The procession then continued its way to the dais erected in front of the orchestra, in the north tower, where an original cantata, composed by Henry Kendall, the well-known Australian poet, with music by Signor Giorza, was sung by united choirs numbering 450. The per formance was brilliantly successful. The circuit of the building was then made by the Governor. The machinery hall not being ready, was not opened. At the conclusion of the cantata the Commissioners presented a short address to the Governor, who replied. This was followed by further performances by the chorus and orchestra, which rendered Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, the Austra* lian Anthem by Giorza, and " Ged Save the Queen." His Excellency then declared the Exhi bition open, congratulating the Colony upon the success of its efforts \o gather the representation of the art achievements and industrial forces of the globe. He said the event was an era in Australian progress. He welcomed the representa tives of foreign countries, British colonies and possessions. The announcement that the Exhibition was open was re ceived with cheers by the throng within the building, and was vociferously taken up by the crowd outside. The opening having been communicated to the city and harbour by a pre-arranged signal, was celebrated by salutes of guns from the batteries, manned by the Perma nent New South Wales Artillery Force, and from the British, Austrian, French, and German war- ships in Farm Oove. The vice-regal party and suite visited each court in succession, the foreign and Colonial Commissioners standing before their respective courts to receive his Excellency. The weather was beautifully fine, and, generally, the arrangements were excel lent and gave every satisfaction. The exhibitors were more advanced in their arrangements than was anticipated, although various courts were far from complete, with the exception of New Zea ; land, Japan, Great Britain, and Victoria, Although the Queensland Court alone was thoroughly complete, nearly all on the main floor present objects of interest. New Zealand is well forward, her natural resources being powerfully represented. Prominence is given to her exhibits of wheat and other cereals, timber, building stones, marbles, and flax. 