the Exhibition extended
DAY 7 - Sunday 25th
Daily Gleaner, September 26, 1932
VARIETY PROVIDED.
Unlike so many other shows arranged for the education and entertainment of the public, the All Jamaica Trade Exhibition and Fair has provided variety, that quantity which is truthfully said to be "the spice of life." There has been something new for every minute during the past week, and the management is providing something new for every minute of this week. They started doing this yesterday.
During the early afternoon Sunday, there was a programme of music intermixed with divine ministrations, and at night a concert was given. The programme, as will be seen, was something 'different' and well done as it was, was greatly appreciated.
People strolled the grounds after the concert having happy communion with each other; but no business of any kind was transacted. That was left for today when the Exhibition goes on—sports, side-show, and all.
Unlike so many other shows arranged for the education and entertainment of the public, the All Jamaica Trade Exhibition and Fair has provided variety, that quantity which is truthfully said to be "the spice of life." There has been something new for every minute during the past week, and the management is providing something new for every minute of this week. They started doing this yesterday.
During the early afternoon Sunday, there was a programme of music intermixed with divine ministrations, and at night a concert was given. The programme, as will be seen, was something 'different' and well done as it was, was greatly appreciated.
People strolled the grounds after the concert having happy communion with each other; but no business of any kind was transacted. That was left for today when the Exhibition goes on—sports, side-show, and all.
LAST NIGHT'S CONCERT.
Last night, starting at 8 o'clock, there was a fine concert programme by the Jamaica Military Band under Lieut. Bradley, augmented by the Edelweiss Concert Choir. Mr. Hugh Massie Blomfield presided and at the close of the programme voiced the sentiments of the large gathering in appreciation of Mr. Beecher's initiative in getting on such a fine treat. The Band continued for another hour with a fine selection while the people promenaded and had a look at some of the exhibits, the majority of the stalls, however, being closed. The evening's programme will be more fully dealt with in a subsequent issue. (* haven't found this yet!)
DAY 8 - Monday 26th
Daily Gleaner, September 27, 1932
The All-Jamaica Exhibition's Eighth Day Yesterday. Public Still Displays Keen Interest In Exhibits And Various Attractions The All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair passed its eighth day yesterday with interest as keen as on the opening day, September 19, and had thousands of persons on the move up to a late hour last night.
The big attraction of the afternoon was the 10 miles motor cycle race in which E. Bubb-Clarke was again the victor, giving the large gathering a thrill by his dashing ten. L. E. Royes was again in bad luck--the third time they were meeting since Friday afternoon, Royes falIing twice, and finishing unplaced. A. F. Smith with 6 minutes handicap w»s second, N. Ennever, two minutes handicap, third, J. Scott, 3 minutes, fourth; S. P. Austin, 2¼ minutes, fifth. Royes started scratch, while G. Dumetz, who got 2¼ minutes was disqualified for starting too early. The crowd again moved about the stalls, which were doing fairly good business, particularly the restaurants. CUPIDON ENTERTAINS. The evening attendance was also very good and those present enjoyed an excellent entertainment by Cupidon and Ableton. the inimitable partners and fun-makers. They entertained for about an hour. The crowd continued to patronise the various other forms of amusement especially the roundabouts and the Follies. |
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DAY 9 - Tuesday 27th
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THE AMERICAN CONSUL'S OFFICIAL VISIT to the All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair.
On Tuesday afternoon at 4.30 the Hon. Paul C. Squire, U.S. Consul, in his official capacity visited the mammoth Fair being held on the Kingston Race Course. He was accompanied by Mrs. Squire - the party being received by Mr. Hugh Massie-Blomfleld, H. M. Government Trade Commissioner, Mr. H. E. Allan, J.P., of Port Antonio and Mr. P. C. James, one of the directors of the Fair. Daily Gleaner, September 28, 1932 |
DAY 10 - Wednesday 28th
Thoughts about Exhibitions on the editorial page this day - presumably written by H. G. De Lisser:
International Exhibition.
