THE EXHIBITION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1923, Page 4

THE EXHIBITION

The openin'; of the Exhibition on Saturday afternoon wax a. distinct

success from every point of view. There was a large attendance, the country districts being well represented while there were many visitors from the Bidder and intervening districts, and a good contingent from Cantebury. One and nil had nothing hut praise for the general appearance and contents ot the Exhibition, which surprised and gave pleasure to all.

The IHiiianga, Silver Band. New ’ Zealand 11. grade champions, came down by the mid-day train, and until their departure about 10 p.in. enlivened the streets and Exhibition, giving a capital programme ol music that was much enjoyed. The Ministerial Party made a private inspection at noon and the members voiced their appreciation and surprise at the quality and quantity of the exhibits and the general successful lay-out of the enterprise. Emm one o’clock onwards there was ;i steady stream of people to the Exhibition, and the large buildings held about three thousand people when the formal opening ceremony took place. The Executive Oflieers wore all in attendance, and were gratified to hear the unanimous expressions of approval ami appreciation. while the large attendance held a very satisfactory assurance of the prospects ol success. There was an eager crowd ol sight.sevr- and each and every exhibit had its share of attention, while the side-shows also Won many adherents. There was a groat rush for afternoon ten, but- the caterers responded well, and though at the crush time there was on overflowing throng of customers. each and every one were attended to in due course. ’I he sawdust lootways had the great advantage of comparative silence of the throng moving about, and withal was very comfortable to walk on. Quite a large number of the stands were completed as noon approached, and some late arrivals were busily engaged during the afternoon completing their representation. At 2.:m o’clock- the .Ministerial Bartv. together with the Executive officers, and notables gathered at the Band Rotunda, whore the Baited Choir was also present. The Choir opened the proceedings with the .National A'd-bem and also sang the ‘•Hallelujah” and "t florin” choruses. Ihe voices blended excellently and there were many expressions of appreciation at. the excellence of their efforts. The formal opening was then proceeded with, the whole available space within speaking range and beyond being crowded with an interested gathering

who gave the several speakers a very hearty reception. THE SPEECHES. Mr AY. .1. Butler (President of the Exhibition Executive) was the first speaker. He first, extended a hearty welcome to all present and expressed the he Mi appreciation of the Executive at the very large attendance. They were glad to have present so many distinguished visitors, ineluding the acting-Prime Minister. Sir E. I). Bell, the Hon Downie Stewart and Sir Heaton Rhodes. They trusted ihai'i the present exhibition would give a life-long store of happy moments. Tie desired on behalf of the Executive to thank nil who had assisted in the furtherance of their aim. f lhe other districts of the Coast had helped freely, and so had all parts ol New Zealand. They were not unmindful of the very valuable help received lrom the neighbouring city of Christchurch, it was due to the assistance and encouragement received that they had gone on with the movement, and it was very gratifying to he able to voice their approval of tin 1 very solid interest shown by the- merchants of Christchurch in the Exhibition. Closely following un the footsteps of Christchurch was the valued help and assistance received from the people of Otago and Dunedin. The rest of the Dominion have also given substantial assistance for which the Executive were very grateful. Perhaps the most grntilying feature was the valued assistance received Iron* the several Govet nmeiil Departments. They had taken up the work of aiding the Exhibition in a remarkably capable manner, and be particularly desired to express appreciation of the courtesy of the various nfli-

rer .s of the several Government Departments who had given so much Mire and consideration. Their thanks were also due in no unstinted manner to the press of the Dominion for the very generous publicity given the enterprise. We have had a fine band of workers, but there was one who stands out so far ahead of the others that he felt in duty bound to mention him. He referred to the honorary secretary of the Exhibition, Mr D. •>. Evans (applause), fie had never been -connected with a movement where there had been better team work, (applause) Sir Francis Bell (Acting Prime

