OLYMPIA PLAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 173, 23 July 1936, Page 8

OLYMPIA PLAN.

SCHEME SUPPORTED.

"AN ESSENTIAL AMENITY." COMMENT BY MR. AHUM. "So far as the Manufacturers' Association is concerned, T am sure they will welcome the idea and do everything possible to further it," said Mr. J. A. C. Alluni, president of the Auckland Manufacturers' Association, this morning, in commenting 011 the statement by the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, directing attention to the need for establishing an Olynipia in Auckland.

''It luii-; always been realised that the using of the Harbour Board's sheds for exhibition purposes can only be a temporary expedient, and two or three attempts have been made to set lip an exhibition trust, having for its object the erection of a suitable building and the conducting of exhibitions without personal gain". So far the attempts have not succeeded, and this is not surprising, as a building for exhibition purposes alone could not be expected to pay commercially. What is required is an Olynipia, suitably designed, for the holding of exhibitions, sports events and large public gatherings. There is 110 suitable building in Auckland at the present time, and the need, for one is increasing as time passes. It Would have to be recognised, however, that at the best such a building would scarcely do more than pay its way. On the other hand, the amenity is one which is essential for a city the size of Auckland.

"Year by year," added Mr. Allum, "my. business instinct is offended by the large sum spent in making the wharf sheds suitable for exhibitions, and then by the further expenditure of money to pull down what has been erected. As a temporary expedient, the policy cannot reasonably be criticised, but it lias now gone on for lifteen years. That is far too long, and the time is overdue when arrangements should lie made for a permanent home for the exhibition. When this is done the stalls can be erected in parts, bolted together and simply assembled and stored between exhibitions. This alone would result in a very considerable annual saving."

Mr. Allum further explained in reply to a question that the proceeds from the exhibitions in the past had been shared equally by the Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the Manufacturers' Association and used to further the interests of these two organisations. The Manufacturers' Association had accumulated a fund running into several thousands of pounds, and he was sure the association would do its part in assisting to develop the Mayor's suggestions relative to the establishment of an Olympia.