GREAT WHITE TRAIN.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19160, 17 November 1927, Page 8

GREAT WHITE TRAIN.

ALSO "WHITE ELEPHANT."

SCHEME TO ADVERTISE N.Z.-MADE GOODS.

A proposal to send a Great "White Train on tour through New Zealand, advertising "New Zealand Made," which came before the Canterbury .Manufacturers' Association last night did not meet with undivided support.

Mr E. Archbold described the scheme as a "White Elephant," rather than a '"White Train," and Mr D. Colquhoun said that the proposed itinerary was totally unsuitable for the . Soutn Island—in fact, it was silly. Also, he said, the cost was prohibitive in such a small country, Mr Marriner said the scheme had been run in Australia for two years past, but had been subsidised by the Government to the extent of £SOOO. Its practical success had been doubtful.

The scheme provided for a train consisting of two passenger carriages. 21 cars, and a brake van, which would have advertising space to sell at a fixed price, it would spend 42 days in each island, and visit 100 towns. It would carry a broadcasting and receiving set. ,»in every town visited a New Zealand shopping week Avould be inaugurated. There would be 640 feet of advertising frontage, and the Government were prepared to run it for £lO to £SO a foot. The report on the scheme stated: "The Great White Train will be an exhibition on wheels. Hitherto, the people have had to go to exhibitions, in this case the exhibition will go to the people. The train will help to link the towns and country together; it. will bo an effort to bring both town and country together; it will be an effort to bring both town and country into a deeper consciousness of New Zealand's industrial progress and achievements. The country is producing the food and raw materials necessary to existence; the towns are changing the' raw materials into wealth, which, wisely i.sed. means happiness power, security, and greatness. Both are necessary; both are "worthy. Both should know tlik The Great White Train will help thorn to know it, to remember it, and to act upon it." The expenses of running the train were estimated at £26,817, and the revenue £35,100, showing a substantial profit. Tlie idea originated with the New Zealand-Made Preference League, and it had received the support of the Wellington Manufacturers' Association. It is to be discussed at the Conference of the New Zealand Federation, but the Canterbury delegates will not support it.