Westland Jubilee Exhibition Contemplated.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1922, Page 2

Westland Jubilee Exhibition Contemplated.

i — , JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1924. j

Tlie Committee of Ways and Aleans set up at the Alay meeting of the Local Bodies’ Conference to report in regard to holding nil-exhibition at Hokitika to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of file Westlaiul Province, met at the County Chambers last- night. There were present: Afessrs 0. A. Perry (Chairman), AY. Jeffries, V. J. Butler, A. Aitken, R. Wild and Hon H. L. Mieliel, AI.L.C. An apology was received from Air G. Davidson, absent through indisposition. A general discussion ensued in respect. to the project which was consider ed from various points of vie". Two sites were mentioned, the first at the Town Hall. Drill Hall and adjacent buildings including the erection of additionl annexes in Camp Street; and the second, the utilisation of Cass Square for a temporary exhibition building. Various other phases were discussed including finance, size of , buildings, entertainments, and pnmj able patronage. The opinion was oxi pressed that the holding ol the exi hihitinn would draw From fifty to one ; hundred thousand people to the disi triet if facilities for cheap transport i and suitable accomodation "ere availfile. As to exhibits, it was thought ' that firms throughout the Dominion ! and especially from Canterbury would I patronise the proposed exhibition liberally. • The name of a Canterbury gentleman was suggested as Director, if it were pcssiblp to secure his services, and the suggestion was heartily approved. It was decided to approach his organisation In respect, to .arranging for bis services for the Exhihitieli. It was decided also to ask the \Yestla ml Progress Delegation vis* ting Canterbury in August to take up the matter of the Exhibition, and to take tlie opportunity while in Christchurch of ascertaining tlie support likely to fie forthcoming from that quarter with tlie object of formulating Ml idea as to the building space considered necessary.

The matter of entertainments was suggested and in that connection, the propttsnl of embodying a new Town Hall and Theatre in the project was mentioned, such buildings to he first utilised its pitl't of the exhibition. the question of making ft feature of musical entertainments was irtvciul'aby entertained. . . In regard to Government support. Hon Michel was asked to arrange with bis Parliamentary colleagues, Hon Grimnnmd and Air Sodden for a deputation »o discus*exhibition matters with Alblisters, including the Prime Miiu*i ter the .Minister of Agriculture, Tourj„ t Resorts, Defence. Railways, and Forestry. In regard to Government assistance it was pointed out the railway facilities would be availed of to th« fullest extent as visitors would have the opportunity of passing through the Otira tmlilei. Tiie notability of the tunnel journey—passing through the longest railway tunnel m the Southern Hemisphere.—in conjunction "ith the exhibition. would attract visitors to the Coast front Australia a till cither «>\erh°ltP"'as lelt that a. notable Westland Court, could hi- prepared; including in particular a- distinctive feature m a typical fernery. Spurts meetings and pastimes could he arranged to be hold within the period of the inhibition, thus making the occasion vitnopsly attractive to every section bf the Ne" Zealand Community. The need for m-c-reased accommodation being provided in the t-.-wn for the great influx of visitors was mentioned with emphasis more than oilee. One of the gentlemen remarked that it would ho difficult for them to gauge the success of tlie bx hibiton under the altered conditions which would prevail with railway communication, , Mr Eviiiis wits appointed Hon Sec votary pro ten., to deal with prelmitiarv matters. .