OPENING OF THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1065, 18 September 1879, Page 2

OPENING OF THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

e> (i:y caulk.) (SJ'Ei.'I.U. Til I'KF.SS ASSOCIATION.') Syhnky, September 17. The weather to-day was line. A general holiday was observed on the occasion of the public opening of the Garden Palace of the Exhibition. At nine o'clock this morning a procession of public bodies and mounted police, followed by Lord Lofrus (Governor of ]STew South Wales), Lord Normanby (Governor of Victoria), Sir \Y. •Jei'vois (Governor of South Australia), and Mr. Weld (Governor of Tasmania), and their respective staffs, proceeded through the principal streets, which were gaily decorated and lined with crowds of people. The Vice-Regal party reached the building at noon, and Lord Loftus unveiled the statue of the Queen under the dome. He then proceeded to the base, where he was received by the Executive Commissioners. The representatives of foreign countries, British colonies and possessions, and some of the more distinguished citizens surrounded the base, the whole making a brilliant scene. The choir performed an inaugural cantata, after which Mr. Jennings, the Executive Commissioner, presented an address to Lord Left us to declare the International Exhibition open. Lord Loftus replied, congratulating the Colony upon the success of its efforts to gather a representation of the art achievements and industrial forces of the globe. He said the event was an era in Australian progress. He welcomed the representatives of foreign countries, British Colonies and possessions, a> d concluded by declaring the Ex: jii ion opened. Salutes were fired, and the choir performed further music, including the National Anthem. Lord Loftus and guests, and their suites, then proceeded on a tour through the buildings, visiting the various courts, and were introduced to the several Commissioners. An immense concourse of people attended the ceremony, which concluded at 2 o'clock, and passed off with great brilliancy and echit. The Garden Palace is now completed and was splendidly decorated, the dome especially. Many courts are finished, and in others unpacking is still unfinished. The exhibits are of a highly interesting character. Lord Loftus during the week gives a series of entertainments to the distinguished visitors and leading citizens. Queensland is the prettiost and Victoria the most brilliant of the courts. New Zealand contests the palm of interest with Queensland, both displaying indications of great and varied naturai wealth, waiting development. Among the Colonies, Victoria is foremost in indications of advancement in manufactures. New Zealand is ahead of all others but Now South Wales, but the display is incomplete by comparison. The European courts are inclined to be shoppy, save Italy, which is artistic. America is strong in hardware, musical instruments, watches, and " notions." The building is thronged. September 18. The Governor made a graceful speech congratulating the Colony, which, though once despised, is now honored in its efforts, and welcoming the representatives of old history nations to the bright daughterdand of England. He concluded with a religious peroration.