Bigger, Better, and Brighter Industries Fair

The Gisborne Jaycees' second Industries Fair proved to be an outstanding success, being attended by 15,279 paying customers during its six-day season in the Dalgety and New Zealand Loan wool store in Awapuni Road.

Covering 50% more area than its predecessor of 1961, and with 50% more exhibitors, the fair was generally considered to be a better and brighter event.

Officially opened by Mr L. R. Adams-Schneider, Parliamentary Under-secretary to the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the fair appeared to have been financially successful by a small margin, although final figures are not yet available.

A wide variety of products were displayed on the 38 exhibitor's stands, including many locally-made goods.

The entertainment stage area saw a great deal of activity during the six days with professional artists performing.

Probably the biggest drawcard at the show was the "Miss Industries Fair" competition, which was won by "Photo News" sponsored Miss Ellen Duffin, from sixteen contestants.

The Jaycees hope to stage their next fair in 1969, to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Captain Cook's first landfall in New Zealand at Kaiti Beach.

On stage before a tightly-packed audience, an entrant in the "Miss Industries Fair" contest, Miss Elaine Hammond, is interviewed by show compere Phil Shone. Seated around the stage are the other contestants.

Mr T. Tombleson, Mrs Esme Tombleson, M. P., and Mr Adams-Schneider watch a power drill demonstration by Geoff Winter and Russell Searle on R. E. Searle and Co's stand.

A continuous stream of patrons moved through the illuminated fair entrance

Chairman of the fair committee, Mr Gus Herkt, introducing the official party at the opening. From left: Mrs D. Kerr (wife of president of Jaycee), Mr R. Crosby (deputy-Mayor), Mr Adams-Schneider, Mrs Tombleson, and Mr A. G. McHugh (president, Chamber of Commerce).

Miss Ellen Duffin, winner of the "Miss Industries Fair" contest

Judging the contest were, from left: Mrs Rae Bartie, Miss Maureen Keany, and Miss Natalie Coe (head judge)

All the entrants received a prize. Here Beverley Davis is presented with hers by Jaycee Ross Stewart. In the center is Phil Shone.

Compere Shone interviewing Carole Scott

Throughout the show, Reg Morgan delighted his audiences with music from his electronic organ. He is pictured playing while contest entrants Veronica Edmondson, Gloria Ferguson, Agnes Kerr, and Florence McNeil enjoy the humour of the show.

Watched by Ellen Duffin and Mike Brittenden, "Miss Gisborne 1964", Patricia Hill, presents the judges with sprays of orchids.

The audience enjoyed the show

Mr and Mrs Russell Brown, of Hexton, won a refrigerator, presented to them by a fair exhibitor. From left: Phil Shone, Mrs Brown, Mr Brown, and Mr John Fenn, manager of Home Appliances Ltd.

Ventriloquist Jon Zealando was a popular performer with his two dolls, Robbie and Pinoke.

Peter and Margo Evans presented "Dove Magic"

A parade of hair styles was presented by Mr Don Gilmore (left), a representative of Sonata in Auckland. Models are, from left: Mae Brown, Ann Cooper, Marion Nelson, Marilyn Tardieu, Lorraine Bothamley, Elizabeth Boyle, Koa Pilbrow, Beverley De Suza.

Fishing for cans at Watties' stand

A post office operated throughout the fair. Doing business behind the counter are Noel Oldridge and Fred Bennett. First-day and souvenir covers were sold by the Gisborne Philatelic Society.

Reaching hands answer the quiz-master at Watties' stand

Station 2XG announcer John Wallce and technician Peter Omer broadcasting from their elaborate glass-encased studio at the fair

Fair committee chairman Gus Herkt thanks his many assistants from an endless list inscribed on a roll of toilet paper.

Jaycee president, Mr Doug Kerr, speaking at the conclusion of the fair. At rear are Mike Brittenden, Gus Herkt, and Robin Buist.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 121 : July 16, 1964

Bigger, Better, and Brighter Industries Fair