PROPOSED EXHIBITION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18757, 10 January 1923, Page 6

PROPOSED EXHIBITION

A WESTLAND SCHEME. A proposal is afoot to hold an exhibition on a large scale at Hokitika, from December, 1923, to February, 1924. The object is to commemorate the completion of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel, and to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the province of Westland. A strong committee has been formed to carrv ’through the project. The completion of the tunnel named will bring about tho union of Canterbury ond Westland. There is a population of oyer 50,000 on the West Coast proper, the major portion of whom will be within easy rail distance of Hokitika, which is the natural centre of the Westland district, and will be tho terminus of the Midland railway from Canterbury to the coast. It is also the " jumping-off-.” point to the leading tourist attractions. The sixtieth year of tile celebration of tho foundation of Westland is, therefore, an event of great importance to that district. In connection with the proposed exhibn lion, Mr T. W. Woodroffe, supervisor of the Christchurch Exhibition, has sketched out a building plan to give not less than 70,000 ft of space. The exhibition will bo located in a central position in the town. Tho citizens of Hokitika are reported to bo taking up the project with enthusiastic interest, and already outside inquiries for space have been received. It is suggested that tho West Coast trade is a sound one, and of importance to other centres of the dominion.