HOKITIKA. EXHIBITION

Southland Times, Issue 19124, 17 December 1923, Page 5

HOKITIKA. EXHIBITION

OPENING CEREMONY MINISTERIAL CONGRATULATION AN EFFECTIVE DISPLAY. (Per United Press Association.) HOKITIKA, December 15. The British and Intercolonial Exhibition at Hokitika was successfully opened to-day, when magnificent weather prevailed and there was a splendid attendance, far exceeding expectations. The large buildings were thronged. There is a large and varied display, the exhibitors from all parts of New Zealand and Australia showing an extensive array of products. Manufacturers of Canterbury and Dunedin have specially large numbers of exhibits. The stands generally were admired. The West Coast makes a good showing. The Westland, Grey, Buller, Mangahua and Nelson courts containing a splendid array of coal and other minerals have a special place, while butter-and cheese products fill a substantial place. The general appearance of the entrance has a remarkable effect with snowclad mountains and under special electric light display at night is most effective. The fernery at the entrance is providing a feature winning general admiration. The whole of the stalls were practically completed for the opening and the general effect was highly successful, winning the commendation of the visitors, of whom there was a large influx from the north and many from the East Coast. The town is wearing a holiday appearance. The formal opening ceremony took place this afternoon, the speakers being Mr W. J. Butler (president of the Exhibition Council), Sir Francis Bell, Hon. W. Downie Stewart (who performed the opening ceremony) and Sir Heaton Rhodes. The visiting speakers paid a high tribute. Sir Francis Bell expressed regret at the absence of Mr Massey, stating his personal and sincere admiration hail been evoked by the efforts of the Coast. The confidence of the promoters in launching th® enterprise had been fully justified by the result achieved. It was wonderful what a comparatively small community had managed to effect. He heartily congratulated the promoters and wished the Exhibition every success. Hon. W. Downie Stewart, in declaring the Exhibition open, paid a tribute to the old miners of Otago and Westland, whose sons were now carrying on. He congratulated the district on the happy thought to commemorate the three events, viz., the opening of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel bring,ing the East and West together, the drawing of attention to the importance of our. secondary industries and to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Westland. “Great and glorious as has been the past,* said the Minister, “this exhibition is going to prove that the Coast does not rely on the past or present but is going on developing its dairying and paetoral pursuits.” Sir Heaton Rhodes congratulated Westland on drawing nearer to Canterbury through the opening of the tunnel. As Minister of Forestry, he was taking a keen interest in the future of the timber industry. In congratulating the promoters on the Exhibition, he said that he never found so much enthusiasm as the people of Westlad had shown. He was glad for the invitation to be present and the opportunity of voicing his good will. The building were brilliantly lit at night. The champion B. grade band of New Zealand from Runanga rendered a special programme which was greatly enjoyed by the large attendance present. The Exhibition has been fixed to close on Saturday, February 2. The jubilee will be specially celebrated on January 9, 10, 11 and 12, when a large number of the pioneers of the early days of the Coast are expected to hold a reunion, a special programme of entertainment being arranged for the Jubilee function.