N.Z. AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3698, 27 January 1925, Page 16

N.Z. AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

MEETING OF DIRECTORS. The weekly meeting of the directors of the New Zealand ana South Seas Exhibition Company was held on Thursday, and was attended by Messrs J. Sutherland Ross (chairman). C. Speight, If. F. Sincock, A. Barnett, T. Somerville, C. Todd, and P. L. Halsted. The Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce wrote stating that the Hon. W. Downie Stewart had received a cablegram from the Colonial Secretary of Fiji to the effect that the Fidan Government would participate in the Exhibition. The secretary (Mr Spence) stated that upon receipt of the message ho had written the Colonial Secretary ottering his services and asking what area would be required.—The secretary’s action was approved. A letter was received from Mr B. M. Bellasis (organising secretary. Exhibition Scotion. Federation of British Industries) enclosing a list of firms which were interested in the Exhibition. The question of firoviding. booking space both in New Zeaand and in London was one which created sorno difficulty. Many firms insisted on being able to book on tho plan the actual position they would occupy, and it was essential, he thought, to allocate the actual space. He pointed out that a larger supply of booklets would better meet the case.— Mr Jlains worth (general manager) stated that there was no doubt'that tne question of the allocation of space was a difficult one. He would suggest that it be done here. — The letter was received, and the matter of the allocation of space was left to Mr Hainsworth.

The Prime Minister wrote stating that he had forwarded a letter to the Prime Minister of South Africa, asking if his Government would participate in the Exhibition.— Tho letter was received.

The Chairman reported that the High Commissioner had been communicated with and asked to endeavour to arrange for the band of the 93rd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to assist in the Exhibition. It was decided to make the thirteenth call of Is per share as from March 2. inter alia:—The various fixtures in the programme were fully discussed and tho committee had now come clown to definite lines in connection therewith. The question of the grounds, fencing, stand, and entrance to the sports grounds was fully discussed. On an examination of the grounds the committee was of the opinion that no effort should he spared to bring the grounds into such a state that the various events could be successfully carried out. This was most important, and it was hoped if would receive due and urgent attention. As the hillside was capable of commanding a good view of the events it was considered desirable that the fencing should be canned well up the hill, and to such a height that no view was obtained without payment. The question of a stand was also an important one, and it was asked what was being done in the matter. It was hoped that the stand to be erected would be of such a capacity that a large number of people could bo accommodated. The question of a separate entrance to the sports ground had been discussed previously, and this was a matter of importance. Such events as tho band quickstep, fire brigade demonstration, and practically all events held on the ground required this, otherwise the public would have to pay double admission to see these events. Unless this were arranged for it would seriously militate against success.— The report was received, and it was decided to refer the matter of the grounds to the Horticultural Committee. The other matters were hold ever until a meeting of directors to be held on the Exhibition site on Monday.

The Works Committee reported, inter alia:—“A letter was read from the Dunedin Drainage Board engineer slating that drainage works in Union street extension wore to be proceeded with, and asking that timber and clay in line of drain be removed. Mr Idiens stated that the timber and clay had been removed. The clerk reported that tho following resolution passed by the Fine Arts Committee had been referred by the directors to the Works Committee: That the directors be urged to make adequate provision for the housing of photographic exhibits and architectural drawings, and the space in the Art Gallery being wholly appropriated, that steps bo taken to build an annexe to the Art Gallery at. its northern end 40ft long by 65ft wide (full width of bunding), in wood and asbestos with an entrance from Art Gallery having' fireproof doors. The matter was referred to the architect to prepare an estimate and plan of annexe. Report read from architect regarding a slight outbreak of fire which had occurred on the roof of No. 3 building at 9.45 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 1925 The architect recommended that the following precautionary measures should be adopted: (a) Prohibit the use of blow lamps in any part of the buildings after 3.30 p.m Mondays to Fridays, and 11 a.m. on Saturdays; (b) a supply of filled fire buckets be placed in position on roofs where blow lamps are being used, and other poi:.‘,s to be indicated after further inspection; (c) as several ex-firemen are in tho contractor's employ, they be asked to organise a volunteer brigade of. say, 12 men, and have an occasional fire drill; (d) that a hose reel equipped with at least 500 ft of hose, nozzles] etc., be stationed at a central position, sav’ at No. 2 building; (e) that extension of fire main be proceeded with, and fire alarm service installed; (f) that a supply of extinguishers be kept at. various points exf I lie buildings. Mr Idiens reported that Mr Love was willing to carry out all the foregoing recommendations at the expense of his firm excepting (d). (e), and (I), in regard to which he considered tho Exhibition Company should bear the greater part, if net. tho whole, of the cost. The whole scheme of fire prevention was fully discussed. Superintendent Napier was present, and expressed his opinion regarding the necessary safeguards which should be adopted. Ho roc-onimended that the whole of the circular water main fire service should be completed now, as it would have to be done sooner or later. lie stated that he was procuring from the makers of the "Vigilant’’ automatic fire alarm particulars of cost of installing their system. He was also getting information regarding cost or hand extinguishers.”—Resol vex! that the directors be recommended to have the work of completing the circular water main firo lervice put in hand and finished at the earliest possible moment. Consideration of the matter of installation of automatic fire •darm and hand extinguishers was deferrod pending receipt of further informatfbn as to cost. etc. Mr Idiens pointed out the desirability of making provision for the main

