N.Z. AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19584, 14 September 1925, Page 10

N.Z. AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

AUCKLAND REPRESENTATION. ENTHUSIASM IN THE NORTH (From Otm Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, September 13. Matters In connection with the representation of the district of Auckland at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition were discussed at a meeting of the Provincial Court Executive. Mr A. A. Martin presided. In his progress report the secretary stated that a circular letter had been sent to the Chambers of Commerce, county councils, and borough councils of the province pointing out that urgent and generous responses were necessary to enable the executive to carry out the work in a xhanner befitting “the chief province of the Dominion.” As a result there were indications that local bodies were displaying more interest in the undertaking, and there waa every likelihood of a substantial increase in funds. Of the total amount promised (£2878) the sum of £7Bl had been paid. It had been estimated on May 1 that the court would cost £6500. As a result of negotiations the cost of the space of 5000 square feet had been reduced to £793. The sum of £IOOO had been allowed for the printing of a descriptive booklet for free distribution. Gratifying support had t sen promised by the Bay of Plenty, and the Tauranga Borough Council had already voted £25 toward the court. An offer from Rotorua to forward a valuable collection of Maori curios and other trophies for exhibition in the conit was accepted, and in response to a request it was decided to write stating that every care would be taken to ensure the safe transit and return of the exhibits. The secretary was instructed to ca:: an alternative tender for the printing of 50,000 and 100,000 booklets of about 100 pages for free distribution at the Exhibition. Reporting on his visit to the Exhibition site, Mr T. G. Price (honorary architect to the Auckland executive) said that few Auckland people realised the magnitude of thework that was being undertaken. The project was unparalleled in the history of the dominion. Various provincial courts were already displaying considerable activity, and it was time Auckland got to work. There would be an area of 5000 square feet in the Auckland court now that it had been decided to take more space. This would be subdivided among North Auckland, Auckland, Waikato, the King County, and the Bay of Plenty. There had been some constructional and other difficulties, and in view of the fact that the executive had not got the money It set out to get he suggested that an offer of, £7OO should be made for the space which was to be taken. A Member: Surely if we are in earnest the difference between £7OO and £BSO is not worth haggling about. Mr Martin: I quite agree with you. Mr Allum: I move that the offer for the whole space of 5600 square feet be accepted. The Government is giving no assistance. The motion was carried. Mr Price stated that the design he had prepared provided for a front elevation with seven archee and with cornices and pedestals. Referring to the interior decoration, ho said that the scheme would be followed out in accordance with the exterior plan. There would be several arches with lattice work interwoven which would result in a harmonious aspect. This would appeal to the average exhibition enthusiast. He estimated that the cost of the work would bo between £ISOO and £I4OO. The plan would be surmounted by a cornice and balustrate. It was decided to adopt Mr Price's plan and that tenders should be called for the work. Mr Price was congratulated on his work. PIPE BAND CONTEST. RECORD ENTRY EXPECTED. Entries for the Highland pipe band contest to be held in February as one of the attractions of the* Exhibition are coming in well, and there are indications that at least 10 to 12 prominent pipe bands from different parts of the Dominion will be represented in this competition, which should be one of the most important ever held in Australasia. The Pipe Band Committee, working in conjuntion with Mr Scott Colville, amusements director of the Exhibition, has framed a set of rules and regulations based on the laws governing the leading pipe band contests held in Scotland.