THE EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19687, 14 January 1926, Page 10

THE EXHIBITION.

REACHING THE MILLION MARK. BIG TOTAL NEARLY COMPLETE. LARGE ATTENDANCE YESTERDAY. High though the Exhibition attendance has been in the past, the --Lily average that is being shown this week is even more satisfactory than ever. Yesterday was another big day, and there is no doubt that some time this afternoon or evening, the millionth visitor will enter the main gate and be presented with a gold watch to mark the occasion. All the week the attendance totals have been bounding up, aided by the fine weather and the many good things that have been offered at Logan Park. All day yesterday big crowds arrived, and every part of the Exhibition was busy. The attendance total for the day was 24,286, making the grand total 991,631. Only 8369 persons have to enter before the million mark is reached, and as the time approaches all turnstiles save one will bo closed and visitors will bo admitted one by one.

A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. twenty thousand a day. YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITIES. VISITING BOWLERS ENTERTAINED. Th.o reaASng- of the million mark todav or this evening will mark a great Exhibition achievement of which the whole of New Zealand and in particular the people of Dunedin may well be proud. It will show that the average daily attendance has been fully 20,000—a magnificent figure that fully justifies the faith placed by the directors in Dunedin and New Zealand. It is interesting to compare the results with those of the Christchurch Exhibition of ISOS-1907. The Christchurch Exhibition opened on November I, ISO 6, and the total of a million visitors was reached on January 26, 1907—a period of 87 days. The New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition opened on November 17 of last year, and when the million mark is reached to-day the period will be only 58 days. Yesterday the success was as great as ever, and the crowds were large in all parts of Logan Park. The audience at the band concert in the evening completely filled the central portion of the Grand Court, and the Government kinema hall was packed with visitors who were entertained by a lecture by Dr E. Teichelmann. During the afternoon 13 Boy Scouts from Benoni, South Africa, under Scoutmasters Groom and Masters, were entertained in the New Zealand Government reception rooms by Mr and Mrs J. A. Collins. Afternoon tea was provided, and Mr Collins delivered a short address of welcome to the boys. A novel feature of the proceedings was the translation of Mr Collin’s speech into Africana by one of the boys. A party of boys from the two cricket teams of the Christchurch Association, at present in Dunedin, were the guests of the directors at the Exhibition, and spent a happy day in the pavilions and the Amusements Park. BRITISH BOWLING TEAM. The visitors last evening included the members of the British, bowling team, who were warmly welcomed by the directors at 8 o’clock in the reception rooms of the Exhibition. After a short speech of welcome by the chairman of directors, Mr J. Sutherland Ross, the party was conducted round portions of Logan Park, some stopping to hear the concert of the 93rd Highlanders’ Band, and some seeing the sights of the pavilions. The party again assembled at 9.30 when the visitors met the commissioners of the various courts. The chairman of directors again extended a hearty welcome to the bowlers and their wives and expressed the hope that their stay would be an enjoyable and pleasant one. His Worship the Mayor, Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P., added his welcome and said that the hope he expressed at the Railway Station ■on the previous day that the visitors would enjoy the hospitality Dunedin had to offer would be fully realised. Mr H. F. M. Mercer, President of the New Zealand Bowling Association, assured the visitors that it was indeed a pleasure to add his welcome to Dunedin and the Exhibition. Dunedin was anxious to give them a good time, as they had not come all the way from the Homeland merely to play bowls. The captain of the visiting team, Mr G. Wright, replied in a happy speech praising the Exhibition and referring to the great value of Wembley as a means of cementing the bonds of unity of the Empire. Ho was sorry to see that Wembley had resulted in a financial loss, but more money had been spent on less worthy objects. Mr J. W. Collins, New Zealand Government Commissioner, and Mr C. P. Hainsworth, manager of the Exhibition, also welcomed the visitors and expressed the hope that their impressions of the Exhibition would be the means of creating even greater interest in the big undertaking.

