THE EXHIBITION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 195, 19 July 1939, Page 6

THE EXHIBITION

PROGRESS OF WORK. COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING. “In about 16 weeks the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition will open at AVellington, and for many of those connected with the work in its finnl stages, those weeks will seem like days,” said Air. C. R. Hainsworth.. general manager of the exhibition, in an interview. He stressed the need for a ger’ral appreciation of tho nearness of tire opening of the exhibition, and a visit to the grounds at Rongotai confirmed the impression that the filial stage of construction and completion in the hugebuildings was indeed well under way.

The exhibit buildings themselves, vast halls with a total floor area of approximately 392.000 square feet, have been completed, hut inside the buildings there is a roar of activity as the exhibit stands themselves are erected. Outside the main buildings the laying nut of flic grounds, the erection of special pavilions, the construction of “Plavlnnd,” and the completion of other structures goes on with rapid changes from day to dav. Over Ihe whole •'in acres of the exhibition grounds there .s a hustle and stir as hundreds of workmen apply themselves to many and varied tasks. A COAIPLETE TOWNSHIP.

“Apart from sleeping accommodation, the exhibition mid its grounds will be a complete township, with all the facilities for the everyday activities of a community,” said Air. Hainsworth. “On November 8, when the Governor-General, Lord Galway, will open tho exhibition, there will spring into life a vast organisation that will serve as a centre for instruction and entertainment for all the people of New Zealand, and for overseas visitors, for more than six months. A police station, a lire brigade station, an ambulance service, Customs and postal and telegraph facilities, and many other organisations to eater for the needs of every section of the community in all circumstances, will he available.

“The largest display unit,” said Air. Hainsworth. “will he the Government Court,” whore twenty-six State departments will be represented in a building with a floor space of 100,000 square feet. Here visitors will sec the working and administration of their country ns a whole brought into one compact but vast exhibit. Another special feature depicting the life o f the country ns a whole will he the Dominion Court, where every province is represented. Here fascinating model) will portray typical scenes from the town and country life from all parts of tho Dominion.”

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION. Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and Fiji will he represented by special displays. Great Britain and Australia are erecting their own pavilions. Already the massive simplicity of the British Pavilion, and the striking and dramatic lines of the Australian buildings, can be seen in the preliminary structures. Canada is arranging a national display that will occupy a floor space of approximately 11.600 square feet .in the main exhibit building. and Fiji will be represented in a colourful and interesting exhibit, in Ihe motors and transportation buildings. A senary te building is being erected for the Port oi London Authority . in which will be incorporated dioramas depicting the port of London through tho ages, during its history of not less than 2000 years. PROVISION FOR CHILDREN.

“Fittingly enough, the preparations for the entertainment nnd care of young New Zealand have been thorough. A creche, under the care of an experienced matron, will be operated hy the New Zealand Red Cross Society. and a special building housing a modern kindergarten will be controlled hy the Wellington Free Kindergarten Association. The Plunket Society is erecting a special pavilion also, and there it will have a comprehensive display of its activities. In “Playland.” 1 ho amusement park that covers about 10 acres of ground within the exhibition, a special area, about one acre, has been set aside for equipment suitable for children. A miniature railway, with a track 3000 foot long, ami a paddling pool are among the features in this section. “Adult entertainment is well assn red in plavlaiid. where there is ns great variety of amusement devices ns ever staged anywhere in the world. 'I he giant cyclone roller-coaster is the largest ever erected in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Air. Hainsworth. G KNUR A L FEATURES.

“An undertaking ol this kind would bo incomplete without a section devoted to the interests of women, and a fairly largo area has been set aside where "all branches of women’s work will be displayed. Fine arts, arts and crafts, domestic science, nursing, and child welfare, a country women’s section, and—probably most interesting of all—a loans section, will be included. Lectures and demonstrations of interest to women will be held in the conference hall, where many and varied subjects will be discussed by expert

•speakers from all parts of New Zealand. “Lighting will be a special feature, and tlu; outdoor effect of the Exhibition Buildings at night, a mass oi colour reflected in the artistic pools and the brilliance of the illuminated fountain, will all combine to make an effect of rare beauty. Music will be nrnvided daily by the band of Mis Majesty’s Welsh Guards. A cabaret, specially constructed along modern ! inos. and with an expert dance band, will be another entertainment feature. A ear park, with a capacity for 1000 ears, will be included in the grounds To assist those who cannot make ilicir own ]ilans, accommodation may be arranged through the official Accommodation Bureau.” In Ills review of the progress made with the preparations for the cxliibi lion, Mr. Ilainsworth stressed the faei that all the facilities were being planned and executed with a view to entering for visitors from all parts of Now Zealand and overseas.