The Exhibition:

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6706, 20 November 1889, Page 4

The Exhibition:

» THE BUILDING AND ITS AEBA3TGEMENTS. '-'-"'" SEab Fsxbs Association/] DUNEDIN^Nov. 19. Those persons who visited the Christchurch Exhibition in 1882 or the Wellington Exhibition in 1885, will-be able to form someidea of what their Dnnedin successor is to be like, from the fact that it will be four timeath&fiize-of either. THB ABBAHGEMENT OP THE BUILDING is somewhat similar to the plan followed at Christchurch^iamely,four main avenues running round the sides of a quadrilateral figure, with large-transverse courts. The shape of the building approaches the oblong^bnt the eastern aide is the longest. In fad; the avenne running down its length is said to be twenty feet longer than the main artery of the Melbourne Exhibition. The direction is almost North and South, the principal entrance being under the dome' at the northern end. Immediately behind the dome is the fernery, which will be one of the special attractions. Visitors from the other Colonies say this fernery is the finest that has ever been, constructed in the Colonies, and; could not be done elsewhere nnder a cost of several thousands. In the central space behind this- again are the gardens, originally intended to cover seven acres. The space has been gradually filched away for various purposes, till now there are scarcely more than three acres left. The ground appears, however, to be ample for all re- : quirements; horticulture does not make much show in it yet, and is not likely to for many weeks unless artificial means are resorted to, as the soil is mostly sand; But theareawill be a useful breathing space for file crowds tired of wandering through the covered aisles around. A rustic band stand occupies a prominent position, and there are rockeries at either end of the fernery. The decoration of the dome is not yet finished, neither is the exterior, ■which-iaTjeing covered with yellow oilcloth to make it watertight. The general offices fill the space on either side of the entrance, and then, we come to the western avenue, •which is almost entirely devoted to Victoria and New South Wales. A good deal-of worshas been done in their courts, but even here everything is at present in a state of confusion, and nothing like any idea of the ultimate appearance of the bays can bo obtained. This applies generally to the building, so that any attempt at description of the exhibits at present is useless. Tho two Colonies mentioned spread over into the central aisle, where their mineral courts are situated, and- enough has been done in tho way of piling up ores and trophies to show that this portion will be an attractive feature next week. At each end of the main traverse, and also at the end of each of the long side aisle?, is an octagon tower ; but these architectural adornments have not entered into the design of the facade. The South-western octagon, marking the beginning of THE NEW ZEALAND SUCTION, is occupied by a big kauri, built up of ligamentsot bark, with, asectionof thetreefrora •which they came lying close handy. The opposite octagon is almost filled with the New Zealand gold trophy. Sir James Hector, tired of the usual obelisk, hae designed a unique form, which it will puzzle anyone but an expert to describe, but it might be called a globe covered with great pyramidal points. Gateways made of minerals cemented into a wooden framework also mark the mineral nature of this particular section. The southern and eastern avenues are both devoted to New Zealand ; Otago and Southland naturally having tho lion's share of the space. Tho decoration o£ the Taaya"is well forward, and as the exhibits are said to be all ready, these courts will probably be fairly well filled on the opening day. A portion of the northern avenue is also given up to New Zealand, and the Government courts occupy the remainder. Great Britain and the foreign courts find a homo in the central traverse, where at present the work of fitting up is almost all that can be seen. Parallel with them run smaller avenues for machinery, the educational and fisheries courts, and the aquaria. The centre space of the southern half of the Exhibition contains THB ABT GALLERY AND THE CONCERT HALL. The gallery, as is generally known, is built of brick, not a particle of wood entering into the composition except a few necessary battens for hanging the pictures to. Being a solid edifice, this is about the only portion which will survive the general demolition after Easter, when the Exhibition closes. Attached to tho gallery is a smaller iron annex, in which some of the least valuable pictures will be placed — pictures not belonging to foreign contributors. Some little delay was caused in getting the gallery ready, by the fact that the asphalte floor was found unsuitable, as ib was feared the fumes of ammonia would hurt the pictures. The upper portion was consequently removed, and a stratum of cement laid down, which has had the required effect. The concert hall, like the main building, is of iron, with a wood -lined concave roof. It is reported to be of excellent acoustic properties except when empty, a fact which has had a very discomforting' effect on some of the performers practising for the forthcoming musical celebrations. It is in this building the opening ceremony •will take place. Close by are diningrooms, open bars, &c, and also a portion of the implement section. At the southern exit are Btalls for cows, where dairying operations will be carried on. The space outside, triangular in shape, will be devoted to aide shows, such aB the switchback railway, Erffel tower, &c. Of the latter nothing but the foundations are to be seen at present. THB OPENING FROSI'ECTS. These are the main features of ■ the buildings designed to contain the great show, which is to be opened on Tuesday ; but to all appearances that show, as is invariably the case with Exhibitions, will not be so complete as was hoped when His Excellency declares it ready* for public inspection; The Commissionem are complaining of the delay in goods coming forward, and some of them will have to deplore the permanent absence of exhibits that were promised. Mr Fletcher, of Victoria,, finds that he will, to all appearance, have a considerable space unoccupied which has been paid for ; but probably there will be no great difficulty in filling the^aps, as people keep turning up at the last moment who are glad to find an unoccupied corner. Such was the case with a British exhibitor who ' arrived to-day. The Government of Mauritius have also determined to be represented, and will have to be provided for. Up to date 2000 Reason, tickets have been sold; the charges for these are two guineas for gentlemen and a guinea for ladies, a polite attention of the executive to the fairer sex whioh seems to have been well appreciated. The authorities are very rigid in their regulations as toseats on the opening day, whioh they intend to allow to be occupied only by those to- whom they are allotted. H.M.S. Opal and Lizard are on their way to Dunedin, and are expected to arrive here about the end of the week. The Marines and blue jackets are to take part in the military arrangements for the Exhibition proceßsion.