A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 December 1939, Page 19 (Supplement)

A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT

THE DOMINION IN MINIATURE A complete miniature of the Dominion, doing full justice to the wealth and variety of its natural resources, primary and secondary industries, governmental and welfare activities, and tourist attractions —this is the verdict passed by competent judges on the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition at Rongotai, Wellington. On its flat site of fifty-five acres, the Exhibition, much the most ambitious enterprise of its kind yet undertaken in New Zealand, has fourteen acres of buildings in the main block, and forty acres of grounds for amusement areas and gardens. The provinces have combined in one great scheme which enables each district to display models of famous scenery and industrial development. Fhe presentation of thermal marvels, mountains, lakes, fiords, rivers and waterfalls, forests, glow-worm caves and other features strongly supports New Zealand’s right to the title of “Wonderland of the Pacific.” The buildings and grounds at night are a fairyland of coloured lights, everchanging in marvellous patterns, reflected in pools along the main avenue. Playland, the Amusement Park, is described as the best of its kind ever seen in the Southern Hemisphere. Demonstrating impressively the part that women have taken in the pioneering development of the Dominion, and are taking in its modern life, the Women’s Section is a revelation to New Zealanders as well as to visitors from overseas. For reasons that are deemed to be sufficient, the outbreak of war has not been allowed to interfere with the completion and opening of the Exhibition as the central feature in the celebration of the National Centennial. “The great majority of New Zealanders will share the confidence of the Government and the directors of the Exhibition Company that the huge national enterprise will be beneficial to the public during the war period from two very important viewpoints," the “New Zealand Centennial News” observed on this subject. “First, the Exhibition, which is thoroughly representative of New Zealand—its resources, industries, scenery, governmental and social institutions —w r ill be a very impressive reminder of things worth defending. Moreover, the human contacts, the meeting of folk from all parts of the Dominion, will have a cheering effect. Second, the excellent provision of all manner of amusements will have its proper, value in the necessary easing of the strain of war. “After all, there are still twenty-four hours in a day, and seven days in a week. It is not good to have minds and hearts stretched ceaselessly on a rack of anxiety.