littlejohn, Hannah, Kobo, Hill, Dauks, and T. K. Macdonald. Thu proceedings closed with a -ml. of thauks to the chair.

A meeting of local manufacturers was held at the Chamber of Commerce Monday evening fur the purpose of consulting with the ci,y mem-b-is of PaiHornr-iil a. to the constitution of the forthcoming Industrial Exhibition. The chair was occupied by Mr James Kitchen, and the attendance was large, upwards of twenty-five gentlemen bring present, exclu-ive of Dr Newman, Mr George Fisher, and Mr Charles Johnston, M.H.H.’e. The Chairman said that, as the meeting was aware, they had declined to m ruinate gentlemen to the Exhibition Council until they had heard what the city members had to say upon tho subject, and therefore it would be better to hear what those gentlemen had to say before proceeding to the e’ections. Dr Newman said that on the occaaion of the deputation to the Government, and after the withdrawal of those gentlemen who had composed the deputation, the city members, at the request of Sir Julius Vogel, remained behind, 'the Hon. the Treasurer had considered that the number of gentlemen to act ou the c muoil should bo ten or twelve, but his (Dr New man’s) colleagues had pointed out that that number would be too small, and they had also suggested to the Government that it would he better to leave the nomination of the names of the proposed council to the people of the city tlnmselvea. The members lor the oily had consulted together and bad suggested that the council should be composed of the following, viz., the city memhera to nominate three gentlemen, the Chamber of Commerce two, the Woikiug Men’s Club two, the Fine Arts Society one or two, and the Industrial Council seven, which would make a committee of fifteen, if only one person was nominated by the Fine Arts Society. With regard to whit hid been said relative to his not having attended the meeting ou Monday last, he might say that, having forwarded a letter containing the proposal us to the nominations he had jurt referred to, he did not think that his presence would have been required, or ho would most willingly have attended. The members had considered the matter very carefully, and thought that of the limited number fixed by the Government to sit in the council, seven to be nominated by tho meeting, would be a fair proportion. Mr George Fisher remarked that bethought it was a pity that the allocation of the names had not been made at the meeting held on Monday night last. He would remind those gentlemen who were present that he had forwarded a letter announcing that his absence on that occasion arose from the fact that he was engaged elsewhere on less congenial duty. He could well understand that some soreness had been felt that the names to be pro posed by the meetiug were so few, but it was quite understood that the city members should not appoint the gentlemen who were to act on the council, but that th y should be nominated hy the committee, aud submitted to Hie three members for the city. He might repeat that Sir Julius Vogel had thought that fifteen gentlemen woull prove ample. Thera had been a claim put forward by anolher body, who considered that they were entitled to be represented on the council, but be did not see that th-t body, which was purely a labor one, had any cause f..r expressing disappointment, more especially as two members would be nominated by tho Working Men’s Club. Mr Charles Johnston quite agreed with all which had fallen from his fellow-members. He desired to state that bo was not aware that a meeting would have been held last Monday evening, and oven if he had been he should not have attended, as ha was not a member of the committee. Tho Chairman thought the meeting felt much obliged to the members for attending ou that occasion. Dr Newman hail that evening given the meeting far greater information than he had afforded in his letter which had been forwarded to him (the chairman) on tho previous Monday, and which he had unfortunately forgotten to bring with him to tho meeting. He thought it would be as well if any question which had cropped up at tho last meeting was put to the city members now they were present. Mr G. V. Shannon remarked that the last meeting propounded the question as to whether seven members to be nominated by them was a fair number or not. Mr Evans would like to ascertain if (he gentlemen who might be appointed would prejudice the other manufacturers who would be exhibitors. .... Mr Fisher assumed that the prmcipil portion of the work would devolve upon Dr. Hector and Mr Oallis, and that those gentlemen would be assisted in their duties by the members of the c.mmittee. The jurors would be other persons altogether, so that there need be no fear that the claims of exhibitors would iu any way be jeopardised. Of course there would be a number of sub committees, but he imagined that all questions of expenditure would devolve upon Dr, Hector and Mr Callis, the secretary, Dr. Newman sajd that he believed the Government had thought out the propel thoroughly, and had arrived at the conclusion that it ought and must be pushed ahead. He hoped that a public meeting of tho people of Wellington would shortly be held with a view to enlisting the sympathies of the entire community, in the proposed exhibition, in_ order to make it g, universal success. Wellington had been looted upon in many parts of the colony only as the seat of Government, but he ■rusted that the people of Wellington would show the colony very differently. There were other attractions which might be held, in Wellington concurrently with the exhibition, such, fir instance, as a grand fire brigade demonstration and an agricultural exhibition on n large scale.' Mr Blair felt sure the meeting had no desire to throw any slur on ihe city members owing to their not having attended the last meeting, and ho would propoaa' a vote of thanks to those gentlemen for attending on the present occasion. Mr Grease seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. 1 Dr Newman, and Johnston and Fisher then re t tlre«J. The Chairman /remarked that it now rested with ths committee to nominee the seven manufacturers wljo wpf.B fb represent them on the council. Ho desired to has'® 9,n expression of opinion as to whether the matter BBOqld be left to a sub-committee to deal with. The task before those who would be appointed would be both a bard and an unenviable one. Tho mooting decided to proceed at once with the nominations, and the names of several manufacturers were duly proposed imd seconded. As the nominations proceeded, the opinion of the majority, as expressed, was that the number (seven) proposed by the Government was altogether too small. M? T. K. Macdonald remaked that he had reason to’Tj.elieye Jhat the Government would favorably reconsider tfi.e mutter, and would not be averse to appoint a lurgfr number bn the council than they had originalfy considered sufficient.

After further discussion, Mr Blair moved the fallowing resolution—- “ That in the opinion of this meeting seven members will not prove a representative committee, and that in consequence the manufacturers of Wellington propose for the consideration of the Government that the accompanying 20 names be accepted as a representative committee : J. Kitchen (soap manufacturer), Kohn (watch, maker), Evans (saddler), Shannon (clothing manufacturer), Hill (hat manufacturer), Littlejohn (watchmaker), Crease (rice mills), Lindsay (boot ‘manufacturer), Eichardson (clothing ' manufacturer), Danks, jun. (plumber), T. Ballinger (plumber), Hebertsou (iron founder), Hutchens (titewort and Co,) (sawmiUer), H. 'JJatbet 1 (meat preserver), Blair (printer, £;e.), C. Luke (iron founder), J. Filchett (coashbuUdor). ' Hannah ' (boot manufacturer), Didsbury (finyernipent printer), Strike (Strike and Fairlfe) (.cordial manufacturei),” The business terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman. The sub-committee appointed to draw up rules for th 9 guidance of the Chamber of Manufacturers remained behind to revise lules, which will be submitted to a fptgre meeting