THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 175, 21 April 1937, Page 10

THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION

International in Scope GENERAL OUTLINE OF SCHEME All Parts of Community to be Catered For Following upon Monday’s meeting of the directors of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition Company, the general manager, Mr. C. P. Hainsworth, made a statement yesterday, outlining generally the plan of the exhibition. “It is the intention primarily,” said Mr. Hainsworth, “to cater for the interests of every section of the community. It is proposed that the exhibition shall be international in character, and negotiations will be instituted in due course for official representations from the Home country, the various Dominions of the Empire, and from as many foreign countries as possible. The New Zealand Government, we hope, will be characteristically represented. Under the proposed scheme it is hoped that each country will have its own pavilion o r will secure space which it 'can effectively utilise for the display of its products. Provincial Displays. “In addition it is proposed that each province of New Zealand shall be separately represented by ample and comprehensive exhibits reflecting its own resources. Apart altogether from the provincial courts, the aim is to have, preferably in separate structures, exhibits representing the primary and secondary industries, engineering, motor transport, educational displays, artisans’ works, and general exhibits. “It is proposed to have included in the plan a large festival hall, which will house all manner of attractions, vocal, musical, dramatic and pictorial, as well as provide a centre for big meetings and conferences. Then there will be a special building embodying a restaurant, tearooms, and general refreshment rooms, bandstands, and an administration block, with offices for the directors and chief executives (including the staff which will handle the money). Entertainment Plans. “Regarding the entertainment to be provided at the exhibition,” he continued, “it has been decided to engage for the full period a first-class military band from England. Apart from that, it is proposed that from time to time the best of New Zealand’s bands will be engaged to give recitals and performances either within the buildings or in the grounds. Musical organisations and concert companies, etc., will also be engaged as artistic attractions as occasion demands. “In the realm of sport, it is intended to hold a series of big athletic and sporting events of every kind, and in that connection it is proposed to secure as an adjunct to the exhibition the Kil'birnie Stadium, which adjoins the exhibition site. Provision will also be made for the holding of pageants, pyrotechnic displays and a brass bands contest. Big Amusement Park. “Approximately 12 acres will be set aside for the purposes of an amusement park, which will be equipped with the latest devices and thrills for all ages. “We also hope to be able to provide space for a car park, capable of accommodating some 3000 care at a time. An‘extensive system of flood and decorative electric lighting will be installed. This is an essential feature of all modern exhibitions, and in that respect it is hoped that something more advanced than Now Zealand has everseen will be devised. “Another feature of the exhibition will be an artificial lake, which will provide means of gaining those beautiful effects which can be obtained by the union of electric light and water. An attractive feature at most recent exhibitions has been an illuminated fountain, in which coloured lights make dazzling effects on the jets and spray of the elevated water. Such a fountain may possibly be placed in the centre of the artificial lake.” Mr. Hainsworth also stated that all essential services to the public would be provided, including bureaux for the Post and Telegraph Department, public telephones, a police station, a depot for the Free Ambulance, a left-luggage and lost-articles room. The grounds were to be laid out by competent landscape gardeners, in lawns, shrubberies, rest parks and flower beds. The suggested period of the exhibition is six months; the time the summer of 1939-40.