The Guardian (And Evening star, with which is in-Corporate the west coast Times.) THURSSDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 1923. THE EXHIBITION PROJECT.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening star, with which is inCorporate the west coast Times.) THURSSDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 1923. THE EXHIBITION PROJECT.

iTit tile guarantee towards the exhibition project now exceeding £3,0C0. the realisation of the objective Ls Ul- - nil doubt. The Exhibition Council hns its mandate to go full steam thead, and make the great undertaking all that it should be—a historical suo:ess—for it. i.s partly to commemorate the sixtieth year of the foundation of the Province of Westland that the Exhibition was promoted in the first n,stance. In regard to the project it<clf, as the Otago Daily Times put the natter last week in relation to the »roposed big Exhibition at Dunedin in .92"), “it is one thing to decide to have an Exhibition, it is another to carry that decision into effect with vigour, thoroughness and inspiration. It will Ik> time enough to consider the Exhibition project well under way in Dunedin when there is such a measure of support and interest on the part of the business community and the citizens generally that an effort on a scale commensurate with the occasion is absolutely assured. Enthusiasm must he the keynote of the enterprise if it Ls to le the conspicuous success that will make the game truly worth the candle.” The publication of the guarantee list for the Exhibition at Hokitika indicates 'that tne enthusiasm here is pitched in the right key. Some £2,000 was asked for originally, and later, when extra expense was considered necessary under the accommodation needs, a further ii.OOO was resolved upon, and this has been more than provided. A substantial amount over the total is provided. The hotelaeopers have done their part in contributing a liberal quota to the amount, even though some names are missing from the list. In addition, several of the licensed victuallers have resolved definitely to provide much extra accommodation, so that on this score also, the Exhibition Council will be encouraged to launch out on lines in keeping with the possibilities, The Ex-

iubition is promoted with tho object, not of creating six or seven busy weeks and then leaving tho district flat, but with the idea of giving a trado impetus to the Coast which will l>o of a permanent character, and that in that way, by attracting more settlors, by increasing the flow of visitors, by advertising our wares, and making a demand for them olitside, permanent trade will result, and there will lx* a general range of prosperity of universal benefit. No doubt these factors aro fully realised by the ladies and gentlemen in the town who have contributed so eontidentiy to the guarantee list. It is to be regretted that nil the business people did not unite, and by unity cf action declare their own confidence in themselves, and the potentialities of the district. Large as tho enterprise is, its success m space sales and probable attendance seems to be well assured. Enquiry is being minis from nil tho metropolitan centres for exhibition space. Tho large industrial associations will bo well represented for they realiso they vvilj have to compete with one another for the future West Coast trade. Every Jeremiah who goes about the streets daily bemoaning that there will not ho accommodation for tho people, gives solid pi oof of the inflow of visitors and tlioreby assures the attendance. It is now for the Exhibition Council to co-ope-rate with the hotelkeepers in u combined campaign to provide that measure of accommodation in the town, or adjacent to it, whereby the overflow of visitors may find a place to lay their heads. Visitors who go to largo centres or cities whenever there is anything special on, know of tho difficulty in seeming accommodation. It is a recurring complaint, but. it is the assurance of success in the matter of attendance. If the Exhibition Council grapples with tile mailer, and establishes a. well conducted bureau where register is kept daily of all available accommodation, many of the objections will quickly disappear, and visitors will be made comfortable and at home, particularly here where the Coast has such a reputation for generous hospitality. What is wanted now is earnest, helpful enthusiasm on the part of the townspeople, and Hokitika, will enjoy again the stirring times of the past when the streets were pall-rolled by thousands and every house and habitation was charged to the full with its complement of dwellers.