MINISTER’S APPEAL

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 103, 25 January 1939, Page 8

MINISTER’S APPEAL

Support For Centennial

Exhibition

“GREAT OPPORTUNITY”

Mr. Sullivan Addresses Manufacturers

Dominion Special Service.

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 24.

The disappointing support given so far to the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition by Canterbury manufacturers was criticized by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sullivan, who is president of the exhibition, at a luncheon given by the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association. Mr. Sullivan said that the part taken by Canterbury so far was insignificant, but he felt that he had only to mention this to the manufacturers of his own province to ensure that they would rise to the occasion.

Those present included the chairman of directors of the exhibition company, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop; Lord Strabolgi; the mayor of Christchurch, Mr. .11. Ji. Macfarlahe; the chairman of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Mr. W. 8. Mac Gibbon. Mr. 8. L. Wright presided. “As local celebrations will be held to mark the occasion in the various provinces, it will be realized that the exhibition will provide the central meeting place where we can demonstrate the progress we have made in such a manner that those who visit the exhibition—and we hope that everyone in New Zealand will do so as well as the many overseas visitors who will visit the country—will be made cognizant of what our country has achieved in the realms of art, culture, and Industry, Mr. Sullivan said. “The exhibition is being controlled by a public company with a capital of £150,000, and of this suin £lOO,OOO has been subscribed. The cost of erecting the main buildings will exceed £240,000, and the amusement park and its devices will cost at least £BO,OOO. It is safe to assume that the cost of erecting the exhibition and the preparing of the grounds will be approximately £500,000.

Government Interest. “The Government is deeply inter ested in the exhibition proposal am originally it made a grant of £50,001 and a loan of £25,0000. This seeom sum has since been converted inti share capital. Still further evidenci of the Government’s interest and sup port is provided in the fact that i promise has been made to the companj that the Government will take up ar additional £1 share for every £1 sub scribed by the public up to the issue capital of the company. When the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition was held in Dunedin in 1925 the share capital was £85,000, and there were 1000 shareholders. For the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition wo have 350 shareholders subscribing £lOO,OOO. These figures speak for themselves iind demonstrate very clearly that, interest iu the forthcoming exhibition is not as widespread as it should be. It must be perfectly obvious to everyone that the Centennial Exhibition will bring lasting results to New Zealand industries.” .

The policy of the Government, said Mr. Sullivan, was to reserve the bulk of the home market for New Zealand manufacturers and for their employees, and to further this object an intensive advertising campaign had been undertaken. The exhibition would give a magnificent opportunity to local manufacturers to present the people of this country with a.true picture of what New Zealand could produce, and of the enterprise and skill of New Zealand manufacturing industries.

Increasing Trade.

At the same time as trade within New Zealand was increased, it was the policy of the Government to increase trade with the Mother Country, said Mr. Sullivan. The policy of ’developing New Zealand industries would me_an that more raw materials would ‘be required from Great Britain. The character of the trade between New Zealand and Great Britain might change, but the Government visualised as a result: of its policy that more trade would accrue as more raw materials were needed. 'Trade ’would become greater than in the past, and the patriotic and sentimental ties that bound the two countries would be strengthened.

Mr. Sullivan concluded with an appeal to every manufacturer to make a. splendid success of the exhibition which was tlie main feature planned to mark the completion of the first 100 years of New Zealand’s history. Mr. Hislop said that he also was disappointed at the lack of support for the exhibition in some parts of New Zealand, but the success of the exhibition was not dependent entirely on the support, of New Zealand manufactur- ; crs. Of the total space available, only 25 per cent, now remained, but the exhibition would not have fultilled its purpose if it did not allow New Zealanders Io see what New Zealauil I'otihl produce. Beside the excellent disposal of space, all bui £lO,OOO or £ll.OOO of the capital of £150,000 was in sight, and the remaining nume.i could be obtiiiut'i! merely for the asking. If was the wish of the exliibitiou authorities, however, ihal the share holding should be as idespread as possible. Success Predicted. Mr. Hislop described in detail the layout and the attractions of the exhibition. and tlie progress of the work so far done. 'l’lie population to which the exhibition was easily available was so large that tlie authorities estimated that 5,000.000 people would pay to see it. and this estimate lie thought, would prove to be most conservative. If •1.250,000 persons paid for admission, the shareholders would receive their money back, and It. was not unduly o p. timistlc to prophesy that there would be a profit to distribute for charities.