THE EXHIBITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2008, 18 February 1907, Page 3

THE EXHIBITION.

(By Telegraph Special Service.) CHRISTCHURCH, Fob. 15. The first of the Exhibition military tattoos on tho sports ground was a great ovent of tho Exhibition to-day. All day long there was a largo attendance, but in the evening an immense multitude filled till the seating mid most of the standing accommodation in the sports ground, and crowded every overlooking coign of advantage surrounding tho enclosure Tho night was perfect for the event, and volunteers wore present in good numbers and Maoris in all their war paint. 'The pa, which formed the object of attack by the military, was found to be not a pa propor, but- an excellent imitation hurriedly constructed at one side of the sports ground. Maoris armed with rifles took their stand behind a strong breastwork with numerous embrasures, through which a deadly fire could be poured on tlio attacking force. At the last moment it was found that the massed bands, whoso parade with torches was to have been a feature of tho entertainment, had not put in an appearance. The weather had boon damp and threatening in tho afternoon, and they were specially anxious to preserve dry and bright their instruments, which they had polished to perfection, for to-morrow's contest. The Garrison* Band, who turned out with the volunteers, were left to fill the breach. Tlio Maoris, who were called on to defend their impromptu pa against the military, gave a magnificent liaka of defiance as the two companies chosen for the attack advanced towards their breastwork. They then fell back on pa, against which the volunteers advanced, maintain# a steady rifle fire, and supported by the guns of the E Battery. The Maoris made no reply till the oncinv were close upon them, with the Sports Ground fence between when they poured in such a volloy as must have wiped the attacking force out of existence. The Maoris, headed by the Garrison Band, then marched round the ground. The band, and afterwards the volunteers and \\ est Coast and North Otago cadets, joined in the march, and the various movements, which had a very fine effect. Fireworks were sent up at intervals by the representative of Pain and Co. Despite the absence of the bands the tattoo may he considered a very great success, and will probably* be repeated on another occasion, with tlie assistance of the loca 1. bands. The Hon. Geo. Fowkls invited the visiting band conductors and president, secretary, and delegates of the North Island Baud Association, who have given valuable assistance and advice in the carrying out of the contests, to a supper held to-night m the Minister’s rooms. Mr. Fowkls had, unfortunately, to leave for the North before the supper took place, but the Hon. Dir. McGoman did the honors in his stead. Tho toast list included the King, proposed by Mr. McGowan; “North Island Band Association,” proposed by Dir. DlcGowan, responded to by Dir. Cohen, president of the association; “Visiting Bands.” proposed by Lieutenant Siddall, responded to by Dir. Crichton, conductor of the Wanganui Band; “Newcastle Band,” proposed bv Mr. Cohen, responded to by the conductor; “The, Judge.” proposed by Mr. DlcGowan; and “The Exhibition,” proposed by Dir. Cohen,, responded to by Mr. McGowan. A late train will bo run from Christchurch to Dunedin t o-morrou evening after the band contest. The next display of fireworks will be given on Wednesday. A class for twins has been added to tho programme of tli(i baby show. It is suggested that no entry toes shall be charged for the show, and that the purchase of one ticket shall entitle the mother and child to entry to the Exhibition both afternoon and evening. To encourage all competing babies to remain during tlie whole show, it is suggested that each baby should be handed a small memento as lie or she is taken home at nine p.m. , , , . , Tho thousandth infapt at the babies rest is expected to mako its appearance by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, and be on exhibition oil the following Thursday. Entries for the baby show close next Tuesday evening. Dir D. C. Dlclntyre, in addition to his position as director of exhibits, has been appointed superintendent oi awards. , . , , Over 1500 applications have been received for exhibits to be judged. Dir Mclntyre will meet exhibitors on Monday night to discuss certain details in connection with the judging, which it is expected will be commenced on the 20th inst. The greater part of the home industries section has been judged, and it is hoped that a few judges who have not been able to undertake their duties will complete their work in a few days.

