A DREAM FULFILLED

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 301, 20 September 1928, Page 12

A DREAM FULFILLED

NEW WINTER SHOW BUILDING MONUMENT TO ENERGY AND FAITH ENTHUSIASTIC OPENING CEREMONY A new milestone in Wellington’s progressive march was passed yesterday, when the Wellington Winter Show Association opened its spacious new show buildings off John Street. As the chairman of the association (Mr. R. H. Nimmo) remarked, it was an epochmaking event, not only in the history of the capital city, but in the Dominion as a whole. The association received the hearty congratulations of His Excellency the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson), the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates), and the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. G. A. Troup), who took part in the opening celebrations, and all of whom referred to the steady progress the city was making, and to the awakening of a civic spirit. The Prime Minister ventured the opinion that the establishment of such exhibitions would result in town and country people obtaining a wider knowledge of what each were doing, and the confidence which this would engender would result in a new era of prosperity for the Dominion.

A luncheon was held to celebrate the opening of the new winter show buildings at noon, when a large number of people were the guests of the association In the spacious cabaret. The chairman of the Wellington Winter Show Association (Mr. R. H. Nimmo) presided, having upon his right the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson), and upon his left the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates). Other guests at the official table were the hostess (Mrs. Nimmo), Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson. Mrs. Coates, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. G. A. Troup) and Mrs. Troup. Hon. A. D. McLeod (Minister of Industries and Commerce) and Mrs. McLeod, and Hon. O. J. Hawken (Minister of Agriculture) and Mrs. Hawken, and Mr. F. Campbell (president of the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association). Beautiful bouquets were presented to ' Lady Alice Fergusson, Mrs. Coates, and the Mayoress, by Naomi and Gwennie Goldsmith and Margaret Nimmo. Amongst the guests were the chairmen of local bodies, representatives of Government departments, several members of Parliament, and leading citizens. An interesting figure was that of Mr. C. M. Luke (chairman of the Wellington Hospital Board), who is the sole surviving member of the executive that carried out the Wellington Exhibition of 1885. An Epoch-Making Event. After the Royal toast had been honoured, the chairman said that it was with pardonable pride that the Wellington Show Executive and Manufacturers’ Executive extended to all present a cordial welcome to celebrate with them the opening of their new building, which was an epoch-making event, not only in the history of the capital city, but in the Dominion as a whole. This great achievement was the culmination of the efforts of a group of truly public-spirited men, who during 1923 convened a meeting for the purpose of “boosting” the city and the surrounding districts. These gentlemen had no mercenary ends to serve. For a long time reproaches had been levelled against Wellington citizens in that it was affirmed that they had no public or civic spirit, but these gentlemen thought differently, and realised there was justification for the city’s motto, “Suprema a Situ”; that Wellington had attractions far in advance of any other city in the Dominion; all that was lacking was an organisation to enthuse the citizens and to take every advantage of the geographical and commercial advantages of the Empire city. As a result of the deliberations of these gentlemen, the Wellington Carnival and Advertising Asso-. ciation was formed, and as a slogan, adopted the three W’s, which was characteristic of their advertising at the present time, meaning Wellington Welcome Week. A huge carnival was organised and carried through with marked success. At a later date a further carnival was held, but on account of the weather it was more or less a financial failure. Later, the question arose as to winter attractions; in the discussion on this subject the present Winter Show Association had its genesis. The two principal executive officers in the early stages were Mr. D. J. McGowan (chairman), and Mr. G. Mitchell (organiser and secretary), and the greatest credit was due to these two gentlemen for the work they had done for the city, and, as all knew, they were both still actively engaged in the work of the association. Spirit of Harmony. “The first Winter Show,” continued Mr. Nimmo, “was held in the Harbour Bon rd sheds; the Manufacturers’ Association entering into a joint arrangement with us for the running of the show —and 1 am pleased to say that | from that day up to the present moment, the Manufacturers’ Association has been closely associated with us throughout the whole of our work, and I wish to pay a tribute to the fine spirit of harmony and co-operation that has characterised the activities of the executives of the two bodies. Especially on behalf of my association would I thank Mr. F. Campbell, the pjresent acting-chairman of the association, and the secretary, Mr. R. T. Edmonds, for the way they have assisted us in the carrying on of this great work. “It is fitting on this great occasion that the various public bodies that have assisted the association should receive a word of praise and appreciation from our executive. First and foremost, we thank the members of the Wellington Harbour Board for their vision and foresight in granting us for four successive years, the use of the Harbour Board sheds. I say without hesitation or fear of contradiction, that had it not been for this action of the Harbour Board, the Wellington Show Association would not have achieved the'success that it has done to-day. Buy New Zealand Goods. “Our first show was a brilliant success and each successive show has proved to be a triumph of organisation and has been backed up to the hilt bj’ the enthusiastic support of the public, ’ continued the chairman. “The Show Association has filled' a long-felt want, and has come to stay for all time in the capital city. One of the most important functions of the Show Association is to bring the primary producers and the citizens together; as this country is almost entirely dependent for its existence on the production and export of primary products, it is only fitting that the citizens should take an active interest in what is the mainstay of the country. The educational value to the citizens from the display of primary products is of incalculable value, especially to the younger section of the community, and as the secondary

