N.Z. AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3714, 19 May 1925, Page 27

N.Z. AND SOUTH SEAS EXHIBITION.

CANADIAN REPRESENTATION. SATISFACTORY PROSPECTS. OTTAWA, May 16., Canada will be represented at the New Zealand and South "Seas International Exhibition to be held at Dunedin. It is unofficially stated that negotiations are almost completed for an exhibit through the Department of Immigration in conjunction with other branches of the Federal Government and Canadian manufacturers. Mr J. 0. Turcott, of the Immigration Department, who designed the Canadian building at Wembley, is likely to leave for New Zealand shortly to take charge of the exhibit. WEEKLY MEETING OF DIRECTORS. The weekly meeting of the directors of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition Company was hold on Thursday. The deputy-chairman (Mr 0. Speight) presided, Und there were also present Messrs T. Somerville, H. F. Sincock, W. R. Hayward, A. Barnett, and C. Todd. Mr Barnett brought up the question of taking pictures of the Exhibition and having them screened at moving picture shows throughout the dominion. He thought the screening would prove excellent for publicity purposes.—Members agreed that the idea was a good one, and it was decided that the general manger (Mr Hainsworth) and tiie Publicity Committee should bring up a report on the matter. A deputation consisting of Mr J. Wallace (chairman of the Otago Education Board), Professor White, and Mr Angus Marshall waited on the directors and discussed certain matters connected with the Education Court.—The business discussed will be considered further by the directors. The report of the Works Committee, which contained certain"minor detail matters, was adopted.—Messrs Tapley and Todd and Mr Ilainsworth were appointed to meet Superintendent Napier and discuss the question of water mains for use, if neoesaary, by the Fire Brigade and lire protection generally. Reports of meetings of the Publicity Committee, the Executive 'Committee, and the Horticulture Committee were approved. MUSIC COMMITTEE. The Music Committee reported, inter alia, that a cablegram had been sent to Mr Slapoffski stating that tho directors considered it imperative he should come to Dunedin by the first boat for a few days at their expense to discuss various musical matters. It was decided to approve of the appointment of Mr Vallis as a deputy honorary choirmaster to Mr Gale. It was resolved that on any occasion that the tlhoir Committee hns any matters for discussion this committee will be only too pleased to receive from them a deputation of one or two, and when any choir matters are coming up for con■ideration by the Musid Committee the Musio Committee will endeavour to invite a deputation of the some number. The report was approved.

The Secretary (Mr H. R. Spence) reported that a cablegram had been received from Mr Slapoffski stating that he could not come over till after June 13, and that it had been decided to cable him to come as soon as possible thereafter. TRANSPORT COMMITTEE. The Transport Committee reported, inter alia:—“Mr Ilainsworth conducted the committee over the grounds and through the buildings, and outlined his scheme for the reception and handling of the exhibits coming in. He suggested that a platform and receiving shed should be erected adjacent to the railway siding at the back of No. 1 building, which could be used as a central and 'distributing depot. Approved, subject to final approval by directors. The organising of apparatus and methods of lifting and handling exhibits was also considered, and the matter was deferred for further consideration till next meeting. Mr Hainsworth suggested that two goods entrances and one exit should be provided. Approved. The question of the provision of a shed for the storage of empty cases was also considered, and it was agreed that if this should be located on'the lounds.** The report waa adopted. HORTICULTURAL WEEK COMMITTEE. The Horticultural Week Committee reported, inter alia, as follows:—“Resolved that the directors be recommended to approve of the holding of a horticultural show on 28th, 29th, and 30th January. 1926, the opinion of this committee being that the expenditure would not exceed £250. Referred to subcommittee to compile a schedule to secure exhibits. Letter was read from the secretary, New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Auckland, strongly advocating the holding of a show week and various horticultural conferences during the currency of the exhibition. It was resolved that the following gentlemen be Risked to accept office as members of this committee: T. Y. Turner, lion. T. K. Sidey, M.P., J. H. Waigth and H. Turner. It was resolved that Mr Campbell, Government Director of Horticulture, Wellington, be asked to instruct his officers to assist this committee in their aims.” The report was approved. HOUSING COMMITTEE. The Housing Committee reported, inter alia, es follows“ The organiser reported as follows:—Fresh registrations of accommodation are coming in every day, and quito a numbor of places hove promised to let us have the numbers of guests they can accommodate within a few days. Jim ludios’ section of the Housing Committee has rendered valuable assistance in visiting mid classifying the accommodation already registered. From most of the houses visited the available accommodation is of a very high standard, and very reasonable tariffs are being oskod. Hostesses visited ussuro us that they are out to give the guests visiting tho Exhibition a home away from home. Resolved that it bo a recommendation to tho directors that immediate stops be taken to secure the use of the Drill Hall for the period November to March (inclusivo) for bousing purposes. Sufficient guarantees will be given for the use of the hall and contents. Negotiations are now in progress with the Salvation Array to run the hall during the period tho hall will bo let. Reaolved that Salvation Army be invited to send a represent-

