SPEECH BY LORD GALWAY

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 188, 6 May 1940, Page 11

SPEECH BY LORD GALWAY

Value Of Exhibition

DECISION TO PROCEED COMMENDED

The opinion that despite all the disadvantages surrounding the holding of the Exhibition, the Government had been wise in its decision to proceed with it was expressed by the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, in declaring the Exhibition formally closed.

“The six months which have elapsed since November 8, when I declared this Exhibition formally open, have literally flown by, and today we find ourselves assembled once again in the Exhibition, and for the last time,” said Lord Galway. “Naturally, our thoughts run back over the past few months as we ponder over all the spade work which was necessary and the worry and anxiety which were entailed before the Exhibition could be come a fait accompli, on the comparatively brief period during which it was open, and on the fact that, in the near future, a great portion of it will be no more. We also ask ourselves whether it has all been worth the worry and the expense. To that surely there can be only one answer —that it was fully justified. Unfortunate Disabilities. “To the fact that the Exhibition was held during a i>eriod when the nation is at war, and of the vast disadvantages which beset the authorities in consequence, I do not propose to make any reference, as the unfortunate disabilities which synchronized with the holding of the Exhibition are obvious to all thinking people. But of the Exhibition itself, of its magnificent layout, its splendid exhibits, its great educative value, and the untiring way in which all those concerned played their part, I cannot speak too highly. To our younger generation it has proved the education of a lifetime; it has had a definitely-widening influence on their receptive minds, the real benefit of which will not be obvious till they reach maturity. To all of us it has given food' for thought according to his or her particular bent. “The Exhibition, too, must be regarded as having been a remarkable tribute to our early pioneers, and a milestone of the remarkable progress made by New Zealand during the comparatively brief period of its ordered existence. The fact that it was held In the New Zealand Centenary year will cause it to be remembered for all time in the minds of the present generation. “Apart from its educative value, the Exhibition has served as a meeting ground between New Zealanders and visitors from overseas, and between ,persons from all parts of the Dominion. The result of such meetings invariably leads to the creation of that better understanding and better atmosphere which is so necessary if countries are to achieve real prosperity. Part of the Maori People. “The prominent part played by the Maori people in the Exhibition has been an undoubted pleasure to all, and it is safe to say that, as a result of their association with the Exhibition, the knowledge of the people of New Zealand in regard to the Maori race, Maori music, dancing and folk lore has been greatly increased,” his Excellency said. “Visitors also were greatly interested in the attractive Fijian Court, as well as in those representing Samoa and the Cook Islands. These stalls were a source of the keenest interest as presenting something of the lives of the people who live in those lovely tropical islands. “The Dominion Court gave a splendid bird’s-eye view of New Zealand and of many of its cities and towns. The British Pavilion and the Australian Pavilion were deservedly a source of attraction to all, and the courts of the other countries of the British Commonwealth were the constant source of inquiring minds. The Links of Empire. “As a whole the Exhibition did much to impress on its patrons a knowledge of the various peoples who form our great British Commonwealth, and perhaps to bring home to them the urgent need for forging still stronger the links which bind together the Mother Country and her Dominions and colonies overseas. “Despite all the disadvantages surrounding the holding of the Exhibition. I am sure all will agree with me that the Government were wise in their decision to proceed with it, and I take this opportunity of congratulating all those who'worked so hard in their endeavour to make it the success which it richly deserved to be.”

(Pictures on page 7.)