PUBLICITY FOR PAEROA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4553, 20 April 1923, Page 2

PUBLICITY FOR PAEROA.

DISCUSSION AT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Mr Basil Dean, manager of Kinematographs, Ltd., was present at the meeting of the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, and advocated advertising Paeroa by means of motion pictures. ' He had been impressed with the possibilities of Paeroa more than any place he had visited, and the opportunity of advertising at the British Empire Exhibition was one that only came once in a lifetime. Qne of the many advantages of such a film as had been suggested—say, 1000 ft embodying scenes of the scenery and the various industries, and emphasising the; enormous possibilities—would be to attract immigrants. The majority of immigrants arriving lately were of the wrong type, and were turnnig out a burden to the country. Film advertising would attract the right type by showing them the actual conditions here. He mentioned the agricultural strikes at present in England, and said that those men would make excellent, immigrants, as they were true farmers and had capital. On behalf of his firm he suggested that a series of films would be better. Then the possibilities of development could be more emphasised. The advantages of film advertising were very great, but the amount of money alloted by the Government to this branch was very small, and it was utilised in advertising such things as the freezing industry which naturally advertise themselves. Towns like Paeroa would have to pay for their own advertising, but the films could also be used to boost, Paeroa in other parts of New Zealand. If Paeroa carried out the project they would establish a precedent and would thereby receive much publicity.

Considerable discussion arose on the question of inducing the right class of immigrant, and it was suggested that the Government should set aside an area of country that would be opened shortly especially for immigrants. Coming back to the subject, Mr Cassrels advocated a Paeroa publicity campaign. Mr de Castro asked what was the use of a publicity campaign ? What could Paeroa offer ? It did not have the control of ahy land for immigrants, and there were no industries here to provide work for workmen. Mr Vuglar said the town had been asleep for 25 years. Mr de Castro rose io a point of order, and said that only for the energy of some men no progress at all would have been made. Mr Vuglar said that no man had done anything for the town, but many had done much for themselves. Mr de Castro protested, and instanced the chairman, who had given an enormous amount of time for the public good. Mr Cassrels said that the publicity campaign was a good idea to induce industries to come to Paeroa. Mr Dean spoke of the efforts of the Australian Governments in advertising their country in London, and quoted the efforts necessary to obtain information regarding New Zealand from the London office. There was no comparison In the allurements New Zeaalnd offered and the desolate wastes of Australia. Mr Marshall asked that the Chamber ascertain what specific advantages would come to Paeroa by the publicity “project. The proposal to bring immigrants had been bursft, as there was no land availalbc. Mr Dean stated that the general value of publicity would be very great, and the opportunity available at the Empire Exhibition was unique. The Government accepted full obligation for the screening of the film at the exhibition, and undertook that it. would be shown. A special theatre would be erected for the purpose. In regard to raising the necessary finance he suggested that a progressive league, comprising agriculturists, industrialists, and commercial men, be formed, and that contributions be invited. One of the easiest means of raising money was a carnival, such as had recently been held in Auckland. Mr Dean then thanked the Chamber and withdrew, and on the motion of Mr E. Edwards, seconded by Mr D. Brown, further discussion Was deferred until next meeting,