EXHIBITION PREVIEW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 October 1939, Page 5

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

IMPRESSIONS OF MASTERTON BUSINESS MAN.

REMARKABLE UNDERTAKING

First-hand impressions of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, to be opened on November 8, were given in an interview today by Mr P. F. Fagan, of Fagan Motors Ltd., who has just returned from Wellington where he attended a preview. Over 70 Ford dealers were present, the visit being so arranged by the Ford Motor Company of New Zealand Ltd. that the dealers were able to see, in addition to the progress made with the Exhibition and grounds, the practically completed Ford exhibit.

Mr Fagan said that the Exhibition, as a whole, was a most remarkable undertaking, in both size and splendour. It is on a scale never before attempted in this country. He was impressed with the well laid out grounds (covering no less than 55 acres), with attractive gardens and lawns, huge reflecting pools and modernistic decorations. Most of this work was now completed, finishing touches only being carried out. The party had the opportunity of inspecting a number of courts and were conducted through the various buildings which house the private displays. These, said Mr Fagan, were, without exception, of a very high standard and when the Exhibition opens on November 8, the public will see a most comprehensive picture of New Zealand industry. Playland, covering ten acres, was also inspected and Mr Fagan said he was looking forward to another visit to the Exhibition, when this feast of fun and entertainment was open to the public. THE FORD EXHIBIT. The construction of the Ford Exhibit was well advanced and although carpenters and decorators were still working, the visitors were able to see the finished effect. This exhibit, which is said to bo the largest of any of the private exhibits, occupies no less than 20,000 feet of floor space in the Hall of Transportation, and has been designed on the most modern lines. It is housed in a separate structure, being walled off completely. At the entrance is the Gleaming Ford Tower of Light, standing 35 feet high and promising to provide a brilliant spectacle. Combined with tho Tower is a Fountain that produces a constantly-changing multicolour effect at night. SCIENTIFIC MARVELS. Mr Fagan stressed the point that the Ford exhibit will not be a mere display of cars, but on the contrary, a presentation of scientific and testing equipment, showing how Ford utilises research and science ip the manufacture of its products. Much of this material is from the great Ford factories in England, Canada and United States of America. Many of these ingenious devices have not previously been seen in New Zealand. Included in the display of equipment is a cut-away chassis, a demonstration in which a V 8 engine is reduced to its component parts by mechanics and completely reassembled in a matter of minutes, and a reaction test which gauges driving skill. These testing devices play a large part in the quality of the finished built-in-New Zealand Ford cars which will be on display at the exhibit. The ■■ Ford industry both in New Zealand and overseas will be represented at the Ford exhibit. A staff of twenty-one has been selected. Some will be engaged in lectures describing the displays and a complete system of "talks” will entertain guests. Hostesses will be on duty all the time. There are a number of administrative offices, and various facilities for the use of visitors, including a most attractive and spacious reception room which can also be used as a theatre for talking pictures. Special rooms for the use of the staff (including lunch-room) have been erected. A notable feature will be the luxurious public lounge and promenade. It is 120 feet long, well above floor level, and reached by two curving inclines. Here visitors will be invited to rest, and meet friends in arm-chair comfort.