stormwater drainage. It was stated that the city engineer is now engaged in laying pipes for this drain, and it was considered desirable that while this work was proceeling arrangements should be made for the construction of a manhole to take away the stormwater from the grounds. Resolved that the directors be recommended to sanction the foregoing work being carried out immediately by the city engineer, the Exhibition Company to bear the expense of same. Mr Idiens submitted a plan of Art Gallery. Reeolved that, subject to approval of same by the Fine Arts Committee, the directors be recommended to approve of the plan. Resolved that directors be recommended to include the room for the housing of photographic exhibits and architectural drawings in an extension of Art Gallery, instead of having a separate annexe for same.—The report was received. The Motor Committee’s report slated, inter alia:—The matter of electric lighting of the motor section was brought up in a letter from Mr J. F. Cousins, which was read by those present. Mr Todd stated that the directors had referred the matter for the opinion of the committee. Mr Lough explained the system fully, and stated that he was satisfied the lay-out would efficiently light the exhibits by diffusion from points every 30ft. It was decided that Mr Cousins should be advised of Mr Lough's statements and invited to give his opinion. The secretary brought up the matter of display of trucks, and it was decided that tho directors be recommended to provide that all trucks should only be shown in the special commercial vehicle section, hut there would be no objection to an exhibitor showing a motor car in that section along with his trucks. The seoertary was instructed to inform Mr Cousins that the floor for trucks would be clay foundation, covered with wood, and be raised 6in, as in case of motor exhibit stands. —Received.

The report of the Finance Committee stated that a draft financial statement of estimates of receipts and expenditure compiled by the general manager and secretary had been considered. Aftor full and careful consideration of the various items and estimates it was decided that the statement being sufficient as an approximation it be accepted accordingly, and the secretary was instructed to send a copy of same to each member of tho board. Air Halsted brought up as a matter of urgency the vote for expenses in connection with the United States art collection, and it was decided to recommend the directors to anthoriso expenditure on this up to £250.. —The report was received, and it was decided to authorise the expenditure of the £250 in regard to the art collection. The report of the Publicity Committee read as follows:—“Copies of the illustrated foldor were submitted by the secretary and placed on the table. The secretary sum mitted the original quotation for this folder, and asked authority to dispose of 5000 copies to the Tourist Office. Mr Steel also inquired the price at which they could supply tho new Publicity Department of the New Zealand Government, in the event of a supply being required. Resolved that these be available to Tourist and Publicity Departments at £4O per 100 up to 5000 copies, and greater quantities by arrangement. With reference to Mr Colville’s suggestions of advertising in Australia, the sub-committee reported that they could not alter their scheme as already approved without increase of expenditure or reducing the space in individual papers as already selected.”—Resolved that further consideration of the advertising scheme be deferred until to-day, when the sub-committee would confer wi'lh the general manager.—Received. THE DIRECTORS ENTERTAINED Tho directors of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, the general manager (Mr C. P. Ilainsworth', the secretary (Air H. R. Spence), and Captain Graham, of the British Board of Trade, were entertained by the Dunedin Rotary Club at its weekly luncheon on Thursday, when the president (Rotarian Solomon) occupied the chair. Rotarian Solomon said that the work the directors were doing was one of the most apt illustrations of the ideals of Rotary. These men, who were working in the interests of New Zealand and Otago, deserved all the thanks they could accord them. He would take this opportunity of saying that they all believed in the Exhibition, which would do a great deal of good, and tho directors could count on them to give all the assistance they possibly could. He would call upon Captain Graham to speak.

