Evening Express

CARDIFF EXHIBITION. J "J— —T- BIRD'S EYE .VIEW* The Opening Ceremony A FUNCTION OF UNPRECE- DENTED GRANDEUR. [BY "MORIEN."] On Saturday Cardiff fully justified the efforts of Mr. J. M. Maclean, M.P., to induce the Government of the Queen to recognise it as the Metropolis of Wales with a Lord Mayor at the head of its ancient corporation. The scene in the vast Exhibition buildings on Saturday afternoon suggested to the mind the words of the Prophet Isaiah respecting ancient Tyre when he said its merchants were princes. In every direction one beheld men of light and leading, who are in the front rank of the commerce of Wales, and whose high standing in the world of trade is known in all parts of the globe. They had, for the day, locked their ponderous iron safes and closed their counting-houses and proceeded to assist, as the French would say, in the task of opening the Cardiff Exhibition. The official world of Glamorgan and Monmouth was re- markably well represented on the occasion. At the head of the official ecclesiastics was the Lord Bishop of LlandafF, looking hale and eminently fit. The local judges of the county- courts, stipendiary magistrates, coroners, and shoals of magistrates were there, the last- appointed ones wearing, one thought, a new expression of gravity on their countenances, due, no doubt, to the arduous studies in the mysteries of "Coke upon Littleton? and "Stone's Guide to Magistrates." One noticed the following members of Parliament present: —Mr. J. M. Maclean, Mr. Alfred Thomas, Mr. D. A. Thomas., Mr. Pritchard Morgan, and Mabon." The mayors of the following towns were there, wearing their robes and chains of office: Cardiff, Swansea, Tenby, Carmarthen, Neath, Newport, Brecon, Hereford, Cowbridge, Kidwelly, Lampeter, and the Brecon deputy-mayor. Each mayor was accompanied by the town- clerk of the corporation he represented. Lord Windsor (the mayor of Cardiff), was accom- panied by Lady Windsor. Her ladyship's presence added much to the interest of the event of the day. Her ladyship is of the family of Paget, and an English writer de- clared that all the sons of that family are heroes and all the daughters angels. It would be difficult for even a Welsh bard to go beyond that, and I will leave that expres- sion to say all I had intended to state re- specting her ladyship's presence on Saturday. Expressions of regret were often heard during the day that Lord Bute, Lady Bute, and their highly-interesting children were unable to be present on the deeply-interesting occasion. Had young Lord Dumfries been there it was felt the vast assembly might have been favoured with a Cymric speech by him, which most certainly would have inspired "Mabon" to thunder a series of "Clywch, clvwen," such as lie occasionally indulges in within the walls of St. Stephen's, just to remind Father Thames fod yr hen Gymraeg etto yn fyw. One now and again heard it said, "Strange Sir William T. Lewis, Bart., is not here." Then the smiling reply came, to the effect that Sir William was otherwise engaged in London. Mr. Robert Forrest, St. Fagan's, was present in scarlet uniform, and upon him devolved the arduous task of discharging the duties as chairman of the Exhibition Execu- tive Committee. It is hardly necessary to state those duties were discharged by him with tact, courtesy, and energy, qualities characteristic of the man. The opening ceremony was preceded by a C> luncheon at the Town-hall, presided over by his Worshipful the Mayor. Another luncheon took place within the precincts of the Exhibi- tion buildings. Both were largely attended, and the repast at each was of the richest character and of a nature worthy of the dignity of the Metropolis of Wales. The Exhibition buildings are in the Cathays Park, and the principal entrance is from Park- place. which is within a few minutes' walk of the Taff Vale and Rhymney Railway Stations, and can be reached in a quarter of an hour from the Great Western Railway Station. The day was beautifully fine with sunshine, and the vast attendance of the fair sex present appeared in costumes suitable to the merry month of May. The view in Park-place was exceedingly pretty. The street some hundreds of yards in length, described a lovely avenue of green foliage, the branches from trees on each sido of the street nearly touching each other at the top. Then both sides of the road were lined with Venetian masts from which fluttered flags of all colours. Then flags were strung from mast to mast, the entire length. The interior of the park is completely isolated from the town. It