Cars That Make Envy.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17999, 9 November 1926, Page 10

Cars That Make Envy.

PROVINCE TO GO ON WHEELS. LARGE ATTENDANCES AT OLYMPIA. Tlie Olympia Show is now well under way, the record attendance of the opening on Saturday evening being almost equalled by that last night, while in the morning and afternoon of yesterday there was a steady stream of visitors to see the aristocrats of motordom displayed. The eighth Olympia promises to be a great success, and from the agents’ point of view the show is a remarkable success in that cars are being ordered with unusual freedom. “ The people of Canterbury seem to have made up their mind to go on wheels, judging by the sales so far, ” said the Olympia manager, Mr Thomas Newburgh, to a “ Star ” reporter.

The exhibition provides a dazzling sight to all spectators. The illuminations have been admirably arranged. There is a wealth of greenery which gives fine decorative effect, but of course, the greatest attraction lies in •viewing the really beautiful models of cars shown. Each year shows an advance in constructional designs as to the body and improvements to the purely mechanical parts. These are all fully shown at the Olympia show, irrespective of what country the product comes from. Altogether there are thirty-seven exhibitors and the value of their displays runs to over £75,000. From a run through the many aisles of the great show at King Edward Barracks it is made evident that the day of the open car is coming to an end. Nearly all models shown are of the closed type with dropping or sliding plate-glass windows and are marked by roominess and a distinct suggestion of comfort. America predominates numerically in the display, but British-built cars are shown freely and so far have excited a great deal of interest. “ There is a lot 'of good solid buy-

ing,” said INIr Newburgh, “and the people have evidently made up their mind to go on' wheels. From that standpoint this show is the most successful that has yet been held in Christchurch. The display of the modern, comfortable cars is such that it arouses in the minds of many the desire to possess a car.” Olympia is not, however, confined to a display of cars of luxury. Motorcycles have their place as also have utilitarian motor trucks. These sections also attract a good deal of attention as do demonstrations of the workings of engines of various makes. Afternoon and evening the motor show is enlivened by orchestral music controlled by Margafet Middleton, last evening’s programme including music from “ Rose Marie.” “ Katinka.” “ The Gondoliers,” “.Picador,” and “The Blue Danube” (waltz), “Just a Cottage Small,” “ Barcelona,” “ Mary Lou,” “ Someone to Love.” “ Just Around the Corner,” “Always,” “Oh Lady, Be Good,” etc. With the motor "display an 4 the music Olympia provides a field for an hour or more of pleasant enjoyment.