EXHIBITION PREVIEW

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20950, 1 November 1939, Page 11

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

HAMILTON MAN’S IMPRESSIONS First-hand impressions of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, to be opened on November 8, were given in an interview today by Mr W. H. Armstrong, manager of Armstrong Motors, Hamilton, who has just returned from Wellington where he attended a preview. More than 70 Ford dealers were present, the visit being so arranged by the Ford Motor Company of New Zealand, Limited, that the dealers were able to see, in addition to the progress made with the exhibition and grounds, the nearly completed Ford exhibit. Mr Armstrong said that the exhibition, as a whole, was a most remarkable undertaking, in both size and splendour. It was 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 Armstrong, were, without exception, of a very high standard. When the exhibition opened on Nevember 8 the public would see a most comprehensive picture of New Zealand industry. Playland, covering ten acres, was also inspected, and Mr Armstrong said he was looking forward to another visit to the exhibition, when this feast of fun and entertainment would be open to the public. The Ford Exhibit The construction of the Ford exhibit was well advanced, said Mr Armstrong. Although carpenters and decorators were still working, the visitors were able to see the finished * effect. This exhibit, which was un- I derstood to be the largest of the pnv- i

ate exhibits, occupied no less than 10,000 feet of floor space in the Hall of Transportation, and was designed on the most modem lines. It was housed in a separate structure, being walled off completely. At the entrance was the gleaming Ford Tower of Light, standing 35 feet high and promising to provide a brilliant spectacle. Combined with the tower was a fountain that produced a con-stantly-changing multi-colour effect at night. Mr Armstrong stressed the point that the Ford exhibit would not be a mere display of cars, but on the contrary, a presentation of scientific and testing equipment, showing how Ford utilised research and science in the manufacture of its products.