JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1417, 18 January 1879, Page 20

JUVENILE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

This exhibition, to be opened in Melbourne in October, 1879, has been projected by a committee of gentlemen in Melbourne in the interest and for the benefit .of the youth of all our Australian Colonies. The Committee have no, •personal ends to gain, but they undertake the Tesponaibility of the Exhibition, believing :—: — Tliat it will tend to check habits of idleness -and carelessness, and to replace them by industry and self -improvement ; that in the designing, modelling, or manufacturing of articles for competition, talents will be developed and exercised which, otherwise might lie dorm ant j Hat the beneficial influence upon non-compe-titors who may visit the Exhibition will only be, "secondary to that exercised on those who compete ; that the new- ideas necessarily gained "will incite that spirit of emulation which will tdnd to develop skill, and give an impetus not only to the industries already in existence, but doubtless lead to the establishment of others ; thatgenerally its educa'tionaliufluences upon the future of the youth of our Colonies will be most .marked, and cause our public libraries, art gtAleries, scientific classes, and museums to Tsb more sought after and appreciated. The fact that the recent Juvenile Exhibition ield at Ballarat was the cause of more than j 2000 young people being Ret to work in a i iiealthy spirit of rivalry, endeavouring to take i a good position in the several departments for -which they competed, supplies another reason, if such were neaded, for launching an Exhibition of a similar character in Melbourne. It may also be added that several la-.-gG manufac--tureis have noticed a very marked improvement in the application and iudubtry of their juvenile employe's since the holding of that inhibition. The Committee are depending entirely upon the sympathy of the public, and hope to receive the generous support of all who have an interest in the advancement of our youth. In order that the objects sought after may be attained, the earnest co-operation of parents, teachers, and employers is asked. Much can Tbe done. by giving encouragement and offering facilities to the youth who may be desirous of becoming: exhibitors. The schedule of rules, together with a classification of exhibits, and list of patrons ' and ■ -officers, jg being prepared, and will be issued

shortly; but intending exhibitors are strongly advised not to delay commencing any work ior competition, as exhibits of every description will be received. , . The Committee having thus placed their views before the public, confidently rely upon meeting with substantial and Jiberal assistance. Subscriptions will be devoted as may be desired— either towards the general expenditure or the special prize fund.