Exhibition News

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21041, 17 February 1940, Page 14 (Supplement)

Exhibition News

AN INTERESTING LETTER I I really must write and tell you all I about the lovely holiday I had before Christmas, says Nancy Petch. I took some very good advice and joined the crowds that were making their way to the Exhibition, and now I will do my best to tell you all about it in as few words as possible. Coming in the gateway we came to the Plunket Society’s bungalow, where the right kind of clother#, cots and foods for small children are on display. Just across the pathway is the “ Creche,” run by the Red Cross Society, enabling mothers to leave children under the age of four there and see the sights in peace. Right beside them is a large building run by the “Free Kindergardent,” where children over four may be kept. Leaving this we come to the first court, which is the Australian. It has pink rubber on the floor and the colour scheme is in greys and blues. ) Making our way round the building I we see big pictures of all the differ- ) ent industries lit up from behind, [ and a great number of aboriginee spears, weaving, etc., butterflies and moths adorning the walls. In a small alcove is a table set for dinner and everything from the chairs, table cloth, cutlery, fine crystal, to the wine, has been manufactured in Australia. At the far end of the building is an exhibit from the various life-saving clubs. It is in the form of a miniature beach about ten feet in length with the waves rolling in over the sands and a surf boat tossing on them. Scattered around the building are comfortable chairs of Australian woods, each different one having the name on it. One of the most fascinating things is a set, the cabinet of which gradually melts from view leaving the works, and after a while gradually comes back. Passing round the building we see a model of Sydney at night showing the great part electricity and engineering plays in the maintenance of a big city. Next we find a theatrette where Australian scenic films are shown, and then we ascend the nowfamous circular staircase which has no visible means of support. Upstairs are many pictures and models of houses, bungalows, designed by leading Australian architects. Down one end is a small library of books by Australian writers, and opposite are a number of paintings of famous singers, composers, etc., which have as a background the huge pipes of an organ. There is also a small art gallery. The lighting here is all concealed and reflects on to the painting and sculpture. British Empire Pavillion I also went and had a peep at the new station, SZB. First, there is a little kitchen, then a small office, a bedroom, and then control room. Righf at the end is the studio, which is fitted with a suite, piano and desk. One of the most outstanding buildings is the British Empire Pavilion. It is a grey building with two white stone lions guarding the entrance. A huge statute representing speed is surrounded by grey walls and blue drapings with touches of red here and there. Round one side are all the different boats from the Coracle to the majestic ocean liner, the Queen Mary. Round the other side are aeroplanes from funny old balloons right up to the modern clippers, including on the way Kingsford Smith’s “ Southern Cross,” and Jean Batten’s “ Percival Gull.” Up a short flight of stairs we find all the modes of conveyance from funny old coaches to the Hillman Minx, and also all the trains and engines from the Rocket to a new one, “ The Dominion of New Zea-

land.” Up a flight of stairs on the other side of the building we find a relief map showing all the different trade routes. Little boats are sailing back and forward between the different countries and the air routes are in neon lighting, which flashes on and off. (To Be Continued)