388 TIMEHRI. 
Friday, the 25th of August, and as the day was fine nothing occurred to 
interfere with its success as an out-door féte. Taken altogether they 
consider the result as favourable as could be expected, considering the 
short notice, which would not allow of exhibitors growing anything 
especially for competition. 
Plants in flower were but poorly represented and fruit and vegetables 
by no means as good as they might have been. Several important 
fruits such as mangoes were unfortunately out of season, and it is a 
matter for consideration whether the Show should not be held at some 
other time of the year, although the uncertainty of the weather might 
interfere if this were done. Undoubtedly the great attraction of the 
Show was the floral decorations, especially the dinner tables, which 
were universally admired. The fine collections of foliage plants were 
also very good, and Mrs. Sherlock's exhibit won the special prize for 
the best in the Show. 
In conneétion with the whole Show they have to remark that but very 
few exhibits came from those people who might reasonably be expected 
to compete in great numbers, i.e., the small farmers and cottagers ; pos- 
sibly, by having a special class for these something better would result 
at future exhibitions. 
The expenses amounted to a total of $739 76, of which suid $0: was 
paid for prizes, $118 36 for bands of music, $148 95 for materials and 
ereétion of shed, including tables, $180 16 for eleétric lighting and other 
illuminations, $99 69 for printing and advertising, and $17 10 for sun- 
dries. On the other hand, the returns from 492 admissions in the after- 
noon, and 1,790 in the evening, amounted to $332 88, sale of bar con- 
cession $21 00, and sale of shed $50 co. Adding the Government grant 
of $250 00, the total receipts from all sources amounted to $653 88, 
leaving a balance to be paid by the Society of $85 88. As the Directors 
of the Society guaranteed the amount of $250 00, the Committee are 
of opinion that the results are by no means unsatisfactory, although 
they would naturally have liked to see the Show self-supporting. This, 
however, they believe, has never been the case with any Exhibition in 
the colony, and could hardly be expected at first. 
The Committee suggest that in future the hour of opening should be 
much later, say, 3.30 or 4 p.m., which would allow more time for the 
exhibits to be properly arranged, also that no re admittance on one 
ticket should be permitted, as in the evening it was reported that 
return tickets were sold at half-price. 
