The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th, 1924. AS OTHERS SEE ES.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1924, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER Bth, 1924. AS OTHERS SEE ES.

A great deal is being said ami written in an adverse strain of Now Zealand at the Empire Exhibition. Our own citizens home lor a holiday are the most caustic of tho critics. It is not without interest to hear something in a more favorable strain, and a London commercial journal has the following, which is at least somewhat satisfying: —The New Zealand section of the Ex-

hibition covers an area of 132,400 square feet, and the architecture of its pnvilion is plain and business-like. The facade depicts agricultural scepes

in bas-relief, and there is an impressive main entrance, while the central hall is made highly attractive by mural decorations, nikau palms. magnificent paintings ul lake, third and nuiiintaiu scenery, and stag and wapiti heads. In the I rental gardens, which are planted with characteristic New Zealand trees and shrubs are situated an ancient Maori house and a Samoan fide, which, with their dis| lays <>l curios, are a source of great interest. In the pavilion itself is striking evidence of the wonderful progress and prosperity of tlie Dominion. Prominence is naturally giien to such primary products as wool, butter, cheese, meal, preserves. jams, fruits, and by-products like hides, skins and tallow, Perhaps the most conspicuous and eolnn;oii<lnlilo exhibit is that representing the dairying industry and its products, a feature of which is a life-sized reproduction in blitter of a New Zealand cow and th • model of a iarm-lioiiso, together with some delieately-sliapod baskets rf beautiful llowers, which bring out tlie line textiue and quality of the New Zealand product. In order tn I reserve these exhibits an expensive refrigerating plant lias been installed, and this serves to keep fresh and in excellent condition the splendid display of lamb ami mutton, which is on view in a largo case adjoining.

by is ;in exhibition <T iiT costumes, u lmli a I though practically indistinguishable from genuine furs, arc in reality tin- ma«Io-i:j» | tin- pestilential little rabbit. Weol. of eoiir.se, is given tint prominence which it deserves liv means of a great pyramid ol wool. Mn.nUeil l»y a majestic ]iieee of sc-ulpt tiro. ropiescnting a sheep-shearer at- Ids calling. This makes an excellent representation of the importaneo ol this industry, which last year exported nearly £1 1.000.000 worth of wool and headed the list of the Dominion c\poil.s. hntter being second mill ship ments valued at £l(t,f)8!l.*J(IO, cheese and laniih being next in order. An admirahle and tempting display of the apples which Xew Zealand grows ahmeets the eye of the visitor, who is aide to purchase samples of these excellent fruits. Another product of growing importance, which is finding tt ready market in this countiv, is honey, and this is given a prominent place. Kauri gum, it eliaraetoristie New Zealand prodmt. is uniquely displayed in anollier part of the building, some of the specimens of this valuable petrified product resembling pieces of clear and clouded amber, of which it is really a first cousin. It is a valuable product, particularly for use in the manufacture of varnishes and linoleum. The excellent quality leather that (»iii he made in tilt* Dominion is on view, together with products such its soap and candles. Timber constitutes a striking exhibit, an interesting novelty being a section of a kauri tree, marked with small discs indicating its circumference, as proved by the liumiber of circles in the grain at certain famous periods in history. For instance, it was a young tree when Magna Charta was signed, it wins of strong development when Columbus discovered Xew /calami nearly two centuries later, and since the first settlers arrived in the country this particular tree had added one and a half inches to its radius up to the time when it was felled. The timl>er exhibit is most comprehensive, depicting the whole of the industry from the initial felling and milling to the production of the finished article, which, in the form of pnnelwood and furniture makes the reception hall of the pavilion very attractive. 'l’he Xew Zealand flax plant, the fibre of which is used extensively in the manufacture of twine, cordage and rope, is given prominence and its commendable qualities effectively advertised. Tn the mineral section of the pavilion are seen something of the resources of the Dominion in the way of coal. gold, and other products, while a section devoted to secondary industries illustrates the many uses to which the by-products of the main industries are put. Visitors to the pavilion are able further to appreciate the progress, resources and the attractions of Xew Zealand in a handsome cinema theatre, where films are screened depicting every phase of life in Xew Zealand, together with her famous scenic lroauty and sporting attractions. There is also a restaurant attached to the pavilion commanding a delightful look-out over the lakes and gardens, in which foodstuffs of the Dominion are served. Two interesting specimens of bird-life are attracting considerable attention. One is the now extinct moa. a giant bird, twice as tall as a man. which has l>oen recreated with the aid of a skeleton and rock impressions. Tt is a formidable-looking creature, and is in striking contrast to its neighJjotir, another strange Xew Zealand bird, the ki-wi which has no wings, and is about eighteen, inches high. The impression which a visit to the Xew Zealand pavilion creates concerning the Dominion is one of marvellous progress in pastoral industries and great possibilities in manufactured articles, especially as the country possesses abundant coal supplies and water for the generation of cheap electric power.