British and Intercolonial Exhibition.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1923, Page 2

British and Intercolonial Exhibition.

MEETING OF GUARANTORS. THE ACCOMMODATION QUESTION MONDAY, JUNE 11th. A meeting of local guarantors to the Exhibition was convened at the County Chambers at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon. There was a good attendance including Mesdames Bergstrom, Hunter, Boyd, Hall and Butler; Messrs W. Jeffries (voted to the chair), Wild, Bruce, Duff, Fowler, Jones, W. Wilson, Heinz, Perry, P. Renton, Mclntosh, Aitkcn, Dr Teichelmann and Hon Michel. Apology was made for Mr llutler (President), who had a prior engagement out of town, and Mr Urquhart. The Chairman explained the object of the meeting which arose out of an Executive meeting held on Saturday night, and the proceedings of which had been reported in the previous issue. Hr Jeffries detailed the matters for review, and strongly supported the project for the hostel to assist in coping with and overcoming the accommodation issue. He stated he felt from the promises of support which had been given by Canterbury and Otago, that they should look forward with confidence to the all round success of the Exhibition. Personally, he had no fear about the result, and the district would reap the value of the undertaking in the future.

Mr Mclntosh enquired if it would be possible to defer the date of the Exhibition so as to avoid the holiday rush to Hokitika over the racing dates.

Messrs Wild and Evans explained a postponement was not possible, the arrangements already made precluding any change, while it would be possible to obtain the school buildings tor lied accommodation only during the holiday vacation.

Hon If. L. Michel referred at some length to the necessity for increasing the guarantee in order to cope with' the accommodation matter. He said more of the business people should sign up, and the total of the guarantee should not lie less than £3,000. On the adjustment of the accommodation question rested the success of the Exhibition, and all the people should bo ready to participate in ensuring that a success. They would have to look to the licensed victuallers, also, to do more and with the co-operation of the private people more could be done. But above all he stressed the necessity of increasing the guarantee fund.

Mr G. Heinz favored going ahead with the project. It was a great opportunity to advertise and advance the district, and the scheme, outlined was a practicable one. Mrs Butler enquired what; the probable attendance would be. The Chairman said it was estimated that 75 per cent of the West Coast population would attend, while fully 1200 a week would come in from outside liv the railway. There was no doubt that in addition to Canterbury, Otago would send along a very large contingent of visitors. They could be assured that the attendance would be considerable.

Thu guarantee list was ready, indicating that it now stood at over £2.000.

-Mr T. V. Huff. County Chairman, moved that providing the guarantee fund is brought up to £3,000 as a minimum, the meeting agrees to the Executive Council going forward with the proposal to provide extra accommodation as has been proposed. Mr Dull' said the townspeople had every confidence in the Executive, and lie was satisfied an increased monetary support would he forthcoming. Mr Mclntosh seconded, stating lie was satisfied the hotelkeepers would do more than they had promised in the endeavour to meet the position. Mr Bruce suggested that the Convent School might he utilised also for the purpose in mind in addition to the State School buildings. The Chairman said he understood St Andrew’s Hall would 1)0 available also if requied for the purpose of accommodation.

Dr Teichelmann expressed concurrence with the views given by Hon Michel, and said they should concentrate on having the guarantee increased. Mr Evans said it would not ho possiblo to defer the date. The accommodation issue had been before hem all along, and the steps now proposed would assist to overcome the obstacle. He felt sure the necessary guarantee would he forthcoming for a project which would he of such value to the district as a whole. , Tho motion was carried with one dissentient. On a call being made for additional guarantors, £3OO was subscribed in the rerun. Mi Wild stated the comiminitv was fortunate in the people who had taken ur the Exhibition movement, and Mo Executive should ho supported in evorv way possible. Certainly’ they should he relieved of any anxiety ns to finance. Mrs TTuiiler, and Messrs .Tones and Mclntosh wore appointed to complete the canvas of the town in regard to further guarantees. Tho meeting concluded at 5 p m.