THE EXHIBITION

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 242, 9 July 1938, Page 10

THE EXHIBITION

Elaborate Public Services

CRECHE. FIRE BRIGADE AND POST OFFICE

Elaborate plans to eater for the convenience and protection of the public are being made by the directors of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition. Among the facilities to be included iu the scheme will be a creche where mothers can leave their babies while they look round the exhibits, lunch at the restaurant, sport at the fun fair, or listen to the Welsh Guards Band. The interesting feature of the creche is that when the exhibition is over it will be converted into a sports pavilion for Rongotai College. The provision of such a pavilion was one of the requirements of the college in granting the exhibition company the use of a large portion of its playing fields for the duration of the exhibition. With this in view, the creche had to be specially designed as a separate building suitable for conversion to a pavilion, and for transport to a suitable part of the college grounds after they have been restored to their normal purpose. The architect submitted alternate plans, showing the building first as a creche and afterward as a pavilion, so as to obtain full approval of its suitability for either function.

In the 15-acre block of the main buildings, largely made of wood and composition, there cannot but lie a certain danger of fire. The most thorough precautions are being taken against this risk. There will be a special fire brigade stationed permanently at the exhibition, with permanent quarters in the administrative offices. An engine will be attached to this brigade, and garaged at the grounds. Hydraulic reels will be provided throughout the buildings, all within easy radius of their neighbours on either side, while the ornamental ponds will be available as an auxiliary water supply if needed. The attendants and cleaning staff, who will be in the building at all hours of the day and night, will be trained as emergency fire-fighters. Every aspect of this important question has been considered by the directors in conjunction with the Wellington Fire Board. In the administrative part of the buildings will also be St. John Ambulance Brigade headquarters, to cope with accidents and emergency cases of illness, or to deal with any possible mishap in the amusement park or elsewhere. There will also be police and customs offices." The exhibition site is to be declared a bond by special legislation, so that exhibits landed from overseas will be exempt from duty, unless they are sold in New Zealand after the exhibition. In that case they will become liable for the usual duty and sales tax; but will lie exempt from any imposts if removed after the exhibition to their country of origin. This is the explanation of the presence of customs officers. Banks will be represented at the exhibition, and will maintain banking chambers in the buildings for the service of the public, while it is also expected that the Post and Telegraph Department will include a working post office in tlie Government court.