The Jamaica Exhibition of 1891 placed this colony on the world's map. It was conceived by Sir Henry A. Blake immediately after he entered upon his duties an Governor of the colony two years previously. That enterprising Irishman felt that Jamaica should become the camping ground for visitors from northern countries, businessmen, and other individuals. An International Exhibition was the outcome of Sir Henry Blake's fine leadership as the colony's Chief Executive. It attracted attention in many parts of the world. Manufacturers sent exhibits, and thousands of persons flocked to Jamaica to see this beautiful island, and attend the Exhibition which was held at Quebec Lodge, and which extended over a period of three months. Older members of the population remember with gratitude the unsparing efforts of Sir Henry and Lady Blake to advertise the colony abroad, to make it a resort for tourists. To-day Jamaica is one of the most important resorts for winter trippers in this part of the globe. The Government of the period to which we refer took the initiative in providing the island with hotels to accommodate visitors.
Forty-one years have passed since the great Exhibition was held on the northern fringe of Kingston. It is most appropriate that Jamaica should witness another international display. At this juncture an All-Island Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair is being held on the Kingston Race Course. It affords us pleasure to write that it was promoted by a group of very humble men in this community; they received the co-operation of business firms and individual merchants, with the result that Messrs. T. H. Beecher the organiser, D. Williams chairman, and other members of the directorate who brought an island exhibition into being, and who are conducting it with conspicuous ability, have carved a niche for themselves in the pillar of fame. The All-Jamaica Exhibition is a tremendous success. It has not been wanting in public patronage. The immense throng of very interested spectators who gather on the grounds daily bear testimony to the correctness of this statement. It is going strong eleven days after the opening ceremony. It will probably be continued until Saturday night. Memories of comradeship survive the clearing of the compound which was created on the Race Course, and which has been a veritable hive of industry for more than eleven days.
There is a proposal before the Legislature that an Inter-Colonial Exhibition should be held in Jamaica. Possibly, the delay that has been experienced in the presentation of a report by a committee which was appointed by the Governor three years ago to investigate the possibilities of such a display and advise the Legislative Council whether it should be confined to the British West Indies or whether its outlook should be international, must be regarded as a fortunate circumstance. Delays might be vexations, but at times they do good. In the matter under review, it is meet that the committee of which Sir Wm. Morrison is chairman, should, we suggest with confidence, proceed to consider the question of an International Exhibition. The ground which Jamaica has covered since 1891, and the success which has attended the efforts of those who arranged the present All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair, to say nothing of the marvellous interest that every section of the population has manifested in the display, and the practical support many thousands of adults and juveniles give it daily, justify the view we take, viz.; that one of the first matters which should be presented to the incoming Governor, Sir Ransford Slater, should be a scheme for an International Exhibition in Jamaica two or three years hence. The time is ripe for a display on more ambitious lines than an Inter-Colonial, Fair. We must not take stock of the financial loss which the International Exhibition of 1891 involved. On the contrary, we must think of practical benefits that have accrued to the colony: benefits that began with that Exhibition. We must also bear in mind what the present National Exhibition is doing for Jamaica.
The Jamaica Exhibition of 1891 placed this colony on the world's map. It was conceived by Sir Henry A. Blake immediately after he entered upon his duties an Governor of the colony two years previously. That enterprising Irishman felt that Jamaica should become the camping ground for visitors from northern countries, businessmen, and other individuals. An International Exhibition was the outcome of Sir Henry Blake's fine leadership as the colony's Chief Executive. It attracted attention in many parts of the world. Manufacturers sent exhibits, and thousands of persons flocked to Jamaica to see this beautiful island, and attend the Exhibition which was held at Quebec Lodge, and which extended over a period of three months. Older members of the population remember with gratitude the unsparing efforts of Sir Henry and Lady Blake to advertise the colony abroad, to make it a resort for tourists. To-day Jamaica is one of the most important resorts for winter trippers in this part of the globe. The Government of the period to which we refer took the initiative in providing the island with hotels to accommodate visitors.
Forty-one years have passed since the great Exhibition was held on the northern fringe of Kingston. It is most appropriate that Jamaica should witness another international display. At this juncture an All-Island Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair is being held on the Kingston Race Course. It affords us pleasure to write that it was promoted by a group of very humble men in this community; they received the co-operation of business firms and individual merchants, with the result that Messrs. T. H. Beecher the organiser, D. Williams chairman, and other members of the directorate who brought an island exhibition into being, and who are conducting it with conspicuous ability, have carved a niche for themselves in the pillar of fame. The All-Jamaica Exhibition is a tremendous success. It has not been wanting in public patronage. The immense throng of very interested spectators who gather on the grounds daily bear testimony to the correctness of this statement. It is going strong eleven days after the opening ceremony. It will probably be continued until Saturday night. Memories of comradeship survive the clearing of the compound which was created on the Race Course, and which has been a veritable hive of industry for more than eleven days.
