BUILDINGS OVER 14 ACRES

Southland Times, Issue 23392, 27 December 1937, Page 8

BUILDINGS OVER 14 ACRES

SITE OF CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION WORK TO BEGIN EARLY IN MARCH “Although it is only a few months since the Centennial Exhibition Company was formed, enough progress has been made to justify the hope that this great national enterprise will be well worthy of New Zealand’s one hundredth birthday as a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations,” states the general manager (Mr C. P. Hainsworth) in a review of operations. The wide range of work is seen in the functioning of 14 committees at headquarters, and provincial committees are arranging for the establishment of provincial courts which will show the products and natural resources of the various districts. A splendid spirit of goodwill is growing in many parts of the Dominion. “Of course it is enthusiastic energetic team-work that largely makes a big exhibition,” continues Mr Hainsworth. “In that respect I am particularly fortunate in Wellington, I have the wholehearted co-operation of public-spirited directors and members of committees who are giving their best service without monetary reward. This zeal makes me feel fully confident that the public expectation of a wonderful , exhibition will be thoroughly realized.” The magnitude of the project is indicated in the capital objective of £225,000, which includes a Government grant of £50,000 and a loan of £25,000 free of interest. The balance of £150,000 will come from the purchase of shares by the public. Already a sum of £88,000; has been thus subscribed and further applications are coming in steadily. A campaign to complete this financing will be undertaken soon after the holidays. It is mentioned that the company s architect, Mr E. Anscombe, is completing his detailed drawings and specifications, so that tenders for the buildings can be called in January. The Rongotai site of 60 acres has been levelled, and everything is in readiness for the building work which is intended to begin early in March. The first tender will be for a huge spread of buildings—l 4 acres—for the housing of exhibits. “The selection of the most suitable site in the circumstances demanded the most careful consideration of the directors,” says Mr Hainsworth. “Some proposals were eliminated by the limited period available for development, and others were ruled out by prohibitive cost and impracticability. Finally the directors were unanimous in the selection of the Rongotai ground.” The issue of the business prospectus a few weeks ago to firms of manufacturers and others in New Zealand and overseas has met with a very gratifying response. Applications for space from many leading firms represent many thousands of square feet, and negotiations of other firms for space indicate a lively interest in the exhibition. Mr Hainsworth advises prompt action by firms that have not yet opened up negotiations, as the demand for the best of the remaining positions promises to be very keen. Every effort will be made to ensure that the Amusement Park will give the public some very pleasant surprises. The selection of the principal devices will be deferred until the return of the general manager from his visit to other countries where he will see the latest developments in fun-making. He will also give attention to the selection of a first-class military band. The night-lighting will be a very impressive spectacle. A committee of experts has under consideration schemes of flood-lighting and other decorative illumination on a scale that has never before been attempted in this part of the world.

Another special feature will be the women’s section which will demonstrate the importance of woman’s place in the modern scheme of things. The publicity committee has received the approval of the directors for a campaign covering the whole period from now until the close of the exhibition. This comprehensive programme includes Press advertising, posters, adhesive stamps, booklets, folders and other reminders. Invitations have been issued to overseas Governments to participate in the exhibition, and a satisfactory response is anticipated. In this Mr Hainsworth will be active during his tour abroad.