“SURPRISING MAGNITUDE.” PROMINENT AUSTRALIAN’S EULOGY. SIR (IOYNTON SMITH INTERVIEWED. DISAPPOINTED WITH AUSTRALIAN SHOWING. Yet another visitor has paid a tribute to the Exhibition. This time it is Sir Joynton Smith, K.8.E., M.L.C., head of Smith’s Newspapers, of Sydney, publishers of Smith’s Weekly and the Daily Guardian. Great believer in the future of New Zealand as he has shown himself Sir Joynton admitted when interviewed by an Otago Daily Times representative last night that he was surprised at the magnitude and quality of the Exhibition. “My first impression was one of surprise,” he said. “ That was on Tuesday night, when the president of the board of directors so kindly piloted me through the main buildings. To-day I made a further tour of the courts, and my surprise grew throughout the afternoon. “It must have taken a deal of courage on the part of the people of Dunedin to start such a big undertaking right on the heels of Wembley, but, as usual, courage has won through. There is nothing provincial about the result. New Zealand has made of this a genuine national effort and as a result the Dominion should receive an advertisement of untold value. Particularly should Otago benefit. Those who have planted here and whose roots are well down should reap as the years go on the harvest they so richly deserve. It will be just one further illustration of coufSge in a commercial enterprise being justified by results. As with the individual, so with the country—it is the community with pluck and determination that gets to the top.” Sir Joynton Smith was asked for an expression of opinion on the Australian contribution to the Exhibition. • “Frankly, as an Australian by adoption, I am somewhat disappointed with our section,” he admitted. “With the resources at their command the officers in charge have done well, but, unfortunately, they had only the backing practically of Queensland and Victoria with the Federal Government providing the space. As a result the area set aside for Australia was not filled and had to be handed to Fiji and the omen’s Section. That is a great pity, particularly when other countries so much further away—Canada, for instance—have visualised the opportunity and have made wonderful displays of goods, goods, incidentally, which are produced at least as well in Australia', just across the narrow Tasman Sea, but which either are not represented at all in the Australian section or in the display of which the officers have been handicapped owing to lack of proper interest in the Commonwealth. “There is this consolation, however. Those who are doing business in the Australian section tell mo that tremendous interest is being taken in their goods and that the demand is keen. And another thing I am pleased to see is that one of my own slogan’s is featured. Its message is plain: ‘Australia and New Zealand we are neighbours; let’s get together.’ That message cannot reach too many. “Of the New Zealand and British Courts I need not speak—the one has the advantage of having all its goods ready for contribution without costly transport, and the other is always a feature of any exhibition. The results achieved here are fine ‘‘But I would like particularly to congratulate the board of directors on having secured the moving map of the world It is a wonderful model, and will probably .each all of us something of the Empire which we did not know before. It gives us [ knowledge in the easiest of ways Almost it seems too much to hope in these days for an exhibition to pay its way. but if ever an exhibition looks like th ® Zealand and South Seas Exhibition does. There is about the whole place an air of activity and prosperity that has impressed all the overseas visitors I have met In brief, Dunedin has set a standard tnat it will be very hard indeed to equal. SEA SHELLS. FROM THE WATERS OF AUCKLAND. From the waters of Mount Maimganui. a popular holiday resort about throe miles from ! auranga, Auckland, has come a beautiful collection of sea shells, which are now to bo seen in the Auckland Court Iney are the property of Dr C. E R Bucknill author of “Sea Shells "in New Zealand, ’ and have been lent by him for the period of the Exhibition. In the two showcases that hold the exhibit are almost every well-known typo of New Zealand sea shell from the humble periwinkle to the beautiful fan and pawa shells. They are beautifully polished and prepared for exhibition purposes, and form an attractive, colourful display that is admired by many. In the North Auckland section of the court is a smaller collection of the shells of edible shell fish from Whangarei Harbour. Oysters, toherroas, cockles, fan shells, mussels, pipis, and periwinkles' are represented in a collection of the shells of well and little-known table delicacies. THE 93rd HIGHLANDERS’ BAND. The Grand Court was crowded yesterday afternoon when the band of th© Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders opened its first programme. Many of the items were new to Dunedin audiences, and the programme as a whole was a particularly enjoyable one, appreciated to the fullest by th© large audience. The band was in the best of form, and under the magical baton of the conductor. Mr F. J. Ricketts, played brilliantly and with wonderful effect both in th© afternoon and during the evening. The concert opened with a selection by the six popular pipers of the band, and the opening number was “The Sjpdrit of Pageantry,” Fletcher’s stirring Festival March. Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony in B Minor followed, and proved to bo one of the most popular items of the afternoon. Surely never has a work of genius had such a narrow escape from oblivion. Two movements and nine bars of a third, and there it ends —never to be completed. Its lovely strains are familiar, no doubt.

