ALL-BRITISH EXHIBITION

Evening Star, Issue 14512, 2 November 1910, Page 5

ALL-BRITISH EXHIBITION

GREAT IMPERIAL SCHEME. [From- Oue Special Correspondent.] LONDON, September 25. The main outline o£ a scheme for a great All-British Exhibition, to be held in London in 1915, has been supplied to me this week by tho Union Jack Industries League, a non-party organisation formed to support home and colonial products and manufactures by economising the systematic demand for a purchase of British-made articles. Between now and 1915 other displays of British goods will bo held under the auspices of the League, the object being to prepare the public and work up its enthusiasm for tho climax five years hence, when there will take place the greatest exhibition confined to products of the capital and labor of British subjects ever held. —Magna Charla Anniversary.— Not only has the Union Jack Industries League inaugurated this Imperial scheme for the development of “ industrial patriotism,” but it is also the first body to propose the celebration of the anniversary of Magna Chnrta, the granting of which marked the foundation stone of British freedom. Though it is proposed that the Exhibition itself w ill he opened on Empire Day, May 24, 19,15. there will be a unique celebration on Juno 19, that being the 700 th anniversary of the famous Charter. Tho liberties enjoyed, not only by the people of the British Isles, but also by those throughout tho Oversea Dominions, are ultimately basecl upon Magna Charta. It is fortunate, therefore, the year 1915 should be one in which an Imperial Conference will assemble, for tho opportunity would be afforded to tho Prime Minister of the Dominions to attend this interesting historic celebration. —Object of the Exhibition.— Tho main object of tho Exhibition itself is to demonstrate the agricultural and manufacturing capabilities of British possesions throughout the world. Each dominion or colony would, as far as practicable, erect its own exhibition building. The plan of the Exhibition would afford visitors tho opportunity of, figuratively speaking, touring the Empire—that is to say, its geographical distribution will be followed as far as possible. Among the many interesting features of the Exhibition would be a Palace of Empire, with a. Congress Hail and Art Gallery attached. In the Congress Hall meetings would be held for tho discussion of numerous subjects of Imperial interest. The social side of the Exhibition would he provided tor by means of an Empire Club, and tlh commercial by a General Bureau of Information, with an Emigration Office attached. It is 100 early yet to give a classification of exhibits, but it is intended that they should be of the widest Itossible range, in order to represent ©very feature in the industrial life in the British Empire. One important class would consist of exhibits designed to popularise the study of social conditions at home and oversea, and illustrating tho various movements nowon foot—the Garden City movement and others—for the betterment of hygiene and the conditions of domestic life. Popular amusements in great variety will be arranged for, including cricket and other games, rille shooting, intercolonial competitions of numerous kinds, and displays of mimic naval warfare. —£500,000 to be Raised.— As regards the financing of tho enterprise, early steps will be taken to raise a guarantee fund. The exact amount which it will bo necessary to raise has not yet been determined, but it is provisionally estimated at £500,000. Appeals will be made to the home and colonial Governments for support in this as well as in other directions, and in order that British subjects throughout the world may become personally associated with the enterprise it is proposed to open a public subscription list. Ample funds will bo necessary to meet all preliminary and administrative expenses, the cost of erecting buildings, and other expenditure until revenue from the Exhibition itself begins to come in.