OFFICIAL CLOSING CEREMONY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 23

OFFICIAL CLOSING CEREMONY.

A MEMORIAL GATHERING. Early in the day the wise and, as it proved inevitable, decision was taken to hold the official closing ceremony not on the sports ground, as had been carefully planned, but in the shelter of the Festival Hall. The fortunate possessors of adniis sion tickets began to assemble at an early hour, and for i time tvere entertained wi‘b musical selections from the Exhibition Orchestra. The large extended stage and gallery behind it accommodated in addition to Mr J. Sutherland Itoss, who presided ts rhairman of directors, the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, Th'* Oversets? Commissioners, the Right lion, Sir Joseph Ward, Sir John Roberts, Sir Fenwick, the lion. C. E. Statham. the Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P.). Colonel Gard'ner, the directors of the Exhibition, the Rev. J. Kilpatrick (Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand), Bishop Whyte, the 93rd Highlanders’ Band, the Exhibition Orchestra, and the Exhibition ClioifC The seating accommodation of the large hall was taxed to its utmost, but careful regulation by police and attendants at th'i doors prevented any overcrowding. The following apologies for absence were received by the •— The Hon. Mr Justice Skerrett (Chiet Justice), the Hons’ W. Downie Stewart. W. Nosworthy, G. J. Anderson, J J. A. Young, O. J. Hawken, and * r> M‘Leod, Sir James Parr, Bishop Richard*, Federation of British Industries (London) Department Overseas Trade, RegistrarCeneral, Department of Internal Affairs (Under- Secretary), Dennrtment of Extern il Affairs, Director-General of Health, Commissioner of Pensions, Chief Electoral Officer, Sir John Luke, M.P., the Hon. A. F Hawke, Mr K. D. M’Lennan, M.P.» the Hon. R. Buddo, M.P., Mr E. Walter, M.l\. the mayors of various cities, and chairmen of county councils. Among the messages received *••'*s *ho following from the Federation of British Industrieg:—“The Federation of "-‘tlsti Industries heartily congratulates Dunediu on exceptional success New Zealand 3out.li Seas Exhibition. Total attendance figures really amazing; far surpassing most sanguine expectations. Federation mo.it gratified to have been privileged to play

some part in the undertaking, and desire extend warm congratulations on behalf British manufacturers to all connected with organisation.” The proceedings formally opened with the audience led by the 93rd Highlander*’ Band joining in singing “Now thank \v* all our G^d.”