THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1926. THE FIRST MILLION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19688, 15 January 1926, Page 8

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1926. THE FIRST MILLION.

The fact that the attendance at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition passed yesterday the million mark is a matter for the highest gratification. When the Exhibition was opened probably oven those most competent to hazard an estimate can have had only a very vague idea of the measure of patronage which it might be expected to attract, but it may safely be concluded that the most sanguine expectations respecting the attendance are being exceeded. Yet, the draw-ing-power of the Exhibition has never been seriously in doubt from the opening day. When the important enterprise was only in process of materialisation it was frequently pointed out that, when all was said r id done, it would fall upon Dunedin to provide that steady flow of patrons upon which its success must be largely dependent. Dunedin has risen nobly to the occasion. The citizens are proud of the great display at Logan Park, and have discovered a new and agreeable experience in visiting it again and again. But in delighting everybody the .Exhibitdoa

has, of course, advertised itself, and the influx of visitors has latterly been very large. Since Christmas the daily attendance at the Exhibition has been almost steady at an exceedingly high figure, and, over the whole period since the date of opening on November 17, the average daily record of those passing through the turnstiles has exceeded 20,0uu. This is a very satisfactory result. There is, moreover, no reason to think that the attendance, reaching its zenith this month, will not be well maintained thereafter. The Exhibition has been improving as a display all the time since the opening, and the introduction of new features is still going on. For all who have the capacity to appreciate it in that light it represents an educational feast, offering attractions that may well seem almost inexhaustible, as all will agree who have made many visits to Logan Park and have yet hy no means fully explored its vast resources. Those who regard the Exhibition mainly from the point of view of the amusements which it provides are likely fo feel bereft indeed when the day for the closing of its portals arrives. In view of the interest which the Exhibition has aroused, and the hold which it has asserted upon the whole community, there will be no surprise if it should be decided that it shall be carried on for a longer period than most people originally expected.