SUCCESSFULLY OPENED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 235, 3 October 1929, Page 6

SUCCESSFULLY OPENED

EMPIRE TRADE EFFORT AN ENTHUSIASTIC PUBLIC To the strains of martial music Empire Trade Week 1929, was successfully launched in Wanganui last night, the wife of the Deputy-Mayor (Mrs G. Darbyshire) cutting asunder the red, white and blue ribbons across the Drill Hall doorway There was an air of enthusiasm in the crowd of several thousands which thronged the streets early in the evening awaiting the procession of British cars, the gaily bedecked windows in the retail establishments inviting close attention. With the three Wanganui bands (Queen’s Own, Garrison, and Highland Pipe Band) to assist, the parade of British automobile craftsmanship was one of the most unique features of its kind staged in the city. There were old models and new, this make and that make, but every one a Britisher. They formed an array that was both imposing as a spectacle nnd sufficiently fitting as a prelude to the opening of an exhibition of British goods. It was not surprising in the atmosphere which prevailed to hear from the bands the strains of that march so well known to Empire troops — “Colonel Bogey.” It was as typically British as the cars it heralded.

The procession moved from Taupo Quay to Maria Place, heading from there, via St. Hill Street, to Guyton Street, and thence down the Avenue to the Drill Hall. The pavements were lined with people. At the Drill Hall entrance the National Anthem was played by the brass bands, following which the Deputy-Mayor, from the balcony of the Majestic Theatre addressed the public.

Apologising for the absence of the Mayor, he read a telegram from Mr Rogers regretting his inability to be present owing to municipal business in Wellington, and wishing Empire Trade Week every success.

“Empire Trade Week was launched by the New Zealand Drapers’ Federation in Wellington about three years’ ago,” Mr Darbyshire said, “and of all the centres which played their part in it, Wanganui is the only one which has continued and carried it through to now. (Applause). The tradespeople had clubbed together, he proceeded, to stage an exhibit of local goods. Wanganui manufacturers had spared no effort to demonstrate what could be done locally.

“In war time,” the speaker continued, “the Dominions stood loyally with Britain. Afterwards, the United States had taken advantage of the circumstances to capture a good deal of the trade, and it is to assist in winning back that trade that Empire Trade Week was inaugurated. Patriotism is just as essential in peace as in war time and to educate people to buy New Zealand and British goods is a splendid idea.” If New Zealand did not produce the article required, Mr Darbyshire continued, purchasers should make sure that it could be got within the Empire before going to a foreign country. The Old Country was New Zealand’s biggest purchaser and without her New Zealand would not be much.

The speaker outlined the details of the window drossing competitions, stressing the fact that when the scheme was initiated three years ago there had been 50 entries. To-day there were 150. That showed what the retailers w’ere doing for the purchasers of this city. £5O was being offered in prizes which the public could win. Faith in Wanganui.

Mr John Coull congratulated those responsible for the organising of Empire Trade Week. It had been launched with the idea of fostering trade to strengthen the city, the people in it, New Zealand and the Empire. “Anything which will bring the people of this city together in happy mood is a good thing,” Mr Coull asserted. “I am told by the promoters that this exhibition cost nothing. That ought to please you. We can. produce some great work in the old town, and if we stick together, pull together and work together we will pull out. 1 am in Wanganui because I like it and like the people. We may not make an Auckland or Wellington of it, nor yet a London or a New York, but we can make it a jolly fine young city. ‘ ‘ When you go into the exhibition, in . the first place, you will be proud of the work that can be done in Wanganui,” Mr Coull proceeded. “In the second you will realise that the building is far too small. Wanganui badly needs a big show hall. 1 know Mr Kogers is anxious to bring it about and the sooner the better. There is plenty of money in Wanganui if you can only get it If the proper spirit was spread and you wanted a hall costing £lOO,OOO you’d get the money in a fortnight.” (Applause). Concluding, Mr Coull referred to the city’s three bands, eulogising their services to the community. Cheers wer< given for them at his call. At the Drill Hall entrance, Mr H. C, Hassall, chairman of the executive, presented Mrs Darbyshire with a pair of silver scissors wherewith to sever the ribbons and declare the doors open. He said that it gave him a great deal of pleasure to be associated with ths ceremony. The executive felt pleasei at the enthusiasm being shown by th< public. It augured well for the iuturf and he hoped the time was not far distant when the city had an up-to-dat< hall. Mrs Darbyshire said she was pleased to officiate at such a function. She wished the movement every success. As the ribbons fell away and the big doors swung open the crowd surged within and were greatly impressed with, the tinfe and care which had been devoted by those responsible to make the exhibition worthy of the city.