N.Z. EXHIBITION

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 November 1939, Page 2

N.Z. EXHIBITION

MR. W. STEER’S IMPRESSIONS First-hand impressions of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, to be opened on November 8, were given in an interview to-day, by Mr. W-. Steer, manager of Grey Motors Etd., who has just returned from Welling? ton, "where he attended a. preview. Over 70 Ford dealers were present, the visit, being so arranged by the Ford Motor Company, of New Zealand? Limited, that the dealers were able to sec, in addition to the progress made with the Exhibition andgrcuhds, the practically completed Ford exhibit.

Mr. Steer said that the Exhibition, as a whole, wiis a most feM&Kalll© undertaking, in both size and sx>lendour. It is on a scale never before attempted in this country. He was impressed with the well laid-out grounds (covering 55 acres), with attractive gardens and lawns, huge reflecting pools .and modernistic decorations. Most of this work was now completedfinishing touches only being carried out. The party ha,ti : the opportunity of inspecting a number of courts and were conducted through the various buildings which house the private displays. These without exception were of a very high standard and tvhen the Exhibition opened on November 8, the public would see a most-comprehen-sive picture of New Zealand industry. Playland, covering ten acres, Ayas also inspeted, and Mr. Steer said lie was looking forward to another visit to the Exhibition, when it was open to the public. The construction of the Ford’ exhibit was well advanced, and' although carpenters and decorators were still working, the visitors were able tc see the finished effect. This exhibit, which he understood was the largest of any private exhibits, occupied no less than 10,000 feet of floor space in the Hall of Transportation, and had been designed on the m'ost-mqdern lines. It is housed in a separate structure, being walled off completely. At the entrance is the gleaming Ford Tower of Light, standing 35 feet high and promising to provide a brilliant spectacle. Combined with the Tower is a fountain that produces a constant-ly-changing multi-colour effect at night.

SCIENTIFIC DISPLAY Mr. Steer stressed the point that the Ford exhibit will not be a mere display of cars, but on the contrary, a presentation of scientific and testing equipment, showing how Ford utilises research and science in the manufacture of its products. Much of this material is from the Ford factories in England, Canada, and U.S.A. Many of these ingenious devices have not previously been seen in New Zealand'. Included in the display of equipment is a. cut-away chassis, a demonstration in which‘a VS engine is reduced to its component parts by mechanics and completely reassembled in a matter of minutes, and a reaction test which gauges driving skill. These testing devices play a large part in the quality of the finished built-in-New Zealand Ford cars which will be on display. The Ford industry both in New Zealand and overseas will be represented at the Ford' exhibit. A staff of twenty-one has been selected. Some will be engaged in lectures describing the displays, and a complete system of “talks” will entertain guests. Hostesses ivill be on duty at duty at all times. There are a number of administrative offices, and various facilities for the uke of visitors, including a, most-attractive and spacious reception room, which can also be used as a theatre for talking pictures. Special rooms for the use of the staff (including lunch-room) have been erected. A notable feature will be the luxurious public lounge and promenade. It is 120 feet long, well above floor level, and reached hy two curving inclines. Here visitors will be invited to rest, and meet, friends in armchair comfort.