WELLINGTON'S EXHIBITION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 80, 24 May 1911, Page 6

WELLINGTON'S EXHIBITION.

s ? 6pexing ceremony. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, Maj r 24. The Industrial Exhibition, promoted by the 'Wellington Industrial Association, was opened this afternoon, in beautiful weather, and in the presencc. of a large number of people. The display is being held in two of the Harbour Board’s brick stores, and contains a very complete collection of the products of the principal 'indtistries of the country. The object of the Association is to fester a spirit of self-reliance, and to make New Zealand as self-contained as possible. Some of the leading firms ana manufacturing houses throughout the country, have made striking displays. A tinge space on the top floor of one building lias been set aside as a stadium for athletic games. The first sports meeting will be hold to-night, and boxing and other tourneys will bo arranged for later dates. Mr. Ballinger, president, in Ins opening address, said it was the largest industrial exhibition yet held in the Dominion. Manufacturers from all parts of New Zealand were, exhibiting, and practically every industry of any importance was represented. New Zealand was one of the finest countries in the world, and one of the most fifthly- i endowed in mineral wealth, yet she could not claim to he anything like ’self-supporting. Importations (occupied by far too great a p.u t in New Zealand’s trade. There was something wrong witji a young (•011.111% like this when a falling away in industrial life was shown. Last year the increase in the number of factories was only 262; whereas for the preceding nine years the average increase of factories was 623. He hoped legislators visiting the exhibition would realise the necessity and gicat importance of doing all in their power (o promote, foster, and encourage pioductive industries. As the Association preached self-reliance, it also p. •ufcir.ed it. No Government subsidy had been asked for, the undertaking. being entirely guaranteed by local 'citizens. Speeches are also to bo delivered by the Hon. J. Carroll and tho Mayor of Wellington. Tlie exhibition will bo open for ten weeks.