NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

Westport Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 3273, 25 November 1884, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

Wellington, November 21. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Fisher, Newman, Johnston, Beetham, M.H.R.'s, T. K. McDonald, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, and twenty other gentlemen, principally local manufacturers, waited on the Colonial Treasurer at noon respecting the Government proposal re Industrial Exhibition. Sir J. Vogel said it was the intention of the Government to hold an Exhibition about August Ist, and make it a thorough colonial one. He did not think £IOOO would cover cost but any extra amount should not be much over that amount. He counted on the hearty co-opera-tion of manufacturers, which would give a healthy tone to affairs. The Government intended to impose a small charge for space and admission to the Exhibition, and these with amounts received for refreshment privileges, etc., should considerably reduce the expenditure. No imported articles would be allowed to compete except under certain conditions, but in cases of colonial articles the Government would endeavor to give necessary space for exhibits, of course using discrimination necessary in all Exhibitions of this nature. It is intended to take advantage of Industrial Associations established in Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch, a Committee of which would be the medium between the Executive body of the Exhibition and manufacturers and give opinions as to the nature of exhibits. A gentleman named Mr Calllis, who had had large experience in connection with Exhibitions in England and Australia, was already in New Zealand and was engaged in stimulating industries. Carriage to .and from Exhibition would be free and the Government hoped to defrayed portion of the cost of fittings. The Government would direct expenditure. The duties of the Committee would include a share in the allotment of space, arranging ceremonies to take place, and the appointment of jurors. The appointment of jurors Sir Julius said was a very important question and great care would have to be taken in the selection, so as to give every satisfaction to the exhibitors. The Government intended to attach to all classes a gold medal, which was to be awarded in cases of particular merit, which showed that the industries could be economically manufactured in the Colony, and that the manufacturer had interested himself in furthering local industries ; those who were awarded these gold medals, would be entitled to nominate either a son, daughter, niece or nephew, for a scholarship in the secondary schools to the Colonial Scholarship for eight years and the Government hoped tins would be an incentive to manufacturers. The Exhibition would be divided into five departments, namely: Fabrics, Fisheries, etc., Machinery, etc., Elementary products, etc., Mining Apparatus.