There is a proposal before the Legislature that an Inter-Colonial Exhibition should be held in Jamaica. Possibly, the delay that has been experienced in the presentation of a report by a committee which was appointed by the Governor three years ago to investigate the possibilities of such a display and advise the Legislative Council whether it should be confined to the British West Indies or whether its outlook should be international, must be regarded as a fortunate circumstance. Delays might be vexations, but at times they do good. In the matter under review, it is meet that the committee of which Sir Wm. Morrison is chairman, should, we suggest with confidence, proceed to consider the question of an International Exhibition. The ground which Jamaica has covered since 1891, and the success which has attended the efforts of those who arranged the present All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair, to say nothing of the marvellous interest that every section of the population has manifested in the display, and the practical support many thousands of adults and juveniles give it daily, justify the view we take, viz.; that one of the first matters which should be presented to the incoming Governor, Sir Ransford Slater, should be a scheme for an International Exhibition in Jamaica two or three years hence. The time is ripe for a display on more ambitious lines than an Inter-Colonial, Fair. We must not take stock of the financial loss which the International Exhibition of 1891 involved. On the contrary, we must think of practical benefits that have accrued to the colony: benefits that began with that Exhibition. We must also bear in mind what the present National Exhibition is doing for Jamaica.
DAY 11 - Thursday 29th
Is Welcomed By Mayor And Custos Of Kingston; The Speeches Made.
ADDRESS PRESENTED
His Excellency Urges All To Buy Local Products; Pleased With Exhibits.
ADDRESS PRESENTED
His Excellency Urges All To Buy Local Products; Pleased With Exhibits.
ANOTHER DAY OF STUPENDOUS SUCCESS for the All-Jamaica Trade Exhibition and Fair! And the cause ? His Excellency Sir Reginald Edward Stubbs' visit. Thousands of school-children and grown-ups thronged the grounds, filling the Stand and enclosure during the formal ceremony yesterday afternoon.
Special decorations were made and banners welcoming His Excellency floated in all parts of the grounds. The scene was one of splendour and colour.
Looking at the Stand, packed with gaily dressed people, one got the impression similar to that gained when the Old Race Course was again opened to horse-racing after a cessation of years. Only there was much more colour to the scene yesterday. in one section sat school children, clad in costume dress, and also of the young women of the Alpha Academy, dressed for a Pageant.
The Jamaica Military Band, under Lieutenant Bradley, entertained from early afternoon with the most popular airs, among them being such old favourites as "Lignum Vltae," and "Mango Walk," and as Mr. V. Dewar, Radiotrician of the Jamaica Radio Coy. had positioned a very capable microphone in the stand, the music of the Band was broadcasted to all parts of the ground.
Special decorations were made and banners welcoming His Excellency floated in all parts of the grounds. The scene was one of splendour and colour.
Looking at the Stand, packed with gaily dressed people, one got the impression similar to that gained when the Old Race Course was again opened to horse-racing after a cessation of years. Only there was much more colour to the scene yesterday. in one section sat school children, clad in costume dress, and also of the young women of the Alpha Academy, dressed for a Pageant.
The Jamaica Military Band, under Lieutenant Bradley, entertained from early afternoon with the most popular airs, among them being such old favourites as "Lignum Vltae," and "Mango Walk," and as Mr. V. Dewar, Radiotrician of the Jamaica Radio Coy. had positioned a very capable microphone in the stand, the music of the Band was broadcasted to all parts of the ground.
DAY 12 - Friday 30th
DAY 13 - Saturday 1st
Daily Gleaner, October 3, 1932
ALL JAMAICA FAIR COMES TO A C0NCLUSION
THE ALL-JAMAICA INDUSTRIAL TRADE EXHIBITION AND FAIR has now passed into history—and a very happy one indeed. For the past fortnight thousands have visited the mammoth fair held on the Kingston Race Course, organised by Mr. T. H. Beecher, and a band of hard workers who for over fourteen months had scoured the districts of the island seeking support to a venture which has won for them the congratulations of one and all. Whatever defects there might have been have been regarded as so much lack of support on the part of others, not want of push on the part of those who worked so hard to make it a success.
