THE TASMANIAN EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9293, 8 December 1891, Page 3

THE TASMANIAN EXHIBITION.

(Fhom Onii Own Cokiiespoxden'T.) Lhjncestojc, November 25. Launceston citizens at last realise that the exhibition is a fact, and were astir in the early rosy dawn—some to nuiko final preparations for the procession (which it was intended should be a feature of the day's proceedings); others back to their unfinished work in the buildings, meeting on their way many who, having finished, wearily hasten oil' for a nap ere the ceremonies of the occasion commence.

The day, as was to be expected from the dawn, proved all that could be desired—a bright, clear sky, a cooling breeze, very acceptable to the heated crowd, and adding greatly to the eil'ect of the citizens' goodly show of bunting. As is usually the caso, the forming oE the procession required every effort on the part of the marshals, but by 10 o'clock the 57 societies and representatives of industrial establishments, on foot, horseback, and in conveyances, started in excellent order, and proceeded by a circuitous route for the buildings, headed by the local and including bands from all parts, playing inspiriting airs. All trades were well represented, and the numerous lorries, vans, &c, with artisans at their usual occupations, received a large amount of popular approbation. The Eliiu Nursery's trophy of flowering and foli.ige plants was certainly the original item of the procession, and a great credit to the designer. The friendly societies from all parts turned out in full regalia, and were followed by an Old English coach drawn by a team of six greys, and her--ing a bevy of the gentler sex. A traction engine drawing a portable followed immediately after, no doubt as a contrast. It is estimated that 2850 persons took part in the procession, and, considering the crowded state of the thoroughfares, the mounted and other constables preserved excellent order. The Albert Hall was gaily decorated and presented a very pretty picture. Round the dais seats had been reserved for distinguished visitors, and beyond these the ladies mustered in good force, their pretty toilets aiding greatly the general effect. About 11 of the blue jackets of H.M.S. Katoomba arrived and formed in line to the foot of the dais. The signal gun soon announced that the Government House party had started for the buildings. A rustle of excitement was noticeable, and the majority of those in the choir and crowded galleries were already standing when the blue jackets came to the shoulder, the orchestra struck up the National Anthem, and, ushered by our old friend M. Joubert, the vice-regal party entered the hall, and were soon comfortably seated on the dais. The seating arrangements were very good, guests finding their locations without any difficulty by means of a good system of block tickets.

On the dais were his Excellency Sir Robert and Lady Hamilton, his Excellency Lord Hopetoun, Governor of Victoria ; Captain Bickford, of H.M.S. Katoomba; Colonel W. V. Legge, Acting Aide-de-camp to Sir Robert Hamilton ; Captain Willoughby, Aide-de-camp to Lord Hopetoun; Lieutenant-colonel A. H. Warner, Commandant Tasmauian Defence Force, and Staff-adjutant Major Wallack; Surgeon H. S. Jackson, and Paymaster E. H. Truscott, H.M.S. Katoomba ; the Hon. the Premier and Mrs Fysh, the hon. the Treasurer and Mrs Bird, the hon. Minister of Lands and Works and Mrs Pillinger, the hon. W. Moore, President of the Legislative Council; the Right Rev. Dr Montgomery, Bishop of Tasmania; his Worrhip the Mayor of Hobart and Mrs G. Hiddlestone, the Hon. Wm. Hart, M.L.C., President. Tasmauian Exhibition Committee, and Mrs Hart; and his Worship the Mayor of Launceston, Mr S. J. Suttou, M.H.A., Executive Commissioner, and Mrs Sutton.

The exhibition, choir of 300 voices having sung the " National Anthem," Mr S. J. Sutton read a prayer, which was followed by the "Old Hundreth." The Executive Commissiouor read an address of welcome aiid expression of loyalty, and setting forth the obstacles with which the promoters had had to contend, and expressing gratitude to the Governments and exhibitors who liad made the exhibition so great a success. On rising to respond, His Excellency Sir Robert Hamilton was received with loud and prolonged cheering. He regretted that his Excellency, the Admiral of the station, Lord Charles Scott would not be able to be present, as his genial face was such an addition on an occasion like the present. He reminded the citizens of the advantages of holding exhibitions from time to time, and complimented them on the very excellent display of the products of tne various colonies that their energy had brought together. f . The official agents and colonial representatives were then presented to his Excellency by the executive commissioner in the order named: Mr Arthur Day, Great Britain ; M. V. Laurelle, France ; Herr A. Bossomaier, Germany; W. H. Vivien, Esq., New South Wales; Messrs D. Fergus Scott, "Victoria; H. J. Scott, South Australia; F. N. Meadows, New Zealand. Mr A. Morton, curator of museums (who has worked most enthusiastically for the exhibition, and who is extremely popular), was also presented, and "on mounting the dais received a hearty round of applause. Throe cheers were then given for the Queeu and the Governors of Tasmania and Victoria.

The vice-regal party were then escorted into the exhibition annexes followed by most of the company, and surprise was very generally expressed at the finished appearance of the exhibits in general. There were few signs of the chaos of the night before—the empty cases, rubbish, and unfinished exhibits no longer appear, and such a transformation scene would be impossible were it not for the fact that each exhibitor has his little bit to do, and as a rule does it. As the party progressed the followers would gradually get distributed. Here dozens would stop, attracted by the splendid water colours and photographs of New Zealand scenery exhibited by the Union Steam Ship Company, and handsome models in the main annexe. There the wood carver would attract another contingent. Others would, draft into the picture gallery, and 20 minutes after the opening the buildings were filled with a pleased and highly interested crowd. Meantime their Excellencies made a tour of all the courts, exchanging a few words with the representatives, and taking a glass of wine with Mr H. J. Scott and a few friends in the South Australian reception room. The New Zealand court, which adjoins the South Australian, was then visited, and their Excellencies highly appreciated the exhibit of marketable timber exhibited by the New Zealand Midland Railway Company, and admired the very excellent photographs of some of the choice bits of New Zealand scenery.

The exhibition had now sprung into life. Various pianists eager for a start play varied waltzes, the whirl of the lathe of tbe_ woodworkers, the hum of the sewing machine, the steady stir of the roasting almonds, the chirp of the bird call, exclamations of surprise, the old familiar exhibition sounds are upon us, and the curtain is up to the Launceston Exhibition of '91, exceeding in its extent, its decorations, and the beauty of its exhibits, the expectations of the most sanguine. The picture galleries are fairly good now, but additions are arriving daily from Melbourne, &c, and several New Zealand artists are forwardng, after your society's show. The English pictures are not to compare with those you had in Dunedin, there being at present nothing to compare with Long's, "The Traitor," and many others that I could mention. The gallery generally is not to compare with Dunediu at all. The French pictures are a heavy, framed by-lbx'-yard looking lot.

At present there are no afternoon or evening vocal or instrumental concerts, simply a brass band. One can only suppose the management are reserving themselves for the holiday season. The interior, well lighted with supplementary electric lighting (paid for by individual exhibitors), has a very pretty appearance, and when all the exhibits are finished, and the selling Jews, Turks, infidels, &c. have been shifted from the most prominent positions to a suitable annex, the general elfect will be much better. M. Joubert looked a little older and worried just before the opening, but now appears as well as ever.