BRITISH AND INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1923, Page 2

BRITISH AND INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.

PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS. During the week committee”meetings have hceii held at the County Chambers to further the arrangements for the Exhibition to open here next December.

On Monday afternoon the Accommodation Committee met to report progress. Owing to other engagements there was not a lull attendance. The leports handed, in indicated that some of the licensed victuallers intended providing extra accommodation. There was not a very impressive response from private people who were prepared ta take paying guests over the period ol the Exhibition. The meeting adjourned to await the completed reports of those engaged in procuring the liotessarv information.

On Thursday evening there was a joint meeting of the Spare and Transpvrt and l.’gluing Committees. Mr \V. Jeffries presided and there wore present Messrs \Y. Wilson. 8. J. Preston. H. Haile. G. Heinz, H. J. Evans, and Hon. H. L. Michel. Lengthy letters from Mr AY. J. Butler at Wellington, and Mr T. M. Woodroffe at Christchurch "ere read in respect to matters of detail, which the meeting considered clause by clause. Mr AA oodroffo intimated the plans were almost ready, and would be submitted to the Canterbury Industrial Association this week to interest the manufacturing firms in Christchurch.

It was resolved to eoiiiiiiiinicale with local factories and manufacturers in respect to advertising in tlie prospectus, and .Messrs Butler, Jeffries and Evans wore deputed to attend to the mnt-

Tt was decided to call lenders for the transport of all exhibits from the railwav station to the Exhibition build-

Yarioiis suggestions in regard to a comprehensive advertising scheme for the Dominion wore brought forward, and it was resolved to await Air Butler's return in regard to special enquiries lie was making. ft was resolved to approach the Electric Lighting Company with regard to a lighting scheme for llic grounds and buildings, and to ask that during the period of the Exhibition the auxilary steam plant be utilised lor the town lighting to include the Exhibition system. A suggestion was made to phuc an are light on the Fire Brigade Tower to indicate the location of the Exhibition and to light up tlio grounds. fi was decided to approach different institutions iu regard to linaueial assistance. The subject of accommodation was discussed at some length, the feeling being that this matter should have definite attention. RETURN OF THE PRESIDENT. Air W. .1. Butler. President of the Exhibition Council returned from Christchurch and Wellington yesterday. While away Air Butler attended to various matters in regard to the Exhibition. He found great interest manifested ill the project and an earnest desire to assist in every way. The vaiioiis Government departments will assist most liberally, and the MinUteis interviewed were most friendly. and ready to help.

In regard to the suggestion t> build a first class hotel here, Air Butler said piactical help will he loriheoining from Canterbury. Alt S. buttered ol Lutteiell Ifios.. the not.-d building firm, will visit Hokitika next wed; to look into the project and advise the best ccuise for procedure. Options have been taken in respect to several sites in the town considered suitable, and there seemed every reason why the venime should go on. The volume of traffic t ' come t‘> the C a-t justified the met eluent, and it the hotel materialised it would give the town of Hokitika a unique standing and make it the main centre fur the hundreds of tourists who would be coming this way till the year round. In hath towns Air Butler was interviewed by various people taking an interest in the Exhibition, and there seemed to be no doubt about the space they had to offer being well filled by exhibitors. Premiums were being offered for tlio solo right to exhibit and sell certain clashes of souvenirs at the Exhibiton, and front this source of revenue there would be considerable income.