is as flat as a table, and is bordered with trees, now in full foliage. The entire space is generously placed at the service of the committee by the Marquess of Bute, and the authorities have manifested their apprecia- tion by, as it appeared, utilising every inch of it for the service of the Exhibition. In ancient days this park has often been the rendezvous of the native Princes of Morganwg et Glamorgan, and probably its even sur- face is the result of the levelling work to adapt it for the marshalling of Welsh squadrons thereon. On its border next the town are the ruins of the great monastic institution called the Grey Friars, erected by Robert, the son of King Henry and Princess N'est Tudor of Dynevor. During at least iour centuries this spot was the centre of the monastic religious life of this part of Gla- morgan. In Welsh the name of the street formerly called "Crockherbtown," but now Queen-street, was Heol Llys y Cawl, or the street of the soup court of the monastery. The ancient churchyard connected with the Grey Friars is now ccvered with hothouses, the property of Lord Bute, and in which the most delightful itropicaJ fruits are grown, and over the graves of many a monk and many a holy nun roses. and lilies bloom. So sacred did Prince Owen Glyndwr regard this very spot that when he crushed the Norman power in Glamorgan and gave the rest of Cardiff to the flames he spared this Grey I1 riars and the Order of Friars Grey. Over this park, age after age, the melodious tones of holy anthems were wafted on the night breezes. Here were heard the Gregorian hymn: "Dies inc. dies ilia, Soivet steelum in favilla, Teste David cum Sibylla." One cannot very well understand what good the above words, fine, no doubt, as they are, were calculated to impart to the Welsh natives. Most of us prefer, I am sure, the Welsh hymns Mr. Tom Stephens and his choir is about to render nightly, if not daily, in the Exhibition building. I have supposed the above brief account of the ancient historica.l associations of the field in which this great Exhibition is held is opportune at the present moment. It will serve also to remind English visitors of the continued existence here of what the song calls "The Noble Race of Morgan." A few minutes before three o'clock in the afternoon the mayor's procession entered Park-place, after traversing St. Mary-street, Duke-street, and Queen-stieet, from the Town-hall. The streets were on both sides lined with well-dressed people. The carriages containing the mayor (Lord Windsor), accompanied by Lady Wind- sor, the members of the corporation, and. the < I PLAN SHOWING ROUTE FROM 32AXLWAY STATIONS TO I ■EXHIBITIONS. mayors of other towns mentioned above, who I were the guests of the corporation of Cardiff, were preceded by a fine body of mounted police, riding very fine chargers. Imme- diately in front marched a brass band, play- ing appropriate music. At the principal en- trance into the Exhibition buildings Mr. R. Forrest and the other members of the Exhibi- tion ccmmittee received the mayor, mayoress, the members of the corporation, and their distinguished guests. The procession, having alighted from the carriages, now re-formed and passed into the Rosebery-hall, ■which >s a part of the Exhibition buildings. The scene j uioidr; this building was a very fine and j striking otie. Every bit of space ia the vast I building was occupied, and the audience j seemed to be entirely composed of the well-to- ,I do class. One beheld faoes there from aD parts- of Glamorgan and the county of Monmouth. The procession hied on to the platform, in front of which was an advance space for the speakers and for the performance of the ceremony of the day. The mayor of Cardiff (Lord Windsor) took his aliooted seat in the I centre. On his right, sat Lady Windsor and the mayor of Bristol, whom Lord Windsor pointedly alluded to as being present. On his lordship's left sat the Bishop of Ltandaif, Lord Tredegar, and Mr. R. Forrest, Grouped on each plank, and in the rear of the platform, were the members of the corporation and the mayors of other towns, in scarlet, and wear- ing their gold chains of office. The mayor of Cardiff also wore the official robe of black. richly adorned with gold lace, and around his neck was the splendid mayoral gold chain of Cardiff. It is not generally known that I these mayoral gold chains are late substitutes for the ancient gold torchau, or torques, of ancient We'sb, or rather Briton, chieftains. I It is on record that three hundred Welsh chiefs rode into ?lie Battle of Cadtraeth, in the north of England, each having a gold torque around his neck. All present now rose to their feet, and the National Anthem was rendered by the choir (led by Mr. Tom Stephens, Treorky) and the entire people. The volume of music was supremely fine, and it seemed to thrill Dr. Parry, who stood on the right wing cf the platform. Then the Bishop of Llandaff said grace. This was followed by the to the mayor of Cardiff, reported ??h?