THE COMING EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15262, 28 March 1913, Page 8

THE COMING EXHIBITION.

NORTH AUCKLAND COURT.

ALLOCATION OF COST.

■ j; The executive of the North Auckland I court movement allocated the prospective coat of the projected, £1500, amongst! the several northern local governing bodies, on the basis of Id in every £18 of capital value (writes our Dargaville correspondent). The county quotas are as follows Whangaroa, < £110; Bay of Islands, £152; Hokianga, £247; Otamatea, £152 ; Rodney, £141; Hobson, £191; Whangarei, £2955; while Whangarei borough is listed at £134, and the Dargaville borough at £55. This does not mean that the looal governing bodies will find the allocated amounts, but that the areas represented should endeavour to do so. It has been suggested that a scheme of concerts to be held throughout the northern counties should be embraced, as it is considered that by such means fully half of the whole amount required could bo raised. Many of the leading settlers are prepared to support the movement liberally, especially those who intend subdividing their estates, and are anxious for the soil capabilities of their localities to be widely known. Northern land agents predict brisk sales after the Exhibition, ant) ara already making arrangements - for the reception and itineraries of sovthern landseekers. It is mooted that tourist parties are to be arranged, and that visitors from the city will find special facilities for travel,; whilst the various chambers of commerce, will superintend the passengers transport' on the several routes.

. A serious difficulty has presented itself in the matter of enumerating the live stock. In order that the Dominion public should know of the pastoral advancement which has taken place throughout North Auckland during recent years, it is considered necessary that /statistics regarding live stock should be available, but for the past three years no census of such, other than sheep, has been taken. The executive is therefore handicapped in its work of compiling a booklet setting forth the main progress made throughout the peninsula, and the same applies to the growth of holdings. Those chiefly interested in the matter state that the unfortunate position can only be remedied by, Government assistance, and that the Lands Department could, at small cost have an early live stock census of the nine interested counties taken.

During the past five years the progress throughout the north has been phenomenal, closer settlement has been universal in all the counties:, but without statistics nothing definite can be set forth. A particular pdint in the pastoral industry is the acreage required to carry given numbers of cattle or sheep, and tffia is an item on which North Auckland prides itself, but, as matters are, the literary work of the ■ court is for the time oeing stifled. . *' The secretary to the executive (Mr. E. 0. Purdie) is now touring the districtsinterested, and excellent organisation is being shown throughout all the counties. Exhibits are already being prepared, and wholesome enthusiasm is manifected by a wide circle of workers. A feature of the. court is to be an exhibition of photographs depicting ©very phase of northern life* while - the plentiful scenic assets will be given due prominence.