MIRY DAY FOR CLOSING SCENE OF EXHIBITION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17835, 1 May 1926, Page 9

MIRY DAY FOR CLOSING SCENE OF EXHIBITION.

MUGS’ ALLEY IS LIKE LIQUID CHOCOLATE.

(Special to the “ Star.”) DUNEDIN, May 1. Raiu for the last day of the Exhibition. Rain also fell last night, but 50,000 persons turned out. Chocolate Alley was like liquid chocolate, but money flowed as freely as the rain. To-day was even worse, and the other walks were the same, but one result was the dense crowding of the Courts. The Court Commissioners dread rain, because it means overcrowding the inside, but they are a cheerful body of men. who do their utmost. So far as the Canterbury Court is concerned, the attendances have kept up remarkably. The Canterbury Court had the busiest morning to date, although usually the crowds do not roll up till the afternoon. Its appearance is as fresh as at the beginning, and the officials have been complimented on it. It is never empty, and Canterbury people have taken a great interest in it. Mr C. Cross is host this week, with Mrs E. Cross as hostess, and they are doing the job thoroughly. Canterbury callers, ladies as well as men, were given a most cordial reception for the final day and night. Dunedin is full of visitors to-dax”, and all are bemoaning the weather. It rained all last night and this morning, yet scores of trains disgorged thousands of people. Tram-cars and omnibuses are jammed with people, and motor-cars move three and four abreast, all going one way. When a tram comes in the opposite direction chaos exists, while thousands look on entertained.

A cat last night ventured to cross the road in front of the one-way traffic, but did not count a tram coming in the opposite direction, and lost its ninth life. The traffic constable has been a marvel in controlling the traffic. The wretched conditions to-day paralleled those prevailing at the closing of Wembley, and the gloomy conditions coincide with the feelings of the showmen outdoors, who are striving mightily, with raucous voice, to attract patrons.

Shop sales in town featured goloshes, and nine out of ten Exhibition visitors are wearing them.

CLOSING CEREMONY AT EXHIBITION HEARD BY RADIO.

The speeches at the closing ceremony of the Dunedin Exhibition this afternoon were ver\- clearly transmitted by Radio Station VLDN. Mr Bruce Henderson, of Rugby Street, reported shortly after half-past three o’clock that he had been able to hear every word very clearly. The Prime Minister, Mr Coates, began his speech at three o’clock and continued speaking for fifteen minutes. When he mentioned the band the applause lasted about rive minutes. Mr Coates declared the Exhibition closed, and the architect, Mr Edward Arsconbe, then said a few words. At 3.20 the Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly offered up a prayer, and at 3.25 the gathering sang. “ O God, Our Help in Ages Past." “ God Save the King ” was sung at 3.30, after which selections were played by the band.