but will never lose their effect as long as melody and harmony have power to charm. “Mignon,” one of the band’s best selections. followed, and after Highland dancing and piping, Wagner’s Spinning t'Ohorus from "The Flying Dutchman” charmed the audience. Several light numbers and “Thought,” a waltz composed by the bandmaster, completed the programme. In the evening th© band opened with “William Tell,’’ Rossini’s great overture, and the selection —“Herodiade” followed. Piping and dancing was as usual included on the programme, and the popular “Lightning Switch,” a composition which is the work of Mr Ricketts, received an enthusiastic reception. Several items were also played by the combined bagpipes and band, a combination for which the 93rd Highlanders are justly famous, and one which produces a great beauty of tone. One of the most outstanding and novel items that the band has yet played was “In a Persian Market,” a number new to the Exhibition audiences. A synopsis of the piece stated that the camel-drivers gradually approach; the ones of beggars for “baksheesh” are heard; the beautiful Princess enters, earned by her servants (she is represented by a theme, given at first to clarinet and bassoon, then repeated by full band). She stays to watch the higglers and snake charmer. The Oalipn now passes through the market and inteirupts the entertainment. The beggars are heard again, the Princess prepares to depart, and the caravan resumes its journey, the themes of the Princess and the. cameldrivers are heard faintly m- the distance, and the market-place becomes deserted. The effect of the band in this number was delightful, and the full value of the piece was faithfully produced. STRALiA. To-night Madame Elsa. Stadia, me worldrenowned prima donna, will for tho first time in Dunedin in the i Her meteoric career m Europe, America, and Australia since she first startled P arl ® with her wonderful voice and artistry makes her coming to Dunedin an event of prime importance. p robably few singers, if any, have ever excelled Stralia in the range and extent of her r^ which includes no fewer than 29 puma donna roles in grand opera, all of which Stralia has sung at some time or pother within the last few years in the leading musical centres of the world. A slight knowledge of music will enable anyone to appreciate what a really formidable achievement this represents and how lew are the singers who could ever hope to accomplish such a feat. Andre Navarro is equally at homo in such numbers as “The Gentle Maiden” (Somerville) or “(Rendon Fair” (Paul Marie) as he is m “Largo al Factotum” (from Rossini 5 opera, “The Barber of Seville ). Mr Navarre makes, moreover, a very effective partner for Stralia in duets .which are a feature of the programme. Chuhaldm will draw upon such composers as Handel, men, Kreisler. Sarasate, Paganini. Glaoznnow. D’Ambrosia, WieniawsKi, Schubert, Wilhemj, Bazzini, TarUm, etc., his opening being the famous Concerto in F Sharp Minor” by Wieniawski. Sver ; jensky will play “Concerto, C. Major (Bach-Boscoff), “Dance Rustique (BoscoflK “Nocturne, F Sharp” (Chopin), Etue, 1 Minor” (Liszt). The box plans for the two concerts to-night and on Saturday are open at the Bristol. Only popular prices are being asked for the privilege of hearing these great artists, THE EXHIBITION CABARET. The Exhibition is now- regarded by the majority of people as filling a definite, if, temporary, place in the daily round of life in Dunedin —it is a resort, a special attraction without equal in the history of New Zealand, produced on a scale that leaves nothing undone, and little that could be bettered. So it is that the Exhibition Cabaret, which fills a very important part in the amusements side of the Exhibition, and is in the front rank of popularity; has also come to be regarded as one of the definite daily and nightly community attractions of the city. It must be numbered amongst the entertainments that are practically public institutions, for each afternoon and evening it caters for a large and important section of the community. Its popularity is due partly to the expert band under the direction of that remarkable violinist, Manuel Hyman, partly to the excellent dance floor, and partly to the pleasant surroundings and efficient service that is invariably maintained. Of late the band has added to its repertoire of dance numbers, and many of the new melodies are decidedly “hits.” The crowds of dancers are coming in numbers that are as large as ever, and every evening is a rung in the ladder of success.

