CARNIVAL SCHEMES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2440, 20 April 1915, Page 3

CARNIVAL SCHEMES

A "SHOPPING WEEK" AND AN EFFORT AT CHRISTMAS Two separate proposals for the holding of carnivals, rather different in character, however, 'were mado to tho Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce. The first was that of Mr. W. F. Ponder, of the National Cash Register Co., for the holding of a "shopping week,' or business carnival. In support of his project he spoke of tho advantages to be gained by organisation and co-operation in business, and ' in this connection ho introduced an interesting descriptive talk, illustrated by lantern slides, about the development and the present conduct of the National Cash Register business. The company, he said, had interested itself in such schemes' in other parts of the world with remark able results. In certain localities as the outcome of shopping weeks permanent revival of trade had been noticeable. He described how by window displays and other means -shopkeepers might' induce the people from tne country and from the suburbs to come to town, and if this end were achieved greatly increased business would be done. He promised that his company, which had had experience of similar car' luvals, would assist in the project if the Chamber woulj lend its patronage to it. He also _ promised - that his company would give £30 in • prizes for window displays, which prizes might be rein* forced by other prizes given by other firms or associations.

The president of the Chamber (Mr. C.M. Luke) thanked Mr. Ponder for his address, and said that the scheme he had submitted would have consideration. The other proposal was made on behalf of the New Zealand Natives' Association, represented by Mr. T. Buddie and Mr. C. M'lntyre (secretary). Their scheme was that Christmas Week in Wellington'should be made a carnival week. Ihey pointed out that ellington suffered to an unusual extent by its population seeking its amusement in other centres at holiday seasons, and their proposal was to make the . place _ attractive to visitors at uhristmastide by arranging a very fine amusement programme. By this means they hoped to attract crowds of visitors, aad, also to keep, our own people here, and also, it was urged, the City ;would be given "a .considerable boost." As to the disposal of the proceeds of the carnival, this could be decided by the vote of the people, who could record votes, with tickets purchased at, say, 3d. each. If tho business people would do their'part in healing to make tho town attractive, the Natives' Association had no doubt that they would be able to provide a programme of day and evening amusements the like of which had not .been seen in Wellington before. Mr. ,C. M. Luke suggested that tho scheme would have a better chance of success if the object to which the funds were to be devoted were specified. Mr. H. G. Hill said that the scheme appealed very strongly to him. Tho idea of people in other centres about Wellington was that it was a splendid place for business, but no goocf for a holiday, lie thought something should be done to destroy that idea. He did not support tho chairman's idea that tho object need be stated, bocauso h good object would not make a success of a bad carnival.

Mr. Leigh llunt.flaid that Christmas was the worst possible season for tho farmer to leave his farm, and for this reason country people would not be likely to come to town. Mr. G., W.indw suggested that such a echeme_ would suit business people better if it wero held at sonio season when trade was quiet. In any case trade was brisk .'at .Christinas. In reply to a question, Mr. M'lntyre 'aid that all that tho association asked of the chamber was its support and co-operation. What he would suggest was that the association bo allowed to nominate two members of the chamber to act on a general committeo. The chairman said that ho thought the association "ould be assured that the chamber would support the scheme.