THROUGH SOUTHLAND EYES.

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

THROUGH SOUTHLAND EYES.

MR .T. E. WINSLOE’S IMPRESSIONS. Southland’s Commissioner, Mr J. E. Winsloe, has nothing but praise for the results of his province’s participation in the Exhibition. “May we now in these, the closing hours of a wonderful Exhibition period—u six months’ period of hard and arduous workexpress our appreciation for the many courtesies extended to us for the whole Exhibition term?” he remarked. “We Southlanders were early in the Geld, and we were first to commence the construction of our court. From the day the first nail was driven in the court the greatest interest has been shown in Southland’s portrayal of her great potentialities, in scenic, sport, primary and secondary industry. “Hie court has made Southlanders themselves appreciate and love the name of province, whilst the name Southland has

been carried far afield, throughout the whole English-speaking world. For this the court has been responsible, for it has been a wonderful little corner of hospitality, where the thousands of visitors have been welcomed, where information has been gladly given, where courtesies have been extended. No one has been denied, and it has always been the endeavour of the staff to give of their very beet to every inquiry, and render assistance wherever possible. “Now we are leaving. The evening of the great show has passed, and we feel keenly that parting. We have made many new friends, renewed old acquaintances, passed on the name of Southland to many who had but vague ideas of what Soutiiland is and meant. Glance through our visitors’ book, opened November 17, ! 1925, and closed on May 1, 1926—a book probably the most wonderful in the whole Exhibition. It has been open continuously 1 to visitors, and respected by all. The tens of thousands who have entered their names 1 in it have learnt the name ‘Southland’ and what it stands for. “11l our compact court we told that we have scenic wonders, the finest of mountain, lake, and bush. We have sport, for both , rod and gun, which all goes to build up a glorious outdoor life, so dear to all I Britishers. We told, furthermore, that down in this southern-most outpost of the great British Empire is a land, fertile I which produces the very best in stock and cereals for man’s needs. “What more, in this magnificent land of 1 plenty, a climate congenial, a population healthy and happy? This country, endowed with everything of the very best. ■ requires a population—is calling to those ambitious to make a free home. It will respond to kindly treatment. There is room for thousands of settlers, for in- : dustry as well. There is ample electrical energy, a great wealth dormant, and thousands of visitors to the great Exhibition are conversant, more than ever before, with Southland's potential wealth. “We close with a great record, and we thank all who have so ably assisted us. We cannot individualise. Otago lias responded to Southland so nobly, and the other sister provinces have respected us. To the chairman and directors of the Exhibition Company, the general manager, and secretary—in fact, the whole of the courteous and obliging staff, the overseas commissioners, Mr Tannock, Mr Reid and staff, and all those who so ably assisted in lightening our duties and making our stay in Dunedin pleasant, and last, but not least, the press, we are grateful. “We have no regrets, and we arc grate ful to have had such an opportunity to tell the thousands of visitors of the golden opportunities that Southland can offer.”