THE METHVEN SHOW

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4021, 30 March 1917, Page 3

THE METHVEN SHOW

CONCLUDSNG DETAILS.

MINISTER A I)J)I{KSS'KS FARMERS. Officials.—Patron, iMr A. Orrj- past presidents, Messrs A. Murray, Donaid McDonald, and 0. A. Cuff; president, Mr T. S. «J. Doherty; vicepresident, Mr W. Buchan, junr.; lion, treasurer, Mr H. Green; hon. veterinary surgeon, Mr W. P. Begg; hon. surgeon, Dr. W. H. McKee; committee, Mesrs W. Buchan, junr., Jas. Carr, S. Campbell,, junr., J. W. Drummond, AY. W. Goodwin, W. Hart, T. S. Harrison, It. /Holland, C. T. Jessop, W. Lilley, H. Maginness, J. T. Mangin, It. Millar, junr., . J. McAnuliy, W. Morgan, D. McKendry, Jos. ALcGirr, A. MclKay, S. Smith, J. Stewart, C. Stone; secretary, Mr J. F. fjtone. Tho sixth annual gathering of the Meuiivcn A. and P. Association was brought to ii. .successful termination yesierday afternoon. Tho attendance, which was a. record, far exceeded the expectations of the officials, and early in the afternoon all the available gate tickets had been sold. The gathering was of a most enjoyable nature, and apart from inspecting the various entries the public had plenty of amusement provided by the large number of side shows. The Red Cross ladies, under the direction of Mrs J. Mangin, provisioned a. marquee with light refreshments and other articles, and as a result of their enterprise, the,branch will benefit to the extent of over £50. Tho catering was also undertaken by a number of local ladies, under the supervision of Mrs W. Morgan, and the proceeds will be given to tho dependents of sailors who lost their lives in naval battles. The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, Minister of Agriculture, visited tho show dining the afternoon, and after inspecting the stock, addressed a large crowd of visitors. The Minister was introduced by Mr W. J. Dickie, M.P., who stated that tho reason the Minister attended the show was to _ impress upon farmers in these trying times the necessity of growing enough wheat to feed" the people of the Dominion. It was essential that at least 6,500,000 bushels of wheat be grown next seaI son. The Hon. W. D. S. MaeDonald said that, this was the Jirst occasion that he | had had an opportunity to visit Mcthvon. lie was agreeably surprised at ihe fertility of the district, and could assure Methven farmers that their live stock exhibited were not only a credit to the district, but also to tho Dominion. He pointed out that had he, adhered strictly to a programme ho could have completed his tour in a week. He had not done so, but had placed himf in %h* hands of local bodies^ etc., so as to meet and discuss the situation with as many farmers as he possibly ;>uld. He pointed out the urgent necessity for producing sufficient wheat .i> feed the Dominion population. The r.vernment had endeavoured not to hit.r-ri'ere any more than was necessary with the conduct of the industries of New Zealand, but since tho war started it had been obliged to step in and do things; which may have caused discontent. He did not want the people o be under the impression that the Government was out to do anything that was not considered to be in the ,i. interests of the people, so therefore ii the people's privileges had to be curtailed they would understand that ihe ' Government was acting for the best. He also impressed upon the gathering that the Government from jiiib to time had important information in its possession which it was not advisable to give out. The Government was trying to do what was just, and as anxious to help the producers of this country. He recognised that the production of food was just as important as the production of munitions of war. ,-i.c explained tho attitude the Government luu! taken up when it stepped in >.:id lixed the price of flour at £15 per ton. !''<;r the 1.917-18 season the. Government offered 5s lOd per bushel to the producers of wheat. It was prepared to deal direct with tho farmers. He was not going to dispute the fact that t'aniwvs might make more profit in other din rtions than in wheat-growing. Tho farmers should not ask how much hey could make out of the war, but how much could they lose in order •]p to wia this great struggle. In regard to the labour question, the speaker stated that farmers had asked for assistance in this direction. The Minister of Defence had assured him that if farmers who intended to grow wheat would ask for exemptions for themselves and their men, that their cases would get every consideration when they came before the Appeal Boards. The Government would do all it ..possibly could to help farmers to procure the necessary labour. In conclusion, the speaker said he hoped tho farmers would put aside 'any. thoughts of selfishness. He reminded them had it not been for the British Navy, that not a single carcase of mutton or a bale of wool would have left this country. | Mr T. Doherty, president of the A. and, P. Association, thanked tho Minjister for visiting the show. Cheers were given for. tho Minister ■arid for Mr .W. J. Dickie., M.P. In the evening, the Minister met and coi:i-i rred with several farmers in the Anglican Parish Hall.

i Tin*. Following completes the PRJZE LIST. Horses. (Judge—Mr J. I). Wylio). 'Draughts.—Aged Stallion (2): A. J. •■ Wilson 1. Dry maro, any age (9): A. J. Wilson 1 and sp., D. McKendry 2, ■W.-Spray v he. Filly, 3yrs (7): John Cocimuio 1 and sp., A. J. Wilson 2 and v h c Filly, 2yrs (7): D. Chambers i ; A. J. Wilson 2. W. Spray v h <.-. Filly, lyr (2): T. Bowling 1 and sp. Gelding, any age (8): H. Watson 1 and sp., Bayfield Estate 2, A .'. Wilson vh c. Gelding, 2yrs (4) : ().. McKeiidry 1, D. McDonald 2, A. J. Wilson v h c. Best Three-horse Team U): A. J. Wilson! and 3, D. McKendry 2. Brood Mare, with foal at foot: T. Howling 1 and sp. Pair of Horses (either sex or both) (o): A. J. Wilson 1 and sp. find, 3, D. McKendry 2. Team of three Mares or Fillies, in regular work (4): A. J. Wilson 1 and 3, D. McKendry 2. Team of Four Mares or Geldings,'of any ago (5): A. J. Wilson I :md 3, I). McKendry 2. Mare or Gelding, suitable for carrier's cart, up to one" ton (2): J. McGirr ], A. J.

Wilson 2. Mare or gelding, np to 30 ewfc. (4): A. J. Wilson 1, .). iicGirr 2, S. Smith 3. Light Horses.—Colt, (•'illy. o>- (If iding, 2yrs, (3): W. Buch/Mrl, A. Dr- V .>-- mond 2. Best Troop Horse (4): !•;. Rowlands land sp., P. B. Hampton 2. Competitions. PONY TROTTING RTDING COMPETITION. Pomes to bo not more than 14.2 hands (12): C. Jessop 1 and sp., Mrs E. F. Nicoll 2 and sp.. Millar Bros 3, E. Shirley sp., J. O.sborne sp. LEAPING COMPETITION. For horses clearing highest- bar, not less than 4ft. from the ground (5): Master R. Keith 1, E. Rowlands 2. HUNTERS. Hunter, up to list (5): E. Rowlands 1 and sp. and 3, L. Simpson 2. Hunter, up to 14st (6): E. Rowlands land sp. and 2, E. Davie 3. Hunter, to be ridden by a lady (3): Miss D. Keith 1. Hunter, Maiden, list.,.or over (7): T. Dowling 1 and sp., E. Rowlands 2, E. Davie 3.