THE FAVOURITE ITEM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19764, 15 April 1926, Page 7

THE FAVOURITE ITEM.

FUTURE BAND CONCERTS. SPECIAL REQUESTS INVITED. “I have a very warm spot in my heart for the people of Dunedin and New Zealand,” said Mr F. J. Ricketts, bandmaster of the Argylland Sutherland Highlanders, yesterday. “ They have been wonderfully kind and very appreciative of our efforts,” he added. As the Exhibition is now on the last three weeks of its existence, many Exhibition visitors are anxiously requesting that certain favourite items be included in the programmes that are yet to come. As he is desirous to do all in his power to please those who have supported the band so warmly, he suggests a method by which the wants of band enthusiasts may be complied with. “ Commencing from April 22, the day afterthe special benefit, concert, we shall include request numbers in all programmes if they are forwarded to the newspapers of Dunedin, and a list is published daily,” he said. “ This would be the only practical method of letting those who make the requests know the day on which the items would be played.”

. A NEW VARIETY,

SUCCESSFUL CROSSING OF WHEAT. CANTERBURY COURT FEATURE. The production of an entirely new strain of wheat that is believed to have great possibilities has been achieved by a Canterbury farmer, who crossed two comparatively well-known varieties. The results of his research work are now to be seen in the Canterbury Court, where the new strain (" Goldberry ”) is exhibited in sheaves. Goldberry wheat was produced by a cross of Victor and Hunters. Victor is an enormous yielder with strong, soft straw and starchy grain of poor quality. Hunters is also a, good yielder, with meduim soft Straw and thin skinned, flinty grain of good quality. A sample head of Victor wheat contains 115 grains, while that of Hunters 63 grains. When the cross was accomplished the Goldberry wheat proved to be of good quality and an enormous yielder, with large square heads. The straw is soft, while the grain is thin-skinned, and equal to Hunters in quality. The new strain and the method of its production may be seen in the Canterbury where a small, but comprehensive, exl ibit was placed yesterday. It will be examined with particular interest by visiting farmers and merchants, for the grain is of exceptionally fine quality and has already attracted a great deal of attention.

SCENIC CHARMS. IN OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND. TOURIST OFFICERS’ DESCRIPTION. “Residents of Dunedin and of the Otago district have reason to be proud of the groat lakes which lie to the west of the cultivated lands—those splendid sheets of water which, in their surroundings of noble mountains, dense forests, and turbulent streams, are becoming better and more widely known ns the years pass,” said Mr R. W Marshall, of the Government Tourist Department, in opening a radio loctme from the Exhibition Station last evening. “Wakatipu is the best known and most largely visited of our great lakes,” be continued, “but Wakatipu has its competitors in scenic interest in the sister lakes Manapouri, Te Anau, and Wnnaka, with their vast forest areas and striking mountains stretching away to the Tasman Sea It is to he noted that no two of the lakes are alike. Wakatinn has its towering precipitous heights, rising abruptly from the water, its l-'arnslaw. and many points of panoramic vantage; Wamka its more rounded boundaries, backed by snowy summits, it? remarkpble Pigeon Island, with lake within lake’ and its spire like Mount Aspiring; To Anau boasts its fiord-liko

arms, its forest-clad shores, and magnificent Clinton Valley. LOVELY MANAPOURI. “Manapouri with its countless wooded isles, its charming nooks and varied surroundings has a beauty of its own. On the south-west coast are alpine glories quite the equal, so travellers have written, of the better-known Switzerland fiords, more varied and grand than those of Norway: lakes of great size and charm set in forest-clad mountains whose peaks are mantled with snow; waterfalls that vie with the most beautiful and picturesque. These attractions are in wild and rugged regions, the district where moose and elk and other species of deer have their haunts, but they are all made comfortably accessible to the tourist. ENCH ANTIN’GL Y BEA UTIFUL. “I wish to particularly stress the beauty of Lake Maaapoun, probably the finest cl our New Zealand Jakes and often described as the most enchautingly. beautiful of all New Zealand lakes. It is'unnecessary to take up time by any description of the journev winch is by rail (156 miles) to Lumsden and thence by motor to Manapouri. We will assume that the visitor has reached the comfortable accommodation house at Manapouri, pleasantly situated on > the shores of the lake, near the point where its waters leave by the Waiau River to empty into the sea. “On the lake there plies a little tourist steamer, and the surpassing beauty of he lake quickly discloses itself as she speeds on her way westward from the starting place. The granite slopes of Titiroa, a long and bold commanding mountain of 5643 feet is a striking feature of the landscape, r.nd the “Channel Islands” some of them of good height, others low and flat-topped, stud the lake, bush clad from their summits to the very water’s edge. Westward are the serrated peaks of the Kepler mountains. and close to the northern shores the precipitous sides of the Cathedral Peaks are striking objects, densely wooded where their sides are not too steep to admit of the tree roots finding a foot-hold. As the steamer speeds her way up the north arm, beetling cliffs are passed in waters of great depth. Up to the snow line on the mountain tops the beach forest stretches in thickest growth; the rata everywhere gladdens the eye with its brilliant splashes of red; through the bush the silver lines of snow-fed water courses gleam in their descent to the lake A PROPHESY. It is impossible in this brief sketch to give any idea of this “Lake of a hundred isies.” It is the deepest lake in New Zealand, its bottom being nearly 900 feet below the level of the ocean. It has been prophesied by Mr J. Cowan in his “Fiords of New Zealand, that “When in the years to come great hotels rise on its shores, like those on American lakes, and when luxurious pleasure crafts ply on its deep waters, it will be one o the great resorts of the world’s travellers. “Sufficient it is to say that a holidav spent among the entrancing lakes and mountains of Otago will renew health and leave delightful memories.