industries of the country form a definite link in the economic prosperity of the Dominion, it is in the interests of the primary producers that they should visit our Winter Show to see for them selves the fine quality of the goods which are being manufactured in the Dominion. It should be the policy of the primary producers—and, for that matter also, of the citizens—to buy New Zealand-made goods in preference to the Imported article, as every purchase of New Zealand-made goods’is another link in the chain of the prosperity of the country. Many visitors to the show will readily agree that the standard of manufacture in New Zealand has attained a high degree of quality and efficiency. It will be well for the people of New Zealand to remember that they will help to lower the cost of production by purchasing more New Zealand-made goods, as the turnover of the manufacturers increases, automatically the overhead is reduced.

“Inspired by the steadily-increasing success and popularity of our winter shows, and as each consecutive year showed an increased demand for space —which during the last two. years became so great as to make it impossible for the Show Association and the Manufacturers’ Association to provide adequate housing for the exhibits offering—the Show Association decided the time had arrived to have a home of its own. and after many negotiations we decided nt last to approach the City Council for the use of a portion of the Town Belt, and I wish to say that the Show Association owes a debt of gratitude to the late Mayor. Mr. Norwood, the present Mayor, and the City Councillors. for the assistance they gave us in preparing a draft agreement, the

terms of which had to be placed before the Government for the purpose of amending the Municipal Act, to make it possible for the association to secure a 50 years’ lease of the present site of the show building. I also wish,” concluded Mr. Nimmo, “on behalf of the Show Association to thank the Prime Minister and the members of all sections of the House for expediting the legislation necessary to permit us to proceed with our scheme in order to have the building open for this year’s show.” Monument to Energy and Faith. Mr. F. Campbell, president of the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association, congratulated the Show Association on the erection of such a fine building, which he said was a monument to their energy and faith in New Zealand. The Manufacturers’ Association had always endeavoured to have a good exhibit at the various winter shows, and he hoped they would continue to do so. He was somewhat disappointed, however, at the apathy shown by some of the manufacturers in taking space at the show. He felt that a better display could have been made. lie suggested that a greater number of manufacturers might be attracted to take space if the show were, held at Easter. The Manufacturers’' Association realised the value of the show to them, and that in it they had a shop window for displaying their products that was without parallel in New Zealand. Tn the Wellington Winter Show they had a means of interesting the retailer and the consumer. By means of the manufacturers’ exhibits the New Zealand public could be made to appreciate the value of Dominionmnde goods The Manufacturers’ Association believed that for many years to come New Zealand would have to depend on primary products, but if the Dominion were tn become n truly great country, manufacturing industries had to be developed. New Zealand needed more population, nnd the mnnnfncturing industries must be looked to to absorb a large percentage of that population. Era of Progress. Sir Charles Fergusson, who was greeted with prolonged applause, remarked that there was a saying of that great historian Macaulay which stated All my life 1 have heard of nothing but decay, but I have seen nothing but progress." On occasions such as the one they were celebrating they realised that pessimism had to fall to the ground and recognise the truth of the statement that every week, every month, and etery year saw this country and the world going ahead One could look to the past mid recollect 54 years ago when Wellington College was opened amid a chorus of criticism, it being stated that the college could never succeed because it was outside the town of Wellington. To-day,

