AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3117, 10 December 1913, Page 59

AUCKLAND EXHIBITION.

AUCKLAND, December 2. In marked contrast to the weathei conditions which graced the opening of the Auckland Exhibition yesterday, this morning’s outlook was wet and glooipy. However, by the time the day’s visitors commenced to arrive, shortly after 10 a.m., the darkest clouds had broken and the outlook became brighter. Nevertheless, occasional showers occurred, making the indoor portion of the Exhibition the more popular. An official estimate of the attendance on the opening day gives a total of between 18.000 and 19,000. Eight turnstiles in use admit by cash only, and shillings were inserted by 11,701 persons. With the addition of payments by 1043 children, the cash receipts came up to £6OO. Apart from this, season ticket holders must be taken into account. The number sold to date is 4000— 2000 men’s, 1700 ladies’, and 3CO children’s. In addition, 1500 invited guests and singers presented complimentary tickets, as also did 1000 or more holders of stall assistants' tickets. SPORTS MEETING AND FLOWER SHOW. AUCKLAND, December 4. The unfavourable climatic conditions have continued into tiie fourth day of the Auckland Exhibition, and a greater degree of enthusiasm which may reasonably be anticipated remains deferred. Still undaunted, however, the officials responsible for the success of the undertaking are fastening their hopes on brighter days tc come, at the same time pointing put that under the circumstances the attendances have been very satisfactory. The official estimate of the number present on the first three days gives a total of 33,000, and out of this 18,000 paid at the gates, the remainder consisting of season ticket holders, etc. IMPROVEMENT IN THE WEATHER. AUCKLAND, December 7. Largo crowds attended the Exhibition on Saturday, and it is estimated that over 30.000 people passed through the turnstiles. In the seasonable sunny weather, such as that which prevailed yesterday, the Exhibition grounds assert their greatest charm. Shady nooks around ornamental ponds and inviting scats beneath the foliage were more in request. Summer attire was worn with the greater feeling of security, and parasol replaced umbrella, which was too familiar a spectacle earlier in the week. The children’s flower show in the concert hall was concluded. The Royal Artillery Band played before a largo gathering, and Wonderland worked briskly. There was a big attendance of country visitors this afternoon. In the glorious weather thousands flocked to the Exhibition ground to hear the concert given by the Royal Artillery Band.