Trying to assess public opinion

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 13, 30 August 1983, Page 20

Trying to assess public opinion

"What do they want?" was Ohakune Promotions Association Officer, Wayne Dashfield's bewildered plea last week following a couple of very disappointing attendances at functions which had been arranged as part of Ohakune's 'August Scene'. Last Wednesday evening only seven people attended the well advertised — both on radio and in the press — 'Variety Showtime Plus' at the Ohakune Club Lounge. This was despite the reduction in admission prices from $12 to $8. The result was a substantial loss after expenses were

paid. And yet at Pipers Kings Court on the same night more than 100 people attended a 'Hat Party' that had not been advertised in the press at all and only a few times on the radio. "But this was only one such example of a similar trend", said a puzzled and disappointed Wayne Dashfield. Only the week before, when a "Country and Western Showtime Special" had been expected to attract between 100-200 people , only about 30-40 turnec^p. "It beats me what^By want", he concluded.