THE INDIAN AND COLONIAL EXHIBITION. (From Our London Correspondent.) London, April 6.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 104, 30 May 1885, Page 6

THE INDIAN AND COLONIAL EXHIBITION. (From Our London Correspondent.) London, April 6.

The first meeting of the Royal Commission appointed for the purpose of organising the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 1886 was held at Marlborough House on Monday week, under the presidency of the Prince of Wales All the Australasian Commissioners attonded, Sir F. D. Bell representing New Zealand. The Prince of Wales made, or rather read, a long address, in which he recapitulated the objects of the Exhibition, and narrated the steps successfully taken towards the formation of a guarantee fund. All the colonies had, he said, volunteered the sums required of them in most generous fashion, and besides a large number of private firms were spontaneously coming forward with large amounts. The Prince added that he had looked forward to an exhibition of this description for many years. It was essentially one of a national and Imperial character, and in this respect differed with former shows in which trade rivalry and profit largely predominated. "No such opportunity," said His Royal Highness, of becoming practically acquainted with the economic condition of our colonies and the Indian Empire has ever been afforded in this country. The attractive display in the Indian and Colonial Courts at the Paris Exhibition of 1878 could only be witnessed by a comparatively small number of the population of these islands, millions of whom may be expected to view and profit by the evidence which the exhibition of 1886 will afford of the marvellous progress made by their fellow-countrymen beyond the seas. I also trust that this gathering may serve even a higher purpose, and be the means not only of giving a stimulus to commercial interests and intercourse, but of strengthening that bond of union between Her Majesty's subjects in all parts of the Empire, the growth and manifestation of which are most sincerely appreciated by usall. The Prince further announced that as President it was his intention to take the same active part in the work of this Colonial Exhibition as he did at the Paris Exhibition in 1878. Tho details of the executive duties will devolve as in the case of the J Fisheries and Healtheriee upon Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, assisted by the representatives of the various colonies, who will, I gather, " boss " their own respective courts. Commemorative medals are to be given to all the exhibitors in place of the usual jury awards, tho idea being that it would bo unfair to place the smaller colonies in competition with the greater. This is not such a happy idea as it at first appears, indeed I fear the lack of awards may prejudice the show. Many trades and big firms exhibit solely in the hope of securing gold or silver medals. True, the Prince of Wales says he wishes to exclude " trade rivalry — "trade rivalry" it was which made successes of tho Fisheries and Healtheries. Perhaps the most interesting portion of the Prince's address referred to the facilities for sight-seeing in England and Scotland which are to be placed at the disposal of the thousands of tourists from India and the Australias who are expected to visit London next summer. The various AgontsGeneral have, I understand, already communicated with the managers of the great steamship companies re reduced fares, &c. ; indeed, your advertising columns may already contain intimations on the subject. With regard to courtesies to be shown visitors by the Commission, the Prince spoke as follows :— lt has been suggested that advantage should be taken of the great numbers who will doubtless visit England during the Exhibition from tho colonies and from India to procure for them special facilities for visiting the great manufacturing centres and chief places of interest in Great Britain, not only asan expression of welcome, butthat they and we may profit by a comparison of their o »vn with the more matured commercial systems of the mother country, and that, by bring ing manufacturers, producers, and consumers together, an impetus may be given to the general extension of industry and trade. Negotiations are in progress to effect this object, which I hope may result, ! not only in mutual advantage, but in proving to our fellow- subjects that they are as welcome elsewhere in Great Britain as I am sure they will be in the metropolis. "In conclusion," said the Prince, winding up his long speech, let me express the hope that this great undertaking, and the many occasions for fiiendly intercourse with our fellow-subjects from India and the colonies which it will afford, may convey to them the assurance that, while we are deeply moved by the spirit of patriotism they have lately shown in desiring to bear their share in the graver trials of the country, we, on our part, wish to participate in every effort to further and develop their material interests— -interests which we feel to be inseparably bound up with the prosperity of the Empire. We must remember that, as regards the colonies, they are the legitimate and natural homes, in future, of the more adventurous and energetic portion of the population of these islands. Their progress, and their power of providing all that makes life comfortable and attractive, cannot, therefore, but be a matter of serious concern to us all. And, as regards India, the increasing knowledge of that vast Empire, and the rapid and easy means of communication to all parts of it which now exist render its remarkable and varied products, and its social and political condition, a source of yearly increasing interest and importance to us. For the attainment of the purposes I have indicated, I am sure I may rely on your friendly co-operation and assistance, in your several localities, and within thesphereof your individualinfluence. Although it has been impossible from the pressure of their duties elsewhere for some members of the commission to be present at this meetincr, I am gratified by the assurance from them that we may none the less rely on their practical and earnest assistance on every occasion in furthering the work which has been entrusted to us, and achieving the important ends which I trust may flow from its successful accomplishment. It only remains for me to express my cordial thanks to you for your kindness in at* tending here to-day, and my confidence that 1 shall continue to receive the same measure of support which it has been my good fortune to obtain from many of you on former occasions. Speeches of an unimportant character were also made by LordTDerby and others, but they contained nothing of special interest, and need not be quoted.

A young lady who was noted for the reckless manne" in whioh she prevaricated was asked why she persisted in telling falsehoods, "well," said she, "you see, my modesty prevents me from having anything* to do with the naked truth." A Roman : Catholic bazaar just closed at Christchurch, realised £1,024 on behalf of a convent building,