British and Intercolonial Exhibition at Hokitika.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1923, Page 1

British and Intercolonial Exhibition at Hokitika.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

THURSDAY, SEPT. 13th. The Council sat at 7.40 p.m. Present : Messrs IV. Jeffries, Chairman of Executive, W. "Wilson, G. A. Perry, R. F. Porliam, E. Teichelmann, A. Aitken, W. J. Butler, R. Wild and D. ,T. Evans. Apologies were received for the absence of the Hon Michel and Mr G. Davidson. Tlie minutes of the previous meeting wore confirmed and the outward "correspondence read and approved. MR SCHMITT’S VISIT. Mr L. .T. Schmitt, Christchurch, representative of the Department of Industries and Commerce, was present and the Chairman extended a welcome to the visiting officer and invited him to make a statement in regard "to Exhibition matters.

Mr Selunitt thanked the Chairman for the welcome extended, and staled he had had an interesting trip down the Coast and had spent a day in Hokitika in regard to Exhibition matters. While travelling from Wellington lie had conferred with tho Committees at Pielon, Blenheim, Nelson Westport and Reef ton. TTo had not been able to get into touch with the Committee at Murchison hut hoped to meet tlie Greymouth Committee next day. As a result of the conferences, considerable interest was stimulated in the Exhibition in the northern centres, and a fair amount of space had been reserved for Marlborough, Nelson. Roller and Inangaluia. He thought they eottld consider the applications as satisfactory, and there was no doubt that tho attendance from the northern districts would he substantial. ITis mission to Hokitika was to report with regard to the accommodation available over the Exhibition period in order to satisfy tho Government in justifying the various departments of State exhibiting and co-operating in regard lo the Exhibition. From his tour of the hotels that day, ho had ascertained that there was available ordinary accommodation for 352 guests together with 70 permanent hoarders already in residence, equal to 422. Emergency accommodation could be provided for an additional 169, while supplementary to that if the Committee wore aide to supply tho beds and bedding as he understood was proposed, the hotels would be able to accommodate satisfactorily a further 161. This made a grand total of 752 persons and that number would probably lie increased still further as the bedding accommodation for the extra supply was available. He considered this very satisfactory. The hotel tariffs ranged from 8s to 15s and the charges he considered, moderate. A number of the hotels would provide very good accommodation and his impression with regard to the accommodation question was it favourable one lie understood that the Council had taken a census with regard to the private accommodation and tlie question arose in his mind whether, in view oi what the hotels were prepared to do anil tlie private residences co-operat-ing. it would he necessary for the Council to incur the cost ami running expense tor a large hostel. Hull would be a mallei for the Executive to decide.

Mr Schmitt continued that in cox. junction with the Tourist Officer til Christchurch, he had arranged some 15 tours covering trips from Auckland to Hokitika and hack to Auckland travelling via Christchurch and Nelson route. The estimated cost of siu-li a round trip would be Cl 3 11s 7tl Ist class and CIO second class. Similar tours covering other centres such as Wellington, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Napier, Wanganui, Nelson, Blenheim, (Tirislehuroh, Timartt, Oatnaru, Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown had also been estimated, and lie submit led the particulars, which il was suggested should bo published in a pocket leaflet and distributed throughout tlie Dominion through the Tourist Department and motor garages for the information of intending visitors to the Coast over tho Exhibition

period. Air Schmitt gave interesting information with regard to admission and season tickets, and whether the Council would adopt ticket boxes lor the sale of admission or utilise turn-stiles or book-shops for the sale ol admissions, and he invited the Council to consider the alternative proposals.

Speaking of the Government Department displays, he stated that the Tntlustrios and Commerce Department would make an extensive display, Foroslrv. Public Works and other Departments would also display, and he would advise later particulars. Ho iviis to l-eport in regard to the location ol' the exhibits in the Exhibition, and he would do this on his return to Christchurch. He further stated that the Council would hear very shortly with regard to the free carriage ol goods over the railway. The concession was likely to apply to all New Zealand manufactured goods. Mr Schmitt stressed iho importance of entertainments of a varied character over the period of the Exhibition, and also to arrange for as many sports gatherings as possible for the entertainment of visitors. He further stressed the importance of organising the finance accounts so as to keep a close watch on expenditure and to prevent any possible drift through irresponsible ordering of goods? All authority for expenditure should come directly from the Council to ihe various sub-committees which should he held responsible for keeping the. amount within the limit of th*» authority granted. REPORT.*

