DUNEDIN EXHIBITION

Dominion, Volume 17, Issue 288, 22 August 1923, Page 7

DUNEDIN EXHIBITION

QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT . SUBSIDY.

At yesterday’s meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce Mr. F. Meadowcroft drew ention to the fact that a deputation from Dunedin had asked for a subsidy from the Government for tho proposed international exhibition. He moved: “That in view of tho fact that the committee of the Dunedin Exhibition were making their exhibiton an international one, and have appealed to the Government for a, subsidy, this chamber enters its protest against any sum of public money being advanced by the Government'to assist foreign countries (which includes late enemy countries) entering into competition with British or our own mnaufactures ” In subnrtting this resoltion, Mr. Meadowcroft stated that ho did so as the representative of British manufactures in New Zealand. Were the exhibition Imperial no such objection would arise, but he did not think. one penny of public money should be given to an international exhibition, which would be free to the manufactures of all foreign countries, including late enemy countries. Mr. 11. D. Bennett thought that the resolution was altogether too drastic, and he could not support it in its present form. Mr. D. A. Ewen said that even if German goods were exhibted —and he did not think they would be —why not let people see what Germany would send ? - Mr. A. L. Hunt moved as an amendment that the chamber favour a subsidy for an Imperial exhibition This was seconded by Mr. H/ D. Bennett. Mr. Ewen asked what would happen were the chamber to favour the resolution and it should have the effect intended. It would mean that boots from Franco would be barred, whilst English boots made from German raw material could be exhibited. Mr. J. F. Martin thou"bt that no resolution at all should be passed. It was clear that there was divided opinion on the subject. Mr. Meadowcroft thought it might meet the council’s views if he moved a motion in a more modified form, viz., “That this Council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce wou’d lend- its support to n Government subs:dv for the Dunedin Exhibition provided it was confined to Emp re products.” _ . After further discussion, during which several members urged that no action should be taken Mr. Meadowcroft’s substituted motion was defeated by nine votes to five.