COPY:
THE BRITISH EMPIRE FAIR COMMITTEE, HONG KONG.
c/o The Chamber of Commerce,
P. O. Box No.321.
HONG K)NG.
Circular To Exhibitors in the British Empire Fair.
21st July, 1933.
13
Dear Sirs,
The Organising Committee asks me to convey their grateful thanks to Exhibitors who replied to their circular Letter of 20th June inviting comments upon the Empire Fair held in May last, and opinions as to the desirability or otherwise of repeating the Fair.
As replies have now been received from practically all the principal Exhibitors, I have pleasure in communicating to all concerned a summary of the views expressed.
The circular was addressed to approximately 100 Exhibitors: 29 replies have been received.
Question 1. As to the Benefits derived from the Fair:
Five firms say that, while they cannot trace any definite business results to the Fair, they consider it did good from the point of view of publicity for their own, or for Empire goods.
Ten firms say they consider the Fair was "beneficial" from a business point of view, but only three (two general agents and one motor car factor) definitely ascribe actual sales to the Fair. One motor car factor informed me verbally, "It is stated in the town that we sold 12 cars at the Fair: a matter of fact, we did not sell any".
as
Five firms definitely say they received no benefit; six are "doubtful"; three say they expected no benefit, but came in pro bono público.
Question 2.
Repetition:
Eighteen firms are in favour of repetition, and four (important merchant firms) are against. One firm says, "Yes, if run as an Empire Fair only", and another says "No, if restricted to the Empire".
Question 3(a) How often should it be held ?
The majority are in favour of an annual Fair; a few suggest either interval of several years",
"intervals of five or three years" or "alternate years".
Some mention the desirability of keeping open for a longer period, better to justify the expense incurred. Question 3(b) Time of Year:
Only six are in favour of holding the Fair around Empire Day: the majority want it in the cool season.