EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIII, 7 February 1923, Page 2

EMPIRE EXHIBITION.

(Per Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, February 5. Sir Joyusoii Hicks, ill a report/say s that he saw 30 witnesses in the course of an inquiry as regards the use of Empire produce. ,He is glad to say that an arrangement has been come to between the exhibition authorities, and the High Commissioner whereby provision has been made in, all contracts that Empire material only will be used in the construction, and Empire products only will be used in restaurants. He adds: So it is unnecessary for me to investigate the question further. I find that there has been no malfeasance or corruption regarding the granting' of concessions for amusement or entertainments : but there have lieen tnfortunate occurrences in connection with negotiations lor concessions, owing to the Exhibition authorities not advertising for tenders. As regards general administration, though the exhibition must run as a business undertaking, it is of supreme significance that it should not be allowed to be of secondary consideration. It is highly desirable that there should l.e a clear understanding of the sentiments of the various Dominions and colonies. I formed the conclusion that Mr Donald was actuated by the desire to cto everything to make the Exhibition a thorough success from an Imperial standpoint. lam convinced that there has been grave lack of tact on the part of .the general manager in his relations with those with whom he ought to be working harmoniously. Nevertheless, Mr Alec Wintour is. a man of marked ability. There were various veiled suggestions that even he was not free from suspicion or corruption, but I am of the opinion that there has been nu corruption. Without hesitation 1 recommend that there be no change in the general management, which might be fatal to t.lie Exhibition. At this late date Mr Wintour, by his dominating personality, very . largely controlled his committees. I now propose that control over the general management shoulu be very greatly strengthened. The deputy chairman should give his whole time to the work and should receive adequate remuneration. If such a committee had been in control of affairs earlier, there would be no possibility of recent criticism. The report - concludes with thanks to Mr Dalton, the New Zealand Trade Commissioner, “who assisted me in inquiry while he had short leave before going to Canada.”.—A. and N. 7. Cable.