Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1922, Page 2

An enquiry from those in authority le- . garding the pronounced success of the exhibition now running in Christ- . chinch, elicited the information that it is attributed to in the main by the excellent Committee work done. The details of tin; organisation were left to small separate committees with definite work set out, and this has been | carried through so successfully and eu- • thusiiistieally that wliat is regarded as a record success has attended the big event. The organisers were very lucky in having at their disposal so fine a

building as the King Edward Barracks easily the best -of its kind for such a purpose in the Dominion. So commodious was this fine building, the extra cost for additions in the way -of annexes did not exceed £BOO. By analogy Hokitika will lie in nearly as fortunate a position, as it is estimated by adopting the Town Hall site for the local exhibition next year, the extra buildings required can he put up for a sum in the region of £I,OOO. The estimated cost of the buildings which would be required for Cass Square was given at, between £3.000 and £4,000 which would he too great for the limited period the exhibition could run. A special attraction in Christchurch is the diversity and variety of tile entertainments provded. The committee responsible for this section has done splendid work and as showing the reciprocal feeling between Canterbury and Westland it is interesting to record that the experience and help of the individual members of the Canterbury Committee will he available in an advisory way to assist in promoting the entertainment side ol the Westland Exhibition next, year. This is a. most valuable offer, and will lead up to the entertainment side of the local exhibition being one of its distinctive features. A good donl of help with regard to nil art display can bo looked for also, from our Canterbury friends, who are only too ready to proffer advice Founded on their knowledge gained by the present experience. Tt lias hen suggested that the public reading room of the Carnegie Library, for instance, being n brick building, might lie converted into an art gallery for the occasion. The solid nature of the structure would be a safe repository for works of art against, tile risk of fire, and having such a building would ensure some of the best, pictures in New eZaland being loaned for the occasion. The amount of interest being shown by Canterbury pooplo in the welfare of tl>o Westland Exhibition rtiiffUra well for the general Mu-cess of the Wnrtlnrw! effort, which

promises to be something of an _outstanding event for the Coast generally.

The interest in the Westland Exliibitiou pioposed for next year is \eiy wide and Canterbury friends in particular show a most kindly disposition to help. When in Christchurch the other day, one of the Hokitika visitors „ds approached in regard to holding a. , band contest here during the period of j the exhibition, February 1924, being ! the time suggested. It was pointed j out if anything was to lie done in the 1 matter, it should be attended to within the next month, when a contest eommittoo should he set up, and an application lodged with the South Island Bands contest committee for eonsidera- ' Gou at the annual meeting to ho held at Dunedin early in the New Year. J If a suitable programme were outlined | for a second class band Competition, seeing the unique occasion for the gathering—the diamond jubilee of the Province, the feeling was expressed that such an application would have very favourable consideration. The matter is therefore one to be taken up very soon if it is to lie carried into effect. No doubt it could he run in conjunction with the exhibition and would he the means of adding greatly to the revenue and attractions of the big venture. In former years a successful bands contest was held here, but on that occasion the competing hands were entirely Coastal. With the

through railway available, hands would ! come from other parts of the Domin- ! ion and the event could he made, one of great musical importance. This is a matter in which local bandsmen might well make a move to indicate how far they, would he prepared to help. No doubt for so special an occasion, a grot concourse of people could he drawn to hear the competition, and the revenue would he substantial fully equal to the amount of money required for prizes. Doubtless as soon as the holiday season is out of the way, the general arrangements. for the local exhibition will he advanced more definitely, and the work of the various committees can he centred on the different branches of preliminary work it will he necessary to work up well in advance. Competitions of various kinds, as also tournaments, will require to he fixed, with a .suitable circuit of dates to prevent overlapping, and to make the best use of the available accommodation for the visiting competitors. These are ail matters which must now soon bo focussed. for time is flying and the day of celebration Is coining quickly to pass.