Visit to Centennial Exhibition
Children From Northland

The culmination of weeks of hard work and of joyous anticipation on the part of the children of the Northland, was reached on Saturday, 20th January, when a total of 660 children and adults arrived in Wellington by special train from Whangarei on a visit to the Centennial Exhibition.

The organising spirit behind this enterprising and successful effort was Mr. Cocksfield, Children's Editor of the “Northern Advocate,” Whangarei, who, through the local “Kupe Club” was instrumental in collecting a sum exceeding £3,000 throughout the Northland district for this educational purpose.

The children associated with the various children's branches of the “Kupe Club” worked with enthusiasm in the collection of funds (some districts being covered on foot) and for their part made a substantial contribution towards the success of the enterprise.

The Railways Department approved a special fare of 30/return from any station in the Northland area—a notable concession which won the enthusiastic praise of the “Northern Advocate” and of everyone connected with the organising plans.

Special arrangements for meals en route were made by the Railways Refreshment Branch and the billeting of the children in Wellington was in the hands of the Education Department. In addition to the Centennial Exhibition, the children visited some of the big industrial plants in the vicinity of Wellington, and spent other pleasant hours in tours of the city and environs.

The return journey was made by special train on Friday, 26th January. Altogether, it was a memorable holiday for the children of the Northland and one which they will not soon forget.

In this country of endless natural riches, there are still countless sources for industrial expansion.