REVIEW OF EXHIBITION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 87, 13 November 1939, Page 6

REVIEW OF EXHIBITION

LOCAL BUSINESSMAN'S IMPRESSIONS First-hand impressions of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition which was opened on Bth November, weie given in an interview to-day bv Mr Armstrong, Manager of Armstrong s Garage, who lias just returned from Wellington where he attended a preview. Mr Armstrong said that the Exhibition, as a whole, was a most remarkable undertaking, in both sizt, and splendour. It is on a scale never before attempted in this countij. He was impressed with the well laid out grounds (covering no less than 55 acres), with attractive gardens and lawns, huge reflecting jjools and modernistic decorations. Most of this work was mow completed, finishing touches only being carried out. The partj' had the opportunity of inspecting a number of courts and were conducted through the vaiious buildings wlik-h house the private displays. These, said Mr Armstrong were, without exception, of a very high standard. The public will see a most comprehensive picture of NeAV Zealand industry. Playland, covering ten acres, was also inspected and Mr Armstrong said he was looking forward to another visit to the Exhibition. Mr Armstrong, being a Ford dealer, was naturally interested in the Ford exhibit, .and gave many de-

tails concerning it

The Ford Exhibit

The construction of the Ford exhibit was well advanced and although carpenters and decorators were still working, the visitors were able to see the finished effect. This exhibit, which we understand is the largest of any of the private exhibits, occupies no less than 10,000 feet of floor space in the Hall of Transportation, and has been designed on the most modern lines. It is housed in a separate structure, being walled off completely. At the entrance is the Gleaming Ford Tower of Light, standing 3.~> feet high and promising to provide a brilliant spectacle. Combined with, the tower is a fountain that produces a constantly-changing njiilti-colour effect at night. J

(Scientific Marvels

Mr Armstrong stressed the point that this exhibit will not be a mere display of cars, but on the contrary, a presentation of scientific and testing equipment.. Much of this material is from England, Canada and U.S.A. Many of these ingenious de-

vices have not previously been seen in Ncav Zealand. Included hi the play of equipment is ft tilt-away chassis, a demonstration in which a V 8 engine is reduced to its component parts by mechanics and completely reassembled in a matter of minutes, and a reaction test Avliich gauges driving skill. A staff of twenty-one has been selected. Some Avill be engaged in lectures describing the displays arid a complete system of will entertain guests. Hostesses AA r ill be on -luty at all times. There are a number of administrate offices, and various facilities for the use of visitors, including a most attractiA r e and spacious reception room which can also be used as a theatre for talking pictures. Special rooms for the use of the staff (including lunch room) haA-e been erected. A notable feature will be the luxurious public lounge and promenade. It is 120 feet long, well above floor level, and reached by tAVO curving inclines. Here visitors avill be invited to rest, and meet friends in arm-chair comfort.