THE EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19688, 15 January 1926, Page 10

THE EXHIBITION.

PAST THE MILLION MARK. A MAGNIFICENT ACHIEVEMENT. ATTENDANCES STILL LARGE. At ten minutes to three yesterday afternoon the millionth visitor entered Logan Park and marked a crowning triumph on the 50th day that the Exhibition has been opened. The weather during the afternoon and evening was perfect, and from the moment the main gates were opened in the morning, thousands of visitors poured into the grounds in a steady stream. The day had been marked as one when a great aim would be realised, and big crowds waited at the main gates to see the million mark reached. The attractions of the day were many—the Argyll and Sutherland High- ■ landers played before large audiences in the Grand Court, a concert was grvea by the Exhibition Orchestra, and Stralia sang in the Festival Hall. Every part of Logan Park was thronged with visitors, and when the turnstiles dosed in the evening 28,056 people had been admitted. The grand total for 50 Exhibition days is 1,019,687.

ME MILLIONTH VISITOR LUCKY INVERCARGILL GIRL. “MY FIRST VISIT.” AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME The gold watch awarded to the millionth visiter was won by a lucky Invercargill girl, Miss Jean Lament, aged 17, of 4-1, gimprin street, Gladstone, Invercargill, who ■visited the Exhibition for the first time yesterday. Shortly afte* 2-30 p.m., the Chairman of Directors, Mr J. Sutherland Ross, and the Manager, Mr C. P. Hainsworth, made their appearance at the main gates, and all turnstiles except one were closed. A large crowd of visitors gathered on the inside of the gates, and waited in the warm sunshine to catch sight «f the lucky person, and outside hundreds stood by the single turnstile and waited patiently until they imagined the time was ripe. During the last few minutes the excitement was intense, many attempting the almost impossible task of calculating the moment when tha million mark should be reached. No one knew save the manager, and he gave no indication of the rapidlyincreasing total. Then came Miss Lament, eager to enter the main gates on her very first visit to Logan Park, and careless of the competition that was occupying the attention of experienced Exhibition-goers. The turnstile clicked over once more, Mr Hainsworth gave the signal, and as the big gathering cheered, the young viritor found herself being congratulated by the Chairman of Directors. The party entered the manager’s office, where Miss Lament, blushing and confused at the suddenness of it all, was presented with a handsome solid gold wristlet watch and band, and a season ticket to the Exhibition. “I had no intention of trying to win the prize,” she said. “We were bmng pushed by the crowd, and as it is my first visit, I tried to get in as fast as I could.” Certairdy no one has ever achieved fame so quickly or with greater suddenness than Miss Lament, for hundreds crowded the main offices and applauded her as she left to gain a. first impression of Logan Park. Later she met the directors and a few of the Commissioners, afterwards being entertained by Mr J. W. Collins, of the New Zealand Government Court. RECEPTION TO MADAME STRALIA. Itering the afternoon Captain and Mrs W. L Smallhorn, of the Australian Commission, welcomed and -entertained Madame Stralia in the reception rooms of the New Zealand Government pavilion. There were present the directors of the Exhibition, overseas commissioners, Exhibition officials, the Mayor of Dunedin, Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P., and Sir Joynton Smith. As the representative of Australia at the Exhibition. Captain Smallhorn welcomed their guest, and hoped that her stay in Dunedin would be an exceedingly pleasant one. Australians regarded her as the “Second Melba” and as a singer of international fame it was only that she should appear at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. Tha Mayor, Mr HL L Tapley, M.P , Sir Joynton Smith, and Mr J. Sutherland Ross added their welcomes, and Mr G. Walker, manager of the company, thanked the gathering od behalf of Madame Stralia. ROUND LOGAN PARK. Perhaps it was the warm sunshine that lasted throughout the day and was followed by a perfect evening; perhaps it was the occasion of celebrating the great achievement of 1,000,000 in 58 days, and perhaps j± was simply the remarkable popularity of the Exhibition that grows greater day by day. Whatever the reason, the attendance at Logan Park yesterday was again an exceedingly large one, and in every way the sessions were completely successful. The crowds at the main gates were groat all day long, particularly in the afternoon, when the grand total was reached, and in the evening Stralia’s concert in the Festival Hal], and the multitude of other attractions were well attended. The 93rd Highlanders’ Band played in the Grand Court before large audiences, and in the afternoon the Exhibition Orchestra played in the Southland Court. A PLEASED CANADIAN, Major-general J. W. Stewart. C. 8., C.M.G.. D-S.O-, of Vancouver, well-known Canadian soldier and a prominent construction engineer and contractor, and Mr L. A. Campbell, of Victoria, British Columbia, foimer Minister erf Mines of Canada, left fur the North, yesterday. Interviewed, General Stewart said how much they had enjoyed the (time they had epent in Dunedin, and regretted that circumstances prevented their making a longer visit. Ho was loud in his praise of the Exhibition, which he described as both interesting and instructive, and expressed surprise at the remarkable progress Now Zea- , land has made in such a short time, as evidenced by the excellent showing made in < the Now Zealand Government and Secondary Industries Courts. Mr Campbell not only supported everyftnag General Stewart had said, but went . farther to express their sincere apprecia- , Goa of the very many kindnesses which had been extended to them on their trip I through New Zealand, which is of a personal nature. Ho said that they would carry back to Canada very pleasant memories of Duni ©din, and would look forward to another yidt to New Zealand.

