THE GRAND FINALE.

Southland Times, Issue 19859, 3 May 1926, Page 8

THE GRAND FINALE.

EXHIBITION CLOSES.

HIGH CARNIVAL IN DUNEDIN.

SATURDAY’S ATTENDANCE 83,000.

DEPRESSING WEATHER CONDITIONS. VAST CROWDS INVADE CITY. CARNIVAL SPIRIT ABROAD. (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, May 2. Saturday, the final day of Dunedin’s great venture, was ushered in by a patter of falling rain, which continued all day. Nothing daunted, thousands came from near and far, from town and country, to watch the curtain fall for the\ last time. Altogether 15 trains arrived from long distances. The town was full and over all hung a spirit of carnival, in spite of the rain, that outdid that of the opening day. When the gates opened thousands were waiting, and all day long they streamed down the highway till the courts and grounds were full. The Festival Hall for the closing ceremony was packed to the doors and thousands listened in the falling rain in the Grand Court to the reproduction of the loud speakers w’hich had been installed for the occasion. All day long the stalls, courts, sideshow’s, and amusement devices were running at full speed. The crowd was unprecedented. ‘ All is over and done; render thanks to the Giver.” The great enterprise of Dunedin closed successful and attained its object. The thousands who watched the gates close will never forget the Great Exhibition of 1926 when Dunedin placed New Zealand more firmly than ever on the map. f At the outset of the proceedings the president of the Exhibition (Mr J. Sutherland Ross) called upon the whole concourse to stand, and the Prime Minister (the Hon. J. G. Coates) then read the following message. which His Majesty the King had been graciously pleased to send s>r the closing day of the Exhibition—“lt is a great pleasure to me to learn that the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition, which closes to-day, has been so successful, and that the attendance has reached the truly remarkable figure of three millions. I am confident that the hope which I expressed at the opening of the Exhibition, that it would achieve good results in promoting co-oper-ation. and prosperity among my people, and in furthering international goodwill, has been realised.— (Signed) George, R. 1.” Mr Ross read a letter from his Excellency regretting deeply that he and her Excellency were unable to be present owing to their departure for the Islands. He congratulated the directors on, the success of the project, and stated that the whole Empire realised the value of the Exhibition to the Dominion as a means of propaganda and advertisement. Continuing, he said that the Exhibition was over, but exhibitions had long been recognised as means of advertising. In this connection it had filled its purpose. All the overseas commissioners would now be ambassadors and propagandists for New’ Zealand. He appealed for support for New Zealand, and after that Empire-made goods. He thanked the New Zealand Government for the displays made and financial assistance accorded, and spoke of the courtesy and attention of the Railwav Department, at the head of which was Mr Coates. It was a source of gratification to Dunedin that all the Government loan had been repaid. Dunedin did not look on the Exhibition in a parochial spirit, but as a Dominion-wide project. The attendance was over 3,116,000 to last night, proof that the Dominion as a w’hole had supported the Exhibition. It had infused a new’ life into New Zealand and the South Island generally.—(Applause.) It had fostered a spirit which they of the younger generation hoped to retain forever.—(Hearty applause.) Mr Coates then read the following messages — “From the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs: The Prime Minister has asked me to convey to you and to your Ministers his congratulations on the remarkable success of the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition. I wish to associate myself most warmly with his message. — (Signed) AMERY. “From the Prime Minister of Canada: Permit me on behalf of the Government' of Canada to extend hearty congratulations on the success of the South Seas International Exhibition at Dunedin, which concludes shortly. The efficiency with which the entire Exhibition was conducted is most creditable to all concerned, and results cannot fail to improve trade relations and understanding within the Empire. — (Signed) W. L. MACKENZIE KING. “From the Prime Minister of Australia: On the occasion of the closing of the New' Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition I desire to offer on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth my congratulations on its successful completion. It required broadfvision, high courage, and fearless enterprise on the part of the promoters to launch such a huge undertaking, as well as organising capacity of a high order to carry it through to a successful issue. I learn with the greatest pleasure that the attendance has exceeded three million, which is undeniable evidence of public support, and must be very gratifying to your Government and all concerned in the Exhibition. I feel certain the Exhibition will have the effect of expanding New Zealand trade with all countries, of stimulating to an appreciable extent commercial intercourse between the Dominion and Australia, and of strengthening the bond of kinship and friendship between the people of the Dominion and those of the Commonwealth. I also wish to take this opportunity of extending my thanks for the courtesy and kindness extended and the assistance given to Mr Clive MacPherson and Sir Henry Barwell who specially visited the Exhibition on behalf of the Commonwealth, and to Mr Smallhorn, the Australian representative.— (Signed) S. M. BRUCE. Mr Coates, in declaring the Exhibition closed, was greeted with applause. “I tender my thanks to the directors of the Exhibition for giving me the opportunity of being present to-day and of congratulating them upon the wonderful success with which their efforts have been crowned. Felicitations must not only be accorded to the directors, but also to the citizens of Dunedin, to the overseas commissioners, and to all those who have had a share in carrying out this great undertaking. “At the beginning many difficulties had to be contended with —difficulties in connection with a suitable site, the scale on w’hich the project should take concrete form, finance, and the awkward position which was created by the continuation of the Empire Exhibition at Wembley for a second year. However, by bold and prudent man-

