EXHIBITION MUDDLEMENT. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume LXXII, Issue 149, 21 December 1906, Page 3

EXHIBITION MUDDLEMENT. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — Might I crave space in your columns to ventilate my experiences as an exhibitor at out International Exhibition. I presume that others have had a taste of what I have had, and if so, the public should know how their great shov/ is being managed. I was allotted space in the gallery of the main building, and received notice that my space was in the position marked on the enclosed plan, out as no plan was enclosed, I made application to the local secretary, Mr. H. i\ Allen, for the missing plan. Mr. Allen wrote for this plan time after time, and sent telegram after telegram, but it was several weeks before he was asked to inform me that the Exhibition Commissioners had no plans prepared for the gallery spaces. Tho absence of any information relating to tho allotted space compelled me to leave to the last minute arrangements and decorative work which had then to be performed in Christchurch at rates 300 and 400 per cent, above usual charges. I had my exhibit of loose leaf ledgers, which is valued at £160, in readiness for the opening, and made arrangements for attendance, etc., under Rule 9, "which states that tickets for this purpose would be supplied free to admit exhibitors, attendants,' and workmen ; and Rule 37, which states that exhibitop must keep their stands and exhibits in good order and well displayed during the hours .of the Exhibition being open. Two days prior to the opening ceremony I applied to the director of exhibits for the necessary tickets, and was to.d by him that they would be posted to me the following day, as they were not then ready. These tickets have never reached mo yet. I have twice written since to the director of exhibits, but had no reply whatever. I enclose you a copy of my last letter written and posted seven days ago, and as I can get no satisfaction of any kind to my communications I am compelled to give publicity to this state of things. 'Meanwhile my exhibit is gathering dust and cobwebs, and owing to the fact that almost all who were allotted space in tho gallery declined to fit up their exhibits, that portion of the Exhibition is deserted by visitors, with the result that the few who kept faith with the commissioners and completed their exhibits have paid for space that is valueless, and which is very poorly lighted at night-time. Added to this is the additional waste of time and trouble which exhibitors are given through the neglect of the officials to carry out their duties and to show ordinary courtesy ' by acknowledging receipt of correspondence. The enclosed letter speaks for itself. — I am, etc., HUGH DOUGLAS. 19th December, 1906. [Enclosure.] D. C. M'lnlyre, Esq.,. Director of Exhibits. Dear Sir, — I applied to you for attendants' tickets for admission to Exhibition two days before the opening ceremony, and was told by you that you were posting these tickets the following day. I wrote again to you a fortnight ago, renewing my application, and so far have not even had an acknowledgment of receipt of my communication, nor have any tickets been received. As it required about six letters and three telegrams to elicit the information that "the Exhibition Commissioners had no plan of the gallery in which Mr. Douglas's spaco is situated," I am not much surprised at the management which ignores letteis from exhibitors who wish to comply with the rules. Rule 9 I need not quote to you, but if there is any further delay in supplying these tickets I shall ventilate my experiences through another channel. I am informed that the gallery is practically empty of exhibits, and 'that as a result the few who were allotted space there, and paid their money, had all their trouble and expense for nothing, as visitors will not go to admire those barren walls, while dusty and neglected exhibits, the t fault of Exhibition officials, will not conduce to improving matters. J hope these will be no further trouble on thia score. — Youra faithfully, HUGH DOUGLAS. 12th December.