EXHIBITION BROADCASTING.

MR R. D. YEITCH’S OPINION. “A GREAT OPPORTUNITY LOST.” REPLY TO BROADCASTERS’ STATEMENT. The following reply to the statement made by Mr A. R. Harris, manager of Broadcasters, Ltd., who defended the Exhibition radio station, was offered by the chairman of the Wireless Committee of the Exhibition, Mr R. D. Veitch, when approached by an Otago Daily Times representative last evening:— “The statement made by Mr Harris amounts to a public admission of his inability to carry out the broadcasting work that he has undertaken. “He concedes two points of the highest significance. Firstly, that he never intended that the general body of listeners throughout New Zealand should hear the Exhibition programmes; and secondly, that he was ignorant of the difficulty of transmitting music of the intricacy and varying strength inseparable from band performances or affected by the echo and reverberation to be found in the Festival Hall. “It was because we doubted his ability to do these things that the Exhibition authorities returned to the Amalgamated Wireless who had already demonstrated their capabilities in the direction indicated. “A VERY THIN CURTAIN.” “Mr Harris shelters himself behind a very thin curtain when he refers to the Western Electric Company’s guarantee of service within 100 miles radius, and he ignores the point that these conditions refer to a commercial service guaranteed to be constantly effective under any combination of adverse conditions. “What the Exhibition authorities required was that their programmes would be heard by a majority of listeners throughout the whole of New Zealand under average conditions. A very different proposition to a guaranteed commercial service. A FREE HAND GIVEN. “As to the interference from “Dodgem” and other side-shows, Mr Harris again convicts himself, since his company was given ■ a free hand to select its own aerial site, and only commenced the erection of the aerials one week before the opening of the Exhibition, and after “Dodgem” and other side-shows had been completed. The other difficulties mentioned by him, such as the noise of the big drum in the band and of the scuffling of dancers in the Cabaret required no seer to anticipate. “The reports of the efficiency of the station have reached Mr Harris are in contradiction to those received by the Exhibition authorities, and to the newspaper comments that have boon made on the same subject throughout the Dominion. The general opinion so expressed being that the Exhibition broadcasting service was the only failure connected with the Exhibition venture.” UNIVERSAL CONDEMNATION. “Through this failure, not only has the Exhibition lost a great opportunity of advertising its merits in an effective and far-reaching manner, but radio has been given a serious set-back when by the efficient handling of the special opportunities at its disposal broadcasting would have received a great impetus, and the Post and Telegraph Department would have been spared the universal condemnation that is now being expressed on its broadcasting policy. “It would be interesting to know what promises were made by Mr Harris to the Post and Telegraph Department when he succeeded in inducing its responsible officers to break faith with the Exhibition authorities and allocate to his company a work of which it had no previous experience and in which the interests of the Exhibition were so vitally affected. > THE 93rd HIGHLANDERS’ BAND. Again the concerts of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders' Band were the most popular feature of the Exhibition. The attendance yesterday at the bandstand in the Grand Court were amongst the largest yet recorded, • the perfect weather allowing everyone to remain outdoors until a late hour in the evening. Excellent programmes were selected ,and the big audiences showed their appreciation in round after round of applause after the close of each delightful item. In fact at time the listeners were too exacting, but the generous bandmaster, Mr F. J. Ricketts, spared nothing in satisfying the requests of enthusiastic visitors. The afternoon programme included a selection from “La Boheme,” and the Chante Hindoue from “Sadkg,” two items that have been given on previous occasions with marked success. Mendelssohn’s overture “Hebrides” was played 'as an opening number, and completely captivated the audience. It commenced with the principal theme, each section of which is repeated. Then an episode of a more melodic nature was reached, given by the flutes and oboes and accompanied in the rhythm of the opening phrase. After it came the second theme in which the bassoons announced the same accompaniment. When the exposition had run its course, the development section started with discussion of previous material The course of this was interrupted from time to time by an impressive dramatic phrase of abrupt rhythm, thundered out in unison. Later, a slightly modified version of the second theme assumed some importance, after which the principal subject was again further developed. After another forcible climax, the recapitulation began. A shortened repetition of the principal theme was followed by an extended version of the second, given out softly by the clarinet. The time subsequently changed to animate, and the coda, with which the overture concludes was evolved from the first subject, and brilliant string passages added to its dramatic significance. Marches, items by the pipers and dancers and other band numbers completed the first programme. In the evening the band again played “Samson and Delilah.” This opera was first performed in England as an oratorio. Since then it has come into its own, and is one of the most successful works in the repertoire. Its music is a blend of the Italian and French schools—the melody of the one combined with the dramatic fir© of the other. “Softly Awakesr’ and

