KELSO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2209, 2 July 1896, Page 25

KELSO.

June 3D.— An industrial exhibition, gift auction, and hobby show was held in Dunnet's Hall on the 27th inst. in aid of the brass band's instrument fund. For the past few weeks the members ot the committee formed for the purpose of cairying out the work in connection with this show— which was at fiist looked' upon at a rather ambitious project for so small » place as Kelso— have been devoting a considerable amount of their time to its interests in making necessary arrangement?, Ac, and it is almost solely to the energy and foresight displayed by them that a success so thoroughihat it exceeded the expectations of even the molt sanguine was attained last Saturday. Of the show itself anything approaching a detailed description would be considered a mere trespass on your space, and to be comprehensive it is sufficient to say that the exhibition was a thoroughly representative one, agricultural exhibits, such as machinery, seeds, and produce, Ac, predominating. There was also quite a bewildering amount of fancy work in embroidery, hand-paiuting, <fee, shown by the ladies of the district. Indeed this, together with the many unique and rare curiosities exhibited, was one of the best features of the show. The competitions amongst the school children of thi3 and surrounding districts in reading, writing, spelling, and free-hand drawing also proved of muqh interest to many of the visitors. Altogether the show was a decided success, the bulk of what was shown as representative exhibits being quite up to the standard of even our larger centres of population. The hall, which was decorated in the most pretentious manner I have ever seen attempted here, was uncomfortably crowded during the greater part of the afternoon and all the evening. In fact, had there -bnen four times the space it could easily have been utilised, as many available exhibits were never shown. About 600 people paid for admission, and a more pleasant or good-humoured crowd I have seldom seen, everyone being thoroughly satisfied ; and it must have been very gratifying to those who had. 'spent so nmch time and trouble in getting Up the exhibition to hear the very general expressions . of commendation used by the public in appreciation of their work. The band's fund will be benefited by the door money, augmented by sums from varions other sources,' to the extent of abont £45. and it is their intention to devotepart of this sum to the purchase of new instrument?. The brass band was in attendance, their playing being much admired. The string band was also in attendance during the eveniug, and it is almost needless to say that the playing of these old favourites was much enjoyed by Vhe public. •