HOKITIKA EXHIBITION

Southland Times, Issue 19123, 15 December 1923, Page 5

HOKITIKA EXHIBITION

TO-DAY’S CEREMONY. A CREDITABLE UNDERTAKING. (Per United Press Association.) HOKITIKA, December 14. On the eve of the opening of the British and Intercolonial Exhibition, everything is remarkably well advanced. There are about 150 stands of exhibits, exhibitors being present from all parts of the Dominion and Australia. Space was well disposed jof locally, Coast exhibits making a good showing. The entrance is a typical West Coast fernery, leading into the Westland Agricultural Court, which opens into the main annexe with the main avenues of Greymouth and Westport buildings, which are full, these exhibits also linking up with the annexe. Overflow exhibits are shown upstairs in the Town Hall, where very interesting displays are made. The whole interior is very tastefully decorated, and makes a display which has been greatly admired.

The Ministerial party, including Sir Francis Bell, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes and Hon. W. Downie Stewart arrived to-night. The last-named will deliver the principal speech at the inaugural ceremony to-morrow afternoon, when the Runanga Band will be present in addition to the local band. The Exhibition choir of eighty voices will render suitable music at the opening, which will be attended by a number of visitors from all parts of New Zealand. Visitors who have arrived already express marked surprise at the extent of the Exhibition arrangements and the forward nature of the preparations which promise a very successful undertaking, reflecting every credit on the communitv.

Mr W. J. Jenkin, ex-President of the Canterbury Industrial Association, who is visiting Hokitika, remarked to-day after an inspection of the display that “the exposition made was a wonderful achievement on the part of the Hokitika people.”' He said the general arrangements were excellent and reflected great credit on those concerned in the organisation. Canterbury manufacturers, he added, were of course particularly interested because they had supported the project splendidly. On the eve of the opening, when they saw what had been done, they ought to be well satisfied. A large number of visitors have arrived and the town is wearing a holiday appearance. Many business places in the main street are decorated with ferns, greenery, and bunting.