The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY. JUNE 18th, 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY. JUNE 18th, 1923.

THE EXHIBITION MOVEMENT. The Exhibition movement up] ears l-.i have had a great fillip by reason ol I lie northern visit of tlie. Exhibition Council. Some particulars of the. tour have been telegraphed, and these in no way wo understand, over-state the amount ol general interest aroused by the publicity campaign. The various meetings wore all fairly well attended. In every instance there wore representative men present, and the local newspapers were represented and chronicled the proceedings in. considerable detail. The members of tho delegation speak very appreciatively of the action, ot the Greymoiith Committee in detailing tlie Mayor (Mr Parfitt) to accompany tlie delegation. Mr O’Brien M.P., had lieou selected also, but Parliamentary duties prevented his attendance. Mr l’ariitt was whole-hearted in his support. and in all his addresses urged the co-operation of the Coast bodies as a. moans to increase the general prosperity. Auother factor adding to the success of the mission was the presence of the Government- representative (Mi Collins) whose remarks in detailing the support the Government was affording seemed to put the seal of success on tho big undertaking. Al- some of the meetings, notably Nelson and Picton, the local speakers referred to the value of the trade connection with the AA'e.st Coast, and they realised if an effort were not made to letam it., then Canterbury and Otago in diioct railway communication might leap tlie advantage. But they are not prepared passively to allow this to come to pass, so there will l>e healthy trading rivalry among the manufacturing linns not only to hold the trade they have, hut to enhance it. From AVellington there come* word that at a meeting of the Manufacturers Association there last week, a similar note of alertness was struck, and from that quarter, also, will come very general support to the Exhibition. The disposition of Canterbury and Otago to the project is well-known already, so that it seems evident there will be a splendid demand for space, and that there will he a wonderful display -of exhibits. AAo learn that the enquiry for space is proving generally satisfactory, so that, iroin that important point of view success is very promising indeed. The presence of so many outside exhibits cannot but increase the attendance very substantially, also. Every district which is represented will supply its contingent of visitors, and wo understand that generally there will he a large influx of visitors from the north, for whom it is hoped to arrange excursion fares. The northern people wore giveu an insight into the proposed arrangements to lx> made for accommodation, and this had a very satisfying effect in more quarters than one. It- will be necessary therefore t-o persevere with Ihe accommodation proposals and make them n-s ample as possible. AAhat is required is accommodation, more accommodation, and still move accommodation. Townsfolk can rely on a very great influx of visitors over the whole period of tho Exhibition and they should prepare accordingly. As a matter of fact accommodation is now being booked over the opening period, which is an indication of what is to come.