THE INDUSTRIES FAIR

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22484, 19 August 1938, Page 17

THE INDUSTRIES FAIR

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, —It was my intention to hold back my criticism of the management of the Industries Fair until it was closed, but in the interests of the country visitors I feel it my duty to state my case. For a few years there has been a marked deterioration in the quality of the display of goods. In fact, the strictures passed on our Glasgow display apply with even greater force to the local Industries Fair, where the chief exhibits are lack of imagination and artistic presentation. If the committee were chosen from among those very few firms whose every day exhibits of their manufactures are of a pleasant and non-aggres-sive type, it would be very much of an advantage to our local industries as a whole. The make-believe high pressure, imitate-America style, so much in evidence, could well be replaced by the methods of those fejv firms who can present artistically the goods they make and sell. Instead, the committee seems in the main to be composed of unimaginative rule of thumb, small town men, whose < place is anywhere but in the direction of dignified and pleasing publicity.— Yours, etc., ’ , ENGINEER. Timaru, August 13, 1938. TO IHI EDITOR OT THE PRESS. Sir, —In “The Press” of Saturday 1 note a letter by James F. Andrews complaining of not being allotted space in the show. I must say I agree with him most heartily, for the committee uses its short-sighted policy of declining entries from' many useful and instructive exhibits that are as big a draw as any. People travel especially to see working exhibits in which I say this year’s show is sadly lacking, and preference is shown to certain individuals who are allowed to exhibit foreign-made articles. One exhibit I certainly did miss—the exhibit of British-made sewing machines working local wool into useful ornamental mats. Children from the country have no other opportunity to see these working exhibits but at the show.—Yours, etc., INTERESTED, August 15, 1938. TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir,—l notice in to-day’s paper, remarks about the so-called New Zealand Industries .Fair, and a reply from the management stating the children must be protected. But I fail to see that the children are properly protected from being fleeced at this show. One of my children came home with a cane, for which 4d was paid. The commercial value of the cane is not more than a halfpenny, and no doubt it is Japanese-made. My complaint is not against the vendors, who cannot be blamed for making as much as they can; nay complaint is against the hypocrisy of advertising so much about New Zealand industries and shutting out good displays of British and American manufacture, which are helpful and highly educative. It would be very interesting it some of your readers could explain the main object of the show. Is it to make a profit for a few individuals or is it superabundancy of loyalty to the New Zealand manufactures? Also, tell us how to proceed to be able to commercialise by obstructing the King’s highway by running merry-go-rounds. Surely one citizen has as much right to do this as another. —Yours, etc., FAIR PLAY AND EQUAL RIGHTS. August 15, 1938. TO THE EDITOR OF THR PRESS. Sir,—Do the promoters of the Industries Fair now being held contend that they are making a success of its purpose. What was it? 1. Exhibition of New Zealand-made goods. 2. Exhibition of New Zealand handicraft. 3. Supporting local manufacturers. Will the authorities tell mevthis? 1. How do they allocate their space? 2. Is it first come first served? 3. Is the space let by contract tender? 4. Do they arrange space before they advertise? 5. Do they have a date when applications for space close, or have they regular interest customers who dictate their own .terms and conditions, and obtain preferential treatment? The larger manufacturing firms with Influence on the committee of the Industries Fair have the monopoly of space and position. Would the secretary be prepared to lay open for public investigation the applications for space, with dates, and the allocations and dates, and supply the information of the system of allocation? • I should also like to know what is the real idea of running an Industries Fair. Is it to provide knowledge for adults and fim and enjoyment for the children? If so, it has failed miserably in both directions. Let us take some of the machinery, textile goods, etc. Are they all of New Zealand manufacture? I examined some of the partitions that divide the stalls, and was astounded to find imported material taking the place of New Zealand products. The partitions of one stall exhibiting New Zealand timber and textiles are made of imported composition. After a minute examination of the Whole of the fair I have arrived at the conclusion that it is nothing more nor less a. glorified advertising stunt for a few privileged manufacturers at the expense of the prospective enjoyment of the children who are certainly not provided for in the fair. —Yours, etC " FATHER. August 15, 1938. [Asked to comment on the above letters, the secretary-manager of the New Zealand Industries Fair (Mr T. Hyde) said; “I would point out that while criticisms or suggestions submitted direct would be welcomed by my committee, members are not disposed to reply to anonymous correspondents.”]