agemerit, and with the loyal co-operation of the citizens of Dunedin—who are, may I remark, noted for business acumen and Scotch shrewdness—the largest Exhibition yet held in the Dominion has been brought to a successful conclusion. “The many visitors from abroad who have recorded their opinions are unanimous in their praise of the Exhibition, of its layout, of its architecture, of its various courts, of its art gallery, and of the instructive and educational nature of the lectures, demonstrations, and musical entertainments. “I desire to express our warm appreciation of the valued co-operation of the Governments of Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and Fiji in arranging the excellent displays in their respective courts. In this connection, I feel it is only right to voice the sentiments which must be held by all patrons of the Exhibition when I say that the exhibits in the British Court have undoubtedly been one of the most interesting anjl educative features of the Exhibition. To those who have not been privileged to visit the Mother Land, and especially to our .young citizens, they have afforded an opportunity of acquiring much historical information concerning the cradle of our race and the wonderful growth of our great Empire. “The action of the directors in bringing the Band of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to New Zealand has more than justified itself. It is gratifying to know’ that the people of Dunedin have regarded the members of the band not merely as musical performers, but as personal friends. “I am glad to know’ that the financial assistance provided for the Exhibition by the Government has met with warm approval ; and, more particularly, to learn that the Government exhibits, indicating as they do in a concrete and practical form the activities of our State departments, have proved of such great educational value. “May I say a few words as to the lessons to be learned and the results which may follow from this great undertaking? It has been truly said that such an Exhibition may be regarded as a seed, w’hich must die to bear fruit. On this land where we now stand a grain has indeed been sown, of which the full grow’th should spread its branches far and wide. “The Exhibition has taught much as to the productive capacity of our Dominion and the potential development of our secondary industries, which provide congenial employment for thousands of our citizens. It has stimulated, I hope, a national spirit and pride in dur own achievements, giving us confidence in our resources to face the future with courage and self-reliance, and enabling us to march steadily forward in carving out our destiny in this favoured land under the Southern Cross. “I cannot refrain from again paying tribute to the work of that illustrious band of sturdy pioneers, who did so y much towards laying the foundations of our young nation. The spade work has been well done, and present and future generations will be called upon rather to perform the w’ork of organisation and development. The Exhibition should help to impress upon our younger citizens a due sense of responsibility in maintaining the glorious heritage which is theirs to-day. “From a trade standpoint one of the most important results should be the fostering of closer commercial intercourse with our owm kinsfolk, and the slogan ‘Buy British Goods’ should receive a greatly increased impetus. No less than 86 per cent, of New Zealand’s exports in 1925 were sent to countries w’ithin the Empire, while 73 per cent, of our imports came from British countries. “And now just a few words in conclusion. In a material sense most good things must have an ending, and the time' has arrived for the curtain to be rung down on this Exhibition. The results of the undertaking have amply justified the wisdom and foresight of those responsible for its inauguration. They have the satisfaction of knowing their labours have not been in vain. I express the earnest hope that the influence of the Exhibition will be all for good, and that it may prove no unimportant factor in promoting the future prosperity of our Dominion, at the same time strengthening the bond of Empire unity so essential to our national well-being. “I shall always remember with satisfaction that in my first year of office I have, as Prime Minister, been privileged to take even a small part in this great enterprise, which I now declare to be officially closed.” Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P. (Mayor) congratulated the directors on the success of the Exhibition, a success that was not even dreamed of by the most optimistic. He referred to the City Council’s action in providing adequate transport for the crowds by means of a new tram service and a complementary ’bus service, both of which had contributed largely to the success of the Exhibition and which had been conducted without an accident. “The Exhibition has shown,” he said “that Dunedin possesses enterprising citizens who are alive to the importance of their town. Agriculture and secondary industrial results cannot but be successful in stimulating the sale of Home manufactures. The British Court has made us feel what life under the British flag is, and we feel proud of our noble heritage. The Exhibition has shown the business enterprise and commercial ability of our city, and it has put the loyalty of the people to a successful test.” The Prime Minister presented Mr E. Anscombe, the Exhibition architect, with a commemorative casket. Though the closing ceremony was now over, the Exhibition remained open till midnight. Fifteen trains arrived in the city, bringing over 6000 visitors, and all day the railway station highway and city was full to overflowing. Eighty-three thousand nine hundred and thirty-five people attended, and Lake Logan mud for once proved no legend. Till a late hour the crowd filled every corner of the Park. The Argyll and Sutherland Band played till almost midnight, and the Dunedin crowd for once forgot its reserve and reticence and cheered and applauded every item. Carnival was abroad. In truth, opening day scenes were surpassed in enthusiasm and pleasureseeking. All day and night the rain did not let up and clothes, boots and feet were covered with mud. The Corporation services and private concerns were taxed to the limit. Never before has Dunedin seen such scenes at such an hour. The exodus from the city by special trains went on well into the small hours of Sunday. About 2.30 a.m. the last singing train-load left and night-walkers began to move off the deserted streets. The lights of the dome and the Grand Court winked for the last time in farewell and the Exhibition closed—one of the most epoch-making eras in the history of the city. The band hatl a rousing farewell, and before the close all present sang with it “Auld Lang Syne” and “Will ye no Come Back Again.” Though it was feared the rain would spoil the day, the weather was not allowed

