lack of support

 The project at first raised little enthusiasm from the powers that be! This item appeared in December 1931:

Daily Gleaner, December 23, 1931

(from a report of a session of the Legislative Council.)

                                    NATIVE EXHIBITION & FAIR,

   The Colonial Secretary moved the suspension of the standing orders to move: That this Council approves of the grant of a sum not exceeding £250 in aid of the proposed All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair if and when the promoters satisfy the Government that they have by subscriptions, guarantees or otherwise, obtained sufficient funds to warrant the holding of the Exhibition.

   Mr. Lightbody. That involves finances

   The Colonial Secretary: Yes.

   Elected members:: Then we are opposing it. Defer it.

   The President said he would like to explain why it was necessary to bring forward the motion at the present time. To defer it would simply mean that it would be thrown out and for this reason: As they were probably aware certain parties proposed to hold an All-Jamaica Trade Industrial Exhibition and Fair on the Race Course in February. If held under proper auspices this might be commercially helpful to the island but frankly the Government was not convinced up to the present that the matter had been taken up by people who were sufficiently experienced to carry it through, as a result of which the resolution of which the Colonial Secretary had given notice was drafted in the form it was it might be that the promoters might be able to substantially satisfy the Government that they were In a position to justify the Government coming to the House to give them some financial assistance in their undertaking, and as the exhibition would be held in February when the House presumably would not be sitting, unless this resolution was passed that day then the Government could not give the help that was sought of it. However it was a matter for the House to decide.

   Mr. Cawley said that he was satisfied that the time was absolutely inadequate for the getting up and holding a successful exhibition as was suggested, and for the House to vote money under the circumstances would simply mean that the money would be wasted.

   The Colonial Secretary did not press his resolution but moved that the House adjourn sine die.

 

Arthur S. Jelf, Colonial Secretary

   In early 1932 the topic of Government assistance came up again:

Daily Gleaner, May 14, 1932

                                    All Jamaica Trade Fair And Exhibition

   The Hon. Sir Arthur S. Jelf, Colonial Secretary, met a deputation from the Board of Directors of the All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair at the public buildings yesterday forenoon, at eleven o'clock, and discussed matters connected with the venture.

   Following were the members of the deputation - Messrs T. H. Beecher, D. W. McCartney, E. C. James and F. R. Smith. The gentlemen were introduced to Sir Arthur by Mr. Beecher.

   It will be remembered that the Board of Management of the All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair during last year sought Government aid for the carrying through of the venture. At the Autumn Session of the Legislative Council the Government asked the Legislature to vote £250 as a grant towards the Show, but after a debate the matter was deferred. The deputation saw the Colonial Secretary to ascertain the true position of the Government in the matter.

   Sir Arthur enquired from the deputation about the financial position of the Board and asking to be furnished with an estimate of forthcoming expenses.

   The deputation informed the Colonial Secretary that they did not expect the Government to offer any guarantee for them in case the Fair was a failure.

   Mr. James enumerated some of means which the Board of Directors would adopt to raise funds to defray expenses in connection with the Fair, and Mr. McCartney read a statement of expenditures which the Board expect they would have to meet, and pointed out that many contracts had been signed by advertisers and exhibitors.

   Samples of work done by the members of the ladies committee - an organisation taking part in the Exhibition - were shewn Sir Arthur.

   The Colonial Secretary read a letter which he had received from the Hon. S. R. Cargill, Chairman of the Advisory Board, expressing the optimism of that body for the success of the Fair.

   An estimate of the expenditures to be incurred by the Board of Directors will be furnished Sir Arthur by Mr. Beecher in a few days.