THE SHOWGROUNDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1039, 11 June 1924, Page 5

THE SHOWGROUNDS

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS. CAMPAIGN FOR FUNDS, QUEEN CARNIVAL ARRANGED, A progressive move to increase the scope and popularity of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association was made to-day by the general committee at its monthly mooting. For several months past there have lain on the table of the committee room comprehensive plans for the improvement and expansion of the Showgrounds. The plana were drawn up through Mr J. M, Johnston and they havo been discussed by the finance committee whose report, which embodied a strong recommendation in support of the scheme, was presented at today's meeting of the general committee. Tho chairman, Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., said the scheme was most important from every standpoint. The association could never have the showgrounds as they should be until they had them laid out as suggested in the plans which Mr Johnston had had prepared. There would of course, be modifications, but the work should be carried out The scheme would probably cost £IO,OOO, but the money must be raised. Other A. and P. Associations had managed to raise large sums for various purposes and there was no reason why the Manawatu association could not do the game. The scheme, however, would require the whole-hearted backing of every member of the committee if it was to be carried through successfully. The finance committee recommended a queon carnival and in this connection Mr Nash had been in touch with Mr John Hopkins, the gentleman who had first introduced' the Mardi Gras in Napier, and that gentleman had given him a good deal of information on the subject. Tile queen committees in such a carnival received back one-third of tho money they raised and this meant they had something to work for. If the association took up the question it should be a simple matter to raise £SOOO and the balance would be forthcoming; they need have no fear on that point. It should also be possib e to arrange for the showgrounds to be lit up on the night of the crowning of the Carnival Queen by electric light. He had conferred with Mr Waters, the Power Board, engineer, who was willing to assist and tho borough electrical engneer would also, he thought, co-operate. The light before the crowning ceremony the lights could be turnd on for ton minutes and the press could be invited to view the display. This would mean a big attraction for the public. The camval should prove to be the best advertsement possible for the town and the improvements, when carried out, would mean that the Manawatu Association would have the best and most up-to-date showgrounds in New Zealand. Mr Johnston said the trouble with the association in tho past had been lack of revenue and they wanted to make the grounds thoroughly up-to-date. Mr Nash said that the best time to hold the carnival would be in the spring. It thev started in September they could have two weeks to prepare and eight weeks in which to run flio carnival. The weather should be favourable in November. Air Hopkins had promised to supply all. the information required . Mr Nash moved that an organiser be appointed at a salary of £25 per week for a period of ten weeks to organise the The motion was seconded and oarried without dissent.