BRITISH PARTICIPATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 27

BRITISH PARTICIPATION.

SATISFACTION EXPRESSED. In a review of ths Exhibition achievements in the departments under his control and associated with his court, the British Government Commissioner (Captain 8. J. Graham) expresses the liveliest satisfaction with the results of the past six months. “The share of the Home Country in the successful Exhibition has been of an extremely varied character,” he states. Dealing Grst with the British Government Pavilion, I can only say that I am delighted with the reception accorded to our effort by the New Zealand public. We have had the kindest messages and expressions of appreciation from all parts of the Dominion; from official sources, no less than from private individuals. There is every evidence that the Imperial note struck by the design and contents has found a warm echo in the hearts of our visitors “Though so much of our display was of an historical character, the high standard of modern design in Great Britain was reflected in many parts of the pavilion and the average visitor has been quick to appreciate that fact. “The reception of our efforts was so kindly throughout the whole period of the Exhibition that it made our task, not only easy, but pleasant. I feel confident that the official participation of the Home Government was more than justified, and that pur pavilion had a very definite share in cementing those ties of Empire which are of such vital importance to the future of us all. ~ “Coming to the other exhibitors in No. 1 Building I find the same satisfaction with the results of the past six months. In discussing the matter with representatives of British firms, phrases, such as ‘more than satisfied,’ ‘exceeded anticipations,’ and ‘delighted,’ were frequent. A representative of a wellknown firm of essential oil manufacturers stated that participation had brought him into touch with a certain number of new customers, had done a great deal to cement friendly business relations with his old customers. and also also given him valuable business publicity. Equally, a printing press manufacturer, whose name is a household word throughout the English-speaking world, expressed surprise at the extent of business secured; both direct sales made at the Exhibition and the new avenues for business opened up as a result of exhibiting were far in excess to anything he anticipated. Similar views were expressed by exhibitors of British cutlery, of British pottery and glass ware. An exhibitor of time recorders was equally enthusiastic, and I understand that the various textile exhibitors are quite satisfied with the results. “There is another set of British exhibits of which the public was not, perhaps, so definitely aware—namely, the many classes of goods which were shown by New Zealand agents in various parts throughout the Exhibition. British machinery, British steel tools, British plumbing and sanitary equipment, British motor cars, British stationery requisites, and many other linos could be seen in all parts of the .Exhibition. It is, naturally, not so easy to learn of the direct results in these cases, but I have good reason for confidence that a similar verdict of satisfaction is forthcoming in .these quarters “Taking it all round, I can only aga n express my confidence that British participation here has been an unqualified success. I am sure that we shall all carry away with us the warmest recollections of the kindness and hospitality of the citizens of Dunedin.”