THE EXHIBITION PROJECT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 57, 6 March 1912, Page 9

THE EXHIBITION PROJECT.

SITE STILL IJNDBCLDED. TOUR OF INSPECTION TO BE MADE. The executive committee of the proposed exhibition met in the Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon to discuss • number of matters relative to the project. Mr. B. Battle presided. The chairman read the letter from Mr. Bart. Kent resigning hils position as president of the Exhibition, and his own reply regretting Mr. Kent's decision, and expressing the hope that he might still be persuaded to review it. The Chairman explained that eince the correspondence between the City Council and the committee he and some other* had, at the invitation of the Mayor, visited the Domain, but he still believed from a practical point of view Victoria Park was much more suitable for the purpose. The Domain might be very well adavpted from a scenic standpoint, but they had first to consider the practical view. Mr. W. R. Holmes (secretary) stated that he was absolutely certain that Mr. Kent was on the right ground, so far as the financial situation was concerned. Guarantons to the extent of at least £SOOO would be required for the Victoria ißark, burt (more would be necessary if they went to the Domain. He considered also that the Park would he more easily accessible, and it already possessed stand* and other conveniences, which would mean a saving of at least £2OOO, as compared with starting operations at the Domain. He farther contended that the localitv would have no influence on the success of the exhibition—in fact H would probably me»n the uplifting of the locaJitv. He himeelf bad only undertaken the secretarysMp out of personal friendship with Mr. Kent, and should Victoria Park to t^^t [nPd & Wi>m ta compelled to tender his resignation a ?******* formation of a strong depotatmn t„ wait on the Qtr £>«!*,! to represent the Mfcinnente in favour of Victoria Paric „s a sit< , „" moved to that effect, ind Mr L. J Nathan seconded.

,Mr A. BeU cotnhated the opinion that the Victoria Park would be a satisfactory mte. and Aroffgty advocated the Metropolitan Oround as the most suitable spot. He moved as an amendment that the Metropolitan Ground be visited by a committee and necessary information collected.

Mr G. George seconded the amend-! rneiit. He considered the area would be quite sufficient on' which to hold a very successful exhibition. He thought also that it would be a great advantage il one of the large buildings erected could remain for the use of the citizens for sundry public purposes. Personally he was utterly opposed to the Domaiu. Mr G. Elliott expressed the opinion that the Domain was not so far out of the road «* had been contended. It was really central and a tramline could be run right into it. As to the cost of preparing the grounds, he thought the City Council might 'be persuaded to assist, as they had already to effect a number of ground improvements. They must also remember that the outer Domain lent itself admirably to outdoor sports, which section would probably ■become a strong attraction to the exhibition. He considered also that should any surplus come from the exbibition, it could afterwards be put to no better purpose than in further beautifying tbe Domain, already one of the loveliest spots in Auckland. Mr Graves Aickin thought they could ! dismiss Victoria Park from their mind, las he was quite satisfied the City Coun- ! cil would not grant the use of it.

Mr Bell's amendment was lost. Mr Aickin suggested that the Agricultural Society be invited to join forces with the view of having a permanent building erected. He moved as a further amendment that the committee visit the various sites with the idea of selecting what was considered the most suitable. The amendment was carried unanimously and it was decided to make the tour next Fridav afternoon. Tt was also resolved to invite the Mayor and Councillors, the <ity engineer and the city gardener to accompany the committee. On the motion of Mr H. J. Wilson, it was determined to ask the Agricultural Association to become associated wi«h the exhThition project, thus making it rntfustrial. mining, and agricultural. The motion was -carried. Tt was resolved to defer the <rna*tion relating to the position of presweat until the whole matter of site was more definite. Mr Holmes also agreed to defer his resisrnfHon until the situation w»3 clear on the question of site. He pointed out that the correspondence ws» already piling up and that amplications were coming aloujj fr^™~ lff !I!™ parts of the Dominion for spsooe. They meat endesmror to arr+ce at an arrangement as soon as possible.