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Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1929, Page 4

It was rather a surprise to find a representative from the Kokatalii district somewhat despondent about the prospects of the district competing at the Canterbury .‘Winter Show if the project were taken up in earnest. So much praise has been given quite deservedly to the country district for the highly successful displays made at the Kokatalii Show—praise from many visitors who have seen similar classes of displays in the larger centres—that it would have been thought the spirit of emulation would be stimulated sufficiently to measure resources with Canterbury. We recall that it was not so very long ago, the Kokatahi-Koite-rangi district seriously contemplated competing at the Otago Show but were debarred in the end by the financial arrangements necessary. The terms for competing at Canterbury are in every way more favourable, and that assured, there should not he any, barrier to attempting in Christchurch what was on e considered possible at Dunedin. Some mention was made of the date, but by preparing weil in advance for the possible display, time for sowing and reaping could be so judged as to make it possible to fit in with an exhibition two months’ later than the usual date. These matters depend invariably on the interest and energy put into them. It is a question of arousing local enthusiasm. We are sure the district lias the resources to make a most creditable display. At the meeting on Friday, reference was made to the splendid work done by the late G. J. Robert when he organised the West Coast Court at the New Zealand Exhibition in 1906. He produced a wonderful display of the resources of the district—quite a feature of the large Exhibition. Mr Roberts had to create public opinion in his favour at the outset, and that enlisteci he went ahead to success. Much the same task hns to enlist the interest and support of the settlers in a personal way. To that end, visits are to be. paid to Arahura and Eokatahi, and as Mr McIntosh remarked the effort in mind should not be checked by any individual opposition at the outset. The ob-, jeet is entirely for the general good. Air Ward, County Chairman took the right view, and regards the aim of the League as a. most laudable objective in the interests of the district as a whole. As the Chairman remarked, it would he a mistake to stand out and not accept the invitation. We hope the extra publicity the proposal is now 'receiving will result in local interest/ being more and more stimulated and that in due course the whole project will be fully launched.