The Alaska daily empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1912-1926, 1924-09-17
Governor Pays Tribute to
Local Business Men in
Opening Speech.
ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR
OPENING DAY IS BROKEN
Balconies and Floor Filled
When Fair Machinery
Is Set in Motion.

Before the biggest opening crowd
in its history, which filled the first
floor to its capacity despite the
steady rainfall, the Third Annual
Southeastern Alaska Fair was form
ally set into motion this afternoon
by Gov. Scott c. Bone. More more
| than an hour before the formal
opening. many visitors had entered
the building and started on an in
speetion of displays
In his address Gov. Bone praised
highly the initiative of the business
men of Juneau, whom. he said, had
pointed the way to other towns in
Alaska in their successful staging OF
the local exposition.
Rain No Handicap.
Rain proved little IL any handicap
to the opening. Usually the first
afternoon of the Fair as shown
by previous records, draws out
only small attendance 1t was
Directors and Manager Y. 81. Brad
lord escorted Gov. Bene to the stage
virtually all of the space was oc-
cupied The doorkeepers at that
time had no accurate check on the
number of admission sold but had
no hesitancy in saying that previous
opening records had been broken.
A large number of school children
We're in attendance.
President j. F. Mullen. of the
Fair Association. introduced Gov.
Bone as one who not only ae-
llnowledged lit as his duty to take
an interest in such undertakings as
the Fair but one who took deep
interest in them as a matter of
love" The Fair, Mr.. Mullen said.
had as is object the encouragement
of the agricultural. mining. fox
farming and other industries as a
means of fostering a greater popu-
lation and prosperity for all Of
Southeastern Alaska.
Governors Address.
The Governor heartily congratu-
lated the business men of juneau
upon their successful efforts to stinl-
lie said:
Juneau took the initiative three
years ago. without Territorial aid.
and this year. with Territorial aid.
similar exhibits, equally creditable,
have been held in the Third and
Fourth Divisions. juneau il en-
titled to all the higher praise be-
cause tie coast is not embraced in
what is termed the agricultural Sec
tion of Alaska. But there is rich
ness OF soil throughout this vast
domain and, thanks to Juneau en-
terpnise. this fact is abundantly
demonstrated as to the Panhandle
section. Truck farming will some
day thrive all along the coast and
| foresee the day when canning
rlants will flourish in this region.
Il said at Anchorage and repeat
here that signed no bill passed
by the Legislature in 1928 with
greater pleasure and approval than
that which recognized the benefit of
annual exhibits Of native products
and | may add that in view of the
valuable use to which that limited
fund has already been placed,
Hhohfd Win Ciudi PiCacuit anu oP-
proval sign a bill in 1925 increas-
ing the amount OF Territorial assist
ance. Our revenues are small. but
can conceive OF No more profitable
expenditure OF public money.
Agricultural Resources.
The agricultural resources Of
Alaska are undeIestimas ed never
oyerestimated or adequated apprais-
ed II is the utmost conservatism
10 say that Alaska can supply the
agricultural needs of a million peo-
pic. No less an authority than DIR.
Alfred Brooks, who has studied AL
aska from every angle and knows
all sections familiarly, Is of the
opinion that Alaska could meet the
food wants of ten million people.
That is certainly within the realm
of reason and Is now made all the
more acceptable by the belated con-
servatfon of the fisheries