451 



probably that you will open anotner show in Penang, and I 

 am confident that your name will be greatfully remembered, 

 in connection with each show you have opened here, as that 

 of the promoter of a permanent and valuable institution. 

 There can be no doubt as to the value of these shows. The 

 use of them may not be immediately apparent to all of us, 

 but there is no doubt that their tendency is a most useful 

 one. The conditions vary a little — for instance the fruit 

 season has come and gone before the date fixed for the 

 opening of the present exhibition, and some of the native 

 industries are better represented than others because the 

 site of the show this year is more convenient for those 

 exhibitors. I ask your Excellency to declare the show open. 



Speech by His Excellency. 



The Governor said: — Mr. Bland has referred to me a 

 great show-opener and has prophesied that I should not 

 have the opportunity of opening another show in Penang, 

 and I ought therefore to make the most of the present 

 occasion. As Mr. Bland said, it is four years since I 

 opened the last show in this place, and certainly the in- 

 tervening four years have taught the committee in charge 

 of the arrangements a lesson which they have been very apt 

 to learn. Going round this morning, it was impossible to 

 avoid comparing this show with that held here four years 

 ago, and in every respect I am sure you will say, when you 

 go round the various buildings , that this present exhibition 

 shows a distinct improvement not only in the arrangements 

 made for the convenience of visitors, but also in the variety 

 and character of the exhibits. These arrangements reflect 

 the greatest credit on the committee, but I am sure the 

 committee will all agree that the greatest part of the credit 

 is due to their indefatigable secretary, Mr. Fox. Mr. Fox 

 has furnished me with some figures which will enable you 

 to understand the advance which this show exhibits on that 

 of 1905. 



A Few Figukes. 



The area covered by the buildings this year is 75,000 

 square feet, as compared with 45,000 square feet in 1905. 

 That shows, as 1 think the calculating boy would work it 

 out, an increase of 75 per cent. The cost of the building 

 w r orks out at $4,000 as compared with $3,460, so that you get 

 75 per cent, more building for 25 per cent, less money. 

 This is distinct progress, especially when money is so 

 scarce, but 1 think it reflects the greatest credit on those 



