THE EXHIBITION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 18

THE EXHIBITION

BUILDINGS PRAISED

VISIT BY MR. J. W. COLLINS

Mr. J. W. Collins, who recently returned to Wellington from Canada, was an interested visitor to the Centennial Exhibition grounds last week. In company with Mr. C. P. Hainsworth, general manager, a thorough inspection of the whole of the grounds and buildings was undertaken. -Mr. Collins has had a long experience of largescale enterprises of a like nature overseas, and has acted as Commissioner on behalf of the New Zealand Government at Dunedin Exhibition (1925----26), and for nine consecutive years at the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto.

The site chosen, said Mr. Collins, was' excellent in all the circumstances, and the lay-out was deserving of the highest praise. The type of building would prove most suitable to the needs of exhibitors. The grouping of the main buildings, under practically one roof, was. in his opinion, a far-sighted policy, and one- which would be appreciated by the general public, giving it ample protection in wet and unsettled weather. The main entrances, too, were most imposing, and the wide spaces, just inside the turnstiles, for the parking of cars would undoubtedly be highly appreciated by motorists because of the facilities provided for quick access and exit. Mr. Collins pointed out that one of the chief disadvantages experienced at the Empire Exhibition at Glasgow was the absence of shelter from rain owing to the wide spaces between the different pavilions. This fault fortunately was not repeated at Rongotai. The construction of the buildings reflected the highest credit on the contractors, added Mr. Collins, and the exhibitors would find a high ceiling, splendid interior lighting, and the wide placement of pillars to be most helpful when planning their stalls or space. He commended the building of dual band shells (of the most modern design), which would surmount a problem experienced at Dunedin, where, during unsettled weather, the one stand available could not be used.

As a Wellingtonian, Mr. Collins felt proud of the undertaking; and felt sure that the public response would be most; favourable when the gates were opened next November.