THE HIGHLANDERS’ B/' ND.

YESTERDAY’S PROGRAMMES. Sunshine and a light breeze made conditions for yesterday afternoon’s concert by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Band ideal, and the programme was played in the Grand Court before one of the largest mid-week audiences that has assembled for some time past. The bandmaster, Mr F. J. Ricketts, held the baton, and a long programme was perfectly played by the famous military combination. The close of every item, both in the Afternoon and evening, when the audience was equally large, marked the signal for really enthusiastic applause, and encores were frequently demanded. The afternoon programme opened with the Festival March “The Spirit of Pageantry,” which was followed by Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony. Before the interval the popular selection from “La Boheme” wan played. Selections by the pipers and Highland dancing by members of the band drew its customary share of applause, and the suite “Woodland Sketches” was played by the band. A Scottish suite by the combined band and pipes, with Lance-corporal Sinclair as soloist, and a selection from “Rose Marie,” concluded the pjjbgramme. Ib the evening the baijji opened with the overture “The Flying Dutchman,” Wagner’s great and dramatic composition. It was followed by a cornet solo, “Absent,” played by Lance-corporal C. J. Spaughton, the young bandsman who distinguished himself by his work as conductor during the recent absence of Mr Ricketts. A selection from “II Trovatore,” “The Grasshoppers’ Dance.” a clever descriptive piece, a piccolo duet, and the selection “Reminiscences of Ireland” concluded the concert. GOVERNMENT KINEMA. It is difficult for even those directly associated with the Government pavilion to measure the value of the kinema as a publicity medium for the Dominion, but it is certain that the publicity work has had a far-reaching effect, the results of which will be apparent many years hence. The scenic beauties of New Zealand and other parts of the Empire have been brought before hundreds every day, and as far as the local resorts are concVned, the screenings have already had the effect of sending many Exhibition visitors to the Cold Lakes, Mount Cook, and other parts. Yesterday the programme was a particularly large and interesting one, no fewer than five pictures with varying subjects being screened. Every department of the kinema was at its best, and large audiences were catered for at every session. • To-day another programme of interest to all visitors has been selected. First, there will be “The Grand Canyon,” a Canadian film of the magnificent scenic resort, after which the New Zealand picture, “Christchurch City,” will be showri. “Hydro-electric Works at Mangahao” will complete the list. It is an educational picture of outstanding interest to New Zealanders.

A TRIBUTE TO THE BAND.

COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT. Those who have obtained such keen enjoyment during the past five months from the daily concerts by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Band, and would like a chance of demonstrating their appreciation of the band’s wonderful service—and who would not? —should keep Wednesday night free next week. That day has been fixed for the complimentary concert to be tendered to the band by the directors in the Festival Hall. A special feature programme is being arranged, including Mr Ricketts's new fantasia. “Dunedin,” describing the memorable scenes at the opening of the Exhibition. and dedicated to the directors. Preferential booking of the choicest seats in the Festival Hall is now open at the Bristol.

EXHIBITION CABARET. It was a happy thought on the part of the Exhibition Cabaret management that resulted in the decision to award picture theatre passes to lucky dancers this week. The past three evenings have proved the popularity of the scheme, and at every session the floor has been crowded from the hour of opening until 11 o’clock, when the closing of the cabaret is the signal for the last buses to leave the Exhibition for the citv. Last evening was another session of success, and the attendance wa.s a particularly large one for a mid-week night. The" cabaret offered npthing but, the best in entertainment for visitors. The band, under Manuel Hyman, played new and novel syncopated melodies in a new and novel way. and the unique service for which the popular Amusements Park feature is renowned was appreciated by the hundreds of happy people. Though there are but a few more Exhibition days the band continues to present the very latest numbers, and there is little doubt that the great popularity of the cabaret is almost entirely due to the of delightful music and a perfect floor. Tonight will add to the record of success.