¡'7(,. being read by Mr. Walter Caok<x i-or. secretary to the < Exhibition commit! j >\> present stood on < tnesr leet when this was being done. The mayor (Lord Windsor) now advanced to the space in front of the platform, and as he did so he was received with general cheering. His lordship held in his hand a few sheets ci ncries to gaide him in his address, but other- KdjJe he spoke extemporaneously. He did so witSi gentle energy and in tones that every word he uttered could be heard in every part of 1the great building. It seemed as if the Cardiff mayoral office has been to Lord Windsor a school of eloquence, and that the Metropolis of Wales has given a fresh orator to the House of Lords. In his speech his lor<jiBhip interpolated a pretty compliment to ME. Edwin Seward, architect of the buildings. During the proceedings Mr. Seward presented to Lord Windsor a beautifully-made gold key, symbolical of the key of the Exhibition build- ings. Then followed the singing of the DoxaJogy. Then the voice of the Bishop of Llaaia-fr again rose in prayer for blessing on all. This was succeeded by the choir and band rendering the "Hallelujah Chorus" (Handel), again led by Mr. Tom Stephens. After this Mr. Thomaa Evans, of Cardiff, sang the solo of the "Old Land of My Fajiihers"—such is the correct translation of the title in the vernacular. The audience joined J teartily in the Welsh chorus. In- deed, after so much in the English language, it positi trely seemed that in the fine verses and musiic of "Ieuan ab Iago," Pontypridd, the souls of the Welsh people found a relief in which tijey revelled. So charmed was a dis- tinguish. xl London journalist at this vocal outburst of Welsh music and words that he asked me who was the composer, and on my telling Itutft his name in English was Mr. Evan James, weaver, Mill-street, Pontypridd, and in Welsh "leuan ab Ia-go," he seemed astonished. "When ?" he next asked. "About 35 years ago." He replied, "What! no more?'' "No," I answered, and added, "Hù lived votil quite recently, and I knew him well." Lord Windsor, mayor of Cardiff, now in stentorian tones proclaimed the Exhibition open. The vast multitude now separated II and proceeded to view the wonders of the buildings and the marvels of the grounds. I visited the model colliery in the grounds. It has a lamp-room, with genuine colliery ilampmen engaged in manipulating Cianny lamps. On presenting myself at the larip- room window, and saying, with an air of authority, "Lamp, please the l&nipman seemed to forget for a moment tha,t he was simply iitere for show, and, apparently regarding the writer as at least a deputy •inspector of mines, or perhaps a "gaffer," Srurriedly advanced and, saying "Yes, sir," actually h;tnded me a clean Cianny. I would invite the attention of all to two wonderful exhibitions in the grounds, both of which I visited, vizo., the panorama of the Battle of Waterloo and that of the "Flying Lady," f I can bear witness to the correctness of the battlefield, for I walked over it during a visit I paid to Brussels a few years ago. The -charge of the Scotch Greys, seen on the left, ;18 a stirring scene, and made one inclined to .cry out the battle-cry of the gallant regiment, aaameiy, "Scotland for ever I" HISTORY OF THE VENTURE. S.he idea of holding an exhibition on a large scsile originated with the free library committee of the Cardiff Corporation frwo years and a haltf ngo. The corporation were fortunate in securing- the patronage of -the Queen; Lord Windsor accepted the post of president, and the comra it-tce consist of Messrs. R. Forrest (chairman), S. A. Brain (vice-chairman). D. T. Alc tajider, P. W. Carey, J.P., La^celles Carr, .i.P. E W. M. Corbet*, J. B. Ferrier, John Curia, J. H. HaJlett, E. Haneook, C. J. Jackson, F. H. Jotham. T. T. Rees, T. H. Riches, W. Riley, H. J. Simpson, E. T'uonias. J. OS. Todd, and W. Cook (hou. secretary). Moot, of -these gentlemen represent great in- teres in the town of Cardiff and tho ooimiy of G ixniorsran. h. was necessary to raise a guars mtee, fundi to guard the promoters against lose. 4tnd :t vigorous canvass resulted in pro- mises of support, amounting to JB22,000 being