Saturday last was the final day as far as business and sports were concerned, and there were thousands out In the afternoon to witness the presentation of certificates and cash prizes by Mr. Hugh Massie-Blomfleld, H.M. Government Trade, Commissioner here.
Saturday last was the final day as far as business and sports were concerned, and there were thousands out In the afternoon to witness the presentation of certificates and cash prizes by Mr. Hugh Massie-Blomfleld, H.M. Government Trade, Commissioner here.
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DAY 14 - Sunday 2nd
THE CLOSING.
Last night the Exhibition closed on a thanksgiving note. Mr. H. E. Allan presided, Rev. Sylvester Lee gave an address, Mr. T. H. Beecher received an illuminated address and replied. Mr. P. James made a valedictory address and the Jamaica Military Band gave a delightful programme, Mr. Granvllle Campbell rendering two popular selections. Daily Gleaner, October 3, 1932 |
PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS TO MR. T. BEECHER.
Is Congratulated On Success Which Attended Recent All-Island Exhibition PLUCK IS PRAISED The last formal act in connection with the All-Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair on Sunday was the presentation of an address to Mr. T. H. Beecher, Founder of the Exhibition and the presentation of the Directors of the Fair to the assembly. Mr. Thoywell-Henry read the address to Mr. Beecher which was as follows: -- Theo. H. Beecher Esq., Organizer, All Jamaica Industrial Exhibition and Fair (Sept. 1932). Dear Sir, "We adopt this medium to express our sincere congratulations on the success that has attended the All Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair. We note with appreciation the fact that you worked under severe odds, but your pluck and determination won out. You have made history and we are proud of you. We hope that your life will be spared to see the real fruit of your labour (a better industrial Jamaica). You are possessed of much energy and we trust that your future years will be blessed with health and continued success. That Sir, is the wish of the accompanied signatories. The address was largely signed. MR. BEECHER'S REPLY Replying, to the address, Mr. Beecher said he had great pleasure in accepting it, and it also gave him great pleasure to express his gratitude to the public for having supported that Exhibition as whole-heartedly as they had done. He could tell them that the one idea of the Directors was to foster Native Industries and he could only hope that they had succeeded in their object and that some benefit would result. (Hear, hear). They had opened that Exhibition with prayer and closed it with thanks-giving to Almighty God without whom their best efforts were uunavailing (Hear, hear) and he hoped and prayed that those who had attended that Exhibition would all go away fired with the determination to do something to help forward the Local Industries of that beautiful and God-blessed island of theirs (Applause). MR. JAMES' REMARKS Mr. P. C. James, a member of the Directorate of the Exhibition, formally presented his brother Directors. His was a fluent and powerful address. He joined in thanking the public for their support of the venture of humble citizens as the organizers were, and then introduced Mr. Beecher whom he said they all knew already. Then he introduced Mr. Mitchell as a "real terror" a strict business-man who was full of energy and push and determination and without whom their efforts would not have secured such good results. Mr. D. Williams, Chairman of the Directors, was described as a man quiet, dignified and tactful whose diplomatic handling of matters had smoothened many a rough place during the 13 months which they laboured to make that Exhibition possible. Continuing, Mr. James expressed the hope that members of the public would take a note of the men who had tried to so do their little bit for their country and to assist them in whatever way they could. After expressing the hope that the Exhibition would bring many benefits to the island, Mr. James thanked those gentlemen who had assisted them. This closed the function, but for an hour the Jamaica Military Band, under Lieut. Bradley, rendered a number of popular selections. Daily Gleaner, October 7, 1932 |
An interview, about the Exhibition, with T. H. Beecher, published in the Gleaner on October 6th:
EARNINGS OF THE ALL JAMAICA INDUSTRIAL TRADE EXHIBITION
Statement Made By Mr. T. H. Beecher, the Organiser In Interview. EXPENDITURE MET. Amount Loaned by Directors Paid, But Promoters Have Laboured Voluntarily |
The All Jamaica Industrial Trade Exhibition and Fair has come and gone. It has been declared on all sides to have been a colossal success; it attracted large gatherings from day to day and the entire Show and the arrangements generally passed off with a swing and with such enthusiastic acclamation that have surprised even the most ardent supporters of the Fair.
