ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 19

ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

By Pencarrow. (Special fob the Otago Witness.) September 20. Wellington has settled down again after the excitement over the airmen, but the Alayor “got going” while the going was good. There has been a meeting—several. Flight-commander Kingsford Smith and his airmates most kindly inspected the proposed site for our aerodrome or landing place for planes, which certainly will arrive in the near future. The site is approved. Doubtless it will be acquired, so passengers coming by air from Australia and elsewhere will do so - via Lyall Bay. The site lies between the outer sea and the harbour the most sheltered part of the harbour, Evans Bay. It is mostly' sandhills at present, and was all sand at one time. Aluch of it was levelled a few years ago by relief work, so it can quickly be made ready. Alajor Wilkes, director of Air Services, and the Prime Alinister went out with the visitors, and the ground was very' thoroughly inspected, there is plenty' of running space for commercial planes in the line of the prevailing winds, and the whole area can be extended and kept clear of buildings. Ly'all Bay is distinctly pleased with itself. The airmen got away safely' after much feting and speech-making. They had an enthusiastic reception at Treiitham and a triumphal progress into the city, where they found the Royal Oak Hotel beflagged in preparation for their welcome. It was there I saw them, also at a matinee of “ Wings ” later in the afternoon, but only on the film, which is excellent—in fact, marvellous. The preliminary scene showed the arrival at Sockburn. - After lunch, which, I believe, they’ were allow'ed to eat in peace; they were taken to the trots at Lower Hutt, and there things were very merry. On Alonday the State lunched them, and the city “ received them ” —all with speech,. Diggers, of course, claimed them as their own, and at the civic reception females fluttered. The. airmen bore it all with unfailing good nature. No doubt they knew' what to expect. They departed from Trentham quietly on Alonday.

The next excitement was the announcement that Sir Joseph Ward had accepted the leadership of the United Party—- “ Reunited,” as a wag somewhat aptly has described it since. “ There’s life in the old dog yet,” says the man in the street, and friends in and out of the party and politics are pleased to realise it. ' -

Wellington has opened its Winter Show Buildings and its show. This is really a great event of interest to the Dominion.' This is the fifth show of its kind, but the others- were held in buildings on the wharves, by' courtesy of the Harbour Board. Public men have long recognised the need for a permanent home for the Industrial Exhibition—where to find it?—also how’? Vast floor space was required. After much-cogita-tion those interested solved the problem. There was a place called Jam Tin Gully—an abode of rats and the dumping ground of horrid objects—“ no man’s, land,” not very far from John street. This was secured, cleared, excavated, and prepared. The huge building planted thereon is still unfinished, but ready’ for use, and to-day’s show is reported to be worthy of this great occasion and of its home.

His Excellency' the Governor-General opened it at noon yesterday. The huge floor space—the largest in the Dominion —makes it possible for all exhibits to be presented under one roof, a tremendous boon to. the general public as well as to the exhibitors. I hear the Government has prepared something very pleasant in the shape of an education section —a publicity department—and among the attractions offered is a dancing floor bigger than that of our own Town Hall. During the week all Wellington—including this scribe—will go out to see the sights.

In opening the show yesterday his Excellency Sir,Charles Fergusson laughingly' declared he had joined the society of abridged oratory, of which he is first patron. This society, he assured his audience, would include the Prime Alinister, the Alay’or, councillors, and her Excellency, Lady Alice Fergusson, who will be first patron of the ladies’ branch. He prophesied that the exhibition will become a great, important centre of industry and will attract people from all directions, including the air.

Later in the day this very busy. Governor-General opened the " Spring Flower Show in the Town Hall. The season has been bad, but the show was beautiful enough to satisfy most of us. Entries have come from all over New Zealand. One which is the admiration of all beholders is from Napier, Anderson’s display of tree carnations—a marvellous .sight. That public - spirited gentleman, Sir Heaton Rhodes, has again given us a glimpse of the beauties of his garden in the South Island, and the City Council has produced a very fine display from the public parks and” gardens. Two ladies showed exquisite flowers from their Karori gardens—Airs S. Kircaldie and Airs Schlater—and there are very sweet blooms from other private gardens.

The Wellington Spring Show is very often described as disappointing, but we

who know our Wellington are surprised and delighted each year. At present in the garden surrounding my home there ar-e six primroses each one inch high, and several battered jonquils. Lovers of gardens should live out of town. Speaking of flowers reminds me of Captain Rainey, who has a charming garden at Lower Hutt, and who went to sea at the age of 14 years. He is now retiring on superannuation, after several years as joint manager of the New Zealand branch of the Commonwealth and Dominion Line. He was marine superintendent for 15 years after long years at sea—sail and steam.