Captain Graham thanked the Rotarians for the warm welcome they had given him, and added that he had thought, from what he had been informed, that Dunedin would be dull and kicking in a sense of humour. This, however, he had already found was net the case. Continuing, he said that he could speak freely on the thanklessness of the task of the directors. He had been closely associated with the Wembley Exhibition, and he knew of the difficult nature of the task which had kept him and many others working till late at night. There were several points of value he would like to emphasise, and one was that the great advantage of such an enterprise was that all tho exhibits were under tho one roof, and they were always the best that could be offered. Again, a trader who had intended to visit the country bait had hitherto not had anv great incentive to do so would find this the very opportunity to secure business. Another aspect was the influence it would have on the younger veneration, who would see the products of their country placed before them and realise the possibilities. The average young man was an opportunist (and so was the younv woman for that matter), and when he had the exhibits put before him this way ho would take a greater interest in his country. Cantain Graham then business resulting from Wemblev. The oleotrie veneration plant there which lit tho Exhibition was on display, and as a res ilt five instillation** were disposed cf to municipalities. Ovnn* bought 020 0(D worth of asbestos. n.nd Newfoundh"'d achieved a rather remarkahlo success. This country nut on show a quantity of oelgrnss. and n na.sser-hy who scooped to insrxvd if miw that it possessed far trrealor elasticity than straw, and now it was largely used for packing purposes. Criticism played an important part in the success of such an enterprise, and he would endeavour to classify the typos of criticß. First, there was the little man with a snug business who had no larger outlook than was required for his immediate needs. Then thef© was the man in tho street who objected to everything in which he did not have a finger, and the best way to quieten him was to give him something to do. Thirdly, there was the

press, which, though axdeut, never offered any criticism that was not of a constructive nature. It was of great value to them and would prove to bo their best friend. Lastly, there was the professional man, the banker, the sharebroker, who thought that ho was not connected with the trade. His business, however, really depended on tho success of the trade. He had met all these critics at Home, but when they had realised that the show had reached that stage when it must go on they had put their shoulders to the wheel, like common-sense Englishmen, and had given a good forward push. Captain Graham added that he did not want to go back without saying that he had received representative opinions regarding the Home Government’s exhibit, and lie thought that the Rotary Club was the best place to go for these opinions. One other point he would like to touch on was the sentimental value of the Exhibition, which oould be made to appeal to the children in a way that would teach them the historical value of the enterprise. This had been one of the most successful fea tures of Wembley, and it could be just as interesting to the children here if similar exhibits were put on.

In conclusion, he would like to thank his hearers for the courteous way in which they had received him, and he. hoped that lie would have an opportunity to repay tho kindness that had been accorded him. Air Justice MacGregor, who was also a guest, then gave a brief address.

Mr J. Sutherland Ross (chairman of directors) said that it was gratifying that the Rotary Club was now prepared to recognise the existence of the directorate in this official way. Indeed, half the board were Rotarians, and he had felt that the club had always supported them in spirit. The time had come, however, when more than a tacit friendship was required. The Exhibition was certainly going to he a success, but they must all put their shoulders to the wheel. A good many people had waited to see which way the cat going to jump before making any venture, and he was glad to say that it was jumping forward, and very quickly. The Old Book said that faith wa? the evidence of tilings not seen, but people only wanted to go to Logan Park to see that there was something tangible. There was not the slightest use in going past in the train to see what was going on, as one could get no idea of the magnitude of the work that way. People should go right through tho buildings and see for themselves what was being done.

Air C. P. Hainsworth (Exhibition manager) was then called upon to speak. Ho said that prior to coming from England he had heard that New Zealand was the promised land. The ccuntrv was ideal, the people were all that could be desired, the climate was excellent, and so far his expectations had been fulfilled. They were now engaged on a.n undertaking of which they were in a position to make a success, and what t.hey_ wanted now was the support of business men. Rotarian Sargood proposed a vote of thanks to the visitors, and the function was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem. AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL COURT. At a recent meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce the president made reference to the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, and expressed his regret that, possibly owing to the short notice given, the meeting at which the Exhibition directors (Messrs Hayward, Barnett, and Todd) were present, was not more largely attended by members of the chamber. He went on to say that the informaton afforded by these gentlemen was of a most interesting character, and shed a deal of light on the aims and objects of the Exhibition. Several members of tho chamber spoke on the matter, and the consensus of opinion Was that the Exhibition should command the enthusiastic support of all portions of the dominion. The president stated that there was no doubt, about Auckland giving its generous support to the undertaking, and it had been arranged to call a further meeting at which the Industrial Association, Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and other bodies interested would bo present and would be asked to join the Chamber of Commerce in setting up a strong local committee to deal with the matter of Auckland’s participation in tho Exhibition, it being understood that this would take the form a “provincial court” for Auckland. A telegram has just been received from the Hon. W. Downio Stewart (Minister of Industries and Commerce) to say that he has been advised by the Colonial Secretary of Fiji that the Fijian Government will participate in the Exhibiton.