however, they were opening a great build ing that was still further away from the centre oi the city than Wellington College. His Excellency referred to linearly exhibition of 1885. when Sir Ju lius Vogel spoke oi the advances made by ■ such exhibitions and envisaged the time when the whole ot the products of New Zealand would be employed for home consumption. The Governor remarked that he thought Sir Julius Vogel could hardly have envisaged what would be the enormous production of our wool and other primary industries. Reference was also made by His Excellency to the exhibition of 181)7 which he said was of particular interest to him, ns Her Excellency was present with her parents at the final proceedings at its conclusion. „ “To-day we start upon a new era, proceeded the Governor-General. t has been a little pathetic in past years to see the struggle of the committee in trying to stage an exhibition under conditions that were neither fair to the committee nor the public in sheds on the wharves. To the U e P\ n f to ? hour Board we all owe a debt ''f gratitude. To-day, however, that has al! rolled away. From an educative point of view such exhibitions as this one are invaluable. They bring together the manufacturer and producer from all parts of the province. They are educative from the point of view of the public in showing what strides our industries are making. They bring together town and country and thus forge a link that is entirely important and pleasant. We. congratulate those who had the foresight to envisage this scheme anil the courage to embark upon it. and lastly, the energy to bring the scheme to fruition. We see to-day the fruits of their labour.” (Applause.) Prime Minister Optimistic. The Prime Minister, who was accorded a most cordial reception, joined with His Excellency in paying a high tribute to the Wellington Show Association for providing such a fine building for exhibition purposes. He wished to especially congratulate Mr. Nimmo and Mr. Mitchell upon the success of their elforts., Such shows as they were open ing that day did invaluable work in bringing home to nil the people an idea of what was being done in both town and country. More frequent contact, better understanding, nnd a knowledge of the types of products were necessary bv all classes of the community in order to assure intelligent and co-operative progress. He was glad to be able to state the figures for the past eight months revealed a much improved trade nosition. Exports for the eight months ending September 31, 1928. ?™w»tedt° £43,076,394, as compared with £3miBJ,695 for the corresponding period last year, an increase of £7.293.699, or 20 per cent. Imports for the same period were £28.893.753. compared with £29,105.373, a decrease of £211.620 These figures, the Prime Minister stated, showed that the visible balance <;f trade for the period was £14,182,641. as compared with £6.677.322 for the corresponding period last vear. or an improvement of £7 505.319. Notwithstanding that the balance of the present year is a period during which imports .are usually heavy, there was solid ground for confidence in anticipating a satisfactory nnd substantial trade balance for the vear. “May I say."'continued Mr. Coates, “that the outlook is even better than the figures I quote. It all points to a solid and definite immediate improvement in our country. Unemployment has already decreased, and although we hear a lot against secondary industries there has been an increase in output in New Zealand. Everyone should support the secondary industries, nnd such exhibitions as the one we are at present opening do good by allowing both town and country to see each other’s work.

The hydro-electric expenditure may stagger old-fashioned people, bul cheaper power will benefit the country districts and city industries. I think we can look forward within twelve months to a return to a prosperity hitherto tin eoualled in New Zealand. (Loud ap•lnuse.) The Prime Minister went on to quote the following factory production figures for all industries in the Dominion Inc. 1922 1927 p.c. Persons engaged .. 70,316 81,904 16 Value of products 67.146,269 53,012,503 24 Added value 27,101,944 32,799,021 21 Value of land, buildings, etc. . .. 41,384,219 62,723,021 52 The Government’s action in developing a plentiful supply of hydro-electricity throughout the country had freed indnsdustry from the handicap from which it bad suffered in past years through the difficulty of obtaining a cheap and plenti ful supply of coal and oil power. With a healthy trade position, there was no reason why industry should not receive a stimulus making for increased prosperity and progress. The unemployment situation was undoubtedly improv ing, and there was every reason for being optimistic in regard to the future. New Spirit of Confidence. The Mayor of Wellington (Mr. G. A. Troup), in extending the city’s congratulations to the Winter Show Association, said that the task was no light, one. So great was it that there' were not wanting those who were sceptical, and prophesied failure, but undismayed by the bigness of the venture, they resolutely set about the thing they had planned for, and worked for over many years, meeting and surmounting any difficulties as they arose, and to-day they could justly look on the result of their plans nnd their labours with some sense of satisfaction and pride. “Wellington owes them a debt of gratitude —an obligation which I sincerely hope and belie’, e she will remember and honour Jiy supporting the show in every way she possibly can,” declared the Mayor. “The efforts of those who have given of their time and money is one that should certainly meet with every encouragement that the public can give. “As you have been told the building as we see it now is not complete, and I for one ain glad of that, as I would not like to think that the front, as it now appears, is to be the finished front elevation. An addition of 70 feet has to be added to the front of the blank and bare tin wall in existence at present, and this new portion will be surmounted with a large central dome and two smaller terminal domes, giving to the building quite a different appearance from the inartistic front which we now see. “I sincerely hope that the association will make this addition an urgent matter. and obtain funds at the earliest moment to complete their remarkable effort. “Wellington has not in the past had many men of enterprise to advance her interests. Most of the warehouses, trading concerns, insurance, and shipping companies, are branch houses, the head quarters of which are in Dunedin. Auek land. Australia, or Great Britain, and the result of this is that the profits made in Wellington are not spent in Wellington. and Wellington institutions are not supported to the extent they should be by reason of this fact. New Spirit Arising. “Of late years, however, quite a number of Wellington enterprises have been started, and many manufactures are being successfully carried on. A new spirit is arising in the community, of which this Winter Show is evidence, and I sincerely hope that this spirit will grow