tecure d. The Marquess of Bute granted a. site, nemelfc, a portion of his beautiful grounds known as the Cathays Park. Here have been I erected many imposing and in some respects handsome buildings, which, together with the oost of laying out the grounds, preparing for their iT fcnmnatiou. and otfegsr^wowsoriea, have their iT fcnmnatiou. and otfegsr^wowsoriea, have involved) an expenditure of about j630,000, vhile a further sum of over £ 20,000 is ex- pected to be laid out on numerous other attractions devised by a syndicate formed for that purpose. The building fur the exhibition prcper has been erected after the designs of Mr. Edwin Seward, R.C.A, F.R.I.B.A., and has been well devised and equally well conetructed for the purposes of the great scheme determined upon by the execu- tive. The-style of the facade is Moorish, which has been skilfully modified for the tem- porary purpose required. A large area, some 350ft. by 100ft., lias been reserved in front, which. allows ea&y access to the portal of the building, which is imposing in (effect and elegant in design, being a decorated horse- shoe archway of 40ft. in heighfc, and of propor- tional width. Its staiacrite-like projections and deep recesses give opportunity for a bril- liant scheme of colour, supported by rich shadows. The portal is flanked by two towers, crowned by Oriental domes, which are repeated at each end of the extensions of the frontage. Back of the entrance the roof rises to a central dome, the apex of which is little less than 100ft. from the floor. On entering, the visitor sees before him a vista of warm and bright colour, crowded with objects of interest. At his left is the entry to old Cardiff, at th\; right the foe-proof doors leading to the fine art gallery. At the termination of the central alley an immense hal. is placed crosswise to it, and 'here are placed' the vast number of objects forming the engineering exhibition. From this openings give upon the ornament al grounds which surround the. buildings. Among the many interesting features of the exhibition is a reproduction of old Cardiff, with, a model of the Town-hall in the centre. Around are dis- posed models of a town gate, and of ancient houses with their sixteenth and seventeenth century fronts. A background is formed by a scenic representation of the ancient castle, with the Curthose Tower and the church tower of St. John. There is also a fine it-odel of Shakspeare s house. Too much space would be occupied by a detailed descrip. tion of the contents of the principal sections: consequently, only a general idea of them can be given. The Fine Art Section, under the charge of Mr. C. J. Jackson, L.S.A., and Mr. J. A. San-t, which oovers a space of 9,600ft., will oontain some of the most valuable paint- ings lent by pubiio bodies, noblemen, and gentlemen. Among those who have sent pic- tures are the Leeds Corporation, the Corpora- tion of Cardiff, Lord Windsor Lord Tredegar, Lord Aberdare, Mr. O. H. Jones, Mr. Insole, Mr. C. T. Clarke, Mr. Evans (London), the Chantrey Trust, Mr. C. J. Jackson, Mr. S. Andrews, Mr. Freeke, and1 Mr. L. Alma Tadema. Fine specimens of sculpture have been brought together by Mr. Goscopibe John, nearly all the foremost sculptors being repre- sented. Mr. J. Pyke Thompson and others have lent many ohoice works in water colours, a-ad there are striking black and white drawings Then there are enamels and miniatures lent by Lord Tredegar, Lord Llangattock, and' Mr. J. L. Wheat-ley, and choice engravings—duplicates from the print-room of the British Museum, which have been placed at the disposal of the exhibition committee by the trustees of that institution^ In the Antiquities- Section are marvellous, rare, queer, and quaint articles too numerous to mention. There are exceptionally :-hoice specimens in the Department of Cera- mics, which will afford lovers of this form of ait great enjoyment. In the Machinery, Electrical, Local, and General Industries, the Great Western) Railway Company exfelbit the ibroad igautge engine, "Lord of the Isles," built for the International Exhibition of 1851, a model of ill modern express engine, and sundry other objects connected with railway construction amd work. The South-Western, the North-Eastern, Lanoashiro and Yorkshire, the Great Eastern, Midland, South-Eastern, Caledonian, North- Western, and the Taff Vale Railway Companies are also contributors to this department. A working coal mine and marine models are ex- reedingly interesting. Rare books and manu ? scripts and choice photographs are also to be met with. A working dairy will