EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18906, 5 July 1923, Page 7

EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

SCIENCE AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS.

Special efforts are being made by tlia British Empire Exhibition authorities to have all branches of science adequately represented next year, not only in the organised exhibits, hut by means _of conferences and discussions on scientific subjects. The main objects qf the Exhibition are to demonstrate the great resources of/ the British Empire in raw materials and 'the capacity and skill of our manufacturers in producing the highest class of goods in every branch of industry. The Exhibition will also show the high position we have 'attained in music, literature, painting, and v the arts. Husbandry, the cultivation of gardens, and all the amenities of life will be illustrated. Scientific instruments,' ' for instance, will form a notable feature of the Exhibition. It is hoped to include 1«t nesontative surgical, optical, metebroTcgical, and photographic appliances. Great care has been taken that tho sporta and amusement sections of the Exhibition shall not conflict with the sections devoted to more serious objects. The amusements will bo confined to the Amusement Park, which will be a separate area of the Exhibition ; while sports and games will take place either in the Stadium or in thei swimming lakes. The latest inventions and the most up-to-date tools of the workshops ,of science will be brought, by means of this exhibition, to the notice of a wider public, and new opportunities will be created for the development of trade in these industries. At the last meeting of the Dominion Advisory Council a discussion ensued in regard to complaints received from London against the council’s decision that no Maoris snould be sent to the Exhibition for the purpose of providing displays and entertainment. After a discussion it was decided . to place the council’s opinions on the matter before the Prime Minister, with . i recommendation that no private companies be allowed to finance the sending of Maoris to the Exhibition, and Maori canoes for use on the lake. In taking up this attitude, the council was confirming the decision arrived at by the sub-committee appointed to deal with the matter, and which comprised renresentatives of the Native race. The Chairman recalled that at the last meeting a sub-committee had been appointed to deal with the woollen exhibit, in view of the refusal of the Woollen Mill Owners’ Association to exhibit. He said that further correspondence had passed with the association, but the latter had adhered to its former decision not to exhibit. The sub-committee had arrived at. certain conclusions to meet the position, and voluntary assistance would be rendered to that sub-, committee by gentlemen in the trade'. A report was to be prepared suggesting the articles to bo purchased, where they could ■ be unrehased, and the estimated cost. The question of a reduction in steamer fares was again discussed, and, on the suggestion of Mr Bushell, it was agreed that a request should be made for more boats to be available* for passengers from New Zealand of the all-one-class series, and that a rate equivalent to a 25 per cent, reduction on the present rates be asked for. It was further agreed that the district committees and the chamber? of commerce and other local_ bodies should be asked to assict in obtaining this concession from the shipping companies.