WIDE APPEAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23029, 5 May 1938, Page 22

WIDE APPEAL

! ATTRACTIONS OF SHOW SOUND ORGANISATION VARIED TRADE DISPLAYS THE COMPETITIVE SECTIONS Six large pavilions, with every available square foot of space claimed by enthusiastic exhibitors, a marquee housing the sleekest ami glossiest of modern motor-cars, and an Exhibition Hall in the main grandstand for the display of the various competitive exhibits, form the main features of attraction at the Auckland Winter Exhibition, which opened at the Epsom Showgrounds yesterday. There is every justification for saying that the exhibition is the most varied and comprehensive of its type ever held in Auckland. The general arrangement of this year's exhibition is obviously the result of careful planning and organisation. In many instances yesterday, exhibitors were engaged in putting the final touches on their stands and stalls, but sufficient had been done to show that by to-day the six pavilions devoted principally to trade displays wil bo converted into three lonj> avenues along which visitors will be able to walk and gain a clear appreciation of the immense strides which are being made by local industries. Many Working Models The highlight of the exhibition, in many respects, is provided in the pavilion which is given over almost exclusively to exhibits of local manufactures with girls and workmen manning actual working models and demonstrating how goods are produced by New Zealanders for sale to New Zealanders, A most encouraging feature of these displays is that many of them have been arranged by combined groups of manufacturers. In this respect, the exhibits of the combined tanneries and the combined footwear manufacturers are most impressive. Much argument has centred round the New Zealand footwear industry of lato, but the Auckland manufacturers have taken the opportunity presented by the Winter Exhibition of putting forward a most convincing case for the continued development of their indtisI try. The visitor to the exhibition is enabled to follow practically all the complicated stages in the manufacture of boots and shoes and to see on display high-class articles —the products of New Zealnml eraftsnioii. Factory In Miniature Mention must also be made of the shirt manufacturing exhibit, arranged by a large Auckland firm. Here, too, there has been arranged a factory in miniature, demonstrating the efficient manner in which the industry has been organised. Other working models demonstrate the processes followed in the manufacture of electric--hatteriesj-Jawxunqwers*.

rubber goods, woodwork, pottery and hardware and hinges. Each of these displays is bound, to attract its groups of interested spectators during the next few days. Considerable ingenuity has been shown by the various exhibitors, not only in the actual manufacturing pavilion, but also in the others which house trade displays, in converting stalls for stock into a form which would not discredit the shop windows of a large departmental store. Jn many cases the actual stalls have been converted into alcoves and recesses for the display of a wide variety of articles, and the general arrangement represents a marked advance on what was possible in the wharf sheds where previous winter exhibitions have been held. Radios and Refrigerators Jn.tho trade sections, the articles most freely displayed this year are radio sets and refrigerators. Indeed, the exhibits of modern wireless receivers are so numerous that the visitor to the show is in the position of "having ni'igie wherever he goes." Judging by yesterday's weather, the season may not be altogether appropriate for the display of refrigerators, but the exhibits show many interesting trends in design and workmanship. 1 lie ideal of labour-saving in the homo is exceptionally well served in a number of exhibits. Washing and ironing machines and new types of vacuum cleaners are nil given prominence and an exceedingly interesting exhibit demonstrates how designers have succeeded'in turning the sewing machine, formerly an efficient eyesore of iron and varnish, into an article of furniture which would grace any room in any home. Exhibit from Australia Keen interest is always taken in the displays of the various women's institutes. There are three such exhibits this year, from Helensville, New Lynn and Henderson, and the customary high standard has been well maintained. Other features of note are the magnificent display of Australian-manufac-tured goods and products, arranged by the office of the Australian Trade Commissioner, and a highly interesting exhibit arranged by the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The. schools, too, have taken a part in the exhibition, and the displays of work by pupils of the Auckland Grammar School and the Wellesley Street School are highly creditable. The Exhibition Hall in tho grandstand is given over chiefly to the competitive displays of butter and cheese, needlework, home industries and farm and garden produce. The entries in the dairy produce section are the best for some years and, in view of the unfavourable season, the display of roots and vegetables and other farm produce reaches an exceptionally high standard. In some of the other competitive sections entries have declined to some extent. "Side-show Alley" at this year's exhibition has a building all to itself. In the main pavilions there are interesting displays qf model yachts and model aeroplanes, and model flying competitions- are to be held on both Saturdays on which the exhibition is open, A mouth-organ competition and Highland and national dancing competitions are among the other attractions listed for this week, while the ring events, as soon as the weather clears, are certain to arouse keen interest.