THE EXHIBITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 June 1923, Page 2

THE EXHIBITION.

AN OPTIMISTIC DEPORT. Mr W. Jeffries, a prominent member of the Exhibition Council conducting tli© British and Intercolonial Exhibition to ho held here at the end of the year, returned last evening from’ a businss trip to Otago. Mr Jeffries did a smart piece of travelling on tho return journey- from Dunedin. He left Dunedin at 9.45 o’clock on Wednesday night, and nineteen hours later (including two hours stoppage on tho way) was in Hokitika. Whila in Dunedin ill" Jeffries met the Executive of the Otago Manufacturers’ Association, and reports very enthusiastically in regard to the support which will be given by Otago and Southland manufacturers to the Exhibition at Hokitika. A large slice of space is to be taken up in bulk by the Association for the manufacturers, and this will bo utilised to the fullest. The manufacturers recognise the opportunity the exhibition will afford of keeping in touch with West- Coast trade, and this will he the particular incentive to a number of exhibitors sending forward goods for display here. Mr defines iquite satisfied in his own mind that the space required by Canterbury, Otago, and Southland Exhibitors alone will fully justify the Exhibition, fur the extent of tile exhibits is sure to tax the available space within the buildings proposed. Tho Otago people were quite interested in the fact that the Exhibition is to he held in grounds adjoining Macandrew Square. The name of the Square appeals to the Otago people, for it is a name closely identified with tho one of the principal founders of Otago. During his sojourn in Dunedin, Mr Jeffries had the opportunity of discussing with tho Executive of tho Otago Manufacturers, the matter of accommodation. and gleaned from Messrs Burt. Reid. Hayward and others valuable information as to what could be done with tho influx of visitors due to the Coast over the Exhibition period. The Dunedin gentlemen indicated that there would be a verv large number of excursionists from Otago and Southland if suitable railway arrangements wore prepared for cheao fares aud stop over privileges. Dunedin lias had lately the experience of a congestion of visitors, and tho local press are writing up the matter. The scheme proposed there, and recommended for Hokitika, also, i- the provision ol hostel accommodation. Details were supplied Mr Jeffries as to how this might lie carried out satisfactorily, and the particulars are to bo put before a special meeting of the Exhibiion Council here to-mor-row night at 7.30 o'clock. Air Jeffries is sanguine the chief obstacle in the way of ill© nil round success ol the Exhibition will be removed by adopting the hostel proposals, and carrying them out on a- scale in keeping with the special object in view.