to interfere with the crowd’s pleasure, as the attendance shows. No accidents of any kind marred the success of the day, and there was no unruliness among the crowds. AU REVOIR. A HAPPY FUNCTION, SOUTHLAND’S GREAT SUCCESS. (Special to the Times.) Dunedin, May 2. When the hour arrived for the curtain to be drawn, the water falls ceased in the courts and all the movements of the exhibits had made their last turn. Mr Farrant, chairman of Court Board and Mr Winsloe, Southland’s commissioner, mounted the rocked dais to give their thanks for the very many kindnesses received and express the appreciation of Southland to those who had helped along the court since its inauguration at the Exhibition. Mr Farrant, who spoke first, voiced the thanks of himself and his board’s deep appreciation to the public, the Exhibition directors, the sister provinces and the Press for the splendid reception accorded the Southland Court and said he felt sure that Southland had obtained much lasting benefit from her effort. He dealt briefly with Southland's large prorential wealth, stressing the point that there was no part of the Dominion that could offer a greater variety i of sport, scenic attraction or farming land, | in fact within the province was to be found all the requirements of intensive settlement within the financial reach of all. He offered the sincere thanks of his board and himself to Mr Winsloe, the Commissioner I and his staff for the diligent and efficient manner in which they had carried through their arduous duties during the Exhibition period. He was certain, he said, that the staff under Mr Winsloe had been the greatest contributing factor to the success of the Southland Court. Southland was nroud of them and in bidding them goodbye he felt the parting but they could rest assured that the province would benefit from their efforts for many years to come. To his various committees and to the exhibitors he tendered his sincere thanks for it was by the united effort of an enthusiastic people that the name Southland had rung and resounded with such telling effect to the millions of visitors to the big show. Mr Winsloe, the popular Commissioner, on rising to speak, was greeted with enthusiasm. His farewell message conveyed, a touch of sadness at the closing hour. He thanked the public for the great consideration shown his court. They had protected and respected the exhibits and not the slightest damage had been done during the whole neriod. The benefits to the province were immeasurable and the results obtained had exceeded his expectations by a hundred oer cent. He was grateful for all the help he had received whilst in Dunedin from the other provinces, particularly from Otago. They had got to know one another better and lasting benefits would accrue from the friendship. Mr Winsloe quoted his farewell message from the Star which ended: To all we now say, from the Southland Provincial Court, the fondest farewell. A golden sunset, the stars do shine, For heralds announce ’tis night for you. The myriad lights, Dunedin’s shrine, Gone ere a new day is clear of dew. Au revoir, au revoir. Mr Farrant called for the three cheers for Mr Winsloe and the staff and these were given with a heartiness that was a tribute to the popularity of the court. After the closing of the court the Commissioner entertained a few guests when a short 'toast list was gone through. Colonel Hargest proposed the toast of the Commisisoner and staff, Messrs .Winsloe and Geering briefly responding. Mr D. L. Poppelwell in proposing the health of the chairman and the board dealt mainly with their work and uphill fight they had had to finance the undertaking. He was sure that Southlanders generally were proud of their court and that there would be a ready response to an appeal for funds for any deficiency. Mr Farrant responded in reminiscent vein. Mr James Brown referred to the benefits accruing to Southland from the publicity received. He was satisfied that it was a magnificent record for he had heard from all quarters that the Southland Court was given a premier place amongst the exhibits in the Exhibition. They had succeeded in displaying the provinces protentialities in a remarkable manner and were going to reap a big reward for their labours. Mr W. Hammond proposed the toast of the Tourist Department and coupled the name of Mr R. W. Marshall, who was shortly leaving for Toronto. Mr Hammond said that Southland was grateful for the great assistance always given by the department.

