THURSDAY’S ACTIVITIES

Otago Witness, Issue 3743, 8 December 1925, Page 27

THURSDAY’S ACTIVITIES

AN AMAZING SUCCESS. “*Om experience since the opening day has been quite a revelation—from the point of view of public attendance—particularly when the weather conditions are considered. The success of the Exhibition has been amazing.” That is the opinion, expressed on Wednesday evening of the general manager, Mr C. P. Hainsworth. He continued that the present undertaking reminded him of the first exhibition with which he was connected. It had been held in a city where within a radius of nin© miles there was a population of over 1,000,000, but the average daily attendances had exceeded those of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition by very few. When the great difference in population was considered, the result was a great indication of the immense popularity at present being enjoyed. At present Mr Hainsworth is unable to give any indication of the results obtained by exhibitors in the industrial sections, as it was as yet too early for public interest in the great variety of goods offered to be fully aroused, but he had received no complaints from a business point of view. Certain things yet remained to be done, and would be completed within the next few days. Included amongst many improvements to the Exhibition as a whole would be a series of signboards for the benefit of the public. These had been ordered for some weeks, but owing to shortage of labour, unavoidable delay had occurred. The general condition of the grounds, roads and paths was to be still further improved and extensive topdressing would be carried out.

“The weather has greatly hindered us in this respect,” he said, “but now it has cleared the work will be rushed ahead with all possible speed.”

The Amusement Park continues to le the great attraction for the majority of visitors, and in referring to this section of the Exhibition, Mr Hainsworth remarked that it had proved an even stronger drawing force than was anticipated. It was now fully opened and each machine was catering efficiently for a particular section of the public. Nothing but praise had been received from the many patrons whose opinions had been given to the executive. “Since the opening day,” Mr Hainsworth concluded, “visitors from all the big centres of the Dominion and from Australia,

America, and Britain have reported themselves, and all were enthusiastic about the Exhibition. They intend to make the surprising magnitude and complete success of the undertaking known on their return home.”

After an examination of the New Zealand Secondary Industries Pavilion the Governor-General. Sir Charles Fergusson, informed Mr J. Sutherland Ross, chairman of the Exhibition directors that he was absolutely astonished at the variety and quality of goods manufactured in New Zealand. He was also impressed with the many mechanical working exhibits and emphasised their educative values, particularly for children. His Excellency is particularly interested in the welfare of the young and has lost no opportunity of impressing upon the directors the opportunities offering in the Exhibition for educative work.