until the great bulk of Wellington en terprises shall be promoted, owned, and carried on bv Wellington men. Such a condition will go a long way in creating that public spirit, which is so essentia in the promotion oi all that. is beneticiaJ and progressive in city lite. “It is just as well that it should be stated that the Wellington City Council is a big partner in this concern, said the Mayor “The land on which this building is erected, is council land, and but for the assistance and co-operation of the council, this project would never have come into being. ... ,■ •‘'Pbe whole enterprise is but one ct the evidences of the new spirit ami confidence that is arising in Wellington. It is to be seen in the many new and important buildings being erected in the city It is seen in the new industries winch are springing up !, . ls tobe ?? ell |/J 1 the increase ot population and in the lugger housebuilding programme. His Worship went on to refer to the improvements going on everywhere in the citv. During the past year, he said, apart from private enterprise, the City Council bad completed a programme o work exceeding any programme earned out during any two or three years in tfitpast He referred to bituminised roads, street widening, new reserves, improved roads, drainage for Miramar, creation q! a civic centre, tramway extension, acquisition of Mount Cook site. National Art Gallery, and Dominion Museum, citizens War Memorial and carillon of bells, the acquisition of Quinton’s corner, and. last of all. the effort to provide a civic aerodrome The Government was also making provision for a new railway station the Tawn Flat railway deviation, and the Massey Memorial. Presentation to the Secretary. Mr Nimmo. on behalf of the executive of the Wellington Show Association, then presented the secretary (Mr. G. Mitchell) with a timepiece, as a mark of appreciation of the work he had done. In doing so, the chairman paid a high tribute to the work which had been done for the association by such men as Mr. John Myers and Mr Mitchell. The latter had had the vision to see the possibilities of such an unsightly spot as “Jam I ,n Gullv,” and his enthusiasm and industry had had much to do with placing the association in the proud position it was in that day. . .. Mr. Mitchell, in returning thanks paid a tribute to the work which had been done for the association by Mr John Mvers. Mr. D. J. McGowan, and other officers in the past. The Mayor and councillors of the city of Wellington also deserved their thanks for granting the use of the site. “It is their site, and it is yours.” remarked the secretary, who went on to refer to the good work which had been done by the contractors, they had had to do some hard driving to ge the building done in time, and that it was so far forward was a credit to all concerned. Presentation to the Chairman. “■When the Show Association entrusted us with the preparation of plans for the new building,” remarked Mr. J. 1. son, of the firm of Messrs. M atson, Gooder and Lee, the architects for the Winter Show building, in making a presentation of an enlarged framed photograph of the building to the chairman of the association (Mr. R. H. Nimmo), “we found the problem a fourfold one. “In the first place the site, with its great disparity of levels, presented difhculties in arriving at a starting point viz,., the establishment of the main floor level. In this connection we were most ably assisted by the surveyors, Messrs. Martin and Dyett, who put in a tremendous amount of spade work before this starting point could be arrived at. It is doubtful if the association realised the tremendous amount of labour which went to this phase of the work.

“In the second place, came that bugueur of the architect, the necessity to pro vide a maximum of floor space at the lowest possible cost. In this connection you will doubtless be interested to learn that the cost per square foot of the 160.000 odd which the building embraces has worked out at approximately six shil lings. It is difficult to imagine that the Show Association will not be able, to show a good return on so low a capital cost ns this. "These financial limitations are, of course, reflected in the strictly utilitarian character of this portion of the building, in which no embellishments could be indulged in. “The third phase of our problem was the extent of structural difficulties encountered. When it is borne in mind that more than n third of the area covered had tr lie supported on piles driven through the accumulated rubbish of years to an average depth of about -40 feet it will perhaps be appreciated that the provision of adequate foundations was in itself a problem. Then again, the demands of the association for a maximum of floor space unimpeded by supports or cross walls necessitated the adoption of roof spans of exceptional width, and a special system of wind-bracing. “Finally, the fourth phase ot our problem was the absolute necessity of having the building completed in time for this year’s show. In tin’s connection the asso ciation were fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr. Swanson, who in addition to the necessary ability put every ounce of driving force into the completing of his contract.