And now that the Exhibition has been closed, it is interesting and informative to relate the history of the venture; the difficulties experienced by the organiser and the promoters in their efforts to create interest in the show and the actual results which have been achieved. The idea of the All Jamaica Fair originated with Mr. T. H. Beecher nearly 15 months ago. Associated with Mr. D. E. Williams, Mr. P. C. James, Mr. F. Taylor, and others, Mr. Beecher pushed forward his proposal and with remarkable courage and determination, not disturbed by disappointments and apparent failures, he carried through the scheme with the results that are now well known. Soon after the proposal was put before the public, Mr. Beecher and one or two of the promoters made a tour of the island in order to get the people to understand the aims and objects of the Exhibition, and what it stood for. They travelled through the fourteen parishes of Jamaica, and covered 275 districts. "OUR NECKS ON GALLOWS."
"But we were handicapped as we went along" remarked Mr. Beecher to a Gleaner representative who interviewed him yesterday on the results of the Exhibition. "We experienced hardships as we travelled through the parishes. "We came in contact with certain elected members of the Legislative Council who tried to tie our necks on the gallows relative to making purchases from the mother country. This was in regard to our efforts to send money to England for the purchase of fireworks. "We found that merchants in the country parishes and other business men with whom we came in contact had studied the Exhibition very little. Consequently, we could not obtain substantial support as we went along. The people, as a whole, judging by their sentiments, did not regard the Fair as of any value. I saw all the elected member's personally; every one of them. And the promises they made at the beginning were very encouraging, but coming down to the point where they could have voted the £250 which was the original amount proposed by the Colonial Secretary in the Legislative Council, we found a few of the elected members turning their backs against the venture, whereas before they assembled In the Council they would have given us the whole country. But these remarks do not refer to all the elected members. I can name those who us — Hons. Altamont DaCosta O.B.E., G. Seymour Seymour, J. A. G. Smith, K.C., C. A. Reid, Rev. Dr. F. G. Veitch, Wilmot H. Westmorland, Dr. J. W. N. Hudson, . R. Ehrenstein and G. S. Ewen. MERCHANTS AND TRADERS.
"With regard to the merchants and trades people in the country districts they have done everything to help us, although there were a few reluctant ones who did not come into the scheme, and in whatever way they are to be criticised their overseas Departments will communicate with them in due course. I am referring to those merchants or firms who have headquarters in England and Canada." Mr. Beecher added that in regard to His Excellency the Governor, Sir Edward Stubbs, and the Colonial Secretary Sir Arthur Jelf, "we esteem them as the greatest friends of this country--not only in speaking, but taking into account their actions--and men like these will be highly commended by the working classes of the country, to the authorities at the Colonial Office in London in due time. "A TOWER OF STRENGTH." "At the Spring session of the Legislature this year, the sum of £100 was voted as a grant toward the Exhibition. "This was a tower of strength to the Exhibition" said Mr. Beecher "because it had the effect of creating confidence in the minds of the people. We got this money in portions, and when we got it, the Directors of the Fair had already spent £272 in the ground work of the scheme. This expenditure was incurred in office expenses, travelling expenses and work given out by contract relative to the Exhibition, and we have been able to turn in to the Government a revenue of £52 2/11 by the purchase of stamps which were used to send numerous letters through the post. "Then on Sunday 31st. July this year we ran an excursion train to Montego Bay. The object of this was to advertise the Exhibition in the western parishes, and we were able to hand over to the Railway authorities a revenue of £103 as a result of the tickets bought by people who patronised the excursion train." We have also paid £6 15/ to the Customs Department for duty on the fireworks which we imported." THE EXPENDITURE.
