THE EXHIBITION.

Evening Star, Issue 18334, 23 July 1923, Page 3

THE EXHIBITION.

TO TUB EDITOR.

Sir, —I am a New Zealander born (in Dunedin) and bred, proud to belong to the British Empire, of which the dominion is so notable a part. I am keenly interested in all just movements having for their purpose the advancement "of that Empire, because I realise that her outlook is a wise one,'and her prosperity means the betterment of the world. Doubtless the spirit abroad at tho present time is calculated to make one just a little sceptical, and to furnish an opening for the cynic; but I have faith to believe this will pass. The best brains of our nation are trying to bring order out of chaos, peace out of strife, and a measure of unity out of disruption. Some of us venture to think that that great word Imperialism has lost or is losing its mana, and that tho brotherhood of men and nations must henceforth bo tho rahying point of all the forces of good. _ Britain and tho United States of America must get into step and march side by side until ivo can sing with tho poet:

Lovo took up tho harp of life, and smote on all the, chords with might; Smote the chord of self, that trembling pass’d in music out of sight.

This by way of introduction. I notice that tho question of international versus Imperial exhibition has still to bo decided. Tho Christchurch Industrial Association speaks with emphasis in condemnation of the former, and its lino of argument is easily understandable; I do not intend to deal with it here. I think a good deal enn be said in favor of tho wider outlook which would advocate an international exhibition, as a far nobler ideal for our dominion. Wo aro told that tho Pacific has come to occupy a very important place in tho world, and this being so, Now' Zealand should play a leading part in the development of British influence. The following prophecies of two of the world’s foremost thinkers would seem to ho about to be fulfilled(l) The Pacific Ocean, its shores, its islands, and the vast region beyond, will become tho chief theatre of human activities and events in tho world’s great hereafter. (2) The Mediteranncan era died with tho discovery of America ; the Atlantic era has reached the height of its development; the Pacific ora, destined to bo the greatest, is just at the dawn. Our exhibition is to bo the first in the Pacific since the period of reconstruction started. Why not, then, make it a world-famous undertaking, drawing to onr shores tribute from all nations? What could bo more inspiring to our rising generation, on which so much depends, than to have tho vrorld’s treasures opened up in our own dominion? Onr nation stands where she is to-day because she freely welcomed trade from every corner of tho earth. Wo want our exhibition to bo a success financially, and to bring our dominion into prominence. Open the gates as wide as possible; let the nations of tho earth come, and visit our beautiful country. While the exhibition may be looked upon in the primary sense as for the promotion of trade, may we not embrace tho opportunity it will afford to help on the great cause of humanity by bringing all nations into friendly touch, and_ so expand tho Imperialistic idea into the grander international ideal? I think it is important to have tho project set agoing as quickly as possible—time has a habit of slipping by; great _ propaganda work is needed, for this is a great undertaking. Let the exhibition be international; let it be worthy of_ our Empire and a credit to our dominion.—l am, etc.. Forward. July 21,