1940 EXHIBITION

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 73, 18 December 1937, Page 11

1940 EXHIBITION

Bright Prospects for Success MANAGER'S REVIEW "Although it is only a few months since the Centennial Exhibition Company was formed, enough progress has been made-to justify the hope that this great national enterprise will be well worthy of New Zealand 's hnndredth birthday as a member of the British Gommonwealth of Nations, " states the general manager, Mr. C. P. Hainsworth, in a Teview of operations. ' ' The wide xange of work is seen in the functioning of fourteen eommittees at headquarters, and provincial • committees are arranging for the establishment of provincial courts which will show the products and natural resources of the various districts. A splendid spirit of goodwill is growing in many parts of the Dominion. "Of course, it is enthusiastic, energctie leam-worlc that largely makes a big exhibition," continues Mr. Hainsworth. "l'n that respecfc -I am partieularly fortunate in Wellington. I have the whole-hearted co-operation of public-spirited dircctors and members of committees who are giving their best service without monetary reward. This zeal makes me feel fully confident that the publie expectation of a wonderful exhibition will be thoroughly realised. ' ' The magnitude of the project is indicated in the capital objective of £225,000, which includes a Government grant of £50,000 and a loan of £25,000 free of interest. The balance of £150,000 will conie from the purchase of shares by the public. Already a sum of £88,000 has been thus subscribed, and further applications are coming in steadily. A campaign to coniplete this fmancing will he undertakeu soon after the holidays.

Site Eeady for Buildings. . It is mentioned that the company's architect, Mr. E. Anscombe, is com- i pleting his detailed drawings .andj speeifications, so that tenders for the buildings can be called in January. The Eongotai site. of sixty acres has been levelled, and everything is in Teadiness for the bnilding work which it is intended to begin early in March. The first tender will be for a huge spread of buildings — fourteen aeres — for the housing of exhibits. 4,The seleetion of the most suitable site in the circumstances demanded the most careful consideration of the directors," says Mr. Hainsworth. "Some proposals were eliminated by the limited period a/ailable for development, and others were ruled out^ by prohibitive cost and impracticability. Finally the directors were unanimous in the seleetion of the Eongotai ground. ' ' The issue of the business prospeetus a few weeks ago to firms of manufacturers and others in New Zealand and overseas has met with a very gratify* ing response. Applications for space from aiany leading fxrms represent many thousands of square feet, and negotiations of other firms for space indicate a lively interest in the exhibition. Mr. Hainsworth advises prompt action by firms that have not yet opened up negotiations, as the demand for the best of the remaining positions promises to he very keen.

Various Special Attractiofis. Every effort will be made to ensure that the amusement park will give the publie some very pleasant surprises. The seleetion of the principal devices will be deferred until the return of the general manager from his visit to other countries where he will see the latestdevelopments in fun-maldng. He will also give attention to the seleetion of a first-elass military band. The night-lighting will be a very iaipressive spectacle. A committee of experts has under consideration schemes of flood-lighting and other decorative illumination on a scale that has never before been attempted in this part of the world. Another special feature will be the women 's section, which will demonstrate the importance of woman's place in the modern scheme of things. The publicity committee has received the approval of the directors for a campaign covering the whole period from now until the close of ^the exhibition. This comprehensive programme includes press advertising, posters, adhesive stamps, booklets, folders and other reminders. Invitations have been issued to overseas Governments to participate in the exhibition, and a satisfactory response is anticipated. In this matter Mr. Hainsworth will be active during His tour abroad.