GENERAL NOTES. HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE. Arranged in the. Queensland Court are 36 fleeces of high-class combing merino wool which have established the reputation of Queensland in the world’s markets. They are from the central, western, and south-western districts of the State, and are attracting a great deal of interest amongst visitors. Yesterday a striking display of Queensland native grasses was also added. The collection was taken from grazing farms in the central districts, and although it does not represent anything like a full range of native grasses on which Queensland’s immense pastoral industry has its foundation, it forms an exhibit well worthy of tlie attention of all. To the exhibit of wool in the Wellington Court has been added a number of large photographs of champion and stud rams distinguished in various shows throughout the Dominion. The champion Romney ram of the Hastings Show, 1925, and the champion of the Royal Show, 1924, are included. Many improving details have been added to the court, such as banners in the reception hall bearing the names of all the districts that are represented. The Nelson fruit exhibit has been placed in position, and samples of fruit will arrive as the season advances.

The camera fiend is ever present at the Exhibition. From the booth at the main gates permits are obtained daily, and each person who wishes to take snags of the outdoor views in Logan Park may be registered and receive a permit which allows photographs to be taken on the day of issue. It is a strict rule that no indoor viev.'s may be secured. To date 24G0 permits have been issued by the Exhibition authorities, and the booth is kept particularly busy on sunny days such as have been enjoyed during the past week. In No. 5 Pavilion, where the provincial courts are located, large signboards have been suspended from the ceiling of the rear corridor, and these show the whereabouts of each' court. This innovation is only one of many systems that are now being introduced throughout the Exhibition for the purpose of guiding the public. In the opening'weeks the lack of sufficient guide signs and notice boards was commented on oy many visitors who found themselves hopelessly lost when the big pavilibns were entered Now a great change has been made, and the guide systems grow better every day. Exhibition visitors as a whole, and constant attenders at the concerts of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Band will welcome the introduction of a largo and fully-equipped stadium in the bandroom of the New Zealand Secondary l -r us Pavilion. The large audiences that pack the room on days that necessitate the hand playing indoors will now bo able to watch proceedings almost as well as when the band is in the Grand Court rotunda. The first judging for the Exhibition awards will commence to-day, when Messrs A. Bayley, Sydney, P. Miller, and R. Croft, Dunedin, will commence judging the leather exhibits entered for competition. The results of the judging will pass through the hands of the Awards Committee before being released for publication.

tiion last evening, when Dr E. Teichelmann, of Hokitika, lectured on the scenic wonders of Westland. The attendance was good, and the audience was delighted with the attractive word painting that was placed before it illustrated by a series of beautiful lantern slides that will now be placed in the lecture room of the Canterbury Court. Besides the lecture there was an excellent film programme that was greatly enjoyed at every session. To-day the programme will include “Getting Canada’s Goat,” “Making of a Book,” “Milford Sound,” “Swordfishing in New Zealand,” and “Cape Kidnappers”—all pictures that have already delighted thousands of visitors to the kinema. RUGBY TROPHIES. THE 'WELLINGTON COURT DISPLAY. Occupying one of the most prominent positions in the Wellington Court are the magnificent silver eups and trophies presented to the All Blacks of 1924-25 during their triumphant tour, together with other wellknown Rugby trophies which, every day, are examined with the greatest interest by hundreds of football enthusiasts from all parts of the Dominion. Pride of place is given to the cup presented to the team by the Prince of Wales. It is a magnificent silver vessel mounted on ebony, and the inscription is as follows:—“To commemorate a great achievement this oup, the gift of the sportsmen of the Motherland, was presented on their behalf to the members of the New Zealand Rugby Fifteen _ (the AIII Blacks), 1924-25, by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, K.G., at a luncheon given in their honour at the Piccadilly Hotel, London, on January 2, 1925.” Underneath the _ cup presented by the Prince of Wales is the big Loving Cun presented by the New Zealanders in the Old Country, and another large cup replete with the Chat of Arms of Vancouver, and presented by the citizens, is included in the display. The Rugby Oup, presented by the Mayor of Vancouver, Mr L. D. Taylor, for competition amongst the primary schools, is exhibited, together with the well-known Moascar Cup, made of silver and mounted on a base cunningly constructed from the hub of an aeroplane propeller, and presented to the New Zealand Rugby Union by the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Training Regiment. The exhibit as a whole is completed by the presence of the famous Ranfurly Shield, at present held by Hawke's Bay.

