N.Z. AD. MAN TELLS OF CONVENTION IN THE UNITED STATES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18012, 24 November 1926, Page 5

N.Z. AD. MAN TELLS OF CONVENTION IN THE UNITED STATES

HAD TO GIVE GREETINGS FROM DOMINION TO GATHERING OF 6000. After having been for a trip round the world, Mr J. J. Staples, of the advertising staff of the “ Star ” and “ Lyttelton Times,” returned to Christchurch this morning. While in America Mr Staples represented Australia and New Zealand at the Annual Convention of the Associated Advertising Clubs of the World at Philadelphia. There were 1600 delegates at the convention and when it opened Mr Staples was the only representative of the Southern Hemisphere. Later a South African delegation arrived. The principle business which was done at the convention was alteration of its name to the International Advertising Association. The proceedings lasted four days and besides a round of lectures the delegates were treated with wonderful hospitality, said Mr Staples. “ I don’t know how many tens of thousands of dollars they spent on us,” said Mr Staples. “ The general strike in England affected the size of the British delegation, but the Englishmen who were there cut quite a figure. They had something to say and they were listened to. Apart from the business side of the convention, there were receptions galore. Among these was a luncheon given by Wanamakers, the largest store in the world, which was attended by 1400 delegates. The convention started with a huge reception on the Sunday afternoon, which was called an inspirational meeting. This was held in the Sesqui-Centennial building, there being 15,000 people present. The best event as far as the British people present was concerned was the singing of “ God Save the King,” while the Americans sang “ God Save America.” On the Monday, said Mr Staples, there was a huge pageant entitled Advertising! This procession took an hour to pass a given point. It depicted advertising from the davs of the Roman tablets to the most elaborate floats depicting modern methods. “ That procession started punctually at eight o’clock. It was the only occasion in my life when I “have seen a procession get off in time,” he said. “ The direcof it was told that he could not do it and he said, “If the procession doesin’t start at eight it won’t start at all.’ ” Mr Staples attended a huge pageant which was called “ America ” at the Stadium, Philadelphia, on the same ground which was used by Tunney to defeat Dempsey a few weeks later. This was attended by 100,000 people and the arrangement of loud speakers was so good that everyone could bear every word that was said. A feature of the proceedings was the playing of twenty massed bands. “ Philadelphia is the most English city in the United States,” he added, “ and the British delegation felt more at home there than at any other part d the United States. The worst moment of the tour was at the reception, when 6000 people were present. The president asked if Mr Staples, of New Zealand, was there and I had to get up and tender greetings from the advertising men of Australia and New Zealand.” W' hen the British delegation got to New York they were entertained for a ky the New York Advertising Flub. They were received by the Mayor, entertained to luncheon, dinner •at the Ritz, theatre and cabaret. They were conveyed to the various places in huge charabancs, and wherever they went a police patrol went ahead clearing the traffic, enabling them to travel at thirty-five miles an hour through the city. 1 t did >’ ou tllin k of prohibition? he was asked. “ I didn’t see any,” was the reply.