Mr Wild reported on behalf of the Space Committee and stated that a meeting had been held that afternoon ‘when additional space had been definitely allotted on a number of fresh applications as follows: — Dunedin 357 square feet Christchurch ... 150.5 square feet Auckland 412 square loot Hokitika 142 square feet The total space in respect to which applications had now been confirmed was 5350 square feet. In addition there was over 2000 feet under consideration which would be allotted immediately. The Space Committee con-, sidered the applications received so far very satisfactory. The report was received and adopted. Mr W. Wilson reported with regard to a meeting of the Acommodation Committee held that day whereat Hr Schmitt’s report respecting hotel accommodation had been discussed. It was resolved to write to the hotelkeepers and thank them for the courtesy shown to Mr Schmitt in connection with his investigation. The Committee considered that the amount of accommodation, winch would be available, was very satisfac-

tory indeed, and there was the evident desire on the part of the Licensed \ ictuallers, to rise to the occasion and do tho best within their resources for the accommodation for the large influx of visitors expected. It was resolved to grant tho hire of bedding equipment for extra accommodation, under conditions to ho approved, at 10s per lied for the term of the Exhibition. It was reported that a meeting had been held in Greymouth that week and that the Licensed Victuallers in that locality would also co-operate. TRAIN ARRAXGEMEXTS. Mr Butler reported regarding the Conference with the Disrtiet Traffic Manager at Greymouth on the subject of train arrangements, which it was thought would meet requirements. In connection with tlie facilities for travelling from tlie north, Mr Selunitt suggested that the Railway Department, on certain days of the week, start a train from Inangnlnta. Junction for the convenience of Duller Valley residents, and in conjunction with such an arrangement, motor excursions would be arranged from Westport, It was decided to take this matter up with the Westport Committee and the Railway Department. Mr Schmitt further suggested, that the Council might consider'the advisability of taking up the suggestion to run motor trains during the period of tell Exhibition between Greymouth and Hokitika, as a try-out for such a proposal as had been mentioned in the railway statement.

It was resolved to set up a Transport Committee consisting of Messrs P. Renton (Chairman), Payne, Urquhart and Elcoek. Mr Renton to ho also a member of the Executive County 1. Traffic and transport arrangements, including fares for tours throughout Westland, and round trips over tlie Dominion, were also referred to this Committee. ADMISSION TO EXHIBITION. The ordinary price for adm:<t;ion to the Exhibition was fixed at Is to cover all entertainments in progress in the main buildings. Season tickets were fixed as follows: Gentlemen, I2s Gd; ladies, 7s Gd, children (under 14) 2s Gd. It was resolved to write t*» tho Department witli| regard to remission of amusement tax. GENERAL. It was resolved to invito Inspector Mathieson, on his next visit to Hokitika to confer with the Council with regard to police supervision of the exhibits over the period of the Exhibition.

Air .Schmitt wsa asked to report with regard to particulars for setting tip a radio parlor. Mr Jelfries, on behalf of the Agricultural Committee reported there would be a meeting next day to deal with suggestions for exhibits.

.Matters affecting space for motor ears were discussed and arrangements made for displays.

Tlie question of sole rights to sell special articles was considered and offers in. respect to two applications were received. and it was resolved to write to applicants sugesting terms on which the sole rights would he -conceded. The riglit lo sell ice creams was fixed at a lump sum of .£lO, plus cost of space required. The question of exhibiting pictures on wall .space for sale was considered, and it was resolved to charge 10 pet cent, on the price realised by sales. Kent for sections adjoining the Exhibition grounds for side shows was fixed and it was resolved to notify applicants requiring temporary occupation rights. An offer from Clements .Motors Ltd., to advertise the Exhibition on picture screens in conjunction with motor services was received and accepted with thanks.

Mr Butler reported the receipt of flic building plans and the matter of placing tlie orders for the timber was now under consideration. It was resolved to appoint Mr Andrew Wilson building foreman for the Exhibition building, and the Building Committee was empowered to make all necessary arrangements with Air "Wilson, .who was to he empowered to employ all labour required.

It was resolved at this stage, owing to tin- quantity of business still to he considered to adjourn the meeting until 7.30 p.m. on Saturday evening. Tho meeting concluded by the chairman thanking Air Schmitt, on behalf ol the Council, for his attendance and help given, as well as the valuable ad; ice supplied with regard to many matters they had considered that evening. The Council was very grateful for tiie. assistance rendered, and an acknowledgement of Mr Schmitt’s services would be communicated to the Department of Industries. The meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.