(Published by Arrangement.)

DAD AND MUM’S RETURN.

The motor slowed up gently at the front door, and Dad, for he always leads, got out, followed by Mum and innumerable brown paper parcels, cardboard boxes, mascot dolls, and boxes of chocodate trophies from the Exhibition. “Bod but its great,” says Dad expanding his chest, “ and fair beats to a cocked hat aw you have read in oor papers. Mind you, it is just like a new ceety, wi avenues and streets plantit wi trees and flowers, and one part of the Exhibition, they teh ye is educational—maybe, but the ither part, though they don't tell ye, is just damned tomfoolery, bit it taks the people, and I’m no saying onything against it, for I did everything wi the best o them, helter-skelter-ing doon the side of a hoose and buying a pot o’ ointment in the morn in consequence, dashing ower precipices on the scenic railway, backing rabbits to run over a hill, trying to throw wee bit rings on a sovereign (a daft sort of thing), shying haws at a wee holey, and if ye hit it twa lassies lying in beds were tippit oot. Caterpillars, dodgems, whips, and the like. And the band —the band and the pipers,” here Dad paused for quite a time, at a loss for words, and at length—“ Magnificent.” “After all this' I was fair parched and as we walket roond amang the exhebits, says I to Mum, ‘There’s corn in Egypt, here’s a' bar,” and in we went. ‘Mine’s a whusky, says I What’s youi-c Mum?” but before she could reply, says one of the twa bonnie lassies there in lavender coloured suits, “Ye canna get whisky here; but I can gie ye a crystal ice cream. “Crystal ice cream,” says I, “what in the name of all tha’s holy would a Grant of Graaton want wi that sort of contraption?” “Don’t be a fnle—man,” says Mum. “If there’s no whusky try what the lassie says.” A weel I had one, and it was fine, and satisfying, and I’ll no say a word again against Crystal Ice- Cream. Ifc was pure cream and saft as silk,/ and just minded me o’ oor ain pure cream ixae Daisy ana Blossom.’ So we each had another. Noo when ye gae doon ta the toon next week for I’m going to send yu aw, try a Crystal Ice Cream, and say whether I’m rioht or no. Mind ye get Crystal Ice Cream oot o a white cabinet.” Whatever else Dad had to say was drowned in whoops of the family and he went ben the hoose.

Twenty children from the Miramar School, under Mr J. Reid, have been visiting the Exhibition, and will return on the Mararoa to-day. They arrived under the arrangements made by the education authorities, and Mr Reid has expressed entire satisfaction and delight with the visit and its value to the children. During the past week very many teachers have visited the Education Court from all parts of the Dominion, and have spent a great deal of time studying the latest educational methods that are demonstrated by the exhibits. The male teachers have concentrated on the study of co-ordination of work, particularly in history and English, while the ladies have noted the schemes of handwork and Nature study. Teachers are unanimous in their praises of the educative value of the court, and one lady visitor on Tuesday spent five hours taking copious notes in the various sections and bays. The kineraa in the New Zealand Government Pavilion was a centre of attrac-