“Fair Spring” are well-known arias, and the dance numbers are briliantly orchestrated. Music by the combined pipers and band, with Lance-corporal K. Sinclair as the soloist, was also played, and the concert was concluded with a number that took the big audience by storm—-“Remin-iscepces of Scotland” —a composition including all the best-known Scottish airs. THE EXHIBITION CABARET. “Where shall we go next?” Time afteatime is the same question heard as the big crowds wander through the pavilions and grounds of the Exhibition; there is always something new to be seen, and some entertainments that still hold amusement and enjoyment, however often the seeker has entered Logan Park. Of the many attractions in the Amusements Park—that popular department of the Exhibition —the cabaret is one that never fails to draw big attendances every afternoon and evening. Its appeal never grows less, for dancing time is any time, and dance lovers never grow weary of gliding on a perfect floor to the delightful melodies presented by the Exhibition cabaret band under the expert leadership of Mr Manuel Hyman. The band keeps excellent time, and plays the latest fox-trots in a new and novel way that lends inspiration to hundreds of happy dancers. Its repertoire is apparently unlimited, and every mail brings copies of the very latest “hits” from Sydney. Added to this is the efficient management of the cabaret, which has organised a service that could not be bettered- Two marble bars are at the service of patrons, and the staff is large and attentive.

