INDUSTRIES FAIR

Evening Star, Issue 25325, 6 November 1944, Page 4

INDUSTRIES FAIR

BUSY DAY ON SATURDAY PARLIAMENTARIANS' VISIT TO-DAY The New Zealand Industries Fair had its most successful 'day of the season so far on Saturday, -when more than 14,000 persons attended during the, day or evening. Half that number visited the fair during the morning or afternoon, and the attendance in the evening was very large. It is estimated that more than 36,000 visited the fair in the four days it. was open last" week, anil as it -will open to the public for six more days, it-appears likely that the total attendance for the season will exceed 75.000 persons. The attendance this- morning was moderate, but a steady stream of persons passed through the entrance, many taking advantage of the lunch-hour for a quick visit. Another large contingent of school children say the fair to-day, about 1.000 children viewing the exhibits. The schools represented were Green Island, Kensington'. Sawyers ' Bay, St. Leonard's, George Street. Seacliff. Mil burn, Christian Brothers, and Girls' High Schools. Arrangements have been made by the fair executive for South Island members of Parliament to visit the fair this afternoon, and the parliamentarians -will be entertained at a reception late this afternoon. Among the members expected to be present are the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland), and Messrs W. A: Bodkin. T. L. Macdonald. W. H. Gillespie, J. T. v Watts, G. R. Herron. and P. Neilson. and the Hon. M. Connelly, M.L.C. A special visit was made to the fair yesterday by the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia (the Hon. F. M. Forde) during his short stay in Dunedin. After the visit Mr Forde expressed admiration for the effort. " The wide range of the exhibits at the Industries Fair was a revelation to me. It is evident that Otago is determined' to develop a well-balanced-economy of primary and secondary industries in order to absorb an increased population," said Mr Forde. It was plain, Mr Forde continued, that the leading manufacturers and business in Dunedin there were men of foresight and ability, who were throwing their weight into the development of a wonderfully rich district. New Zealanders were indeed fortunate in possessing such a heritage, and they, as well as the people of Australia, should remember just how close they came to losing this heritage a few years ago. If Japan, instead of striking at Pearl • Harbour, had come south to Australia, both dominions might have been overwhelmed.

On Saturday night an. outstanding event was a f Cavalcade of Lingerie.' presented by Silknit (New Zealand) Limited. The exhibits' ranged from 1890 designs to an ultra-modern range of post-war articles. The four mannequins displayed the first rayoii garments which were, introduced about 1917, and they also showed types of austerity underwear made by Silknit during the war period, the exhibition illustrating the artistic designs which have been possible in spite of wartime conditions. This display will be presented again tomorrow night.The Dunedin Ladies' Band played selections in the evening. Miss Lupp's orchestra continues to be popular at its afternoon performances, and the Punch and Judy Show attracts-many spectators at the sessions each afternoon and evening. The Ghost Train is particularly popular, and has.already, carried mo"re than 10,000 passengers. This evening the Kaikorai Band will present a programme, and at 8.30 there will be a special feature of roller skating ballets, with Miss Jean McNulty, New Zealand champion, performing. .