EXCITEMENT AND NOISE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22894, 15 December 1939, Page 7

EXCITEMENT AND NOISE

LACK AT EXHIBITION CRITICISED Not enough has been done at the Centennial Exhibitiori to induce excitement, too much emphasis having been placed on its educational value, according to Mr J. J. W. Pollard, director o*f the South Islands Travel Association. Mr Pollard was in Christchurch yesterday after having been at the exhibition since the opening. “The one weakness of the exhibition is its lack of noise and excite-, ment,” said Mr Pollard. “Too much emphasis has been placed on its educational value, which, of course, cannot be denied; but there is insufficient music, and too little to induce excitement in the crowd. This comment, of course, does not apply, to the amusement park, but to the main buildings. “I believe* that the exhibition authorities are attacking this side of the problem,” he added, “so that the exhibition may be lifted out of the category of a glorious museum, and become an exciting show.“Personally, I feel that a great opportunity has been missed in the failure to organise a New Zealand band, or a. New Zealand symphonic orchestra. Another shortcoming is the lack of facilities' for sports meetings and the presentation of outdoor events to big crowds.” Mr Pollard said, however, that the exhibition as a whole was undoubtedly the greatest show New Zealand had ever seen. American visitors had been amazed that after only 100 years the Dominion could produce such displays, and had compared it favourably—allowing for New Zealand’s population—with the World Fair and the Golden Gate Exhibition.