Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1939. N.Z. EXHIBITION.

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 November 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1939. N.Z. EXHIBITION.

Qjfficially opened by the Gover-nor-General (Lord Galway), this afternoon, the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition will do its part in commemorating the centenary of this country. Although, its main interest will be for New Zealanders themselves, it will no doubt prove an attraction for visitors from the other side of the Tasman, the outbreak of the war preventing attendance from further afield. The war-time conditions, naturally, have been a seri-ously-upsetting factor, and it was even doubtful at one stage whether the Exhibition would be carried on according to plan. Opinion was expressed in some quarters that this and other Centennial undertakings should be postponed until the return of peace, in order that the full efforts of the Dominion should be directed to the prosecution of the war. On the other hand, it was considered that the relaxation to be found at the Exhibition would have a beneficial effect in dimin-

ishiiig the results of the “war of nerves,” and that the patriotic feelings of the people would be stimulated by the achievements of New Zealand, as reflected by the various displays. The Chairman of the Exhibition Company (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop) declared that it would be sheer lunacy not to proceed, in view of the fact that much money had been spent, the buildings erected, and exhibits arranged. The Minister-in-Charge (Mr. Sullivan) concurred, and his recommendation to Cabinet, that the venture should proceed, was approved. The time for argument as to the wisdom or otherwise of the decision has passed, and no effort should now be spared to ensure the success of the Exhibition. Described as having been planned on a scale hitherto unparalleled in comprehensiveness in either Australia or New Zealand, it is regarded as a splendid epitome in a visual material form of one hundred years of development and national achievement. Apart from the New Zealand sections, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Tasmania, and Fiji are all appropriately represented, while the x educative aspect has not been allowed to crowd out facilities on a large scale for the amusement of patrons.

A timely tribute has been paid to the exhibitors by Mr. Hislop, who has pointed out that, considering the difficulties brought about by the war, their presence is praiseworthy. In spite of the uncertainty engendered by war, acute financial problems, and many other adverse conditions, he stated that the private exhibitors have succeeded in making a composite display finer than any ever held in New Zealand. From an industrial point of view, the success of the Exhibition appears to be assured. The financial result is a question only to be decided by time, but there is no reason for undue pessimism. It is generally admitted that the average family “stocking” is not overflowing, these days, but it will probably be found th£t the Exhibition will prove a potent magnet, and that r large proportion of the Dominion ’s population will attend, even if their visits are necessarily shorter than they could wish. In this connection, the hope may be expressed that frequent rumours of profiteering on the part of the vendors of accommodation in Wellington will not be justified. The Government has taken certain precautions with the object of preventing exploitation, but experience has shown that all the measures taken by the Government are not a brilliant success. Incidentally, the holding of the Exhibition in Wellington must be in the nature of a considerable “boost” for the capital city, and energetic efforts have been made by the bodies concerned to prepare for the satisfactory reception, accommodation, and transport of thousands of visitors. Elaborate arrangements have developed upon the City Council in order to meet the demands on its tramway and bus services, and also the convenience of motor traffic. New roads have been made, and existing routes improved, everything possible being done to cope with traffic on a large scale. Many disappointments and difficulties have been overcome by the Exhibition authorities, and their perseverance deserves an adequate reward in the form of public support. It is hoped that today’s opening ceremony will be the prelude to a successful “run,” and that, during the coming months, all roads will lead to Rongotai.