H.—44.

Reports from trading Departments indicate satisfactory results. The working post-office proved popular, and on 2nd January, 1940, the day when special stamps were issued, 37,369 first-day covers were posted and, in addition, large sales of stamps were made. The State Advances Corporation had a daily average of 120 positive visitors and conclusive inquiries were satisfactory. The Public Trust Office recorded 18,942 visitors, and the Public Trustee expressed satisfaction with the results achieved. Other items of statistical interest include the visitors' book on the Government Printer's Pavilion with 1,394 as the highest number recorded on one day. The Pageant in the Post and Telegraph Pavilion was shown approximately one thousand times, and the complete programme witnessed by 37,000 people. The number of signatures in the Railway Department's visitors' book is 55,000, and the model trains travelled 4,566 miles, with 53 miles as the highest average in one day. The cinema attendances totalled approximately 150,000. In another Court the physical welfare recreation exhibit was visited by approximately 55,000 people. The Government Court Committee was vested with disposal authority, but as the Exhibition Buildings were taken over by the Government a general disposal Committee dealt with the matter. Stores and material were assessed by a specially appointed Committee, and the requirements of Defence Departments and private persons were dealt with in that order and models disposed of to the best advantage. Appropriate models and layouts were set aside for Government exhibits in connection with Winter Shows, &c. On closing day, 4th May, 1940, after the doors were locked, Mr. F. Johnson, the Chairman of the Government Court Committee, met the staff and expressed thanks for assistance afforded by all concerned in making the Court a success. Government Exhibit. During the Centennial Exhibition period the Government decided that a composite exhibit for agricultural and winter shows, &c., should be organized, the exhibit to be representative of as many Departments as practicable and utilizing models and material from the Government Court. Existing conditions interfered with the normal activities of the show organizations, and the composite exhibit was staged at Christchurch only. The New Zealand Industries Fair in Christchurch was held from 10th to 24th August, 1940, and the Government Exhibit occupied 5,000 square feet, which included a modern theatrette complete with sound-equipment and seating-accommodation for seventy. The whole of the floor, including the main avenue, was covered with linoleum and the ceiling with calico. Concealed neon lighting was used in the theatrette and in the avenue for the length of the Court. A carpeted lounge was provided, and palms and shrubs completed the decorative scheme. Departments included in the exhibit were represented as follows :— Health: Standard family diet, action model, with moving pictures on back wall showing health-activity films and a model of the new St. Helen's Hospital in the foreground. The display was linked up with films in the theatrette, and was appreciated by the public. Hydro-electric : Murals and transparencies. Labour : 1.L.0. model. Models of scaffolding and excavating. A working model of a petrol pump in comparison with old types of liquid-measures. Lands and Survey: The surveyor's chain used in the original survey of Christchurch and the first plan. Marine: Lighthouse map of New Zealand. Original bills of lading of first shipment from New Zealand. Mines: Working dioramas of mining activities, together with range of safety-gear. National Broadcasting Service: Transparency showing the workings of the Service. Visual volume indicator, which created great interest. Post and Telegraph: Working post-office and stamp display. A teleprinter and receiver proved a great draw. Railways: Scale models of trains used at the Centennial Exhibition. State Forest: Methods of creosoting timber. Dressed panels of New Zealand timbers with photographs of the trees. Models of forest fire, bush sawmill, and murals indicating uses of New Zealand timber. A comprehensive display. State Housing : Scale models of houses being built. Tourist and Publicity: The activities of this Department were shown by posters and thirddimensional transparencies, which received favourable comments. Display was linked up with theatrette. Transport: Road-safety posters and films in theatrette. The theatrette was invariably crowded, and the total attendance of 16,000 could have been more than doubled if the necessary accommodation had been available. Films dealing with activities of the following Departments were shown : Forestry, Health, Post and Telegraph, Railways, Tourist and Publicity, and Transport. Special sessions were given to local Health Department officials, Transport Department, schoolchildren, and farmers. An indication of the reception accorded this initial Government display is afforded by the Canterbury Manufacturers' Association who, in their letter to the Prime Minister, stated that " The success of the fair was due to the unique display of the Government Court."

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