The enthusiasm of all visitors made the proceedings from the time the crowds commenced to gather at mid-day particularly exciting, and towards the climax there was a very present danger of the thousands who jostled outside the single turnstile becoming out of control. The fact that no injuries of any consequence were received by the excited participants reflected the very greatest credit on the police, firemen, and the Exhibition officials who handled the situation.
Early in the afternoon a big gathering of those already in the Exhibition assembled near the gates and awaited the signal for the final rush through the single turnstile. As the time drew near many left the grounds to take part in the exciting scramble for the prize. Outside, the crowds grew to unprecedented proportions. Trams and buses brought hundreds to Logan Park, and the great majority waited outside to take their place in the final queue.
When the moment came for the shutting down of all save one of the turnstiles a gathering estimated at 6000 surged outside the gates. At last the general manager came forward, a checking machine in his hand, and the single stile was opened. With a sudden rush the people outside formed into a solid mass before the opening, and the counting of the final numbers commenced.
Attendants worked to keep the excited crowd under control, while the total grew one by one. At last, the general manager stepped forward. Mrs Mitchell was gently seized by the arm and before she or the expectant crowd knew quite what had happened, the official party had stepped aside into one of the enclosures to await the arrival of the police whose task it was to clear a passage through the big throng.
Three hearty cheers for each of the ladies were led by the president, the general manager, and Mr Arthur Barnett who was also present. In the main office Mrs Mitchell was presented with a cheque for £25. Mrs Irwin received a handsome silver tea service from Messrs Walker and Hall, of Sheffield, and Mrs Bateman was congratulated as the winner of the third prize, presented by Messrs McLeod Bros, a large box of assorted soaps.
The three millionth visitor is a native of Dunedin and one of the many who visit the Exhibition every day. "I knew the total would be reached some time to-day so I came down on the offchance, and, of course, I did not dream I would be so lucky. The crush outside the gate was terrible, but we got through at last. I must congratulate the ladies who were immediately behind me in the queue, though they might easily have been first. As for myself, I wish I could say more — it has truly been my lucky day." — ODT, 29.4.1926
