THE WINTER SHOW.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1922, Page 4

THE WINTER SHOW.

NECESSITY FOR INCREASED ACCOMMODATION.

Last evening the council of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce ana cne executive of the Employers’ Association met Mr. Grant, the president of the Taranaki Agricultural Society, to consider ways and means of improving the winter show. The president of the Chamber (Mr. T. C. List) presided. Air. Grant said that it was impossible for the society to go on as they were going in connection with the winter show. For the last two or three years the room had become more and more taxed, until now it was quite impossible to do justice to the exhibits and competitions. The school exhibits this year would number about 100, and the society were obliged to turn down other exhibits. The position had become so acute that his executive had arrived at the conclusion that uniem they could arrange for more accommodation they would simply be forced to close down the show. This step, of course, they did not desire to take, as it would be against the interest® of the district, and particularly the town. But if they were to carry on, the town would have to come forward and help them in providing more room. He felt sure the townspeople had not properly appreciated the position, or ere this they would have given more support to the society. In reply to a question, he said the society had had plans prepared for an addition of five bays, each with a frontage of about 40 feet to Gill Street, and with a depth of 100 feet, with provision for a further extension of 100 feet to each bay when required. Members of the society were prepared to lend assistance in its construction, In which the material from the present lean-to could be used. The estimated cost, not counting the value of the voluntary assistance forthcoming, was about £2500.

I Mr. Grant produced a plan of the [proposed building, which ne explained to those present. In the ensuing discussion, the opin- ! ion was expressed that with a little ’ alteration provision could be made for I a gymnasium, in which the local football and athletic organisations were keenly interested; also, with a little additional expenditure, one of the Days could be converted into a place suitable for dancing, meetings, etc. »

It was stated that the Defence ’Department had decided not to let the Coronation Hall again for public purposes. Air. Grant explained that the Agricultural Society was entitled to the use of the hall for 14 days and nights a year. It was eventually decided to refer the matter for further inquiry to the president of the Chamber and the chairman of the Employers’ Association, who were instructed to meet the various sports and other bodies, formulate a scheme, and place it before another meeting, either of the executive of the Chamber and the association, or a public one.