THE DIRECTORATE. WEEKLY MEETING. The weekly meeting of directors was held last night and was attended by Messrs J. Sutherland Ross (chairman), W. R. Hayward, H. L. Tapley, Charles Todd, P. L. Halsted, Arthur Barnett, T. Somerville, H. F. Sincook, and Peter Barr. Mr Todd said that he had spoken with Mr A. R. Harris regarding the broadcasting, and as far as he could see it would be best to let things go as they were. Mr Harris had promised better conditions. The Chairman reported that the Gover-nor-General would arrive in Dunedin next Tuesday, and would visit the Exhibition on Wednesday and Thursday. His first visit would be to the Auckland and Wellington Courts and the Motor Pavilion, which he had not seen, and the second would be to the Imperial Government, the Secondary Industries, and the New Zealand Government Courts. The Railway Department forwarded details of the arrangements made following an interview with several of the directors. The communication stated that business agents had instructions to exploit every avenue for prospective business, and were co-operating with the chief railway officials in the various districts in order that definite and prompt arrangements -onld be made to meet as far as possible the desires of all sections of the community. The railway board wished to assure the directors that no effort would be spared to encourage the public to travel. A brief discussion on closing day took place, and May 1 was suggested as the date, but it was decided to hold the matter over for a week GOVERNMENT KINEMA. The past week has been an exceptionally busy one for the New Zealand Government kinema,' as several lectures were successfully given in the hall in conjunction with the usual picture programme Yesterday afternoon the kinema was closed for some time, but in the evening the attendances were very large despite the heat, which tended to keep the majority of visitors outdoors. To-dav another excellent programme has been arranged, and one that will appeal to the great majority of those who patronise the kinema. First the list is “Peach Growing in Australia,” an educational film of great interest, “Tonganro National Park ” a New Zealand scenic film that has been screened with marked ucci-. B on previous ' occasions in the kinema. “Hapuka Fishing in New Zealand, ’ a sporting film that will add a spice of excitement, and “Samoa.” STRAUA’S CONCERT. fine quartet party. After a successful southern tour “Stralia, and those associated with her, made their first appearance in the Exhibition Festival Hall last evening before a very large audience The programme in its original form was not lengthy, but owing to repeated recalls each item on it was supplemented by three or four, with the result that it was somewhat late when the end was reached. The Exhibition orchestra opened with a, well-played selection from Verdi s “Traviata,” which was much appreciated. Mr Alex Sverjensky, the pianist of Madame Stralia’s company, followed with two solos by Boscofl. the one being a Concerto in C major and the other a rustic dance. The manner in which these solos were played was clear proof that Mr Svcrjensky is quite an accomplished musician, and a clean executant, and it was some time before the audience consented to part with him. The singing by the baritone of the company, Mr Andre Navarre, of Figaro’s wellknown difficult song “Largo ii factotum, from “The Barber of Seville,” was most acceptable. Mr Navarre possesses a very good baritone voice of somewhat accommodating range, as may be gathered from the fact that later on he song the tenor part in the Miserere scene from “H Trovatore.” Over this there appeared to be a little confusion, so far as the programme was con corned, as the duet work was allotted to Leonora and the Count di Luna in place of the Leonora and Manrico. Mr Navarre, though a baritone, is to be congratulated upon the fine work he did in the capacity of the tenor of the opera. Later in the evening, he sang again and his singing met with pponounceci favour. Like the pianist he had a “greatness thrust upon him” that, while complimentary, was a little embarrassing, and gave him plenty to do. The violinist Mr A 1 Chuhaldin, had honours forced upon' him also, and these were richly deserved. As an exponent of violin playing he is certainly in the front rank, and he gave a finished performance of Wieniawski’s “Grand Concerto,” a severe test for the most expert violinist. He was recalled again and again, and in every instance his playing was conspicuous for taste, expression, and refinement. It is evident that he has studied with intelligence, and devoted a great deal of time to the instrument he has selected. Mr Chuhaldin, like the other members of the company, appeared later on, and was again eminently successful in satisfying his listeners. Madame Straila met with a very cordial reception on coming forward to sing “Bel Raggio,” from Rossini's “Semiramide,” and at the close of the aria was rapturously applauded. Madame Straila undoubtedly gave a very tine interpretation of a difficult work. There is nothing in “Semiramide” that can be considered otherwise than a test. Madame Stralia has a remarkably flexible voice, no doubt partly induced by cultivation, but to a considerable extent a natural gift, and her voice is certainly of good, pure quality, and very pleasant to the ear. It would seem from her singing of the aria from “Semiramide” and other selections later on that music of the bravura style suits her best, and that well as she sings ballads, it is in a more dramatic direction that she particularly excels. She had to give three or four other songs before she was permitted to finish up her first appearance. It was a compact, but very good concert company that entertained a crowded attendance for the first time in the Exhibition Festival Hall last evening. It should be mentioned that Mr Sverjensky, in addition to his solo work, played all the accompaniments exceedingly well. Madame Straila and her company make their next Dunedin apearance in the Festival Hall to-morrow evening.

GENERAL NOTES. HERE, THERE AND; EVERYWHERE. After the millionth visitor had arrived at the Exhibition yesterday afternoon, a particularly smart piece of photographic work enabled a slide showing Miss Jean Lament, the young lady of the hour, to be screened at the New Zealand Government kinema during the evening. As soon as the photograph was obtained arrangements were made by the kinema operators, and alter the picture had been developed and printed on glass it was forwarded to the kinema, where patrons wore surprised to sea its

production at intervals during the programmes.

