HOKITIKA EXHIBITION.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17938, 5 December 1923, Page 8

HOKITIKA EXHIBITION.

ARRANGEMENTS WELL

FORWARD.

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HOKITIKA, December 4

ZUr -Menzies, the artist, who is painting the mountain scene over tho main entrance of the Hokitika Exhibition, is doing very creditable work, and the facade will be, when finished, a remarkably true depiction of a number of alpine peaks. The three topmost peaks are being painted purple, capped with white, conveying an impression of distance, while those in the foreground are in green, indicating greater proximity and lesser height. Tho inside decorations of the buildings are well conceived, being in large spans Oi coloured drapings across the lull width of the roof, 'inese are striking, and the effect produced will impress visitors greatly on first entering tho main building. Many stands are in course of erection, out the main rush will come later in the week, when it is expected that the large number who will be at work will make for the expeditious completion of the preparations. Three West Coast exhibits which will attract great attention from visitors will be the Westland Court just inside the main entrance, where produce from West Coast farms .«will be displayed, that by the Hokitika Gas Company, and the exhibit of the State Forestry Department, which will include examples of the exotics which have been planted with such great success on the reserve on the Ross road. A suite of Exhibition offices haa been executed in neat design, beawer-board being used. This material will be utilised for many of the stands. The Health Food Company is having an exhibit stand constructed on a very ambitious scale, and Messrs Aulsebrook and Company, who have secured a stand near the band rotunda, have their workmen in. A first-class .exhibit will be set up, and' no pains spared in its display. Many other stands will probably be completed before this one. The band rotunda has been specially lighted and decorated, and is in a fitting position for the opening ceremony. The sawdust used in the avenues for the public is sprayed every day with water, this.having the effect of producing an agreeable temperature. In Mr D, J. Evans, the Exhibition Council possesses an energetio and indefatigable secretary, whose devotion to the project has contributed a great deal to the support enlisted and the success which may now be confidently anticipated. The Exhibition Council met last evening, when some important correspondence was dealt with. A letter was received from Mr J. L. Morgan, District .Traffic Manager of Railways, notifying the arrangements for the opening day. There would be five trains from Greymouth, these leaving at 8 a.m., 12,20 p.m., 1.5 p.m., 4.40 p.m., and 9.15 p.m. Those departing from Hokitika would leave at 7.55 a.m., 1.8 p.m., 4.40 p.m., 6.30 p.m., and 10.6 p.m. The 6.30 p.m. train from Hokitika would connect with the Runanga and Blackball trains, leaving Greymouth respectively at 9 p.m. ana 9.10 p.m. A telegram was received from the Hon. J. G. Coates stating that arrangements had been made for running through carriages from Christehurch to Hokitika during the Exhibition. A view of the Exhibition by the Ministerial party was arranged for 11 a.m. on the opening day. It was decided to adyertise fares to Hokitika from various places having railway connexion. The Ross Lime Company notified that it would forward a truck of carbonate of lime for exhibition. Provisional arrangements were made for the accommodation of visiting performers. Ono of the finest models of a sailing vessel ever seen on the West Coast will be exhibited by Captain P. J. Dowell, of the Tees. The model is seven feet in length, and is carvel built in teak and kauri. It was built by the captain himself in the Ngakuta. The model from which the Ngakuta was constructed, which is somewhat larger than the one mentioned, will also be shown.