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Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1923, Page 2

Tr is a pleasing sign ol Die times t-at tile Exhibition whieli dosed at Christelmreii a leu days ago, was a pronounced success. According to local comment, not even the must SiUigiiijio members of the committee anticipated that the New Zealand Industrial Exnibitioii wnirh concluded on Saturday niglit, would be so splendidly successlul as it has proved to he. Besides being an attractive and instructive sight for many thousands of persons it has brought prominently beloie the Government of the country tho fact that to a very great extent already this land can supply its own wants, and that with proper encouragement, and support the New Zealand-made article can hear competition with any rival production from overseas. The strikingly successful fixture has l-ecn cundnered without a hitch, a fact of whirl) the capable officers in charge may well Ire proud. They have catered for the public in no half-hearted u.y. and in addition they have had the enthusiastic co-operation of a band of exhibitors who have spared no pains to assist in tho achievement of the common goal—the “boosting” of the secondary industries of the country. A record crowd of , 100 persons attended on Saturday night. Of this total 6500 paid for admission and 600 season ticket-holders used their passes. The grand total attendance—counting the 14.000 school children, teachers and inmates of various public institutions admitted free—is 145,400. It is yettoo early to indicate what the financ'd result is likely to be. but those who signed guarantees will not be called on to make good any deficit and in all pro'-nhilitv the Bridge of Remembrance Fund will benefit to the ex-

tent uf several hundred pounds. In connection with the Hokitika exhibition to be held here at the end of the current year, it is encournfiing to know that the supervisor who was so important a factor in the Christchurch Exhibition will be advising the local committee in regard to Westland organisation. Mr \Abodroffe. the gentleman in question, is expected lic e shortly, and with his knowledge and experience ttic local project should be launched under very favorable auspices and result in the occasion being, also, a verv pronounced success.

Thunk is the general desire among the bulk of the citizens to help forward tlie best interests of the town. This is manifested by such organisations as the Chamber of Commerce, the Progress League and the Beautifying Association. The members of the Iv'dios just referred to devote a large amount of their time for the public benefit and their work in the aggregate m"st he’helpful. All the bodies referred to have taken an interest in the Borough loan proposals now up for consideration and decision next week. The Council will thus receive a considerable measure of friendly support from the members of the bodies referred to. who no doubt will be eager to help m a personal way. also, if given the opportunity. to secure the advancement of the town. With the prospect of a large exhibition to be held here at the end of the year, it i- highly essential that all available money should he used to the best advantage in putting tho streets and loot path- in order. Under the loan proposals smile important work oi the nature reiorred to is intended, and in addition there should be money available from the ordinary revenue, also, to attend to various demands which are in sight. It should be the first duty of tile new Council to he elected in April next to see that tho fullest provision possible is made for the purpose of putting tile town in order. \ml it will he requisite to begin tlm work betimes. There is a great deal to |,e done, and the work in point ol fuel can hardly begin too soon. The adoption of the loan proposals next v.eek will be most helpful to the end in view. Not only will it provide essential ways and means, but it will carry convictions to the councillors that the burgesses are determined to have the town in order for tbitall important year, mid the good things it is carrying in its train. The confidence of the ratepayers expressed as we hope it will lie in the loan proposals. should bestir the Council to action. and assist members to realise their obligations to go ahead at once in the necessary work of setting the town in order for the important epoch about to open up. Confidence begets confidence, and as nothing succeeds like success, the latepa.vers should begin by making a success of the loan proposals, wlit'ii many civic reborns hum at mice become- possible.