A number of specimen school exercise books from the Dunedin Exhibition more than 30 years ago are in the possession of Mr C. A. Strack, manager of the Education Court. They are from the Central School, Invercargill, and the names of many well known residents of Southland who were pupils of the senool are contained within their pages. Mr Strack has compared the work of that time with the specimens that are now exhibited in th ' court, and in his opinion the writing and spelling has not improved during the passing of the years. Many of the old books are models of neatness, and show a careful study of detail tliat is seldom found in present-day work.

“Dunedin has the reputation of being a. cold climate, but I am sure that the warmth of the welcome given by its people will quite make up for that,” said Sir Joynton Smith yesterday when speaking at the reception to Madame Stralia in the rooms of the Now Zealand Government pavilion. “Although an Australian to-day, I spent many of the happiest days of my life here.” he continued, “and I will look back to my visit to Dunedin with me very happiest memories.” Sir Joynton concluded by wishine the guest of honour more success at the Exhibition concerts than she had ever anticipated, and assured her that he was proud as an Australian to add his welcome.

Lme of the visitors to th© Exhibition yesterday was Mr K. W. Fenton, of the Government publicity department, who has arrived from Wellington on publicity business in the New Zealand Government pavilion. At the present time tho department is concentrating on the kinema theatre which has proved a decided success, and the officers in charge are satisfied tliat an inmense amount of very valuable work is being done. The attendances have actually exceeded all expectations, and every day finds the theatre more popular than ever.

COUNTRY CHILDREN AND THE EXHIBITION. TO THE EDITOR. Sm,—l ha.’e spoken to several mothers with large families, and asked them if they were going to the Exhibition, and the cry in each case has been “I cant offord to take my crowd.At the same time they would do anything to get their children down to see the Exhibition. Now, Sir, at Tahuna Park, there are about 1100 Scouts encamped ■with every convenience. camp will break up on January 23. why not leave the tents for a month or so, thus give our country children and parents a chance to attenci the Exhibition? The schools will open in the first week in February, and if the arrangements I suggesv could he carried, out, the parents and teachers could take their children, each with a blan-* ket, down to the camp and cook their own food. The cost would be very little and our country children would have a chance to visit the Exhibition. The town children had every chance to get on and to see everything, but it is not so with our country children, —I am, etc., Qubensbebby. Queensberry, January 12. CIGARETTE SMOKERS’ MOVEMENT. AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, AND NOW HERE. There is a movement among cigarette smokers, unobtrusive, but none the less definite and widespread. Preference is being shown for q which gives more pleasure—more satisfaction than was hitherto associated with cigarettes. To-day you will notice that Smith now smokes “Chesterfields.’ To-morrow you will notice that another of your acquaintances has changed to this brand. Next day another. And so it goes on. Of course, there has to be some very real reason for all this. The very real reason is a matter of “Tobacco Quality,” which adds the pleasure of “satisfaction” to smoking “Chesterfield” Cigarettes. It is claimed that the tobaccos used in “Chesterfield” Cigarettes are of a finer quality than in any other cigarette at the price. And this is endorsed by men who smoke them.

A similar movement is also taking place among pipe smokers since the introduction of “Granger’—the long smoking pipe tobacco. “Granger” is a pure tobacco —made of the finest leaf grown—free from all adulterations, and depends on the quality of the leaf for its pleasing flavour. “Granger” is exceptionally long smoking—mellow and soothing—but never depressing. Both “Chesterfield” Cigarettes and “Granger” Pipe Tobacco are made by an independent company —The Liggett and Myers Tobacco Co.,- U.S.A. —and are sold by all Tobacconists throughout the tewminion. (Wholesale from Harold Lightband Ltd., Christchurch.) Visitors to the Exhibition will find a most attractive display of both “Chesterfield” Cigarettes and “Granger” Pipe Tobacco near the Belgian Section (opposite Wilkin’s Retail Stand), in Block 50 of Building No. 6, at the Exhibition. While there, ask for a copy of the “Chesterfield” booklet which tells the story of this popular cigarette’s rise to fame. A trial package containing two cigarettes for your approval will also be given on request. In view of the everincreasing popularity of “Chesterfields” and “Granger” in New Zealand, Australia, and America, this exhibit claims particular attention.—Advt. 6