A VISIT TO THE EXHIBITION

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1926, Page 1

A VISIT TO THE EXHIBITION

MR EVANS RETURNS.

By Saturday evening’s train -Air D. J. Evans, County Clerk, returned from a short holiday spent chiefly at Dunedin, though some time was devoted also to Oainnru, Timaru and Christchurch. .Air Evans hud an interesting trip, and in response to a request has supplied some particulars of his travels and doings. Mr Evans regards the Exhibition as of outstanding merit almost from every point of view and all who can, should see it. He was more than gratified with being associated with the movement to send the school children to Dunedin and felt nothing had given him greater pleasure for the effort than the enjoyment derived by tbe young people making the trip. While at Dunedin opportunity was given of meeting those connected with the organisation of the school children’s trip They are a bad of enthusiasts with an outstanding enthusiast in Mr C. A. Struck, al the head of affairs. The ladies and gentlemen connected with the effiort are a self-sacrificing band whom it was a pleasure to meet, for there is no doubt about the good work they are doing. At the Exhibition, courts are criticised and compared. The British and Canadian Courts come quickly to mind and the Now Zealand Government has done splendidly wiut their display. Mr Evans was specially impressed with the Education Court which is extensive and contains a great variety of cx'hihits both surprising and pleasing. Education in New Zealand costs a vast sum annually, and there is considerable satisfaction in viewing the Education Court and realising something of tho value returned to the country by tho good work of the pupils at schools. Nothing is more gratifying at the whole Exhibition than the splendid showing of the handiwork of tho rising generation, which shows that brain and skillful execution are being well expressed and the foundation is being laid for many useful careers in the public schools of New Zealand. Mr Evans met with much courtesy at the hands of the Exhibition Commissioners and others associated with tho organisation and management. Opportunity was afforded of seeing many special displays and different functions. Frequent reference was made to tlic Hokitika Exhibition by people met with, among whom were several stall holders who had been here, and who have the hapipest recollections of their sojourn and business in Hokitika. A special dcligln at the Exhibition is the British military band. It is an outstanding attraction and is tbe special feature of the big show. 'Luc orchestra organised for the Exhibition, moreover. is very disappointing and is perhaps the least satisfactory feature of the great undertaking. The arrangement ol the courts and the general display is excellent, which is another way of tributing the organisation. while the smoothness with which matters are running is to the credit of the management. The average daily attendance is 20,000. There is plenty of room in the buildings and much more in the open spaces outside, lor the crowds. Even on Saturday night when over 30,000 attended, there wits no real congestion, despite the constantly moving throng, and all was most orderly and decorous. There are many line exhibits to attract and retain attention and the provincial courts are to be included in that section of the Exhibition where folk in considerable numbers are always to lie found. The amusement ground is a notable place, visited by all, if only to see tbe merry makers moving so freely about. Someone lias said that the great display will go down to history as the Great Chocolate Exhibition, alluding to the vogue there is for chocolate competitions, the attraction of which is flic bulky box of brightly decorated chocolates. But that is not a fair statement to make. The Exhibition is the greatest credit to (be courage and enterprise of the promoters, who knew what they aimed tor and realised it. They have achieved success by producing a display which is calling all New Zealand to Dunedin, and the only regret is that Westland has not a distinctive display to advertise itself. It was it grave and serious omission, for such another, like opportunity to advertise the district to visiting millions will not recur again for a decade or two at earliest in New Zealand. Westland is out of the picture for the time being and that fact must sadden the feelings of all Westlanders who visit this great Exhibition.