THE WINTER SHOW.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1919, Page 2

THE WINTER SHOW.

(To tlie Editor.) Sir,—The meeting held to consider the Question and the results therefrom, should be encouraging to its conveners and awaken both I the country and townspeople to the desirability of encouraging anything Lu the way conducive i to increased production, the best method of | relief to the excessive burdens imposed by the 1 war. It also must appeal to the business people and property holders of this city to preserve and encourage every attraction, pleasure or business, making New Plymouth the central position it should occupy not to allow the decentralisation by the superior enterprises of younger inland towns. To do so would be a roproach that would well earn the caustic criticism of rising generations. The fact must hot be lost sight of, that citizens of the present are the trustees of those that succeed them. Winter shows exhibiting the products' of the district, agricultural, and Industrial, exhibits of most up-to-date and efficient plant and machinery as an instruction also exhibits in wliich the young would become interested and take part in. Domestic animals, • po.uiurb, et(}., would aJso be an acquisiton. Exhibitions unquestionably materially assist to meet competition from other countries. Germany and America in particular. It is far better that we stand up to fair competition and meet it by competition instead of the weak-kneed policy of resorting to customs barriers or prohlbiton. Far seeing people must realise the benefits and profit to be derived by exchange of goods, be it between individuals or nations. Those engaged in the exchanges who are the most efficient and economical in the production of their goods naturally reap the most benefit in the transactions. Agricultural shows, industrial exhibitions, exhibits of plant, machinery, and their working, make for efficiency. Those communities that realise and practice this policy become the leaders of progress. It is absurd and is also an admission of want of business • capacity to suggest difficulty and inability to finance the interest required on a few thousand pounds to enablo accommodation to be provided for Winter Show purposes. Rather than the show be cut out for any season, temporary buildings and marquees should bo erected. The Winter Show should not be lost to New Plymouth if business people, worthy of the name, represent its citizens. From a business point of view the proposition is sound though returns may be indirect. We have had, time and again, correspondence and contributions by visitor;; to this fair city, pointing out its possibilities. Wo aro incurring considerable expenditure on ha,rbor accommodation (another reason for centralising) There are fur'her problems to solve in accommodation for visitors that is absolutely necessary to the progress of the city. I also might here mention the reproach on the city is want of sanitary accommodation. Are we going to shirk, and thus invite the antipalhv usually moted out to shirkers. The answer should be no.—l am, etc., C. D, LIGHTBAND. Oct. 11, 1919.