BIG EXHIBITION

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 118, 9 August 1927, Page 18

BIG EXHIBITION

PLANNED FOR 1931 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S PROJECT Though the actual date has not been fixed, the year 1931 has been decided upon for the British Empire Exhibition in Australia, and Centennial Park, Sydney, has been fixed as the location. The Federal Government has been committed to the project and its location by the Prime Minister’s discussion with representative citizens. The Prime Minister, Mr. Bruce, stated subsequently that he had called together representatives of organisations connected with primary and secondary industries, trade and commerce, from different States, to consider the prospects of a British Empire Exhibition in Australia within the next few years. The Acting Minister of Labour and Industry, Mr. H. W. Cruickshank, represented the Premier of New South Wales. At the Imperial Conference in 1923, Mr. Bruce said he indicated that Australia contemplated such an exhibition about 1931, whereupon representatives of other self-governing parts of the Empire agreed to take no similar action until Australia decided. Inquiries by Mr. Nathan, vice-chair-man of the Development Commission, convinced the Commonwealth that the exhibition would be successful, and the cost not disproportionate to results. TIME FOR PREPARATION By fixing the date for 1931, there would be time for preparation and negotiation with Governments and exhibitors in Great Britain and the Dominions. It was suggested that the exhibition should be open for six months. Centennial Park had been fixed as the location, and the State Premier had indicated readiness to make this site available. The services of Sir John Butters and Mr. Nathan had been secured. They were associated with the Wembley Exhibition, and it was proposed to constitute a of experts and representative men to cooperate. PLEA FOR SHOW GROUND Mr. R. T. Ball, M.L.A., deputy leader of the Opposition, who, during his term of office as Minister of Works in the Fuller Cabinet, was responsible for the commencement of the j construction of the harbour bridge, I urged that the proposed exhibition I should be held on the Agricultural Show Ground.