THE HON W. HALL-JONES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8778, 15 November 1906, Page 3

THE HON W. HALL-JONES.

MINISTER MET3TS CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES. This morning the Hon "W. HallJones met tho Exhibition' Commissioners and the chairmen of the various | Exhibition committees, for the purpose of discussing the position of affairs in regard to the management. The meeting was of an informal character. Several of the chairmen spoke in regard to the difficulties that have arisen in the past, and the Minister explained the intentions of the Government. Later Mr Hall-Jones entertained those present at lunch in the Ministerial apartments in the Exhibition. The -general feeling among Commissioners and chairmen, as a result of the meeting, seemed to be that the friction that has occurred in the past was not likely to be repeated in the future. The proposed direct control by the Hon W. Hall-Jones, with the Commissioners as an advisory body and Mr G. S. Munro as chief executive officer, is regarded as entirely satisfactory. Speaking to a " Star " reporter, the Minister said that he believed that the difficulties, of the past would not recur. He would probably be in Christchurch during the greater part of the Exhibition period, and would exercise ■I a direct supervision over management matters, consulting with the Commissioners when points of importance arose. There would be left no room for doubt a& to who was head in regard to the control of the Exhibition, and there should be no hindrance in the way of carrying on the great undertaking in a manner worthy of its highly successful initiation. The Minister indicated that several minor matters would receive early attention. Amongst these will be the provision of seats in convenient positions, to be used by visitors without charge. Arrangements will also be made to allow visitors to enter at the gate opposite the tramway stopping place every day, instead of in wet weather only, as, at present. This will render it unnecessary for tramway passengers to' walk along the terrace to the main gate.