LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1150, 10 June 1911, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

A PERMANENT EXHIBITION.

A PIIILADELI'IIIAN EXAMPLE. Sir.—l was glad to see The Dominion's om!or.<enipiit of the proposal, in genu form, that Ihe Wellington Exhibition might become a permanent and useful institution. There is precedent for this in the case ot the Commercial Museum of Philadelphia, U.S.A. Starting in a humble way, (his museum has extended its field until it has become a- huge establishment covering 200,001) square feet of floor space. In ii.-, Bureau of Information is a staff ot-linguists, who undertake:--(1) To answer inquiries as to foreign business conditions and the general character of foreign business houses.

(2) To provide confidential translations of foreigu correspondence to American traders, and back lo their clients.

(3) To forward to traders concerned inquiries from abroad for American goods.

(4) To prepare and publish periodically reports containing the latest information us to business opportunities and new enterprises abroad.-

'5) To compile lists of the names of reliable business people in various countries. This bureau prides itself upon beinr; prepared to give an authoritative answer to any straight-put question concerning the trade and cuuimcrix: of any countrj on the globe. Its efforts in this direction aro facilitated by the printing press. Thirty thousand copies of one publication are issued lo foreign firms, giving the fullest information as to American manufactures. Another periodical is devoted to giving local manufacturers advice as to the trade outlook in various localities, and furnishing a synopsis of commercial inquiries which are made from time to time from people both near and far. The reports secured by the Philadelphia Museum concerning the general character of foreign firms cover at the present time over 200,000 foreign houses. These are on record, and are available from day to day lo tlio merchants of America or their representatives. Members of the Commercial Museum staff, trained to the needs of American exporting houses, make frequent visits to foreign trade centres. These men study the conditions of the markets they visit, call upon the leading merchants, ant! while conducting ail active canvass in the interests of American trade (without reference to any individual trader) familiarise themselves with the opportunities of introducing American products, and also secure definite information concerning tin local regulation and business methods of thy principal importing houses. Tn connection with the museum is a library, furnished with books of. reference. It is completely equipped (for instance) with the principal trade literature of New Zealand, together with our Year Book and Parliamentary reports The institution is largely self-support-ing. Traders are so impressed with tlio value of the museum to them that some of the large firms subscribo from .£3O to a year for membership. This entitles them to the services of the translators on the staff and also to advertising space in the Bureau's foreign and lccal publications.

Tho American never lets slip an opportunity. Thus the agents of tho Philadelphia Commercial Museum who are sent abroad from time to time are instructed to collect exhibits of the products of the various countries. They are usually met with an open-handed response. Tlu result is that the museum has .becom? a wonderland of foreign exhibits. Professor W. Wilson, Sc.D., who at tho head of the Museum, is steeped in enthusiasm. This will be realised when if is mentioned that ho has been instrumental in having several international exhibits at World's Fairs "turned right over" to his beloved institution. _ Thousands upon thousands of people visit tho Museum ev?ry year. Set out before them in most attractive form aro countless object-lessons of the world's industries. The place is a constant rendezvous for groups of children, and the students of tho great universities near by. These young Americans may be seen, singly and in groups, pencils and note-books in hand,, studying geography, topography, history, and biology.

But" Professor Wilson goes a step further. It is not meet that these advantages should be monopolised by urban dwellers and visitors. He says to rural school boards: "Erect glass cases, and we will send you specimens." By accompanying mail'he dispatches a plan showing how the glass eases must be made. Al; ready over 700 collections of commercial products, with photographs, have gone out to the schools, the Legislature having made a special appropriation to carry out the work. Of course, we cannot have a commercial museum in Wellington on the Philadelphian scale, but we can make a start. The opportunity is hero; the time is now. It is marvellous what developments are possible onco a start is made. Here i.i a model, a pattern, a grand example for modest emulation. Let us leave our parochialism and our petty politicians alone for a time, and study national projects. The advantages of ephemeral exhibitions with their side-shows and distractions and catch-pennv devices to attract tho mob, are well enough in a way. but for lasting benefit we require national institutions conducted by live men oi. business principles. Hood luck to those who have been inspired with the idea n. a permanent, exhibition. Let us get to work! The opportunity is too good to lose.—l am, etc , PIERCE C. FREETH. Petone, June 5.