undoubtedly prove attractjvo to farmers. Music will be made a feature of the exhibition. The best military bands will play from time to time, iind facilities are given, fcr holding ike musical fe.stiva'. of SoUlÍl Wale' in the exhibition. Con- :?erare to giver, in the. Rosebery-hall, which win hold 10,000 pocple. The grounds ire beautifully laid out; there are a canal and lake, on which water carnivals are to take place, the ima-in approach k. the exhibition, is :('ether with powerful arc lights, have been pro- vided for the purposes of illumination. Park- I place, the main approach to the exhibition is quite a brilliant spectacle. Penetian masts have been erected from Queen-street to the main entra.nce. To them are attached shields and! festoons of flags, and between them are suspended bunting and oètreamers. A substantial carriage way has been constructed, and cement I I .? THE COAL MINE. 1 pavements lead from the park gates to the entrance to the exhibition, and the contiguous ground has been plan bed with flowers. THE SECTIONS. The Mining Section. The mining section is under the chairman- ship of Mr. I. Treharne Rees, who is sup- ported by an influential committee, composed of the leading colliery owners and mining engi- neers of the district, Mr. W. Gascoyne Dalziel acting as honorary secretary of the committee. The principal feature, which is dealt with elsewhere, is, of course, the working colliery, which is likely to attract the accomplished collier, the roving "Shoni Hov," and the "Cardi Mawr," who has been immortalised in the Welsh comic song of Mr. John George, of Treorky. There is also a model gold mine, exhibited by the patentee, Mr. W. Keats, who also exhibited it at Chicago and in California. It is a realistic representation of gold mining operations in the Saratoga Mines, in the Rocky Mountains. Especially worthy of note is the exhibit of the Messrs. Powell-Tillery Com- pany, who have succeeded in obtaining a, block of five and a iialf tons of coal from the Black Vein at one of their collieries. It is probably the largest block of coal that has yet been ex- hibited anywher. The Patent Nut and Bolt Company exhibit a block of coal 10ft. 3in. in length, and between 3ft. and 4ft. square. It weighs nearly four tons, and illustrates the extreme hardness of the character of the coal. The Dowlais Iron Company, the United National Colliery Company, Messrs. Dixon, the Tredegar Iron Company, Messrs. D. Da-vis and Sons, Ferndale, and North'd Navigation Company are also exhibitors of representative specimens of coal. The machinery portion of the mining section comprises an immense variety of machinery and appliances, pitprops, explosives, and manu- factured goods. Plans of the docks and railway properties have been furnished by the companies them- selves, and portraits of the leading personalities in connection with those undertakings are on view. There is also a general collection of drawings from various exhibitors, colliery owners, mining' engineers, and others. Those who are interested in local geology will find a section showing the stratification underlying the town of Cardiff to a depth of 1,140ft, as proved by the borings at the Crown Preserved Coal Company's works. The Working Coal Mine. Much interest will centre in the working coal mine. On entering the mine visitors will find themselves'at the bottom, of an ordinary steam coal downcast shaft. Visitors who decide to explore the workings will be Supplied with lamps, which will be duly examined at it lamj) station "underground1." The second, or "rise, haulage road leads to the face of the workings, where two "headings" and a, "stall-road" are shown with a system of "coding" and "gobs'' illustrated as in ordinary workings. The travel- ling road is of the ordinary dimensions, and the trains, which have been lent by the United National Collieries Company, have been brought from actual work in one of their collieries. The "timbering" throughout the entire mine a special feature, the "collars" and "arms" being of exceptional size and <>»xengtli. The work of erecting this timbering has been carried out by Mr John Jenkins, a timberman at the Cymmer Colliery, who has attained a high reputation in the Rhondda. Valley as a timber- man. Coal, lent by such firms ae the Messrs. Nixon, the Ocean Company, the United National, North's Navigation, the Dowlais, Tillery Company, and the Tredegar Iron Com- pany will appear in the min' while the Jails for making trie roadways have been lent by the Bleanavon Company. Pumping operations will be shown by an electric pump, and an