Mr Marshall, in responding, said it was his duty (arid pleasure) to assist in every possible way to increase the traffic to the tourist resorts of the Dominion. The department had always received the greatest help from Southland and. he would like to express his appreciation of the assistance given by him. The singing of Auld Lang Syne and God Save the King brought a pleasant function to a close and dropped the curtain on Southland’s greatest publicity scheme. HAPPY ASSOCIATION. SOUTHLAND AND OTAGO. NECESSITY FOR CO-ORDINATION. (Special to the Times.) Dunedin, May 2. When interviewed by a reporter of the Southland Times last night after the closing of the Exhibition, Mr. S. B. MacDonald, Commissioner of the Otago Court, said he had to express his thanks for the assistance and co-operation of Southland in advertising the southern portion of the Dominion and its attractions. His association with the Commissioner and officials of the Southland Court had been of the happiest and he would long remember the pleasant relations that have prevailed during the Exhibition. He could not stress that friendship too emphatically. From it he believed a new spirit would arise. The two provinces were geographically and by identity of every interest bound together in a manner that called for the closest co-operation. In consequence of the friendship made during the Exhibition and the opportunity it had afforded for an interchange of opinion, he believed (and sincerely hoped) that greater co-ordination would result, and that the future would herald a combination of effort between the two Expansion Leagues that would react to the benefit of both provinces. For the Southland Court he had the greatest admiration. As a publicity factor it had been the means of attracting large numbers of tourists and had created an interest that would be of immense future value. Otago had nothing to lose by Southland, an advantage in fact, for the province had everything to gain and similarly Southland would benefit from Otago’s gain. Both provinces had large areas awaiting settlement and he was certain that by co-ordin-ated effort more could be accomplished than by individual striving. So far as he was concerned the Exhibition would not see the end of Otago’s publicity and he desired that Southland would join in to the benefit of each. “Let me stress in conclusion,” said Mr MacDonald, “that our relations with the officials of the Southland Court have been of the happiest, so happy and helpful indeed that we are not going to allow ,them to end with the closing of the Exhibition.” When asked for a brief statement of his views of the Exhibition, Mr. Winsloe said: “May we now in these, the closing hours of a wonderful Exhibition period—a six months period of hard and arduous work—express our appreciation for the many courtesies extended to us for the whole Exhibition term. We Southlanders were early in the field and we- were first to commence the construction of our Court. From the

day the first nail was driven in the Court the greatest intetest has been shown in Southland’s portrayal of her great potentialities. In scenic sport, primary and secondary industry the Court has made Southlanders themselves appreciate and love the name of the 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 best to every inquiry, and render assistance where ever po 4 ssible. 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 manv who had but vague ideas of what Southland is and means. Our visitor’s book opened on November 17, 1925, and closed on May 1, 1926.

The book is probably the most wonderful in the whole Exhibition and has been open continuously to visitors and respected by all. The tens of thousands who have entered their names in it have learnt the name ‘Southland’ and what it stands for. In our compact Court we are 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 Britishers. We are told, furthermore, that down in the southermost outpost of the Great British Empire is a land fertile which produces the very best in stock and cereals for man’s needs, and what’s more in this magficent land of plenty, a climate congenial and a population healthy and happy. Th/s country, endowed with everything of the .very best, requests a population and is calling to those ambitious to make a free home. It will respond to kindly treatment, and there is room for thousands of settlers for industry 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 potential wealth. We close with a great record and we thank all who have so ably assisted us. We cannot individualise. Otago has 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 are gratdful to have had such an opportunity tb tell the thousands of visitors of the golden opportunities that Southland can offer.”