Minister) said ho first wished to ex-

press the regret of Air Massey that his absence from Europe bad prevented his being present, hut that gave him (Sir Francis) the opportunity of being present. He desired to express his sincere admiration that had been evoked by the efforts of the Coast. It was not only the effort, hut the verv successful result. Ihe sturdy M ost Coast- had refused any financial assistance .and had gone on their own. way. The confidence and courage of the promoters showed in launching this enterprise, has been fully justified by the results achieved that day. An exhibition has a great educative influence, and it makes a platform on which every section can mutually associate. It must have already come unde rth enotiee ot Coasters as well as the visitors how greatly this exhibition has already effected a demonstration of the industries and minerals of the Coast, and to the residents of the Coast of the manufactures and industries of other parts of New Zealand. It was a remarkable result for such a comparatively small commuuitv. On. behalf of the Government he wished most heartily success to the I Exhibition, which his colleague was about to open. He hoped the Coast - would support the Exhibition so that | the result would he placed he- | voud all doubt and that- it will be as satisfactory to the promoters as the beginning that day must have been. (Applause). The Hon Downie Stewart (Minister of Industries) was received with very hearty applause. He thanked the executive for the opportunity of being present to join in opening this fine Exhibition. His task was to formally declare the Exhibition open, and he did so with pleasure. He could not forget what the province of Otago and her sister Westland both owe to the band of prospectors who opened up the land of the goldfields. There were many who came from Otago in the early days to Westland, On the plat-

Successfully Opened Large Enthusiastic Audience A Wonderfully Fine Effort

form was Air Win Evans who was in Otago in the early days, and he could also mention Mr J. Gritnmond and there were others. They must remember the great service rendered by these men in the early days. They were men of courage, ready to endure any hardship. Now wo find the farmers are the sons of these old pioneers. It was through the good offices of Air Tom Seildon that he (Afr Stewart) had been able to get away to the war, and their associations bad caused a friendship to spring up that would never he effaced. He referred to Commissioner Sale, who later went to Otago University, where he was venerated by the students. Tt was a happy thought io hold'this exhibition bore. It marks three special features. Tt serves to mark the opening of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel, and the bringing closer of the East and AVext. Tt serves to commemorate l|ho diamond jubilee of Westland, and thirdly it serves to

bring forward tlio growing importance of our secondary industries. How widely thev bad been brought together was instanced in flint they had present that day, ('apt. Elmxlie, the British Trade Commissioner and lie hoped the citizens would confer with him and obtain his advice on any matters of importance affecting them commercially. The .importance ol these Exhibitions is that they demonstrate the production of the Dominion. The Government hold the view that it is their duty where an industry can he established, to assist it in every possible way. (Treat- and glorious as lias been the past of AVestlaml, this Exhibition is to prove that it does not- rely on its past, or its present great scenic beauties, and its timber industry, Imt tliat in addition they do intend to go on and develop dairying and pastoral pursuits, and so attain an even greater prosperity. He wished to congratu!n to the promoters on the success of the Exhibition, and to wish the citizens of Hokitika every success, and he now lormally declared the Exhibition open. (Cheers lor the speaker and the Exhibition followed heartily).

Sir li. Heaton Rhodes 'Minister of Forestry) said h" bed to say bow

pda- 1 ’, was to he present at this gathering, which as a Canterbury man lie recognised as another link commercially in the joining ol tlio two provinces, which bad grown much nearer by the opening ol the tunnel. The Coast had many things which Canterbury refpbrod, and as Minister ’of Forestry he was taking a very keen interest in the future of the timber industry. They had recently procured a site for a nursery where they were going to experiment to find out wluit trees were suitable to grow in this district. Canterbury people were interested in the Coast, and they wanted their trade in return. He had never found so much enthusiasm anywhere else ns be bad found in this community of AVestlaml. They had united together to make this very handsome display. He congratulated them wholeheartedly on the exhibition and wished it every success. He thanked them for the invitation to he present, which had given him the upporiiiuiiy og voicing his goodwill to the Exhibition. (Applause). AT NIGHT. After the opening ceremony, the Exhibition continued well-filled and throughout the afternoon and early evening there v. as a steady stream ot visitors. Tli attendance again proved highly satisfactory over six hundred paying ior admission during the evening, while a large number of season tickets were disposed of during the day. The Runniign Band gave a

very attractive programme in the rotunda. including a number of excellent solos. Throughout tin- evening there was an attentive crowd gathered in the vicinity listening to the excellent music supplied. The Exhibition continued on lill tindosing hour at 111.3 D when there teas a rapid emptying of the large halls and annexes, and by II o’clock the place was in quieteness, and in ihe safe-keeping of members of the local Police Force, who continue on duty throughout the course ol the Exhibi-

'So ended the first day of the long looked for Exhibition, and judging by the very flattering remarks so freely given voice to the Exhibition has at least more than fulfilled expectations and given a decided and valuable impression of its use and worth, to a verv large number of those present, assuring much interest in the course of its future.

Naturally the President and members of the Executive were very plea • ed by the initial success of Saturday >' opening, which .passed off so well without the slightest hitch. Ino many references of visitors to the smoothness with which the whole opening passed off were very well deserved tributes to the management, who have put in tin extremely heavy amount hf work, and the success achieved is therefore a well deserved reward.