I electric coal cutter, which will be supported (if nne may so express iti) by electric drills will be of interest. One part of the mine will be lighted' by eleotrioity, and altogether the all rangements are those of a model mine. Health Section. This section occupies about 9,000 superficial feet. It will be popular with the visitors, being a great attraction, and not an attraction only. The element of practical utility is one that will be distinctly served by most of the exhibitej crowded into the i-pa-ee. alio ted. A model hospital is fitted up with beds and all the usual' appliances, and the daily routine and working of such an institution is shown to demonstra* tion. A series of lectures is also proposed tit connection with the St John Ambulancsf Association, showing how to render first aid efficiently, and both tha hospital and thf lectures will certainly prove to be of inestimably service in the future through the thousands wh4 will see the one and listen to the other. One of the most interesting stands is that of the Cardiff Chemical Company, who illustrate •' analytically the properties and products of wood by what is called destructive distillation, Messrs. J. Duckett and Son (Limited), Burnley, j Lancashire, are very much en evidence with am interesting exhibit of sanitary specialities in brown glazed earthenware. Their chief feature appears, to be a variety of .self-acting tipper* supplied with water, and working several forms < of automatic slop-water closeta and flushing J tanks. Visitors had'an opportunity on Satur»"' day of witnessing one of these tanks discharge ten gallons through a set of latrines' the velo- I city and consequent force of the flush was so great that the operation occupied but four oil five seconds. The ware made by this northern firm appears to be of excellent quality and finish. Pr ice'.} Patent Candle Company (Limited), I London, Liverpool, and Manchester, I have a very handsome black and gold show case 16ft. high. In the centre is a block of stearine, with two life-size busts of her Majesty I the Queen in gtearine, and four representation* of Bertholdi's Statue of Liberty at each corner, beautifully modelled in stearine, standing oii, blocks of the same material, which look like the finest white marble. There are also pyramids < of their celebrated1 gold- med'ai pal- i matine, stearine, best mraffin, and: atrapnetine candles, which the made of a 'beautiful semi-transparent and opaque "j and 68 highest awards at international and •: Price's Company have obtained the highest awards in the three greatest candle manfactu. ? iing countries in the world, viz.. Grand j Paris, 1889t; Grand Prix, Antwerp, 1894- Grand Cross of Honour, Amsterdam, 1895: 3 and 68 highest awards at International and other exhibitions. The large case was shown at Chicago, 1893, and was awarded"- five gold medals, and at Antwerp^ 1394, it obtaained the Grand Prix-i The local firms represented include Messrs.^ W. H. Allen and Co., Sessions (Limited), Ccrfield and Sons, John Williams and Sons* (Queen-street), Perkins Brothers (St. Mary- street), Aridersons (Queen-street), and Vaughaa (Queen-street}. The Machinery Section. One of the most important sect-ions, the machinery, occupies the westernmost bay, or two-fifths of the entire exhibitioin. In the centre of the building comes the electric light plant, serving the double purpose of being an interesting exhibit and doing the whole of theif electrical work of the exhibition. The steam* pipes, after serving the electrical plant, supply a pair of Braithwaite's high-speed engines', which drive the main shafting at 180 revolu- tions per minute. The steam is then carried into the mining section and to the model coal mine. One of the first exhibits to attraot at»- j tention is that of t-he "Western Mail," who i have erected the celebrated linotype and ? other printing marlines near Messrs- Robin- son. of Rochdale, and a tobacoo manufacturing plant by Messrs. Franklyn and Davy, of Bria- tol. The next exhibit is a model bakery by. Baker a.nd Co.. of London. The stand of the) Taff Vale Railwuy Company shows samples of forgings of various parts of engines, and then t!io finished work as it is turned out for the machines without any expenditure of hand labour. A working model is shown of one of the company's patent tips at Penarth Dock, which it is contended is fitted with the latest and best- development of nutomatic anti- brc-aka.ge boxes. The Bute Docks Company exhibit a fine pair of hydraulic engines and accumulator, hydraulic capatta, &nd severaj 1 SANTIAGO AND THE LAKE, j