DUNEDIN EXHIBITION

Southland Times, Issue 19546, 9 May 1925, Page 4

DUNEDIN EXHIBITION

THE SOUTHLAND COURT. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEET. The Main Executive of the Southland Court at the Dunedin Exhibition met in the League Rooms yesterday. There were present: Messrs H. J. Farrant (Chairman), H. F. Drewe, W. F. Scandrett, S. Ritchie, A. E. Willett, W. Boyce, A. le H. Hoyles, Alex. McKenzie, R. M. Strang, C. D. McConnell, A. Russell, J. G. Imlay, E. B. Gee, J. H. Clark, Captain N. McD. Weir, and the Secretary (Mr John E. Winsloe). CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The Chairman reported that since the last meeting a good deal of routine work had been carried out and in accordance with the resolution passed by the General Committee a Board of Control had been set up and was actively carrying out the duties allotted to it. The Secretary and himself had met the Executive of the Exhibition in Dunedin and had met with a very fine reception. Not only had matters been discussed but they had paid a visit of inspection to the Exhibition buildings and were amazed at the size of them. They had a long discussion with the Secretary of the Exhibition with regard to the space applied for for the Southland Court and as Southland’s application for space was the first one sent in they maintained that the site selected inside the main entrance to the Provincial Court building should be adhered to and that the original arrangement in regard to the amount of space should not be departed from. Mr Farrant said he was satisfied that many more applications for space would be received and he believed it would be a wise move to secure more space if at all possible. The Architects’ Institute had been approached in regard to

a suitable design for the main entrance to the Southland Court and they had promised assistance, which was very much appreciated. In order to secure assistance from all parts of the province it would be necessary for the representatives of the country centres to accept the responsibility of what space their localities would require and also what class of exhibits were likely to come forward from the various localities. If the applications came in freely it would be necessary to apply for extra space without delay.

Mr Winslce suggested that in order to secure the better control and co-operation of the country districts the local bodies should be asked t to seek the assistance of the local A. and P. Associations. Such a step would ensure the centres carrying out their work with more success. The Racing Clubs throughout the district should also be approached and informed that they would benefit indirectly by the Court and so should be prepared to give some assistance. It would be essential for the country districts to set up their committees without delay and so get to work, because there was a lot to be done. He was pleased to say that the dairying industry was respond ing most enthusiastically and a fine exhibit was assured. The reports of the Chairman and thp Secretary were received. GENERAL BUSINESS. In reply to a question by Mr Strang, the Chairman reported that up to the present the sum of £1,400 had been definitely secured and that would be sufficient to finance the Court. The Executive, however, was hoping that more money would be forthcoming, as it would enable the Court to be managed much better, The proposal was to charge private exhibitors, who would supervise their own exhibits, the sum of 10s per square foot of space, with a maximum of 20s per square foot for those who desired their exhibits to be under the supervision of the Southland Executive. A good deal of space had already been applied for and out of the 1500 feet available for private exhibits between 700 and 800 had been definitely booked. The remainder of the 2600 feet booked for the Southland Court would be required for the scenic exhibits, etc. The question of calling the General Committee together again was left in the hands of the Executive to arrange. In the meantime the district Committees will call their meetings at their convenience to allow the organiser and Secretary being present to advise Committees as to their line of action.