CO129-549-11 British Empire Fair- provisional date 28-5-1934 - 28-5-1934 — Page 5

- 2.-

and also of a site. The Committee were informed that

unless unforeseen circumstances occurred an area between

the Railway and the Harbour which they considered suitable

for the purpose could be made available free of charge.

The amount suggested by the Committee as a suitable grant

was $5,000 but before reaching a decision on this point I

asked the Committee to obtain the views of probable

exhibitors on the whole project and to put forward definite

proposals.

4.

The matter was thereafter considered at

length by the General and Chinese Chambers of Commerce with

the advice and assistance of Mr. Pelham, His Majesty's

Trade Commissioner.

put forward by Mr. T.A. Randell, formerly of the Straits

Settlements Government Service, who has had considerable

experience in the organization of such exhibitions.

5.

The Chambers had before them a scheme

Unfortunately the response of the local

mercantile community was found to be extremely disappointing.

Of the firms approached nine only showed any enthusiasm for

the project while eleven others promised their support

though somewhat unwillingly. The rest definitely declined

to participate on the ground that their business would

receive no benefit.

b.

The principal reasons given in explanation of

the failure to secure adequate support were the following:-

Staple articles of trade such as flour, sugar

and textiles find their way into China by definite channels

Business in these goods would not be affected by

of trade.

an exhibition.

Manufacturers in the United Kingdom while they

would be ready to supply samples would expect the local

importer to bear the cost of renting and fitting up stalls.

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