tive to the meetings of the Housing Committee.” Tho report was approved, and it was decided that steps should be taken through the proper channel to obtain, if possible, the Drill Hall. WIRELESS AND TELEGRAPHIC COMMITTEE. The Wireless and Telegraphic Committee reported, inter alia, as follows:—“The Chairman (Mr R. D. Veitch) stated that he was of opinion that the Exhibition authorities should not take any part in wireless or broadcasting themselves, but should allow the traders who were exhibiting to do the broadcasting work under the supervision of the committee. Mr Hainsworth mentioned that the broadcasting in the United States was done by a public concern—the British Broadcasting Company, while in New Zealand this work was done by individual private firms. He suggested that some arrangement should be come to: between these private firms and the Exhibition Company. Mr Todd asked if it would be necessary for the committee to provide for the latest up-to-date instruments being on exhibition Mr Veitch replied that ne thought the Post and Telegraph Department would provide a good exhibit in this respect, and that it would be in the traders’ own interests to demonstrate. After further consideration it was resolved that the chairman should get in touch with Mr O’Neill and other firms who have applied for space, and also the Amalgimated Wireless Company, Wellington, and ascertain if they are p-epared to install to-oaclcasting apparatus.—Resolved, that the masts of the Pateena are of no practical use to the committee.” The report was approved. SHARES ALLOTTED. The Secretary reported that the shares now allotted totalled 80,623. The whole total, with guarantees and donations (1780), came to 82,403 shares. SPORTS, ETC. The directors decided to inform tho chairman of tho Sports Committee (Mr J. 11. Walker) that it had approved of the following programme submitted by the committee: — Brass Band Contest. Pageant. Gymkhana and Battle of Flowers. Military Tournament. Fire Brigade Demonstration. Boxing Tournament. Tug-of-War. Axemen’s Carnival and Sports, with additional events. WORK OF THE WOMEN. One of the most ambitious undertakings in connection with the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition is the work of the womeft’s section, for this exhibit will be of a kind that will require tho combined taste and skill of every woman connected with the section; as well as a great deal of money, to make an effective display. The directors themselves have recognised the importance of this section and liavo given 4000 square feet of space and have guaranteed a substantial sum, but even these sums will not be sufficient to carry out fully the aims of the women. The absolute necessity of a high degree of artistry in arranging the exhibits must be obvious, for unless they are displayed to the best advantage they will most

likely Tesemble a bazaar rather than a display of the world’s best needlework ana arts and crafts. To present these exhibits in an appropriate setting, then, will require a great deal more money than is available at the piesent moment. One only needs to call at the offi c of the Women's Section to realise ‘hat the women are taking their work very seriously, for tho secretary is one of the busiest members of the staff. Thev nave divided themselves into 10 committees, each of which specialises in a certain phase of the worn, and their combined activities cover everything that is of interest to women. The position now is that the directors have given the reauired space, and have made possible tne organisation, and have guaranteed a certain sum. It now behoves the women themselves to make a success of it. Can they do it? The task is as difficult a one as any other connected with the Exhibition, but even so it is unthinkable that, having gone so far, they will fail. ‘‘What we want more than anything else,” said Mrs J. Sutherland Ross (president of the Women’s Section) to a Daily Times reporter, “is to feel that we have the moral support of the women of Otago and of the rest of New Zealand. Finance is certainly an important question, but the necessity for enthusiasm among the women cannot be too strongly em phasised.” Mrs Ross went on to say that although the executive was doing a great deal of the work it was not as though the members had nothing else to do, for they were all very busy women apart from that. They felt, however, that they could make a success of the section so long as they had the backing of the women. Indeed, the Women’s Section was catering for women who would never think of exhibiting under ordinary circumstances. Hawke ? s Bav, Mrs Ross said, was very keen to know what was being done, und indeed if the others were as enthusiastic as this province she thought that they would be able to take up more space. “I don’t think they realise yet what a fine thing this is going to continued Mrs Ross. ‘They seem to think the section is merely looking after women’s needs rather than controlling a small exhibition of its own.” By the last mail inquiries regarding this section were received from the Shetland Islands and similar inquiries are being received daily from all over New Zealand. Letters have been sent to the friendly courts in Europe asking them to interest the women of their countries ; n the work, and copies of the prospectus have also been sent overseas. The exhibits on view will be from majiy countries of the world, and it now remains for the women to see that they are adequately displayed. Considering that the section has only been in existence since April 1, the work alreadv done speaks volumes for’the energy of the executive. It may be mentioned, in conclusion, thot there will be no rivalry between the Women's Section and any other bay. as only women’s work will be displayed here. Representatives from allied women’s bodies are connected with the section, and it has been so arranged that they will all co-operate for the common good.