DUNEDIN EXHIBITION.

Northern Advocate, 23 March 1925, Page 3

DUNEDIN EXHIBITION.

WELLINGTON TO PARTICIPATE

A DOMINION STOCK-TAKING

A well-attended meeting of business men was held recently under the auspices of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, when Mr T. Todd and Mr C. Somerville, of Dunedin, addressed them on matters pertaining to the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, to be opened in Dunedin in November next. The Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.) was in the chair.

The object of the visit of Mr Todd and Mr Somerville, said Mr Wright, was not to interfere with anything done by the Wellington committee set np in th» past to consider what should be done by Wellington to support tho exhibition, but to strive for a further extension of the membership.

Mr Todd said they liad come to let the citizens of "Wellington know what exactly was the position at present. It was not a Dunediin exhibition, but a Dominion and South Seas Exhibition. Dunedin was putting U p the money for the exhibition to let the Dominion see what it could show. The exhibition would be held on 65 acres of reclaimed land, and the Dunedin City Council intended spending £100,000 for highways and drainage of the locality. The main buildings would cover 12 acres, with half a million square feet of space. Other buildiings would cover three acres. The amusement zone would be a very line one, occupying 15 acres. Sports grounds would be provided, on which would be held most of the big- Dominion sports functions for 1925-26. Test cricket matches were also intended to be held. Conferences of various bodies, associations, lodges, etc., would be held in Dunedin during the period of the exhibition.

It was expected, he continued, that the thick end of a quarter of a million of money would be expended on the exhibition, which was intended also to cater for the educational aspect of the Dominion. A country required a stock-taking every few years, and this would provide such an opportunity. It would serve to present to the world the final result of what New Zealand had done n the past 80 years. There was to be, amongst other things a very fine motor exhibit, the building to occupy three acres. Twelve British firms had taken space, and the British Government had taken 28,000 square feet for the purpose of exhibiting. The Federated Industries of Great Britain had taken another 28,000 square feet. The exhibition had also the . official approval of the New Zealand Government, which was taking 31,000 square feet of space. In connection with the exhibition, a magnificent art gallery and a festival hall, in which would be held concerts, etc., were £o be provided. Bands of the highest standing were being brought out from England. A very active committee had been appointed in Dunedin for the purpose of seeing to the accommodation of visitors, and it was hoped to be able to cope with a constant stream of up to 10,000 visitors daily. Intending visitors to the exhibition had but to take the precaution of writing to the commitee, and accommodation suitable to their requirements would be found for them. Mr Todd proceeded to state that Canterbury, Southland, Auckland and North. Auckland were supporting the exhibition and inquiring for space. Local bodies were empowered to contribute to the securing of space out of revenue funds. The rates charged for exhibiting varied. Space used for exhibiting primary produce and fßr which no return was sought was free Exhibits of primary produce from wl'iich a business return was sought were half rates. Manufacturers wore charged full space charges. There would be a 15 per cent, reduction under certain conditions. All the space allotted to a province could not be "free space" even if meant for the purpose of exhibiting primary products for shop purposes only.

Mr Somerville said the idea Avas to push the potentialities of the Dominion before the people. The exhibition would attract visitors from overseas so that they Avould become world-wide working advertisements. The Australian Federal Government had officially undertaken to participate, and it Aras hoped Canada A\*ould come in too. If s, the whole aA'ailable space would be more than filled. Tlit New Zealand railways were taking overything for exhibition purposes free both ways, and the shipping companies free one way. A motion put, "that this meeting of Wellington citizens whole-heartedly endorses the'proposal that Wellington should be worthily represented in the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition to be opened in Dunedin in November next, and that those present will give active support to the Wellington provincial court," Avas carried unanimously.

Those present at the meeting formed themselves into a committee to further that object, with power to add to their numbers. Endeavours are to be made to get the help of other centres in the province to arrange for financial help and also to share in the exhibits.