GENERAL NOTES. HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE. Mr ,1. W. Collins, commissioner of the New Zealand Government Court, resumed duties yesterday after his trip to Wellington. Referring to the forthcoming exhibition at Toronto in which the Government is to take a fitting part, he said that, most of the exlr’Vts at Logan Park had now been selc-ied, end the initial work of preparation v.-■- proceeding smoothly. Mr J. A. Campbell director of tbs horticulture

division, returned with Mr Collins, and is at present on a visit to the Exhibition,, where he is interested in the displays made by his department. Every day the envious eyes of visitors to the Fiji Court dwell on the beautiful ornaments of tortoiseshell behind the glass of the big case near the entrance. Many of the articles displayed are of a quality seldom seen in New Zealand, while the variety is all that could be desired. One of the special features of the case is the bracelet of 29 pearls set in an elaborate band of solid gold. With the remaining exhibits in the case, this is for sale—at a price. The pearls are of good size, and extend in a hoop over one half of the bracelet. One of the newest industries of Marlborough is felt hat-making, and the latest addition to the court of the province is an exhibit of felt and velour hats for men and women, which are the product of a Blenheim factory. An interesting and somewhat significant fact is that nowhere on the hats is the mark “Made in New Zealand.” Instead of that each hat is marked “British make.” This would suggest that in the experience of Dominion tradesmen “British make’’ carries more attraction in the eyes of the pubho. Une of the aims of the N~w Zealand Secondary Industries pavilion is to correct that view Diners in the lounge of the Wellington Court on Tuesday left their mark in the form of cocoa and grease stains on one of the rich carpets in the lounge section, Not only had the food that failed to pass be tween the champing jaws of the eaters been strewn on the floor, but apparently the unused liquid portion of the mial had joined the debris under foot. As a re suit it is now against the rules to eat in the Wellington Court. The carpet has been practically ruined. , Yesterday afternoon in the Women s Section a special display of Batik work was lo be seen, and Miss Wallace, who is in charge of the stall, lectured to interested visitors. Dr Lilian Storms, of the University Home Science Department, _ also spoke describing her experiences during a visit to Miss Gobee at Djokjakaota in Java, where the batik work is manufactured. The exhibit in the section is a beautiful one. well worthy of the attention of all visitors. The first sale of Exhibition ,P r °PfJ‘ v , wa ? effected yesterday morning when 350 band chairs from the Grand Court rotunda were sold privately to the Tmnaru Borough Council. The balance of the chairs are available to the public for private sale. Memories of the terrible wreck ot the Tararua on Wninapa Point on Anril el) 1881. are revived in the Southland Court hv the presence of one of the lifebelts from the ill-fated vessel, and a picture ot the harrowing scene, together with a nhotopraph of the cantain. It will be remembered that the Tararua was dm i on to a treacherous lee shore at Wainapa. on the coast between Bluff and Dunedin when she was returning from Autaralia. Amongst the many passengers on board were numbers of Methodist ministers returning from an Australian eonference, and the loss of life was heavy. An exhibit of food suitable for children from nine months to three years of age will be added to the Phinket Society s stand in the Home Industries Court today. The exhibit will remain on view for several days. Published by Arrangement. DAINTY CONCEITS. “Oh, what a dear little —what shall I call it? —‘dainty conceit/,” said a lady viistor at the stand of the Marvel Boy Glass Blower in the Amusement Area at the Exhibition. “Dilinty conceit” expresses very nicely the nature of every one of the beautiful objects made before one’s eyes by this specialist in his truly wonderful art. As it happened, the particular object whicn dr w forth this note of admiration from the Indy in quetsion was a miniature —i.e.. a tiny bird constructed from the smallest morsel of glass tubing, and affixed to a pin. With wings outstretched, it constitutes a very pretty present for a ladv, and would probably be used as a pin for. one of the modern coloured scarves or as a permanent ornament in a cushion on the toilet table. The scent-spraying swans, vases, pipes, animals, birds, and various ornaments made by the Marvel Boy Glass Blo.ver are all in the truest sense of the term "dainty conceits,” and serve as illustrations of what can be done in larger size with, no doubt less care and exnertness. Not to visit the Marvel Boy Glass Blower .at his wonderful work is to miss one of the most interesting and instructive exhibits at Dunedin a Exhibition.