This proclamation was issued in 1905 inviting all nations to send exhibits to a forthcoming international exhibition to be held in Christchurch from November 1906 to April 1907. The exhibition was described as illustrating 'the progress, position and potentialities of New Zealand in industries, manufactures, science and art', and it was specifically addressed to settlers, manufacturers, tourists and foreign merchants. Apart from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra (in the top corners), the other people shown are New Zealand's governor, Lord Plunket (centre top); Premier Richard Seddon (top left), who was the prime mover of the exhibition; Joseph Ward (top right), who was minister of industries and commerce and the issuer of the proclamation; and the mayors of Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin. The imagery – native plants, shipping, farming and a Māori warrior with waka – gives some hint as to the major themes of the exhibition.