The Winter Exhibition

Northern Advocate, 26 June 1939, Page 6

The Winter Exhibition

NOW regarded as one of the most important events in Northland’s calendar, the Whangarei Winter Exhibition for 1939 will be officially opened to-morrow afternoon. It will remain in session until Saturday next, and it is safe to say that if the weather conditions are favourable, the exhibition will register a big success from the point of view of doortakings, as well as that of the number and quality of the exhibits. The entries constitute a record, reaching the total of 2365, and there is general agreement that their quality is of a very high order. These aspects of the Winter Exhibition have been dealt with very fully in recent issues of the Northern Advocate, while the special supplement which we printed on Saturday comprised a comprehensive history of the Exhibition and the remarkable manner in which it has grown in size and importance. It is therefore unnecessary for us to recapitulate these facts and figures in this column.

It is, however, timely and appropriate that we should once again emphasise the usefulness of the Winter Exhibition in relation to the lives and activities of both townspeople and country people. The exhibition provides an opportunity for cementing the spirit of friendship and goodwill between urban and rural communities, and, in an especial manner, makes an appeal to the women and girls of town and country alike, for, as the Mayoress said in her special message printed in our Winter Exhibition supplement, the classes for handiwork of all descriptions are highly educational, and afford a unique opportunity for the gentler sex to manifest their skill and dexterity in those accomplishments which give the home a charm and a comfort it could not otherwise possess.

Apart from its utilitarian aspect, the Winter Exhibition plays a most useful role by providing entertainment at a time of the year which requires to be brightened. In this connection, the amusement park this year promises to be a rare delight to old and young. Sideshows of all kinds will be in full swing, and, in addition, the competitions and diversions incidental to the show itself, will be of a fascinating character. These are matters with which the, public have been made well acquainted by the publicity of the exhibition committee, and nothing remains for us but to express the hope that the most sanguine expectations of the committee, and all who have worked so hard to make the exhibition a success, will be surpassed.

We extend our hearty congratulations to all who have prepared the stage for the exhibition, and we hope that they will be favoured with good weather and the most auspicious circumstances in every respect.