THE BIG EXHIBITION

Evening Star, Issue 18589, 21 March 1924, Page 2

THE BIG EXHIBITION

DIRECTORS’ WEEKLY MEETING. The weekly meeting of the directors of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition Company, Ltd., was held last night, Mr J. Sutherland Ross (chairman of directors) presiding. TIMBER SUPPLIES. Mr W. R. Hayward, in reporting on the question of timber supplies, referred to an advertisement which had been published calling for tenders for the supply of timber. This advertisement had created quite a flutter, and it was thought advisahlo to withdraw it. It was pointed out that if the whole amount was placed in one cider there would be only four possible supplies in New Zealand, and competition would thus be eliminated. Their own, ends would bo defeat-oil by throwing the supply into four channels. If the individual contractors could got quotations for smaller quantities they would require to have a much larger field to compete for business. After a meeting with the Builders’ Federation it had been decided to withdraw the advertisement. Tho timber merchants had agreed to quote special prices for the timbers. A Director i In quantities specified? Mr Hayward said the quantities would bo subject to the amount of timber each individual builder could draw from the mill. They had not been in touch with the West Coast at all. Tho local and the Southland timber suppliers were looking askance at tho West Coast. Mr Sincock said tho position had done a lot of good by putting a little feeling into Exhibition matters. It had mads them realise there was going to bo an Exhibition. The Chairman said the matter would bo deferred, as no definite action could bo token yet. Consideration of the matter was accordingly deferred. GOVERNMENT EXHIBIT.

In regard to tho Government exhibit, Mr Charles Todd, who went to Wellington with Mr B. Bair in regard to the matter, said it bad been decided that tho Government would make one comprehensive exhibit in one of the Exhibition Company's buildings, and wrml 1 erect a buildinrr'nf its own. The Government would do all the internal work in the building, the shell of which they would provide, and the Government would supply its own attendants. The. question of another grant for the Exhibition would not he considered until Mr Massey had got over Iris financial rear.

Mr Halsted paid a meeting of the Horticultural Committee had suggested that tho Government should make a forestry exhibit. Hie secretary noted the matter. The meeting expressed the thanks of the board to (Messrs Barr and Todd. HORTICULTURAL MATTERS. A report of a meeting of tho Horticultural Committee was presented by Mr Halsted, who suited that the question of laying down the playing area had been discussed that dav. ‘Tho committee was verv anxious that tho site should bo settled right awav, because experts considered that tho grasses that were to oe laid down must be sown this autumn in order to bo got. in good order for the spring of 1925. A tremendous amount of day would be required, and it was hoped that some would be got from the, Logan Point quarry. The committee pressed very urgently for a decision ns to the location of tho * area in question. Mr Hayward stated that ho understood that tho question would be decided very shortly. Mr Halsted added that tho committee recommended Hie establishment of a fernery adjacent.!* the dancing pavilion. It had been decided to write to the Nurserymen’s Association asking on what terms it would supply 10.000 geraniums. Messrs Butterworlh, If. Dart- Nicol, and M'Gmrgo had been added to tho committee. The report was approved. GENERAL. The High Commissioner wrote stating that ho would be pleased to assist in securing tho services of a manager, but it would be necessary to get details regarding the scope of ids duties, duration of appointment, and salary before anything could be done. —The matter was referred to the Finance Committee, with _an expression of opinion that tho appointment should be made as soon as possible. A ioiijUhV Hud doiail-ed rvport was ro~ ceived horn tho consulting engineer (Mr ,U. S. Creo Brown) with respect to the disposal of the water from Opolio Creek. According lo figures submitted by him tho lowest cost of taking all the water as far as Union street by tho western route would be £5,780. * This would provide a, boating area- from too Lnion street bridge |ip lo the intake at Opoho Greek. Referred to the chairman and Mr Todd tor a report. The following cablegram was received from Air A. F. Roberts, London “ Shipping companies will not consider concessions beyond terms and conditions of Union Company.” It was explained that rids referred to a concession of half rates tor return exhibits. A letter from Mr Victor Beck with reference to the management of side shows at (lie Exhibition was referred to the Amusements Committee. in accordance with instructions from tho directors, the architect submitted complete working plans, drawings, and draft specifications for one unit of the Exhibition building. —Consideration of this was rorerred to a sub-committee, which will report on tho 26th inst. PUBLICITY AND PROPAGANDA.

Tho inward mail of tho Exhibition Company is almost daily representative of widely distant parts of tho world, as early replies arc now being received to the preliminary circular issued in December hist. The response is very satisfactory—in fact, it exceeds expectations, as after all tho circular referred to could not of necessity afford anything very definite in the way of information, as it served chiefly to advise manufacturers, etc., overseas that an Exhibition was to bo held. Tho active interest of chambers of commerce and manufacturers, H.M. Board of Trade Commissioners in many British dominions, as well as of individual manufacturers is now assured.

Tho directors have been fortunate enough to enlist the active assistance of some prominent Dunedin citizens who are visiting tho Homo Country at present. Amongst these are Sir George Fenwick, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Messrs A. F. Roberts and W. E. G. Reid (Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner to the British Empire Exhibition), Mr B. Wadic (iron and Steel Company), Mr F.arlton Wilson (R. Wilson and Co.), Mr George Ritchie, and Mr J. M. Laing. All these gentlemen have volunteered to push the interests of the Exhibition amongst business men abroad with whom they come in contact, as well as giving publicity to tho undertaking whenever opportunity occurs. In Australia Messrs Manson and Blow. New Zealand Government representatives at Melbourne and Sydney respectively, are giving valuable assistance, and their efforts will be supplemented shortly by Mr Paape, who has kindly offered to devote some of his time to propaganda work for the Exhibition whilst on holiday in Australia and Java.