October i, 1908.] 



THE INDIA RUBBER WORLD 



35 



eminent botanists meet practical rubber manufacturers. Rubber 

 factory chemists chat with successful planters; rubber importers, 

 rubber machinery manufacturers, rubber chemical manufacturers, 

 and rubber editors shake hands and exchange views. Every now 

 and then in various parts of the great exhibition hall appeared 

 the genial, energetic, organizing manager, Mr. A. Staines Man- 

 ders, or the friendly, courtly Colonel Bosworth, active chairman 

 of all committees — introducing, suggesting, and smoothing away 

 ditficulties with a deftness almost magical. The manufacturing 

 and planting world, English and Continental, took the Exhibition 

 very seriously, and were deeply interested therein. In keeping 

 with this was the general tone of the Press, which devoted pages 

 to descriptions of exhibits and interviews with distinguished 

 visitors. In keeping also with this dignity were the engraved 

 cards of invitation, sent out by Sir Henry A. Blake, G. c. M. c, 

 president of the Exhibition, bidding those interested to the open- 

 ing ceremony on the afternoon of Monday, September 14. 

 Equally elegant were the cards sent by the same distinguished 

 gentleman to the great newspapers, whose representatives enjoyed 

 a private view of the exhibition on Saturday afternoon, the 12th, 

 followed by a press banquet in the evening. 



Sir Henry Arthur Blake, c. c. m. g. 



[President of the International Rubber Exhibition.] 



The exhibits were for the most part on the one floor of the 

 main exhibition hall, so disposed that none could obstruct the 

 general view, though several extensive collective exhibits were 

 mounted in a most attractive manner — as those from Ceylon, 

 British Malaya, the Netherlands and Amazonas. Grouped about 

 the iTiain hall were large and small rooms, for the use of the 

 ofiiccrs and committees of the Rubber Exhibition, planters' and 

 other associations, commissions from various governments, and 

 for meetings and conferences in general. The Welcome Club, 

 for private season ticket holders, newspaper men and exhibitors 

 (principals only), tended to promote the social side of the Ex- 

 hibition, and there were, besides, dining, refreshment, and tea 

 rooms in the building. 



The Dinner to the Press. 



The dinner to the Press on Saturday evening preceding the 

 show, in Pillar "Hall, Olympia, under the presidency of Sir Henry 

 Arthur Blake, g.c.m.g., was attended by representatives of more 

 than 40 journals, besides distinguished visitors from abroad. The 

 guests of the evening had attended the Private View of the 



A. Staines Manders. 



[Organizing manager of the International Rubber and Allied Trades 

 Exhibition at Olympia.] 



Exhibition during the afternoon. The Chairman (Sir Arthur 

 Blake) said: 



"On behalf of the Committee I welcome here most heartily 

 the representatives of the European and American Press who 

 have done us the honor of attending the Exhibition. 



"And now, gentlemen, may I say a few words about the Ex- 

 hibition, which you have been examining to-day, and of which 

 your judgment will fly to the uttermost parts of the earth? 

 You will have observed that this is not merely an Exhibition to 

 attract a gaping crowd, but is in fact a Congress of all who are 

 interested in the growing and manufacture of rubber, and as the 

 first International Rubber Exhibition held in Europe will mark 

 an era in the history of what will one day be among the greatest 

 commercial interests in the world. 



"When I remind you that 30 countries have sent exhibits and 

 no less than 18 governments have sent representatives, you will 



Colonel W. J. Bosworth. 



[Chairman of the Executive Com'Tiitfe of the International Rubber Ex- 

 hibition.] 



