ANGLO-LATIN EXHIBITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3031, 17 April 1912, Page 37

ANGLO-LATIN EXHIBITION.

CONTINENTAL ART AND ROMANCE j AT SHEPHERD'S BUSH. ! The Great White City, Shepherd's Bush, will, during tiro forthcoming season, house one of the most remarkable exhibitions seen in London. Owing to the importance and magnitude of the exhibition, negotiations . have been somewhat extended, but the ar- ■ langements now concluded indicate an exj hibition cf a unique and wonderful nature. Mr Imre Kiralfy has gone to the great Latin races for inspiration for this season's I exhibition. France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the South American Republics provide the "atmosphere" for an exhibition which will he unrivalled in its representative charm, exceptional variety, and romantio interest. Their exhibition will reveal the glories arts, genius, products, and remarkable progress made by the Latin nations of the 1 world within recent years. It was the original intention to hold the Anglo-Latin Exhibition last year, but the Coronation of King George and Queen Mary made it a patriotic necessity that any celebration then should be of an Imperial character, and •after consultation with the various foreign, governments interested there was a general concurrence in postponing the great exhibition of the Latin races until tho present I year. This postponement was advantageous from tho point of view that much greater scope is now afforded than was then possible. France, the greatest of all the Latin races, will loom very prominently in the new exhibition. The colossal achievements of the Franco-British Exhibition in 1908 are still remembered, but there is every indication that this enterprising nation will surpass the wonderful records even then established in its representative and extensive section of the Great White City this summer. France had contemplated giving its indusrial sections a rest, but the opportunity now offered 'has been welcomed with enthusiasm, and the more recent advances made in its distinctive arts and manufactures will afford a really wonderful display, included in which many unique surprises are promised. There is little doubt that the exhibition will have the effect of creating new And practical bonds between the artistic, commercial, and industrial communities of the two countries. Italy, which now possesses an official body for the purpose of organising exhibitions will have a greater and more powerful display than has yet been seen in England. Spain and Portugal are sending of the best in the world of art and industry. The picturesque and peculiar associations of these fascinating countries will be vividly § portrayed in the splendid palaces of th« Great White City and extensive buildings devoted to their distinctive and characteristic products. Tho South American section will bo a revelation of a little known but most important field of business. Latin America has a/ population of 70,000,000 of industrious people, and, considering her rapidly increas- ■ insr trade and commerce with British manufacturers the exhibits of this section will bo of paramoqnt interest and instruction. So with France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, tho Latin nations of to-day with their colonies, new nations again many of them, and the Central South American States, all of which remain as modern evidences of tho original spirit of ancient Rome still in the world, will form -an exhibition absolutely unique in history They will offer to British. manufacturers also splendid opportunities for the outlet of their products. In response to a general demand, a special British section is being organised, but the exhibits will deal only with such subjects as will afford new outlets for trade with the Latin races. As to the exhibition generally, the feature which cannot fail to be greatly appreciated by the many thousands of visitors during the forthcoming season is the centralisation of both exhibits and attractions. Hitherto visitors have complained of the somewhat rambling nature of the position of tho side shows and amusements on the outskirts of the exhibition. Tin equipment of the entertainment ground for sucn a wide area leaves the visitor unacquainted with its real character and extent, owing to the insufficient time at disposal for inspection. Now all the attractions are being concentrated and centralised Those usually situated in the far corners and outskirts of the grounds are being moved nearer to the general centre of things—an alteration which will undoubtedly save much time and search on the part of those who have only a limited; time in which to view and experience the delights and pleasures of the exhibition. Startling novelties in the amusement section are promised, tiro large sum of £200,000 having been set apart for that express purpose