MARLBOROUGH’S OPPORTUNITY.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1923, Page 1

MARLBOROUGH’S OPPORTUNITY.

THE HOKITIKA EXHIBITION. “Marlborough business men say they have lost their trade with the West Coast on account of the opening of the Otira tunnel. Perhaps there is something in that, but this exhibition is a Wonderful 'opportunity to show the quality of the goods and produce turn"ed out in your district. There is no doubt that if the AA’est Coast people arc able to have the opportunity of seeing and comparing the quality of vour products with tho quality of the stuff from other places, they will find that the price is not the main factor altogether. If they don’t have this chance they won’t know the difference in losing Marlborough produce and having it, and, what is more, you will lose touch with the Coast altogether.” It was in these words that Mr I-. J. Schmitt, officer in charge of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Christchurch, summarised tho argument in favour of .Marlborough taking space at the forthcoming Hokitika Exhibition (says Friday’s “Marlborough Express”). Mr Schmitt has been oh a brief visit lo Blenheim on what is really his annual tour of this district, and before he left for Nelson ho was interviewed by a reporter with regard to the exhibition. The British and Colonial Exhibition is to he held in Hokitika from December 15th to February 2nd to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the province of West-land. Other places were taking space at the exhibition, said Mr Schmitt, and the exhibition authorities had set aside various avenues, called Marlborough avenue, Nelson avenue, Recfton avenue, and so on for each district. It was expected, and as a matter of fact, it was promised, that each district would

take a certain amount of space in their avenues to exhibit their goods anil produce. About a couple of months ago a delegation from the Coast visited Marlborough and formed an exhibition committee hero to work up Marlborough’s exhibition. As nothing had been heard of the committee since, the Hokitika Exhibition Committee) had asked the speaker to make investigations here. During his stay lie had discovered that really nothing very much had been due. Tic had met a sub-committee of

11 jo Chamber of Commerce and had found that overyoiio was really keen to take space, but nobody would accept the responsibility of actually booking the space. It was finally decided that the matter was one for the Progress League to handle. As a matter of fact the Progress Leagues in other places had taken charge of the business, 'hut, in addition, various manufacturing firms, etc., had interested themselves and were arranging exhibits. Tho Mayor (Mr E. S. Parker), Mr 0. G. Thomas, and Mr IV. 'l'. Churchward, secretary and member of the League respectfully, had been approached by the speaker, and they had realised the necessity for publicity at the Exhibition as far as Marlborough is concerned. They have gone so far as to tentatively pencil space in Marlborough avenue, hut this had to be confirmed at the next meeting of the Progress League. “In connection with this matter I believe the West Coast road will he open at tho time of the exhibition.” Mr Schmitt went on to say. “I understand the motor service companies are prepared to render transport facilities for visitors who wish to use the new road. One of the main exhibits from Marlborough will he. 1 think,

photographs .showing not only Marlborough farms, produce, and the rest, hut portions of the scenic; beauties along this road. “During my visit I have had an opportunity of visiting several of the manufacturing works here,” added the speaker. “I find you have flour-mills, very good tile works, sweets factories ami tile- like, am! (he imuuilaeturer:. are all anxious to show their products at the exhibition. Their main trouble as T see it. now—there is no apathy or antagonism—the main trouble seems to be the absence of some authority which will accept responsibility for the space and give a lend. Then you'll have no difficulty in the matter of filling the space and making your court a big i success.” I