CENTENNIAL PLANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23083, 7 July 1938, Page 18

CENTENNIAL PLANS

ATTRACTING VISITORS ATTITUDE OF COMPANY " There is a mistaken impression among some people that the directors of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition Company wish to concentrate the attention of New Zealanders and visitors from overseas on Wellington during the main period of the Centennial celebrations," says the secretary, Colonel -H. 70. Avery, in a statement. " I can declare emphatically on behalf of my directors that we do not regard Wellington as the only Mecca for the 1939-40 pilgrimages. .".We recognise that the exhibition alone, with all its attractions, might not be a powerful enough magnet to draw largo numbers of tourists from distant countries," ho continues. "Therefore, in our publicity, we aro linking the'exhibition with the centennial pageantry of various districts and also with the Dominion's world-famous scenic, sporting and' health resorts. In this respect the exhibition also has a helpful place in the Government Tourist Department's publicity overseas. Before or after seeing the exhibition, many visitors will arrange to spend interesting days in localities beyond Wellington. "As an example of the exhibition directors' attitude, I may mention an illustrated folder which is now being prepared for wide distribution in New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, America and other countries. The pictures include well-known scenes of the North and South Islands and only two drawings of exhibition features. In tin* letterpress the Centennial pageantry will have as much space as the exhibition. Headers will be able to see that they can have an itinerary which includes the exhibition, spectacular displays in various districts and the usual tourist resorts. "The directors' national outlook is also indicated in their wholehearted desire for the organisation of impressivo provincial courts," he says. "Wellington Province has a good share of scenery, but the only specimen that figures conspicuously in publicity folders and booklets is the Wanganui River. Several provinces have marvellous scenic assets of which tourist-winning miniatures can be effectively staged in courts, but this prospective scenic pre-emin-ence for others does not lessen Wellington citizens' eagerness to seo the folk of other districts making the best of their opportunity for tourist publicity at the exhibition."