NEW ZEALAND'S PART

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 8, 10 July 1923, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND'S PART

IN THE EMPIRE EXHIBITION

TID3 DESIGN OF THE DOMINION'S

PAVILION.

The design of the New Zealand pavilion at the British Empire. Exhibition was prepared by Mr. Ormrod llnxwell Ayrton ami bis associate. John "W. Sinipi son, official architects for the Exhibition, and t-lic elevation of 30 feet overlooks l.he artificial Jake which runs from cast (o west through (lie centre of, the Exhibition grounds. The iutcrior lay-out of the exhibits was also prepared ■by the architects in London, but their conception of (he Do.minionVs reimirements proved on clone examination to be entirely unsuitable. It was. therefore, decided by. the Dominion .Advisory Council to ivek the assistance of two Wellington architects. Messrs. Llewellyn E. Williams. A.R.1.8.A., M.T.S.E. (London), and J. T. Mrir A.IU.D.A., S.C.A. (Pennsylvania)' Government architect, to prepare a plan which would meet with the ideas of the council, and in this connection, the experience of tlie local architects abroad and by first-hand, information of the world's largest exhibitions proved invaluable. ■ . ■ Practically the whole of the northern wing of the pavilion lias been reserved for the meat and d-aary. produce exhibits. The display represciitins: the former is being handled by the Meat Purchase Board, and. the latter by the combined dairy associations. The council has ende:vvoiu redC where possible, to obtain the co-ordination, and assistance of the controlling bodies'of each of the industries •concerned, and in this way it is consdered .that true representation 'of the particular interests will be obtained. Unfortunately, the support of the Woollen Mill Owners' Association has not been forthcoming, and the council is making arrangements to purchase outright an exhibit of woollen manufactures.-. It is proposed to sell this exhibit in London after the close of the Exhibition, and recoup the expenditure: The dairy interests will, by means of a levy, accumulate a fund of at least £10.000' for exhibition purposes.. .... The. general manager of the Fruitgrowers' Federation is at' present in London, and whilst there he will arrange fur a, fruit oxljibit. which will portray ' both' in quality and quantity the fruit producing qualities of the Dominion.' In (.he south wing, the chief feature will be the wool exhibit, and the setting out of the wealth of tlje Dominion's display in this section ifdll leave nothing to be desired. The' mineral section will contain specimens both displaying the developed and undeveloped resources of '/'civ Zealand, and the Under-Secretsry of Mines, with a strong expert comn-jittec, is giving the matter close attention. At the end of the main-hall will ha the timber exhibit, nvhich will be featured with a background of paintings by New _ Zealand■• airfcists dealing with such subjects as shipping, minimi, logging, and the'virgin hush! Two figures of a:-:emcn symbolical of the industry will form the centre of the exhibit. " Stairs, deer, and -waniti heads arc being obtained, and, .in all, it is hoped to send some one hundred and fifty specimens. The reception room will be decorated in keeping with -tile other portions of the pavilion, and the furniture for this purpose and the pavilion generally is now beinc prepared by local manufacturers. Tho vestibule and main court wil." bo a feature of the pavilion, and mural decorations arc being prepared locally. Mr. Nugent Welsh is at present engaged in this work, and other artists, under the direction of 5.1r. J. M'Donald, arc assisting iv the work of decoration. A women's rest room, containing the latest sussje-stkm from the Phmket Society, v/ill be provided. It is intended to give » practical demonstration of the principles and methods :of the Plunket system of New Zealand, now becoming .well known overseas.