THE EXHIBITION.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8089, 28 December 1906, Page 3

THE EXHIBITION.

A CITY 0! GAIETY

(By. Telegraph.—Special ioWaikato Times.") CHRISTCHURCH. This day. The Exhibition is now enjoying halcyon days. The Christmas inrush £ of visitors has qnite come up to expectations, and tlie city is at present full of strangers. Close on I"><«i visitors ariived from the North by the four boats on Sunday, and tin-

incoming numbers has b in well since. The Exhibition is ', at present a gathering place of nations and some of the races are picturesque in the extreme. Without mentitmiuir the Australian and

other visitors to the city and the

volunteers from all parts of the r colony, and also from Melbourne and Adelaide, who have been taking part in the military tournament, there are camped on the spacious grounds Maoris, Cook Islanders, Nine Islanders and Fijians, affording a unique opportunity for racial study, two or more of these races give exhibitions of their songs and dances together, as at intervals they do, the result is especially interesting. On Thursday afterngpn the Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) and the Hon. W. Kids ton. Premier of Queensland, were among the attendance at a combined entertainment given iu the Maori Pali by

the poi dancers from the Turakina

Maori Girls' School, and the I'ook jf-Islanders. The Raratongans have a marked talent for singing, and their quaint sweet action songs are always much admired, while the dances of the Turakina girls have been a most attractive feature. The attendance at the Exhibition on Boxing Day. despite numerous counter attractions. there was an immense crowd of visitors. The military tournament, for which over 10UU entries were received from all parts of New Zealand and also from Adelaide and Melbourne, has been the great event of the List two days. The competitions covered the whole range of volunteer work, ,and their spectacular interest was only equalled by the immense value they must prove to every volunteer who took part in. or even witnessed, the events. The Victorian Garrison Artillery wou a fcumber of prizes. Their work is tery clean aud neat, and has great spectacular merit. The splendid work of the Wellington City ltities in the infantry drill and physical exercises has also received high praise. The competitions were admirably managed. Wonderland. wh|ch has always been a most attractive adjunct to the Exhibition. has branched off lately into novel experiments in the way of entertainment, which have proved remarkably

successful. The latest was a crowded

carnival last night, of which tobogganning racing was the unique feature. Tobogganing is an exciting sport at any time and when the element of rivalry is added its fascination is greatly increased. There were large entries for these novel races last night, and prizes of from four to two guineas being awarded to the winners, \\ ondeiland's carnivals are destined to prove aiyinportaut featureof the Exhibition entertainment. There will be no lack of strong attractions at the Exhibition in the immediate future. For the great dog show on January 3rd and 4th large entries have been received from all parts of the colony

and also from Australia. Extensive preparations have been made for this event, which should prove an unprecedented attraction to all those interested in dogs. The Besses 0' the Barn Band, which comes to us with a reputation unique in the world, will arrive on January lUth. In view of the enormous audiences that are expected, the Band's performance, extending over a fortnight, will be given iu the Exhibition sports ground. Another most exceptional attraction will be afforded by Pain's fireworks (London), the first display of which will

be given on New Year's Eve. The "> Scottish sports on the Ist and 2nd »* also should .prove unprecedentedly important gatherings of their kind.