BRITISH EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19066, 11 January 1924, Page 8

BRITISH EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

VISIT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES. NEW ZEALAND’S CATERING ARRANGEMENT. (From Ottb Own Cohrespondbnt.) LONDON, .Nov-ember 29. Yesterday H.R.H. the Prince of Wales (president of the British Empire Exhibition) went out to Wembley, attended by the Hon. Piers Legh, to see for himself the progress that has been made, lie spent over two hours walking about tho grounds and buildings. The Prino© was received by Sir Travers Clarke (deputy-chairman), Sir R. M'Alpine (head of the firm of contractors carrying out the work), Sir M. M'Alpine, Mr Maxwell Ayrton (architect), Mr E. O. Williams (engineer), and other officials. From the Stadium the party walked across the grounds to the Palace of Industry and. •ftp rough the ornamental gardens to the Palace of Engineering. From there the Prince went on to the Indian Pavilion. By his desire work was not suspended during his visit, and h© saw all the different processes involved in the work nnder ordinary conditions. One thing after another off the beaten track claimed his Royal Highnessos’s attention, and instead of following the comparatively clean path mapped out for him, he ploughed through the mud to the points which interested him. In one of the nearly completed buildings the Prince showed much interest in the making of fabric blocks for partitions, and asked of what tho material was composed and with what it was faced. The/ making of decorative plaster casts also attracted his attention, and he spoke for a minute or two to the men engaged upon the work. A GOVERNMENT PAVILION. In an artistic and interesting plan of the exhibition it is announced that the British Government is erecting a pavilion of appropriate dignity of structure and design. The Royal suite for the use of the King and Queen will overlook tho portico, which will be supported by columns 32ft high, and will be guarded by six massive lions, symbolical of the might and dignity of the Empire. The Navy, Army, and Air Force are organising impressive displays, and many important _ aspects of Empire communication, Empire trade, Empire settlement, and Imperial economic development will bo presented. On a water stage 70ft wide, which, by an ingenious mechanical arrangement can be converted in a few minutes into an ordinary stage for other displays, certain historical episodes on sea and land and in the air will be realistically reproduced. Tho Air Force exhibition of models will bo supplemented by exhibits of action aeroplanes and aircraft in an aerodrome easily accessible from the exhibition grounds. In the Central Court of Honour cf the pavilion a gigantic model relief map of the world will show by changing lights the growth and extent of the Empire, its resources, development, and population. The Home Country’s productive capacity in relation to its ability to manufacture goods for export, and the importance of British overseas trade, will also be illustrated by a large scale model of Great Britain and Ireland. In an annexe there will lie a kinema theatre, where films of Imperial interest will he in continuous display. The Royal Mint, which will show a complete set of coins of. the Empire and of British war medals, will strike special commemorative plaques. The Post Office exhibit will illustrate tho most up-to-date methods in the organisation of postal services, as well as the recent developments in telegraphy. THE NEW ZEALAND RESTAURANT. New Zealanders will bn interested to learn that a separate agreement with Messrs J. Lyons and Co. for the catering at the Now Zealand Pavilion of the British Empire Exhibition has been signed. Messrs Lyons undertake to provide exclusively the following New Zealand products:—Butter, cheese, mutton, lamb, beef, preserved meats, honey, fresh fruit during the season, and a percentage of Samoan oocoa. They undertake to use the following New' Zealand products wnen available, at no higher price than current market price of similar products of Empire origin, Toheroa soup, tinned whitebait, tinned mullet, jams, biscuits, confectionery, pickles, sauces, pork, bacon, and eggs. They guarantee to charge no higher prices in the restaurant than in any restaurant of a similar nature in the exhibition. The kitchen wall bo built by New Zealand, and the cooking utensils and lighting \vw be supplied, but the other details—including heat, tables, chairs, ctr.lory, china, etc.—wrii be provided by the caterers. OPENING AND CLOSING HOURS. The opening and closing hours of the exhibition iiiue now been fixed. The grounds will be open from 10 ami. until 11 p.m., except on Sundays. The exhibits will bo on view frem 10 till 10.