THE EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1922, Page 1

THE EXHIBITION.

The following preliminary circular lias been issued by the local Exhibition authorities in respect to the proposed commemorative large Exhibition; .to bo held at Hokitika at the omi of 1923, copies having been posted t< all Exhibitors at tho present Christchurch Exhibition, Chambers of Commerce, Industrial Associations, Govern ment Departments, editors of leadin; newspapers etc: — ADVANCE WESTLAND. BRITISH AND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. To commemorate tho completion oi the Arthur’s Pass Tunnel, and to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of tho Province of Westland, New Zealand. To be held at Hokitika—lsth December, 1923—2nd February, 1924. (Seven weeks). P.O. Box-, 64., Hokitika, Westland, Dec. 28th., 1922. This early opportunity is taken oi advising you of tho proposal afoot to hold a large Exhibition at Hokitika as above. An influential Committee and a. strong Executive of leading public men and citizens has lieen formed to carry through tho project, in respect to which much valuable help and advice are being received from T. W. Woodroffe, Esq., supervisor of tho very successful New Zealand Exhibition now running at Christchurch, in regard to building arrangements, space, and the general planning of the Exhibition here.

Tho occasion for the Exhibition is a very happy one, being in the main the union of Canterbury nttd Westland shortly to bo consummated l>y rail through tho longest railway tunnel in tho Southern Hemisphere, and certainly the mast important public work in thd Dominion of New Zealand. There is a population of over 30,000 on the West Coast proper, the major portion of whom will he within easy rail distance of Hokitika. Hokitika itself is a natural centro in the Westland district, and will he the terminus of tho Midland railway from Canterbury to the Coast. It is the “jumping off” point to the leading tourist attractions, including tho beautiful lakes and the remarkable glaciers of Westland. It is an old town of historical interest, the associations of which gO hack to the besy mining days of the ’sixties when the _West Coast gold rushes attracted thousands of population to the country and produced the lirst great flow of wealth upon which the prosperity -hi New Zealand was founded. Tho 60th year of the celebration of tiio foundation of Westland is, therefore, an event of great-importance, and will in itself draw hack to the district may former pioneers and residents ol the place, who will he anxious to .see tho district under the easier circumstnmfcs of travel, which tho through railway will afford.

Air Woodroffe, of Christchurch, has sketched out a building plan to give not less than 70,000 feet of spac-c-. Ihe | Exhibition will be in a good centre of : the town, of ready access. Good light- j

ing by eleotricty or gas. as may he re- i quired, will bo available. The citi-j wins are taking up the project with | enthusiastic interest, and already outside enquiries in regard to .space are i being received. r I he AN est Coast trade I will he important to the business ecu-, tres of the Dominion, in regard to both imports and exports, and firms anxious to participate in it, would find the Exhibition a. very ready means of making their wanes known. The AVest Coast trade is a sound trade, for settlement is flourishing, and in both dairying and pastoral pursuits the farmers are doing well. Sawmilling is carried on extensively, and labour is liberally employed. Mining, particularly in regard to dredging, is giving good returns, so that the principal industries employ a class ol consumers who will bo found good all round customers for the general trader. The prospectus is to be issued in the new year, and will ho widely circulated. Full particulars as to space available;, together with rates, and all information, will he supplied. Meantime, this intimation is given of the intention to hold the Exhibition, and to invite your firm to consider the advisability ot he- ' ing represented on the occasion in view. If there art. any points oil which you desire information do not fail to enquire, or if there is any information you could afford in respect to matters pertaining lo the Exhibition it will bo very acceptable. Meantime, the opportunity is taken of conveying to you the compliments of the season, and the hope expressed that in due course your firm will become interested in the Exhibition at Hokitika next year. Yours Bbspoctfully 1). ,1. EA'ANS, Acting Secretary.