ThE EXHIBITION.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 11862, 16 February 1907, Page 2

ThE EXHIBITION.

SB*) • By Telegraph— Special Service. Christchurch, Peb 15 A class for twins has been added to the programme of the Baby Show. It is suggested that no entry fees shall be charged for the Show, and that the purchase of one ticket shall entitle a motbor and child to entry to the Exhibition both _ afternoon and evening, to encourage all com-< peting, babies to remain during the whole Show. It is suggested thdt each baby should be handed a small memento as he or she is taken horrie at 9 p. m The thousandth infant at the -.Babies' Best is expected to make its appearance by Tuesday or Wednesday of n6xt week, and be on exhibition on the following Thursday. Entries for the Baby Show close next Tuesday evening. Mr D. C. Mclntry, in addition to his position as Director of the Exhibition, has been appointed Superintendent of Awards.. ;Oyer 1500 applications have been received for exhibits to be Judged. Mr Mclntyre will meet the exhibitors on Monday night to discuss certain details in connection with the judging, which, is expected will be commenced on the 20th in at. The greater part of the home industries section has been judged, and it is hoped that the fow judges who have not yet been'able td undertake their duties will complete their work in a few days. The first of the Exhibition military tattoos on the Sports Ground has been the great event of the Exhibition to-day. All day long there was a large audience, but in the evening an immense multitude filled all the seating and most of the standing accommodation in the Sports Ground, and crowded every overlooking coign of vantage surrounding the enclosure. The night was perfect for the event, and the Volunteers were present in good numbers, and the Maoris, in all their war paint» occupied the Pa, which formed the .object of attack by the military. It was found not to be the Pa pro« per, but an excellent imitation — hurriedly constructed— at one side of the Sports Ground. The Maoris, armed with rifles, took their stand behind a strong breastwork with numerous embrasures through which a deadly fire could be poured on an attacking force. At the last moment, it was found that the massed Bands, whose parade with torches was to have been a feature of the entertainment, had not put in an appearance. The weather had been damp and threatening in the afternoon and they were specially anxious to preserve dry and bright their instruments, which they had polished to perfection for to-morrow's contest. The Garrison Band, who turned out with the Volunteers were left to fill the breach. The Maoris, who were called on to defend their impromptu Pa against the military, danced a magnificent haka of defiance, and as" the two companies chosen for the attack advanced towards their breastwork, they then fell back on the Pa, against which the Volunteers advanced, maintaining asteady rifle fire, and they were supported by a gun of the E Battery. The Maoris made no reply till the enemy were close upon them, witti ;he Sports Ground fence between, when they poured such a volley as must have wiped the attacking force out of existence. The Maoris, headed by the Garrison Band, then marched round the ground, and afterwards the Volunteers and West Coast and North Otago Cadets, joined in the march, and various movements, when had a very fine effect. Fireworks were sent up at intervals by the representative of Pain and Co. Despite the absence of the Bands, the tattoo may bo considered a very great success, and will probably be repeated on another occasion, with the assistance of the local bands. The Hon George Fowlds invited the visiting band conductors and the

President and delegates of the North Island Band Association, who have given valuable assistance und advice in the carrying out of the contests, to a supper held to-night in the , Ministers' rooms. Mr Fowlds i had, unfortunately, to leave for the North before the supper took place, but the Hon Mr McGowan did the honors in his stead. The toast list included 'The King," proposed by Mr McGjdwan; "The North Island Band Association." proposed by Mr McGowau and responded to by MiCohen, President ofJthe'AssociatioD i I'The^Visiting Bauds" proposed by Lieutenant Siddall, and responded to by Mr of the Wanganui Garrison Band; "The Newcastlo Band,*' proposed by Mr Cohen and responded to by the condutor; "The Judges," proposed by Mr McGowan, and "The Exhibition," proposed by Mr Cohen, and responded to by Mr McGowan. A late train will be run from (Jhristchurch to Dunedin to-morrow ovoning after the Band contests. ' Tho next display of fireworks will lip giveri on Wednesday. '