DUNEDIN EXHIBITION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8639, 27 November 1889, Page 2

DUNEDIN EXHIBITION.

ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS OF THE OPENING. CROWDS OF PEOPLE. TELEGRAM FROM THE QUEEN. |Pl-R PR"S-* A*-»oniAl-|ON.I (Continued from yesterday. ") The ships in harbour made a fine display of bunting, which was also conspicuous on the public buildings, banks, etc. The procession was formed opposite the Triangle reserve, and started at a little past 10 o'clock. The Volunteers and Friendly Societies made an effective display, the former being largely reinforced by tho countiy corps and contingents from Southland, while the Friendly Societies mustered in great strength. Tne 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, it may be mentioned that as the head Volunteer column turned into Anderson's Bay Road the tail of the procession had just rounded Albany-street into George-street. Over 2000 took part in the procession, The agreed on route was slavishly followed, with the result that the Governor's party was kept waiting three-quarters of an hour. On reaching the Exhibition Building, th« Governor, accompanied by the Countess and family and the naval officers, drove from Government House into the city as far as the Bank of New Zealand, and were heartily cheered along the route. Within the building itself everything was in a forward state. At 12.15 p.m. the Bands within the Exhibition Building began playing the National Anthem, which was the signal of the approach of the Vice-Regal party, who on reaching the Concert Hall were preceded by a procession headed by a detachment from the Imperial warships, two of whose officers carried the Imperial and Colonial ensigns respectively. Then followed the Governor and party; the Executive of the Exhibition, and the Commissioners of other Colonies ; the Ministry and distinguished visitors making the party, about fifty of whom were conducted to the dais in the hall, which was little more than two-thirds full, owing to a number of seats having been engaged for foreign visitors, who, however, failed to put iv an appearance. The choir and instrumentalists numbering nearly 400, were stationed in the gallery facing the dais, which was well filled, mostly by Indies; while on tho floor space the gay dresses, formed an effective contrast to the military and naval contingent. Tho formal part of the programme was then gone through. Mr Roberts read a rather long prayer, but it was not audible except to those immediately near him. He, however, made amends when reading th« address from the Commissioners. The Governor spoke with marked clearness and force, being audible in every part of the building. The reference? in the speech to the public spiritedness of the people of Otago in promoting tho undertaking, and to the liberal spirit in which it was seconded by the other colonies, was received with hearty applause, which was renewed and long continued. When His Excellency declared the Exhibition open, the hoisting of the Ensign on the dome, followed by a salute of 17 guns by the Artillery stationed on the reclaimed land, announced to the expectant thousands assembled outside that the day's functions were practically at an end. The choir sang in fine style Cohen's " Hymn of Thanksgiving," " The Old Hundredth," and the " 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 the other colonies were presented. The Governor, at the request of the Exhibition Commissioners, cabled to tho Queen a message which announced that he had just opened the Exhibition, and a cable was received from Sir Henry Parkes con - veying the congratulations of New South Wales. Everything passed off without a hitch, and, as the weather was fairly fine, it may be safely said that the day's proceedings from first to last were successful. It was estimated that fully 25,000 people were in the streets, and no accident of any kind was reported. The Exhibition Executive entertain the distinguished visitors at a banquet on Wednesday. Before leaving the Concert Hall, His Excellency announced that he had despatched a cablegram to the Queen, who had replied as follows :—": — " The Queen heartily congratulates Now Zealand on the marvellous progress made during the last fifty years, and on the signs of recovery from the 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 to the Mother Country, which has been unimpaired since the proclamation of the sovereignty of New Zealand on January 29th, 1840, may long continue unimpaired. — Knutsford." The reading of the cable message was followed by immense cheering. The Governor then despatched the following reply :—": — " Earl Onslow presents his duty to tho Queen, and begs to inform Her Majesty that the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition was this day opened in your name, amid manifestations of devoted loyalty, ami Your Majesty's congratulatory telegram was received with great enthusiasm." Cheers for the Queen, the Governor and Countess, and the President of the Exhibition, were called for, and wero heartily given.