AFTERNOON SITTING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5731, 28 October 1905, Page 7

AFTERNOON SITTING.

The House resumed at 2.30. CHRISTOHDROH EXHIBITION. Sir Joseph. Ward moved tho second iroading of tho New Zealand International Exhibition Empowering Bill. Ho naid there wore already numerous indications that tho Exhibition would bo visited by a largo number of people from various parts of tho world. .. The Government had received from the Executive Commissioner tho tenders for carrying on ■ tho construction of tho inain building for the Exhibition, and at the first mooting of Cabinet tho lowest tender would, ho had no doubt, bo accepted. ' Ho expressed, on behalf of the Government, his appreciation of tho work already done by tho various committees attached to the Exhibition. It Was contemplated that people in tho North Island would bo able, by tho time the Exhibition took place, to make tho •journey frola Auckland to Wellington without taking a sea voyage, tho space then still not connecting the two ends being covered by coach service, a prelude to tho happy consummation of tho time when tho iron link would enable people to do tho journey right through from Auckland to Wellington. Sir William Russell joined with the Minister in hoping that tho Exhibition Would ho a success both from an industrial and educational point of view. This was, however, purely a Government venture, and tho responsibility of tho cost rested on tho colony. Ho therefore hoped that the Government would give, the House some indication ■of tho amount of money that would ho expended in connection with the Exhibition. One solo Commissioner had boon given power to spend largo suras sf money. Plans and estimates of tho building should bo placed before Parliament. Sir Joseph Ward said tho lowest tender for the main, building was £35,000. At tho conclusion of tho Exhibition he did not anticipate that tho colony would bo required to contribute more than £30,000. Ho admitted that it was a new departure for tho colony to undertake tho wholo of the responsibility, and recognised that oarotul supervision was required in tho control of tho finances In regard to the Exhibition. Tho second reading of tho bill was agreed to on tho voices. The House adjourned at 5.30.