“We were naturally very disappointed that the scheme was to be left in its present ineompleted and uninspiring state froi an architectural standpoint. No one was more sorry than onr Mr. Gootler when it was discovered that the main facade, to the composition of which he had devoted so much study, would have to remain on paper only. We trust, however. that the affairs oi the association will prosper so well that the time is not far distant when the scheme will be completed. and the building more worthy to rank as a serious contribution to the civic architecture of the city.” OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY PERFORMED BY GOVERNORGENERAL Wellington lias good reason to be proud of this year’s Winter Show and Industrial Exhibition which was opened yesterday by the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson. From the local •standpoint the exhibition reflects in compact fashion most of the occupations of the people of the city nnd province. Activities of a much wider sphere are covered, however, and exhibits of a national character are represented on a scale that is highly creditable. After the Governor had declared the exhibition open the vast competitive and industrial displays were subject to the critical examination of people accustomed to a high standard, as previous shows go. An inspection of the various exhibits enabled both city and country folk to readily judge for themselves the potentialities of the provirtce and the resources of this Dominion. A tribute to the calibre and spirit of the gentlemen comprising the Executive of the Show Association was paid by the chairman, Mr. R. H. Nimmo, at tlie opening ceremony following the official luncheon. “They undertook a tremendous task,” said Mr. Nimmo, “but, nothing daunted, they turned the stumbling blocks, and there were many, into stepping stones; and they pressed on with determination and enthusiasm to achieve their objective. With the ad-

vent of this building they have removed for all time the reproach that there is no civic or community pride. amongst Wellingtonians. With the erection of this building the association lias conferred a boon on the city mid established a legacy for posterity in New Zealand's capital. Who could measure the good which would accrue? Who could foresee the inevitable boon to the metropolitan future when Wellington had reached the quarter million popula tion mark to which it was so rapidly tending? The growth in the last decade had been phenomenal. To-day in civic enterprise. in port facilities, in buildings, in trade, Wellington easily led the cities of the Dominion. His executive had always realised the potentialities of this wonderful city, and having now achieved their objective, all they asked in return was the loyal support and patronage of the citizens mid the residents of the surrounding districts. This great gift to the city brought a great responsibility. The structure had cost over £50,000. It was therefore the duty of the citizens to do their bit and lend a hand by doing all in their power to further the interests of the Show Association at all times. Those endowed with worldly goods might well endow the association and bequeath in testamentary manner to such - a praise worthy object.” The Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson). whose remarks were on the lines of those he made at the luncheon said that for the last few years the manufacturers of Wellington and the producers had struggled against great difficulties in trying to produce a show under conditions that were entirely unsatisfactory. In the past the show had been held in sheds lent by the Harbour Board, but the space available was insufficient. That was all changed now, due largely to the energy and courage of the committee and those who contributed to the scheme. Now there was a building that was a credit to Wellington and the Dominion. His Excellency paid a tribute to all those who had worked so hard to make the building they were opening a success —the contractor. the architect, and the workmen and the artisans who threw themselves wholeheartedly into the scheme so as to have the building ready for opening day. All should realise, or try to realise, what the building would mean, not only to Wellington, but to the Dominion. In it the public would have nn opportunity of seeing for themselves the potentialitie of this great Dominion. In declaring the Exhibition open, Sir Charles Fergusson wished it every success and hoped the scheme would receive the full support and co-operation of all. EUREKA VACUUM CLEANER Considerable interest will be taken in the new model Grand Prize Eureka Vacuum Cleaner, seven times champion of the world, which is being exhibited at the Winter Show —not only by housewives, but also by managers of hotels, business firms, and others; in fact, by any who have to meet the question of general cleaning. This wonderful Eureka, which is the only super-vacuum cleaner in the market, has now been perfected to include all classes of work, and as a special attraction during the show, the Company offers to all purchasers of the Grand Prize Eureka, one of their superior floor polishers, free of any charge. The convertible new model Eureka enables one to use this cleaner conveniently for motor-car cleaning, window cleaning, and also church and theatre use. During the short time since the Eureka Company, commenced business in New Zealand, Eureka has already become very well and favourably known, and the Winter Show will do much towards bringing this wonderful product before the public.—(Published by arrangement.)