THE GLOBE. THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1881. MR. WAKEFIELD ON INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITIONS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2254, 19 May 1881, Page 1

THE GLOBE. THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1881. MR. WAKEFIELD ON INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITIONS.

The report furnished by Mr. Wakefield on the Ashburton Exhibition is an interesting document. Not that much that is new can be said on such a well worn subject as industrial shows, but Mr. Wakefield has a “taking way with him,” and is able to furbish up old truths with a new coat of varnish. Referring particularly to the Exhibition ho was appointed to report on, Mr. Wakefield says : —“ The Government will, I am sure, be pleased to learn that the Ashburton Exhibition abundantly answered the true purpose for which it was instituted, that, namely, of attracting the intelligent attention of all classes to the materials for industrial occupation that lie around them, and instructing them, as far as means would allow, in the methods of utilising those materials.” Turning from this side of the case, Mr. Wakefield proceeds to comment on another aspect of the Exhibition, namely, the large collection of interesting and instructive objects which were collected there. Paintings and drawings by various artists, old books, natural curiosities in great variety, old coins, &c,, &c., were all to be found there. Mr. Wakefield then moralizes as follows :—“ When we consider how few opportunities the people of this colony have of seeing such things, or learning the humanising and enlightening lessons they teach, it must bo admitted, I think, that exhibitions such as that I have described serve a most useful public purpose, apart from that of advancing the commercial industry of the inhabitants.” This is very true, and is a point that is, perhaps, too little dwelt on. Our outcountry districts are so far from the centres of population, that the rising generation there miss much which would have a most beneficial effect on them. The parents, indeed, may occasionally bo able to come into town and gain now ideas, but it is but seldom that the family, as a whole, can make the journey, A collection, such as was gathered together at Ashburton, cannot but do an infinity of good by widening the mental vista of many a lad and girl, at an age when nature is peculiarly epon to impressions. In English country towns this truth is fully recognised, and local exhibitions have of late done much good. The primary object of Industrial Exhibitions is, of course, to promote the growth of local industries, but it will be well not altogether to lose sight of the valuable subsidiary benefit that they confer, to which Mr. Wakefield refers.