CANTERBURY’S ADIEU.

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 28

CANTERBURY’S ADIEU.

THE COMMISSIONER’S IMPRESSIONS. “Before the curtain falls on New Zealand’s greatest national performance, I desire briefly to record some kindly parting impressions,” said Mr Havelock Williams (Commissioner of the Canterbury Court). “A recognition of the host of friendly officials and the wonderful enthusiasm of visitors from the North Cape to the Bluff is due as a closing ode of general thanks is on behalf of Otago's

sister province. Logan Park has been the cynosure of all minds and hearts for the past six months, and those who have been closely associated with the provincial courts well know the wonderful co-operative success that has been attained in the interests of the Dominion. “My most optimistic expectations have been exceeded, and it has been a great honour to be able to do something—‘ray little bit’ for the granary of .«ew Zealand. Since I have been at this Exhibition 1 have learnt to appreciate more than ever those noble words: ‘Breathes there a man with soul so dead who never to himself hath said, ‘'lbis is my own. my native land,* Logan Park, in reality, has awakened New Zealand to its part as a link in our Empire chain. It has made me proud to be a New* Zealander, and this undoubtedly is the inspiration given to its three million visitors. The Exhibition captured the imagination of overseas people, all of whom have expressed unfeigned admiration of the carnival »o capably conceived and adminis tered by a young land of but 60 odd years under the British flag. “It lias been a splendid opportunity to direct the attention of all people not only to the surpassing wealth of Canterbury in resources and industries, but to her outstanding scenic splendour, featuring the great glory of the Southern Alps, of which the Dominion’s most dominant snow-capped peak—Mount Cook (12,350ft)—is the remarkable pivot. People entering the Canterbury Court have been much impressed with the huge painting showing this worldfamous landmark of our country, which looks across the fertile downs and plains towards the eastern coast line. The designers of the Canterbury Court aimed at pictorial representation of open landscape to give a panoramic effect. A happy portion of the court was the cosy lounge, which gave restful pleasure to many people I can say with candour that our court was enthused about by all within its portals. "1 should sav that the most enjoyable and most thrilling of my experiences were the visits of the healthy and happy school children from Canterbury. Their youthful enthusiasm for what they rightly claimed to he their own was delightful to witness ami to feel. It struck me that these loyal citizens of the future fully realised the significance of their part in this wonderful fete, and I am sure they will ever be a credit to the province. It was a sight to see ‘the sea of smiling faces’ when over 700 children from Canterbury assembled prior to their return nortli and sang with lusty voices ‘Auld Lang Svne/ followed bv cheers as only children can deliver them. The presence of these children was an object-lesson in more ways than one. Compare the benefit of the Exhibition to the adults and the children, and all will admit that the children growing up will be the greatest gainers. “Nothing was more interesting and nortinent than the queries of these children. The court authorities had to be well up in their facts and figures for these budding New Zealanders. The ideas and thoughts of the young have been given useful foundational inspiration at this Exhibition, and the slogan ‘Know thy country* has been given considerable fillin. The big relief map of Canterbury has been of exceptional value, showing as it does at a glance the topographical features. Tt reveals that Canterbury’s wonderful fertility is supported by natural watersheds of importance, though primarily to illustrate the Lake Coleridge hydro-electric power scheme bv means of lamps on the towns connected, the map became a subject of provincial importance to the court. The models of Canterbury’s two ports—Lyttelton and Timaru—were admired, and the chief town of South Canterbury was given great prominence with its extraordinary beautiful beach—Caroline Bay. Pictorially, and with respect to its splendid port, Timaru was creditably represented. “To the few who earlier doubted the wisdom of provincial participation, I can only say it w’ould have been a great and irreparable loss to the prestige and progress of Canterbury not to have been in this Exhibition. Xo greater opportunity was ever offered to effectively proclaim the incomparable facilities and attractions o f Canterbury. The Exhibition has added pages to New’ Zealand's history and pounds to its present and future wealth from commercial and tourist points of view. To the various bodies, who by financial support enabled Canterbury to he 'on the map of New Zealand/ I have, as commissioner, to offer my sincere thanks on behalf of the people of New Zealand who were so delighted with our display. I have also to acknowledge the cordial relations that existed between the commissioners and other officials, and for the courtesy extended to us by the Exhibition authorities. “It is with somethin" akin to regret that we leave Dunedin—the city of big ideas. In six months w r e have come to know and understand some of Otago’s greatness, and above all to esteem its exceedingly hospitable people.”