Colonial Exhibition at London

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5143, 17 July 1885, Page 2

Colonial Exhibition at London

The Local Committee for the forthcoming Colonial and ludian Exhibition at London, and a number of other gentlemen interested in this district being repre-. sented, interviewed Dr yon Haast, the Comraia9ioner appointed by the New Zealand Government, r f t 11 o'clock this morning, at the Borough Council Cham* bers.

Mr H. Kenrick, Warden, was rotcd to the choir, and briefly in (rodneed Dr tod Haast to the meeting.

Dr yon Haast said the Government had entrusted to ! im the task of seeing that New Zealand was represented at the forthcoming Exhibition to bo held in London, and he should be glad if all present would do their utmost to assist him in obtaining exhibits. No effort should be spared to render as complete an exhibition as possible of the resources of the colony, and were this faithfully carried out, be had no doubt it would have the effect of attracting the at tention of English capitalists, tourists, and emigrants. The people of England knew practically little of the many and valuable products of New Zealand, and this would have the effect of dispelling the prevailing ignorance of the masses in regard to the colony. In order that New Zealand might be properly represented, each one should do his utmost in the matter, and he trusted those ou the Thames would heartily take the matter up, and see that their district was well represented, with the many quartz specimens, timber and numerous other products with which it was known to abound. He explained that the Government would take charge of the exhibits, and pay all expenses of shipment and freight, and if they were not sold, bring them back free. It was optional with the exhibitor whether the articles would be sold, and every care would be taken for their safety. He then detailed the proposed arrangement of the New Zealand Court, which would show the progress made by the colony. He trusted that the mining department would be well represented, and that all the minerals which were known to exist in this district would be obtained as well as the specimens. It would also be desirable to show plans and tracings of the various mines, as this would be of interest to mining experts in England, and representation of the Thames might have the effect of causing English speculators to invest their - money, in the district. The space allotted to Npw Zealand at present was altogether insufficient, an Endjapplication for additional space had been made, which would probably be granted. Government were prepared to bear any reasonable cost which might be incurred in obtaining exhibits, and he trusted all would work energetically in the matter, and see that the Thames and the surroundings districts were well represented. He explained that it would not be necessary for exhibitors to provide show cases, as Government would attend to that, and therefore the only thing left for them to do was to obtain exhibits. Personally, he would render them every assistance in his power. Dr Kilgour said the matter had been laid before them in a yery comprehensive manner, and he had no doubt all would heartily take the matter in hand.

Mr Brodie thought the Government had taken a very proper view regarding the subject of expense, as it was not lawful for local bodies to expend money for such a purpose, and the expense would therefore have fallen on private individuals. In reply to questions, Dr Yon Haast said that the latest time for receiving ex hibits would be about the Ist December, though he was anxious to know as soon as possible the amount of space required. He would like to see the kauri gum industry represented.

On the motion of Mr Brodie, a hearty vote of thanks vras accorded Dr Yon Haast for the information giren, and the interest evinced by him in the matter, and the meeting rose.