British and Intercolonial Exhibition at Hokitika.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1923, Page 1

British and Intercolonial Exhibition at Hokitika.

EXHIBITION COUNCIL

MONDAY, OCTOBER. Btli

Tlie Exhibition Council meeting was held at the Chambers at 7.30 p.m. Present: -Mr AY. Jeffries (in the chair), Hon IL L. Michel, R. Wild, G. A. Perry, P. H. Renton, C. S. Dalgleish, A. Aitken, AA’. Wilson, IL F. Perliam, Dr Teichc-lmann. Apologies wore made for the absence of Messrs W. J. Butler and G. Davidson.

Air T. W. AYoodroffe, architect for the exhibition buildings, of Christchurch, was tvelfomed by the Chairman, ulio expressed the thanks of the

Council for the very valuable assistance Mr AA’oodrofFe u‘as giving the Exhibition movement. They felt specially indebted to him for the personal interest lie had shown, and had been

greatly assisted by his advice and direction in organising the Exhibition. Air AYoodroffe expressed his personal pleasure at being with them and was very glad to be associated with such a band of heroes. He congratulated the Council on the progress being made

with the erection of the Exhibition buildings. They Mould find the buildings very suitable for the purpose intended, and it would appear that they uould have no difficulty in tilling the large space available for Exhibition purposes. That afternoon iie had attended a meeting of the Space Com-

mittee, and lie was safe in saying that fully tivo-tbirds of the space had been let: already. Applications for space did not close for a fortnight, and they ivoulil probably have the same experience as they had in Christchurch, viz: that applications for space continue to

romo in right up to the time of the opening of the Exhibition and even afterwards. He had pointed out that

day to Afr Evans positions where extra space would lie available if required, and lie thought it would. During the forenoon lie had met Alcssrs Ford and Robinson, of the Electric Lighting Company, and he had discussed proposals for the adequate lighting of the buildings. ITe had persuaded the Com-

pany to double the lighting proposals originally intended. Thero would lioif he 80-100 candle power lamps for thelighting of the avenues, and in addition there would be the necessary lighting for ihe refreshment rooms etc., and also providing lighting for special exhibits lrv the exhibitors themselves.

lie though lie could arrange satisfac

torily fur the loan of the extra lamps, which would he required for the avenues. These lamps would be all of the latest design with necessary reflectors etc. Regarding private lighting, ho had seen Tomlinson and Clifford, thq local electricians, and hacl ascertained that they would be aide, to put through all necessary lighting, and would ho able fo obtain the assistance of electricians from Christchurch for the purpose of attending to any rush work just before the Exhibition opened. He suggested that the Council should arrange for the electrical work to bo done for the exhibitors at a uniform price, to cover the cost of wiring, hiring and dismantling of the plant, lie had also conferred with .Mr Davidson, Chairman of the Mechanical Committee, with regard to a .special effect at the Main Entrance to the Exhibition, to indicate the operation of the tunnel. Ift thought that the Council should lay it-elf out to ornament the Entrance C onn to the Exhibition in such a way that a good impression would he made at once upon all visitors. With the wealth of ferns, which was available, they could make a grotto of loveliness, which would have a very good effect, and in that connection he suggested various ornamentations, which could tie carried out .-ueccssfully at a very small cost. 'With regard to the building itself, if was being put up with excellent timber. They had a good man in charge, and he congratulated the Council on the capable way in which the work was being attended to. lie thought, that the sale of season tickets should lie taken in hand with determination to sell one to everybody in the town. All should help, for the Exhibition was for the benolii of all. and the low price for the sea-on tickets should lie an encouragement to the townspeople out of local loyalty to extend the fullest patronage to the Exhibit ion during the period it was open. He had arranged for an enlarged space plan to he prepared in order to have ihc dimensions required by the various exhibitors, marked off, so that there wotdd he no misunderstanding in regard to the locations . lie recommended that i lie calico to be used above t lie iron on the wails for lighting purposes he obtained from the Textile Bay Company, Christchurch. ToO yards would be required, and after being placed in position in the manner in which lie had suggested to Mr Wilson, the builder, it could he painted with boiled linseed oil. The material after use would lie readily saleable for packing purposes, every yard having been so used immediately after the Christchurch Exhibition. lie had arranged for a switch house to lie provided for the electric light . service near the rear of the Eire Station. which would he convenient and at the same time private for those operating the electric light. He recommends the appointment of Mr Humber to be in charge of the Exhibits and to control the handling of same, to check arrival, storage and distribution, and generally to assist in the internal management affecting the placing of the exhibits etc. He also suggested that the Eclipse •Sign Company of Christchurch, he com municated with in regard to special decorating work in the Entrance Court, and the from exterior. He spoke very eulogistic-ally of the Gardens and congratulated the Borough Council on their condition; they were a delight to the eye. and he suggested that the grounds should he included in some way and might be used in conjunction with the Ten Hcoins during the hot weather. He also suggested that wall space for advert ising should be placed, at the disposal of those requiring same. Mr A\ oodroflo referred to several other matters of detail and was heartily thanked for the information conveyed. On behalf of the Lighting Committee. Mr Aicken reported in regard to ihc preliminary meeting held on the 2<th. September and the subsequent conference that morning with Mr Woodroffe. —■Received as satisfactory.