CHRISTCHURCH, last niglit . Despite continuous heavy showers of rain, the Exhibition on Saturday attracted an attendance of 14,004, bringing the total for the week to over 90,000, and making the aggregate to date 1,229,261. Tlie quickstep competition proved the most attractive feature of the band contest. The performance by the combined bands, which was to have taken place on t'he sports ground was unable to be held there owing to rain,but about four bands played together in the main corridor in the presence of a very large audience. The presentation of cash prizes and medals to the successful bands and bandsmen took place in the main avenue in the evening. Mr Munro, before presenting the prizes, in a short speech, congratulated the successful competitors, and expressed his sympathy with those who were unsuccessful. He thanked them all on behalf of the Exhibition for participating in the contest, and. assisting to make that feature of the Exhibition the success it had been. , At a Ministerial supper given to the visiting bandsmen on Friday nin-ht, Lieut. Bentley, .Ridge of the grand selection and quickstep competition, paid a high tribute to the orchestra, which was, lie said, in his opinion tho finest thing m the Exhibition. The Government deserved the thanks of the whole colony for bringing together such a magnificent' body of "players, which he hoped all centres of tho colony would he afforded an opportunity to hear The presence of the orchestra would cover quite a multitude of other sms of omission if such existed. The Hon. Mr Me Gowan’, in replying to the of ‘ The Exhibition,” said the fact that it was in such forward state when it opened was due to the ability and energy of the general manager, Mi. Munro, who had been a tower of strength between the Government and committees. Mr Mump had tlie welfare of the Exhibition at heart, and it was mainly due to his efforts that the undertaking had turned ou such a success. Mnustois also paicl a tribute to the excellent work cmrieil out bv tlie various committees. The Hawke’s Bay natives at the pa are expected to return home eally this week. They will ho succeeded bv a detachment of about forty of their fellow tribesmen, whose visit will be succeeded about March 20tb l,v that of a contingent ot ) Va T aI : ':, natives fifty or sixty strong. A visit „c the Ngatiporoua Maoris will pio bably not take place till pear the nf the Exhibition, as most of tliem are too busily engaged to get away b °T°he'first display of daylight fireworks, Which woved a e? eat' ■ *access •it St Louis Exhibition, wiu wivt nhee at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 2nd Rockets and bombs are fired nW’e a ulml 10 coS “ ImalTflaSS, parachutes, fishes^inls, Afirrtta ah &a S . are specially attractive to children, and Arrangements are being made for special trains to transport htte people from all convenient places. It is a form of entertainment absolutely new in New Zealand, and the General manager anticipates that it will draw the greatest gathering of children 'ever seen in the colony. There will be no charges for admission to the day fireworks display. The principal attractions for this week at l the Exhibition are another free grand display night, baby show on Thursday, and New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association,s sports on Thursday and Saturday* . - The final display ol fireworks will bo given on the night of Easter Monday, when a specially extensive and elaborate exhibition will be given, as Mr White, representative of Pam and Sons, London, intends to fire off then his entire remaining stock of fireworks before his return to England.

ATHLETICS. Pross Association. DUNEDIN, last night. The twenty second annual spoils of the Dunedin Amateur Athletic Club wore held on the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon.' Light rain unfortunately spoilt the attendance, wheili only unmoored a few hundred. The turf was heavy. Tho results of the principal events were: 220yds Championship of Otago (D.A. A.C. standard, 23 3-ssec): First heat: W. J. O’Kano 1, H. G. Burke 2, McCorkindalo 3. These wore the only startjrs. Won with plenty - in hand. Time, 24 3-ssoc. Second lent: W. J. Dfunro (Christchurch) 1, C. F. Bass 2, A. Hoaro 3. The only starters. This nns a good race. Won by a yard. Time, 2-lsoc'. Tho first in each heat and second in the fastest heat woro only allowed to start in the final, which was therefore contested by O’Kanc, DTunro and Bass. O’Kano, with the inside running, hold the race in hand all the way, winning by a yard from Bass, with Dlunro close up. Time, 2.1 l-ssoc. 100yds. Flat.—Filial: Nice], syds, l ; Price, Byds, 2: Hoaro, 2,vds, 3. Won by inches. Time, 10 2-ssoo. Long Jump Handicap: Ituddick, Ift Din, 19ft Sin : Reed, 2ft Gin, 18ft 2in, 2; P. C. DlcLaclilan, Ift Oiu, 19ft Gin,

APPOINTMENT OF SCHOOL TEACHERS. Tho following letter of protest against the manner of making an appointment of a teacher for the Dlangapapa school in succession to Dir Hunter has boon forwarded to the Education Board by tho Dlangapapa Committee:— To tho Secrotary 11.8. Education Board: Dear Sir, —Tlio committee, at a special mooting hold last evening, discussed the matter of appointment of head teacher After carefully considering all the testimonials, reports, otc., of tlio six applicants submitted to us, wo arc unanimously of opinion that tho order in which tho names are placed reveals most glaring inconsistencies and unjust treatment, judging by tho length of servico, certificates,’ and other qualifications, and we wish to record our st'rong protest. Under the circumstances wo do not propose to make any suggestions or take the responsibility of making any recommendation. For tlio Dlangapapa School Committee— EDWIN• S. GOLDSDIITH, Hon. Sec.