THE EXHIBITION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8768, 21 March 1907, Page 2

THE EXHIBITION.

Day by Day. I By Telegraph—Special Service. Cheistohtooh, March 20. The weather to-day was brighter than 1 yesterday fcr the_ second day of the Fire s Brigades competitions on the Exhibition 8 sports ground, but a chill wind blew con- t tinually, and by evening had increased £ almost to a gale. The competitions were i of even more spectacular interest than c those of yesterday, and the attendance of i the public was much larger than on the 1 opening day. In the evening, despite un- < propitious weather, an immense crowd wit- • nessed the spectacular demonstration, ; “ Fighting the Flames,” by the city fire j brigades. The display was accompanied : by the eleventh exhibition of fireworks by a representative of Pain and Sons, London. Only two more of these fireworks entertainments will be given, one on Wednesday next, and the final one on the night of Easter Monday, when a specially extensive and elaborate display will be given, in which the whole remaining stock of fireworks will be used. From the point of view of attendance these displays of fireworks have been quite the most potent attractions that the Exhibition has seen since its inception. The' fact that they can bo witnessed without special charge may have something to do with their popularity, but whatever kind of weather is experienced they never fail to draw a crowd of many thousands to the Exhibition grounds; There has been great activity to-day in brightening up the District Courts for the judging to-morrow. Pot plants and other decorations have been in groat request, and the courts have now a very festive appearance. Seventy boats are expected to take part in the torchlight procession to be held on the Avon to-night, in connection with the Fire Brigades Demonstration. The procession will bo headed by several motor launches filled with bandsmen, and firemen bearing torches and discharging fireworks will fill tho smaller craft. Miss C. Livingston was a successful vocalist at a well-attended popular concert in the Concert Hall to-night, and Mr George Weston, leader of the orchestra, gave several violin solos. The solo contributions of several other members of the orchestra to its various programmes have been a highly popular feature. There has been'a slight misuunderstanding between the authorities in regard to some of the attractions advertised, to take place in connection with the physical development competitions, and the search for a buried nugget, in Wonderland on Friday. Some adverse comments having been made against the proposals of the Wonderland management to offer prizes for tho most handsome female arm and shoulder and most handsome female ankle, to bo exposed bare. Hr Munro notified tho manager that he had not given permission to hold a Beauty Show, and in the meantime that item must bo withdrawn. • The manager of Wonderland, however, states that the competitions indicated are comprised in tho physical development contests, which were duly 1 authorised, and they will be held accordingly, that of the prize .or the prettiest girl 1 in Christchurch being withdrawn as constituting the only beauty show on the programme. Mr Munro has made it plain that ho did not understand the position so, and states that though he has given permission for the holding of physical dovelopement competitions, he still reserves to himself the right to see that they are carried ’ out in n proper manner; and if he takes ! exception to any feature it will have to be ; stopped at once. The Wonderland pro- ’ prietary states that the competitions will be ' managed that there will be no opportunity ’ for anyone to cavil. To-day’s attendance was 15,90(1. The 1 Governor and the Acting-Premier were ! present at the fireworks display.