On behalf of the Entertainment Committee. Mr Jeffrie? reported with regal'd to the meeting held on the 4th. inst., and submitted the various proposals. It was resolved to thank the Caledonian Society for the kind offer with regard to the sports meeting suggested for Xew Year’s Day, but ns the Exhibition Council would be fully occupied with the conduct of the Exhibition at that period, it would not he convenient to accept the offer so kindly made. With regard to the Horticultural Show, it was reported the sub-com-mittee was sitting that evening in reference to preparing a schedule, and

that advice had been received from Air Hunter of Runaiiga that- the horticulturalists of that locality would heartily co-operate in assisting to make a distinctive display. The proposal to negotiate with Derry’s Baud was approved, and Air AYoodroffe was asked to confer with the Secretary in Christchurch. It was resolved to approve ofthe proposals for the Radio Uarlor, am! a vote was passed for the erection of the aerial etc. On behalf of the Arts Committee, Dr Teiclielmann stated that the Library Authorities wer c approached and if it Mere possible to have the roof of the building repaired in the time available, the front two rooms would be at tli? disposal of the Council. In tb c event of that not being possible, the Land Board room at- the Government buildings would be available for housing the more expensive pictures. In connection with the Arts display, Afr Butler telegraphed from AYellington that a number of artists in the AYellington district Mould be forwarding pictures for display.

lJr. Teiclielmann also reported on behalf of the Sports Committee that the Tennis Club Mould be organising a huge Tournament, and that Golf and Bowling Tournaments would al-c be arranged, u’liilc the Swimming Club was organising a special meeting at which Aliss Sham!, the N.Z. Champion, would appear.

Air AY. AYilson reported in regard to accommodation, and stated, that 192 beds bad been ordered already, and it Was expected that the full number (300) would be absorbed. Air AA’oodrofle congratulated the Committee on the progress being made to cope with the extra influx of visitors.

Air Dalgleish reported on behalf of the Agricultural Committee that matters were progressing satisfactorily. Ho had communicated by letter with the ■various .fanners unions, dairy companies etc., and he would be able to state by Saturday next the space required by the various organisations. All would co-operate in a distinctive AA est; Coast exhibit. The Honey Rroducers Association through Afr J. Afurdoch of Ross, had undertaken to provide a special honey exhibit.

Afr Renton, on behalf of the Transport Committee, reported that the tender of Air Thompson had been accepted for carting, and work was now in band.

On behalf or the Space Committee. Are AVild reported that tivo-thirds of tlie space was now taken. An application had been received that day from Grevmouth Borough Council and a fmthfr application from the Grey County Was expected. It was expected Smthci that considerable space would be required for ’Wellington. J*„r the Advertising Committee. Mr Wild, reported ill respect to various matters, and it was resolved to secure space in a special issue of tlie “Argus” to lie issued at the time of the Exhibition. GENERAL. A report from Air Butler I rein AA cllington (already published) was read, anil a special vote ol thanks ivas accorded the President for bis kindness in attending to so many matters in the time at bis disposal. Sir Francis D. Bell. Acting BrimATinister. and Hon. Dnwuie Stewart, wrote in respect to being present, at the opening of the Exhibition on December 15ih. -Received with thanks. A number of applications lor beds and bedding were received. It. ivas !‘Oy solved to enquire from the Licensed Victuallers Association in Greymouili the number of beds likely to bo required. Afr Perba.m, Chairman of the Timber Produc ts Coni ini’, tec was deputed to wait on Air AfcGavock in regard to tb.e Forestry exhibit.

The Chairman and Air AY. AViboi were deputed to wait on Mr Adams Deputy Commissioner of Taxes with re

ganl to amusement tax affecting sea- j son tickets. ! Air AA'ild was authorised to malic the j necessary arrangements in regard to accident insurance on the hues proposed. Accounts to the amount o. €2’) 1 LX 3d. including wages on the building lor a fortnight, were pas'ed for payment. It was resolved to order PJOit season • tickets, the sale to he arranged lor at an early date. Two advertising banners lor tlie AYliite Star Lecturers were authorised. A very hearty vote of thanks win. passed to Afr AYomlnT'e for bis attendance. and information afforded the j meeting, which concluded at 9.50 p in. 1