THE EXHIBITION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8336, 19 January 1907, Page 5

THE EXHIBITION.

WONDERLAND'S FLORAL FETE. AN IMMENSE CROWD PRESENT. A SENSATIONAL ACT. ATHLETIC MEETINGS. By Telegraph—Special Service. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 18. The attendance at the Exhibition, yesterday, was one of the largest known, no fewer than 16,434 people passing through the turnstiles. Over three thousand visited the Axemen's Carnival in the afternoon, and the immense crowd that thronged Wonderland in the evening, attracted by thejjFloral Fete, was the largest yet experienced. The Fete was, from all points of view, 'a complete success. The grounds were brilliantly lit, and the floral costumes fine, and the comic dress and masked plea-sure-makers made,up a remarkrably gay effect. The temporary frontage of a seven-storey house, with numerous windows, had been specially constructed, and through the windows flames and smoke belched forth in a highly natural way. A fireman rescued a woman occupant from the highest storey, holding her by his teeth . and sliding with her down the. tight-rope into the lake. Twenty thousand people are said to have witnessed the spectacle, which will be repeated on Saturday night A party of Wanganui Maoris have'arrived at the pah, and gave the first dances before a fair attendance this afternoon. The weather has been cold and showery all day, causing fewer people to visit the Exhibition than usual. The Besses d' th' Barn Band had to use the;. Concert Hall, this afternoon, and .will do so again this evening. The display of fireworks had to be postponed. A party of six West Australian swimmers, who will take part in the Exhibition Carnival, to be held on February 2nd, have arrived in Christchurch. The Orchestral Society of seventy strong,who arrived to-day, will give performances in the; Concert Hall oh Monday, Tuesday and Wedesday evenings. Madame Wielaert, a vocalist of European reputation, and Mr Hamilton Hodges, of Auckland, will be the vocalists. Three thousand people inspected the Sweated Industries Exhibition yester-' day, and much indignation is expressed in the visitors' book at the existence of such conditions. More than one visitor has suggested that after the Exhibition is over these exhibits should be shown in all the principal towns of the colony as an object lesson of: what can happen in the way of labour evils. The Secretary has received from Sir Joseph Ward a large and beautifully ornamented silver Cup as a trophy for the competitor gaining most points in the chamipionship bagpipe music events at the New Zealand Athletic Union's great meeting on January 24th and 26th. Mr G. W. Woods, President of the Athletic Union, , states that 400 entries have been received for the very extensive programme which consists of 37 events covering the whole range of athhtic sports. Besides bagpipe, music, reels and other competitions ajcontest for the pipe bands has also been arranged for which four entries have been received Since the programme was issued the following events have been added:--Highland fling, for ladies, for trophy given by Mr John Connell, Vice-President of the Canterbury] Caledonian Society; sword dance, for boys and girls, for a prize offered by MrjPatrick Campbell, Presidentjof the Society; high jumping and pole jumping championship. The Brass Band Contest fixed for February 11th to 16th inclusive promises to be a great success. . On February 7th the Canterbury Automobile Association will hold a gymkhana in the Sports Ground, preceded by a motor car parade from the city to the field of action. A very novel and attractive programme is under preparation. The sheep-yarding competition, forming the concluding event.of the Christchurch Dog Trial Club's trials, will be held on the Sports Ground on March 25th. The Sports Ground is particularly, wellsuited for this kind of competition, owing to the presence of seating accommodation. The great meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association will be held on February 20th and 23rd.