THE BIG EXHIBITION

Evening Star, Issue 19002, 25 July 1925, Page 6

THE BIG EXHIBITION

EXHIBIT [BUILDINGS MMPLETEf WEEKS AHEAD <JF ME ADVANTAGE OF STANDARDISATION SCHEME. Tlie taking over of the huge Exhibition buildings yesterday by the directors of the New and South Seas Exhibition Company is an important event in the history of the undertaking. The big contract of erecting the buildings was timed by the architect to he completed on August 7, and the fact that, except for a few minor details, this has been accomplished now proves that his estimate of Dunedin’s ability to put through a building programme of such, magnitude was based on sound judgment. Not only has tho estimate of time been correct, but also has the cost of the undertaking been actually within the architect’s estimate.

The design of the Exhibition buildings is extremely pleasing, and the natural interior lighting is splendidly arranged. An important feature is the noticeable absence of the customary forest of columns, tho spaciousness of the buildings being admirably suited to tho Exhibition purposes. The scheme of standardisation planned throughout the whole of the exhibit buildings lias saved months of time in the construction period, lessened tho cost by thousands of pounds, and lias contributed very largely to solving the labor problem. The occurrence of dere stories every 30ft gives a delightful break, provides natural light, and takes away the monotony too often found in buildings covering large areas. These buildings might well be termed cathedrals of industry, science, and art. One may understand what standardisation means when it is _ understood that in the exhibit buildings alone there are 470 similar roof trusses,ji,lll similar studs, 176 similar doors, 450,000 square feet of 6in flooring, 519,000 square feet of malthoid roofing, enough plain wall covering to cover George street for half a mile in length, 93,838 square feet of glass, timber enough to make a 12in board-walk 550 miles in length, 246 flagpoles, which wall carry over 5,000 square feet of bunting. The above gives some idea of the problem with which the architect was laced before plans could be made; the finished buildings show how successful he has been. Before tenders were received the architect's chief concern was whether the builders would realise tho great possibilities embodied in tho scheme for speedy and economic construction. The tenders proved that tho New Zealand builders were quite alive to tho possibilities. It is interesting to know at this stage that in this great building scheme Messrs Fletcher and Love’s tender for six buildings was £58,868, and Mr William Median’s £59,128, a difference of only £260.

SPECIAL CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND

Parents who visit the Exhibition with their children will find their needs well attended to. A special children s playground is to bo included, • where kiddies can be lelt while thciv eldeis insooct the sights. Someone will be in attendance to look after the youngsters., and there will be all sorts of devices for their amusement —swings, chutes,.horizontal bars, mcrry-go-rounds, sce-saws, and s®

The playground will be in the north* western corner of the amusement party somewhere in the vicinity of the scenio railway .