AT THE EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 3010, 23 December 1896, Page 2

AT THE EXHIBITION.

THE AMATEUR ELOCUTIONARY CONTEST. Tba amateur elocutionary and musical contest was continued at tho Exhibition yesterday. In the afternoon Miss L. Fuller (Auckland) and Messrs A. Forrest (Wellington), C. du One, W, A. Hall (Christohuroh) and j. F. Montague (Auckland), who had boon selected by tho judges (Messrs A. S. Paterson mid F. W. Hayhittlo) as the boat of tho raoitora in tho dramatic class each gavo another recitation as requested. Tlfo final result was announced in the evening as follows : J. F. Montague (Auckland) ... 1 C. du Guo ... “ Tho judges stated that they had de-ndci to suggest to tho Executive that a third prize of £1 Is should bo awarded to Miss L. Fuller (Auckland). They also decided that Mr W. A. Hall should bo ‘’highly commended '* for his recital of “ Kissing Cup’s Race,” and they very much regretted that they had not heard him in another selection. The pathetic reciters’ contest began in the afternoon, and concluded in the evening, the result being as follows : W. A. Hall 1 J. F. Montague 2 Mr Hall recited “Trouble in tho Amen Corner ” with fine effect, and Mr Montague ran him very close with “Passing Through tho Gate.” ... Tho comic singing contest caused a great deal of amusement. Mr S. G. Palmer, who sang “ Tho Laughing Coon,” was declared tho winner by the judge, Mr Morris- Fox; Mr H. Hall, who pang “ The Grass Widower,” being awarded second prize. For many weeks past Mona, do Mcy, well known in this city and throughout the province as a skilled instructor in calisthenics, has been drilling pupils i.f our publib schools for a special display of the latest exorcises through which school children at© now put. Last evening the cycling track was tho scone of one of these exhibitions, under the eloctrib light and to the strains of Mr King’s orchestra. A largo crowd witnessed the drilling and marching and evolutions with tbe keenest interest, and well they might, for no prettier sight has been seen upon the track, the time being good, the movements brisk, and . much originality was noticeable in several of the exorcises. Over 100 girls, prettily dressed in white costumes with blue sashes, took part, and added charm was given the movements by the tinkling of miniature bells attached to. each girl's wrists. To Mona, do Mey groat credit is due, and it is pleasant to notice by tho programme that another display is to bo given this afternoon on tho cycling track. Tho oiuematographo was largely patronised yesterday. Attention is called to the programme of cycling events for next Saturday evening, which includes events for tho amateurs and cash cyclists, as well as some startling feats by the American gymnasts, which includes slackwire walking, ground tumbling and trapeze acts.

Several turns were given by the cinematographo yesterday. A very steady picture is obtained, and tho breaking storm waves at Dover is a really fine picture. It would bo well if the title of oarli picture was mi- ■ nounood, as the printed programme is not adhered to. Very good audiences attended each seance.

A really good programme is provided for today. In tho afternoon tho tenors provide the items for competition, and in the evening there will bo contralto singing and piano playing. In tho afternoon Mr Hotop’s orchestra provides an enjoyable programme, and under Mons. de Alev’s direction there will bo a caliathenio display on the cycling track.

There can bo two verdicts from visitors to the Exhibition as to how a display of modern warlike aims would bo received. An armoury would bo a decided draw, nor need it bo restricted to examples of modern arms, but some of tho old-fashioned would afford an object lesion to tllo young slid rieitjg.genbrttj ihq. woUtd sbrvb ds a cue to veterans to reminisce, and when oomrades-iu-arms got together many a Battle would “ bo fought over again.” Tho Defence Department has been approached upon tho subject, and if it could see its way to reproduce tho display made at the Now Zealand and South Seas Exhibition in ’OO-91 in Dunedin, a large public which thirsts for such things would be glad.

To say that Sergeant-Major Biohardson has in hand, by permission of the Defence Department, the arrangements for an Exhibition Military Tournament, for which tho cycling track is admirably adapted, is to guarantee its success, for he is favourably known already as an energetic and enthusiastic organiser. Tho corps of the City are falling into Hue upon the subject, and it is likely they will pit themselves against the prowess of tho Permanent Force. Tho tournament will bo very popular with the public. A complete change of programme has taken place in the two Kinetosoopcs. The gladiatorial combat between two mounted swordemon is especially good. Tho Kinotophone shows a trio of Japanese doing a peculiar skirt dance to orchestral music.

The Grftphdphono also has a now* listof fine records going; Tfio orchestral selections are especially eiljbyablß;