A few Extracts from the Report of the 
Committee appointed by 
the Board of Trade 
To make enquiries in reference to the 
Value of Exhibitions. 
COMMITTEE. 
Lord Airedale, Sir Alfred Bateman, K.C.M.G. (Chairman), Sir Swire 
Smitht, Sir Isidore Spielmann, Mr. A. Wilson Fox, C.B. (Board of 
Trade), Mr. CHARLES A. Harris, C.B., C.M.G. (Colonial Office), Mr. 
Algernon Law (Foreign Office), Mr. Malcolm Ramsay, C.B. (Ireasury'), 
and Mr. Samuel J. Waring. 
***** * 
Another consideration which appears to weigh with manufacturers of 
standing is the unbusinesslike and undignified manner in which they are apt 
to be mixed up with (a) what they call “fakers,” i.e., the paltry dealers in 
cheap articles of ornament and amusement which do not represent British 
industry; and (b) the general element of popular amusement which has become 
part of the life of the modern Exhibition. There is an opinion that Exhibi¬ 
tions are kept open less with a view to the furtherance of trade interests than 
with the object of attracting visitors and achieving financial success from the 
receipt of gate money. The number of side shows and other entertainments 
has, in consequence, increased to a very great extent at recent Exhibitions, 
and it is thought by many that this has resulted in attracting, as visitors to 
the Exhibition, pleasure seekers, rather than serious students or possible 
customers There is no doubt that, in the opinion of many uianufactuiers, 
the changes to which we have alluded have materially diminished the value 
of exhibiting as a means of obtaining direct orders for their goods. 
NOTE. _ There wifi be no “faker” stands or sicD-shows as above mentioned 
at the Rubber Exhibition, and every effort will be made to attract 
the class of visitors who will benefit the Exhibitors. 
* * * * * * ' 
To a large extent it would appear the amount of direct benefit which 
may be derived from exhibiting, by any particular firm, is dependent on whether 
that firm is represented at the Exhibition by an efficient agent. In many cases, 
it is said, the attendants in charge of a stall at an Exhibition are unable to 
describe the goods exhibited in a correct and intelligible manner. 
* * * * * * 
A number of firms who, from the nature of their exhibits, can expect 
little or no direct return to compensate them for their outlay, still continue 
to exhibit at fairly frequent intervals. In doing this many have no doubt 
been influenced by'the fear that they might lose their place in the trade if 
they failed to be represented at Exhibitions when their competitors were 
showing; but there are, on the other hand, not a few who regard their ex¬ 
penditure on Exhibitions in the light of a necessary item in their general 
scheme of advertisement. 
***** * 
To a large extent the question which we have to decide is not whether 
it pays to exhibit, but whether, under modern conditions, we CAN AFFORD 
NOT to exhibit. We think that the evidence which we have obtained affords 
convincing proof that the answer to this question is in the negative. 
* * * * * * . 
It is difficult to find important arguments against Exhibitionswho.se utility 
as a whole is admitted. Some criticisms in the case of special commodities 
based on expense and distance, and doubts whether the benefits equal the 
outlay, seem to be the principal, but for the most part opinions are IN 
FAVOUR OF EXHIBITIONS. 
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