THE EXHIBITION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 78, 29 September 1938, Page 11

THE EXHIBITION

PRESS PUBLICITY

WARMLY APPRECIATED

Mr. C. P. Hainsworth, general manager of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, in an interview today said that the directors and himself heartily appreciated the very helpful national attitude of the Press to the big enterprise. ' • "Before I left on my mission overseas," he remarked, "I recorded my thanks to the newspapers for their assistance, which is necessary to assure success for the Exhibition. This very valuable aid was continued during my absence, and has been well maintained since my return to Wellington. It is very pleasant and stimulating indeed to see the numerous clippings which show > day by day the newspapers' broadminded treatment of the Exhibition in their' news and editorial columns. "This well-sustained friendliness has helped importantly to impress the national aspects of the Exhibition - on people throughout the Dominion, and to create a favourable opinion of the spectacular plan for a worthy, representation of the, various provinces. THE TOURIST VIEWPOINT. "It is particularly gratifying to observe that the publicity value of the Exhibition, from the tourist viewpoint, is recognised by a number of newspapers in districts remote from Wellington. For example, here is a comment of the 'Southland Times':— "Tn the comparatively brief space of time devoted to the Exhibition much more can be done by an adequate display than would be possible through organised publicity over a period of years. Nowadays the tourist traffic is eagerly sought by almost every country in the world. Tourists are good for business. They spread the news of good scenery and good sport; and an influx of visitors from other parts of the country or from overseas means benefits for the entire province. ' There is every reason why Southland should overcome the handicap of geographic ..remoteness and announce in unmistakable terms its achievements in pioneering farming and sport, its important share wi the history of the early days, and its vision of still better achievements m the future.' . ..•' . "I have noticed, too, that some of the editors have commented on the importance of the Exhibition period m the opportunity which it provides for mutually helpful meetings of people from all parts of the British Commbnwealth, meetings which help .to strengthen the British organisation for maintaining peace in the world. Xt is recognised by many of the most intelligent folk in non-British countries that a strong Eritish Commonwealth is necessary for world peace. Unquestionably such an occasion as the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition can have its part in helping to increase that necessary strength for the benefit of mankind"