CROWDED PAVILIONS AND GROUNDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3754, 23 February 1926, Page 24

CROWDED PAVILIONS AND GROUNDS.

GOVERNMENT PAVILION FUNCTION. “What, particularly impresses me is the number of people who visit the Exhibition in the morning and early afternoon,’* said ft visitor to Logan Park on Wednesday. “At the other Exhibitions held in New Zealand that I visited, the grounds were practically deserted until the evenings after the opening rush was over, but here the crowds stream in the main gates from the time they arc opened in the morning. It is a strong sign of the popularity of the big show, and proves that there are very •mny holiday-makers ftill in Dunedin.” All through the hours of sunshine, when Hift Exhibition was open to the public yes-

terday the crowds passed clicking turnstiles and streamed inlo the pavilions and grounds. The programme contained ro special attractions, yet every minute was packed with entertainment for all, and the eager thousands were distributed through out every department. In the afternoon the Exhibition Orchestra played in the New Zealand Secondary In dustries Pavilion, while the 93rd Highlanders’ Band occupied the stand in the Grand Court in the afternoon and evening. Crowds of visiting school children under the care of the education authorities and the manager of the Education Court, Mr C. A. Strack. were conducted through the pavilions and grounds during the day. Prior to their departure from the Exhibition, the Premier of Victoria, the Hon J. Allan and Mr- Allan, together with Sir Maynard Hedstrom and Mr R. B. Watson, wore entertained at an informal gathering in the New Zealand Government Pavilion by the Commissioner, Mr J. W Collins. Supper was served after an inspection of the pavilion, and there were present several visiting friends, including the Hon. Mark Cohen, M.L.C., and the Mayor, Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P. A special feature of the little function was tho singing of the native Fijian boys, who gave several native songs in perfect harmony.

In the course of a short speech the Mayor said he had not been able to arrange a civic reception to their guests owing to the shortness of their stay, but he heartily welcomed them on behalf of the citizens ol Dunedin, and hoped that their 6tay had been pleasant. He hoped that the Premier of Victoria would take back the messageendorsed by the citizens, inviting the Prime Minister, Mr Bruce, to visit New Zealand and the Exhibition. In reply, th© Hon. J. Allan referred to the briefness cf his visit, and stressed lis appreciation of the hospitality with which he had been met. He had enjoyed every moment of his stay, and on his return he would tell of the greatness of the Exhibition and the beauties of the scenic parts he had seen. He roalised that New Zealand could not be seen in such a short time, and he intended to visit again at the earliest possible opportunity—the sporting attractions of the lakes and rivors were sufficient lure. Sir Maynard spoke in appreciative terms of the unbounded hospitality of the Exhibition directors and representatives of Ihe Government he had met at Logan Park. While he had come to Dunedin primarily on business, he felt that his association with tho K'&ibition had been alone well worth while making the journey from Auckland.