N.Z. AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19532, 15 July 1925, Page 9

N.Z. AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

OTAGO PROVINCIAL COURT. SUPPORT FROM LAWRENCE. Mr W. B. Steel (secretary ami organiser) and Mr S. B. Macdonald (president of Otago Expansion League and treasurer of Otago Provincial Court for the New Zealand and South Sens Exhibition) arrived in Lawrence on Monday last, and met the members of the Borough Council at 2 p.ni, to report progress and .enlist the co-opera-tlon of the citizens in securing exhibits for the Otago Court. Mr J. K. Simpson presided, and welcomed Messrs Steel and Macdonald on behalf of tho citizens. He congratulated them on their mission, and said that on any visit he had made to the Otago Expansion League’s functions he was impressed with the enthusiasm of the members, and felt that Otago’s needs would not he overlooked when the executive was composed of men who possessed such business acumen. lie complimented then on the good work that had alrcadly been accomplished. Mr Macdonald, on behalf of the delegation, returned thanks for their cordial reception, and said it was always a pleasure to meet representatives for. the county boroughs and districts, as their interests were identical, apd they should co-operate for the purpose of advancing the welfare of Otago province. He dwelt on the financial aspect of the Otago Court, and said that £SOOO had been contributed by the local bodies to tho project, and he thanked the Lawrence Borough for their contribution. However, it was estimated that the total cost of the court, would be £6OOO. Dunedin City Council had promised £OOO of the £IOOO wanted, and they were looking forward for tho balance from other bodies in the province. If they formed a committee In Lawrence, which was looked upon as a patriotic community, probably some of the citizens, with the council, would send forward another contribution to assist this supreme effort of tho executive to show what Otago could do. Mr Steel said their object was to demonstrate through the Otago Court to all New Zealand, Australia, and the world that Otago was the premier province of the dominion. It was noted for its goldfields, and particularly this district, which had a historic name. They intended to make a specialty of gold exhibits from the various districts of Otago. The gold specimens possessed an individuality of their .own, and these would he ' exhibited in small cases. It was intended to make a golden pyramid showing the weight and value of tho precious metal won. in Otago from the commencement of gold mining until the present day. All necessary data in this respect had been supplied by the Mines Department. This would lie a flno testimonial of a wonderful rich province, and would impressively interest visitors from oversea. They wanted exhibits of good samples of gold-bearing quartz and blue cement from Blue Spur mining claims. Mr Steel added that in addition it had been decided to have a grand scenic display of our mountains, rivers, fiords,“etc., and samples of our exotic and native trees, a miniature forest, native game, with trophies such as deer and boar hehds and tusks. Some of the residents might have valunblq specimens of tho latter, and would be prepared to loan them to the Exhibition. All would be carefully tabulated. Tho timber exhibit section would lie quite a display in itself, and should give a fillip to afforestation. In any case, it would lie a telling advertisement of the marvellous resources of Otago—proof positive that the waste ■ lands l of the dominion could he utilised. Lawrence’s fame for flowers had impressed him with a happy thought. He was sorry that the opening date of the Exhibition was" too late for daffodils, for which the town was noted, but he would ask floral enthusiasts if possible to scud weekly consignments of flowers during the currency of the Exhibition to adorn the Otago Court and incidentally to show the world the geniality of the cliihate. Outside of tho sports and timber and gold exhibits they were specially concentrating on the primary products, making such a display as would be a magnificent advertisement to the fertility of the province.

Mr Macdonald, in further explanation, said that the various Progress Leagues were to meet on August 4 with a view o( co-ordinating the work. Otago would not be worth its salt" if it did not worthily rise to the occasion. They wanted Lawrence to help them in proving the immense potentialities of tho province. It was pointed out to the delegates that pipeclay obtain able from this district won prizes at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition in 1887 and at Sydney Exhibition; also wheat grown in the district nod at Miller’s P:m gained premier positiejj at the same Exhibitions. ■

Mr Steel’s attention wM jfrnwn to the fact that the Publicity Office of the Department of Internal Affairs wanted photo graphs of this district and matters of historic interest for n special booklet they were Issuing for the benefit of tourists, and it was thought tlyit if the executive would send up a photographer to take the special features it would serve the dual purpose for the booklet and the Otago Court. Mr Steel concluded that they were on* to interest and impress the overseas capitalist. The Mayor thanked Messrs Steel and Macdonald for their lucid and informative addresses, and assured them that the who)' matter would be fully dealt with at nex; council meeting, and that an energetic aim influential committee would be set up to assist Otago in its laudable and praiseworthy scheme. Messrs Steel and Macdonald left in the afternoon per motor car for Roxburgh and the Central.