Christchurch Exhibition

Mr. Simpson, who was 12 years of age at the time, recalls the International Exhibition of 1906, held in Hagley Park. His main interest was in the Machinery Hall where it ran its own power supply from and the radio exhibits. He describes the area around Hagley Park. The exhibition lasted several months and there was a special tram line that went from Cathedral Square to the Avon River which has a bridge built across it.
The buildings were white and gold, very big and lit up at night by two large lighting towers. He saw them erected and demolished. He talks about the beautiful gardens, the lake and activities like the water-shoot, which was very popular. There was a Māori village with food preparation, weaving and carving displays. There were also Fijian fire-walkers with demonstrations everyday. Recalls the English band - Besses o' the Barn and New Zealand orchestras.