British and Intercolonial Exhibition.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1923, Page 2

British and Intercolonial Exhibition.

MEETING OF EXHIBITION COUNCIL. WEDNESDAY. JUNE 27th. A special meeting of the Exhibition Council was held at the County Chambers at- 7.-10 o’clock. Present —Air W. J. Butler (in the chair), Messrs AY. Jeffries, G. Davidson, G. A. Perry, 1L AA'tld and D. J. Evans. Apology was made for the absence of Hon. H. L. Michel in AA’elliugton.

The meeting was held for the purpose of conferring with Air 11. T. BDrew, Government Publicity Officer, who was present from Wellington for the purpose of discussing various matters affecting the forthcoming Exhibition.

Air Drew, in a general explanation stated that the Publicity Department would render the Council all possible assistance in direction and advie. He tuck it that the object of the Exhibition was to stimulate outside interest in the resources of Westland and irom what he had seen that day during his trip in the agricultural and pastoral centres of Ivoiterangi and Kokatahi. lie was much impressed with the dairying possibilities of the district. He understood that there were other similar .settlements throughout- the Coast, and when tho extent and possibility ot these settlements were more widely known, larger numbers of people would be attracted to the district and take up settlement propositions. In connection with tho Exhibition, lie advocated the organisation ol a system of round trips at excursion rates from all points served by the railway, and suggested an extension of the tours by arrangement with the motor ear proprietor*. He felt sure that the Railway and Tourist Departments would corporate with the Council in drawing up j.imposed tours and these particulars should he as widely circulated as possible throughout the .Dominion, and Australia.

On behalf i f bis Department lie undertook to circulate publicity matter, which was prepared for the pu-rpese, to the various agencies and resorts which wore prj-ronised by holiday makers and visitors from overseas to New Zealand.

Mr Drew expressed the opinion that the historic side of the Coast should lie made a good deal of in connection with the advertising of the Exhibition. There was a. large amount of romance associated with the gold discovery and the early settlement of the AA'est Coast, and historical matter of this nature was always'of interest to the leading public, and information broadcasted in respect to the early days would be sure to attract attention to a district which will he linked up soon with all paits of the South Island. Ibe natural features of the district relating to land settlement, mining, milling, ami scenic attractions should he advertised to the fullest. To very many people of tile Dominion, the AA'est; Coast was almost unknown as regards its potentialities and facilities for ready tralfie. and the attractions which could be offered to tho public, eitlied bent on holiday or in search of new enterprises, should be made as widely known rs possible, and the result, he was sure, would attract a very large minder of the most desirable people they could wish to have.

Air Drew suggested various means of publicity by way of posters etc., and referred to the fact that the best form of advertising would be by the people tliemselves. II Dm eoiiimunits as a. wlule. entered into the spirit: ol tho times, and took an enterprising interest in publishing abroad the time and ievasion of the Exhibition, which could be done by private correspondence, post card and letter card o* friends oif the Coast, and even the school children by united effort could also assist in a. post card campaign, abroad. Cards depicting scenery of the Coast, with a few lines in respect to the opening and occasion of the Exhibition, would assist in arresting the attention of a large number of people, thus brought into touch with the event would no doubt make further cnquii ies and as their facilities afforded, would arrange in a large number of instances to spend their Christmas and New \A.-ar holidays on tho Coast. Personally he was considerably impressed with the appearance of the t-own and tin- possibilities of the immediate district. It was his intention to send Mr Taylor, the Government Photographer, to the distriet in the course of two or three weeks, lor the purpose of seeming photographs and cinema scenic scenes 'to be mod ioi publicity purposes at the British Empire Exhibition, in London next. year. Tlie material so obtained would be available also for use for publicity purpose w Itbin the Dominion, end i,„ felt sure lliat shown as it would, be in many parts ot New Zealand within the next six mouths, would assist, also in advertising the district ill a veiy interesting and acceptable manner to the public. A general discussion took place with regard to various suggestions brought forward, and Air Drew was thanked fluids EUendn.ncc 'and information. It was resolved to keep him advised with the steps taken with regard to publicity matters, and it was decided thatthe Council should avail itsell to the fullest- extent of bis offers ot assistance in the various manners indicated. TI:o meeting < losed at 9.40 p.m.