OPENING OF DUNEDIN. EXHIBITION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5630, 27 November 1889, Page 2

OPENING OF DUNEDIN. EXHIBITION.

[Pku Puess Association.]

Dunkdin, to-day,

The Governor, in replying, spoke with marked clearness and force, being audible in every part of the building. References in the speech to the public spiritedness of the people of Otago in promoting the undertaking, and to the liberal spirit in which it was seconded by other colonies, were received with hearty applause, which was renewed and long continued when His Excellency declared the Exhibition open. Hoisting the ensign on the dome was followed by a salute of 17 guns by the Artillery stationed on the reclaimed land, and announced to expectant thousands assembled outside that the day's functions were practically at an end. The choir sang in fine style Cowan's hymn of " Thanksgiving, " " Old Hundredth, " " Hallelujah Chorus," and the organist, Mr Barth, played a voluntary, while the Vice-regal party reformed in procession and passed from the hall along the avenue, where the commissioners of other colonies were presented. The acoustic properties of the concert hall were fully tested today, and Mr Hislop, architect, was complimented on all sides on the excellent results achieved. The Governor, at the request of the Exhibition commissioners, cabled to the Queen a message announcing that ho had just opened tiie Exhibition. A cable was received from the Premier, Sir Henry Parke.s, conveying the congratulations of New Soulh Wales. Everything passed off without a hitch, and as the weather had fairly taken up it may be safely said that to-day's proceedings from first to last have been signally successful. It is estimated that fully 25,000 people wore in the street, and no accident of any kind has been reported. The Exhibition Executive entertain the distinguished visitors at a banquet to-morrow.

The procession was fully a mile and a half long, and took half an hour to pass a given point. As giving an idea of its length I may mention that as the head of the Volunteer column turned into Anderson's Bay road the procession just rounded Albany street into George street. Before leaving the concert hall the Governor announced the despatch of a cablegram to fie Queen, who replied as follows :— " Queen heartily congratulates New Zealand on tho marvellous progress made during the last tifty year.s and on the signs of recovery from recent temporary depression. She highly values the continued expressions of loyalty of the people of New Zealand, and authorises me to say she hopes that the attachment of the Mother Country, which has bean unimpaired since the proclamation of sovereignly on June 20th, 1840, may long continue unimpaired. — Knut.sfoed." The reading of tli3 cable was followed by immediate cheers. The Governor then despatched tho following reply: — "Earl Onslow presents his duty to the Queen, and begs to inform Her Majesty the New Zealand South Seas Exhibition was this day opened in your name amid manifestations of devoted loyalty, and your Majesty's congratulatory telegram w;ig received with great enthusiasm." Cheers for the Queen, Governor and Countess^, and the President of the Exhibition were called for and heartily given.