Hoarding Advertisements

Most of the criticism of railway advertising hoardings is quite unwarranted, for the Department has done much to improve the artistic standard of these productions in New Zealand.

In view of occasional adverse comments it is refreshing to come across a report of the proceedings of the Dunedin City Council. In discussing the question of hoardings Councillor C. R. Hayward remarked that they might as well take a broom to sweep back the ocean as pass a motion condemning hoardings. “Methods of modern business,” he said, “have come to stay.” Mr. Tapley (the Mayor) said he hoped Dunedin would not be the first city in New Zealand to turn down the Government in such a request. “We have a good name for enterprise,” he remarked, “and it would be unwise to turn the Government down. All this prejudice against advertising is out of date. If you are going to object to advertisements on decent hoardings, you should be consistent and do away with all advertising. Where would British enterprise be to-day if it were not for advertising?”

We note with pleasure that the Editor of the New Zealand Railway Review has asked for the opinions of his readers regarding our “Magazine.” This indication of friendly interest and desire to co-operate is particularly pleasing, and, as suggestions of a constructive nature have been asked for, the result of the request will be awaited with interest. It is, as indicated by the Editor of the Review, the desire of this “Magazine” to be of the greatest assistance possible to the staff with a view to developing team work through all sections of the Service.