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Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 410, 21 August 1877, Page 2

We regret that want of space has prevented us till now from commenting upon a most interesting circular which has been forwarded to us by Mr. R. D. Bannister, of Ballarat. It appears that the people of that Australian city may take to themselves the credit of suggesting an idea which will cause people to wonder why it was not thought of before. A Juvenile Industrial Exhibition is what the Ballaratarians are proposing to Australasia, and as the proposal is likely to eventuate, the good people of Ballarat will be reckoned amongst those who have propounded an original and novel scheme that will be likely to produce somewhat remarkable results. It would, of course, be difficult at this stage to realise all the benefits to be derived from a Juvenile

. <^^- one^m t ' l W ||§iblislraient. pfchat |^:havejji-the| y<Hfa geniaibf iro? mean order we have already had evidence; and now the proposed Exhibition will bring these before the world, and cause wholesome competition and emulation such as will not only sharpen the wits of those whose abilities are already known in the communities in which they live, but will have the effect of drawing others out who have hitherto been unknown to fame, whilst it will afford encouragement to all our rising I generation, who are to make the future mighty nation of the South, to acquire knowledge and expand their intellects. We cannot do better than reprint the circular treating upon this matter, which will afford every item of information connected therewith that could be desired :

Sir,— The novelty of a Juvenile Industrial Exhibition is attracting public attention; and since the idea has been mooted, quite a sensation has been created among the young people ; and doubtless, if carried out, will be the means of doing much good. In this age of progress we are not surprised at any fresh idea being brought forward.

Although it is nearly thirty years since the first industrial exhibition was laid before the world by our late lamented Prince Albert —an idea that caused a great sensation at the time, and which achieved such a grand success in 1851, and has been so frequently repeated in various parts of the world successfully, from which much good has been the result to trade and commerce.

Now ! in 1877, at Ballarat, the idea has been mooted, and steps have been initiated, to held the first Juvenile Industrial Exhibition, to be opened on the Ist March. 1878. In laying its claims before the public, the Committee hope to make ib realise the following objects : To enlist the sympathies and arouse the energies of the young people to compete in works of industry and usefulness; and impress on parents, their sons and daughters, the dignity and honour of labour. To cultivate the inventive faculties of those who are in trades, and show proficiency ; also those who may be following other occupations. To enable all to show their handiwork, and obtain new ideas from each other. To cultivate their minds for useful employment and recreation during leisure hours. To create a taste for the fine arts and ornamental Avorks, so as to make home attractive.

The Executive Committee invite the young people of both sexes, all over the Australian Colonies, of every age and station, under 21 years of age, to assist in making the exhibition a success.

Parents, employers, teachers, and all who take an interest in the welfare of the rising generation, are invited to give their earnest co-operation and countenance to the efforts of the young Deople, by giving them every facility and encouragement to work industriously in preparing some article for exhibition, so that in after life they may be able to say they assisted in making the first Juvenile Exhibition a success; and probably have the honour of shewing a medal they worthily earned. Having stated briefly the object of the intended Juvenile Industrial Exhibition, the Executive Committee and officers appeal to the public at large for the necessary funds to enable them to make appropriate preparations for carrying it out to a successful issue.

Rules, regulations, and explanations of the nature of the articles for exhibit are in course of preparation, which, together with a list of the patrons and officers, will be published at an early date. The Committee trust a hearty response will be the result of this appeal for substantial aid; and hope that every colonist will feel it a duty and a pleasure to help in making the Exhibition a great success.

I am, &c, R. D. Bannister, Hon. Sec. As we are personally acquainted with the Secretary, who has always expended a great portion of his spare time to the instruction and advancement of the rising generation of Victoria, we can confidently assert that the arrangements of this great work are in the hands of the right man.