SOMETHING FOR ALL

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1929, Page 16

SOMETHING FOR ALL

WHAT ATTRACTS THE PUBLIC

NOVEL SCENES AND SENSATIONS

There is nothing modest nor diffident about a show, particularly the variety known generally in New Zealand as winter shows. On the contrary, these institutions would lose a great deal of their attraction and forfeit much of their popularity were it not for the blatant self-advertising that goes on all the time, the strident appeal of showmen, the lights, th.e colour, the continual movement, talk and exclamations of thronging, eager crowds. It is undoubtedly the lure of traversing humanity, packed isles and passages, the unexpected encounters and sudden recognitions that make a visit to a show such an agreeable experience.

And then, of course, every sense is alert to pick out and comment upon each fresh sensation. Where is there a novelty without some exciting kind of noise? Where a demonstration unattended by disturbance? Where is show business done without bustle? Everything is so unusual, so unorthodox, that old and young from far arm near become irresistibly drawn to the attraction of the moment.

This desire for novel sensation is then perhaps the main draw, but a show has much more to offer. It is the battle ground for competitive endeavour. Everything entered in the hundreds of different classes and sections has individual merit, and much may be learned by contemplating winning exhibits drawn from the homes, the farms and the schools. . Here is the educational value. . If the spirit of emulation is engendered in but five per cent, of those who crane necks over red, blue and yellow tickets, then the show has been justified.

Healthy excitement, education, emulation and pleasure —these are what the show offers its patrons. But what of business—the L.S.D. of buying and selling? Ordinarily, the merchant has to persuade a prospective customer to his store, but at the show he is able to take his wares to

the public. It is an occasion for propaganda and demonstration <eagcrly availed of by progressive firms and appreciated by visitors. Such are the main influences r: ’iating from any well organised show.

The indirect fruits of such shows are undoubtedly far greater than is generally realised. As a result of the inspection of the comprehensive displays of goods and materials required on the farm, in the factory or in the home, an indelible impression is made upon prospective purchasers, and sooner or later the exhibiting firms benefit from orders. If these results, could be tabulated they would probably prove the greatest advertisement for a show. .It would perhaps be impossible to secure the full results, but it might be possible to secure confidentially from exhibitor a rought estimate, of the business actually transacted in the show, and if that were done the management would have something tangible to place before the exhibiting public. The fact that year after year the same exhibitor® come back and new ones are added is a certain indication that even from the cold business point of view the show is an excellent proposition.