Dealing with the question of expenditure Mr. Beecher stated that the Directors of the Exhibition had paid over £50 to the Jamaica Military Band for their services rendered at the Fair; also twenty-one guineas to the Police Department for the services of Policemen at the Show; they have also paid about £130 to the Jamaica Public Service Company for the installation of electric lights on the grounds and for lights which the promoters themselves used. Travelling expenses throughout the island to explain the objects of the Exhibition and to obtain support amounted to over £500; office stationery fixtures and staff expenses came to approximately £190, and labourers, including watchmen, about £50. These items of expenditure above mentioned, were incurred before the opening of the Exhibition. Since it was opened, and during the period it was in operation, the expenditure for staff and extra staff came to about £131, and using fixtures in the grand stand and its approaches about £80. Roughly speaking, the expenses of the Exhibition came to £1,700 said Mr. Beecher, to which must be added £805, loaned by the Directors towards the operation of the Fair. REVENUE OF THE EXHIBITION
In regard to the revenue earned by the Exhibition, Mr. Beecher states that so far as the space taken by merchants was concerned very little money was obtained from that source. "We had to go very easy with them" he said, "and could not charge them very much, as we required their co-operation and help. "In connection with home made goods and their representatives, very little was taken from them, and this amount, along with what we received from the merchants for their spaces, brought in a revenue of about £50. "Our principal revenue was obtained from the gate receipts and although quite a lot of tricks were played on us, at the various gates, we were able to collect sufficient to pay all our overhead expenses, and return to the Directors the amount that was loaned by them, and if the promoters were to charge for their services rendered, during a period of over 13 months we would not be able to meet our expenses for labour and other things. Therefore, the Directors are pretty satisfied in telling the public that we have met with a huge success, apart from receiving any salary. We were glad to serve the public in this direction, and if we could get the men of the country to accomplish what we have done, the island would find itself in a much better position during the next 10 or 15 years. The Directors of this venture will still promise to work side by side with the Government, in helping to advance the interests of the country, thereby relieving criticisms on various institutions run by the Government." NO PAYMENT FOR PROMOTERS
"Then, you say" Mr. Beecher, "that the organiser and promoters and Directors will not receive any remuneration for the services which they have rendered?" queried the reporter. "That is so" was the reply. "As far as we can see, and the figures are stlll being made up, the revenue from the Exhibition has only been enough to meet our expenditure, which as I have already intimated will amount to about £1,700, and to pay back to the Directors the sum of £305 which they lent us." "That being the case," ventured the newspaperman, "there will be no funds left over from the proceeds of the Fair?" "No. we will have no funds." replied the organiser. "We contemplate applying to the Government for a grant of £150 (this would make up the £250 which they had originally proposed to ask the Legislature to vote) and if we get this amount it will be the nucleus for the next Exhibition, which is to be an Inter-Colonial Show, and which we have definitely fixed to be opened on February 1st. 1934. This Exhibition will be conducted for 23 days, and we are hoping through the Government, that a member of the Royal Family will be able to visit Jamaica and open the Exhibition. We propose to ask five of the leading merchants of Jamaica to serve on the Board of Management of the next Exhibition. THE GLEANER'S SERVICES.
Mr. Beecher added that he desired to express his appreciation of the splendid services rendered by the Gleaner Company and its management in bringing the value of the Exhibition before the public. The fine display given by the Gleaner in its reports of the Fair was highly appreciated. He had found that a very large number of people from the country parishes had attended the Show, and this was due very largely to the excellent reports of the proceedings of the Show published by the Gleaner. In conclusion Mr. Beecher again paid a high tribute to the patriotism and the valuable services rendered to the Fair by the Hon. S. R. Cargill, whom he described as "the father of the Exhibition", by Mr. Massie-Blomfleld, "the son who obeyed the father", Mr. Horace Myers, Mr. Altamont Dolphy, for the use of the Grand Stand and the enclosure. If the promoters had achieved anything, all praise must be given to these gentlemen. |
Fascinating hearing T. H. Beecher talking about his Exhibition,
and how he did it!
and how he did it!
. . . and on to 1934
Daily Gleaner, October 27, 1932
Messrs. T. H . Beecher, Williams and others, who organised the Exhibition and Fair, intend to issue a prospectus in connection with the Jamaica and Empire Trade Exhibition, which it is proposed should be held early in 1934, from February 1st to the 28th of the same month. Like the recent exhibition, Mr. Beecher and his associates plan to hold the larger show on the Kingston Race Course. |