INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7342, 5 December 1884, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Ik Bomo respects the interview between Sir Julius Vouel and the Wellington Manufacturers on Thursday last week was very satisfactory. It showed that the Government was thoroughly in earnest about the Industrial Exhibition to be opened in this city on the Ist of August next. It showed also that the local manufacturers were prepared to do their part towards making the affair a success. We think it is reasonable to suppose that a similar spirit will be displayed throughout the colony. It is part of the Government programme that an Exhibition of a like character shall be held annually in one of the principal towns, each taking its turn. If the Wellington Exhibition prove successful, and do not involve a large loss to the Colonial Treasury, it may be almost taken for granted that the general scheme will be proceeded with, no matter what Government may be in power. Manufacturers in other places have thus a special interest in the fortunes of the first of the series, and wo feel sure that applications for space will pour in from all parts of the colony. If wo are right in anticipating that such will be the case, the moat important element of success

is secured. It would not be creditable if shipwreck were to be made of the undertaking owing to faulty organisation of to attempts to go beyond the scope of the Government proposals. But in one particular some of the deputation showed at the outset a strong disposition to favour a wrong, or, at all events, a premature course of action. The Government had already intimated that, in getting up these Exhibitions, it would be wise to utilise existing buildings as far as possible. In the case of Wellington the drill-shed had been suggested as offering advantages on account of its size and situation. But in introducing the deputation the Mayor alluded to what he alleged was a general desire that a building should be specially erected for the purposes of the Exhibition. Towards the close of his_ remarks he again mentioned the point, and said that the Government must be well aware that, in respect to the cost of a building, the grant of £IOOO was a mere drop in the bucket. When Sir Julius Yogel was stating his view of the matter, the Mayor intimated that he thought the building would absorb ten times that slim. Finally, when Sir Julius had concluded his remarks, the Mayor, whilst admitting that a very able and comprehensive scheme had been shadowed forth, expressed his conviction that the drillshed was altogether too small for the intended purpose. He was not the onlv one of the deputation who spoke

to that effect. Mr T. K. Macdokald suggested that buildings of galvanised iron should bo erected on the reclaimed land. ¥e freely admit that it would be a huge mistake to endanger the success of the Exhibition by niggardliness in providing space. We say so not only in the interests oi Wellington, but of the whole colony. If the thing.is worth doing it is worth doing thoroughly. Should tho Wellington Exhibition fail we do not suppose that anything more would be heard oi the scheme of which it is intended to be only the beginning. But whilst granting all that, we cannot see why the idea of util ising existing buildings should be hastily abandoned, and we are

sure that a great deal of weight ought to be given to Sir Julius Vogel’s remarks on that part of the subject. He said that, in carrying out the plan, | it would be most unwise to stud New Zealand with large and expensive buildings to bo used only at long intervals, and, that the idea was to use existing buildings. He added, however, that “ economy must not be carried to such sin extent as to destroy the representative character of the Exhibition.!’ In the course of the conversation which followed his explanation of the views' of the Government he said: —“ Nothing could be more mischievous than for it to go abroad to the colony that "Wellington desired to make this Exhibition an excuse for getting a large building”. He expressed regret that the deputation should make such a point ot the necessity for a special building, and he reminded those present “ that they could not speak in that room without

speaking to the colony.” We are not aware that there is in Wellington a general desire to make the Exhibition an excuse for another largo building, nor do wo suppose that any of tho deputation who expressed themselves in favour of a special building did so for any other reason than that they believed it to be essential to the adequate carrying out of the scheme. But nevertheless the idea that Wellington is seeking to improve the occasion may easily get abroad, and may create a mischievous impression. Wo are inclined to think tbat some of the deputation came to a rather hasty conclusion with regard to the building question. It is remarkable that they did not state their reasons for differing with Sir Julius Vogel. It is possible that they may be right as to the capacity of the drill-shed, and he wrong, but we should like something more sure to go upon than bare assertion. There are existing data upon which to base at least a rough estimate of the space required. Tho calculation should be made as quickly and as accurately as possible. If the drill-shed will suffice, well and good ; hut, if not, why should not extra room bo found by the addition of temporary buildings. We should be very pleased to see another fine building erected in Wellington ; but that is not the point to bo gained. What is wanted is to make the Exhibition a thorough success with as little expense to the country as possible. The £IOOO granted is inadequate for preliminary expenses, though it may, perhaps, be made to stretch till the end of March ; but in our opinion it would be utterly useless to ask Parliament for funds for a special Exhibition building, especially in view of the fact that the drill-shed affords a considerable amount of space; and of the other fact that a large building grant to Wellington would mean like concessions at short intervals all over the colony. The Government should be kept up to the mark as regards al I necessary expenditure, but should be pressed for nothing beyond.