Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 1933. THE WINTER SHOW.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 207, 14 June 1933, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 1933. THE WINTER SHOW.

Though the Ashburton Winter Show has fallen from its high estate, the annual fixture, which opens to-mor-row, should not be allowed to pass without commendation of the work of those who continue, against odds, to devote much time in organising and controlling it, or without reiteration of the duty that the public owes to the Society in the matter of support. At one time the show occupied a prominent place among the gatherings held in the borough annually. The occasion was one on which the townspeople and the people on the land competed strongly in friendly rivalry in spheres that were common to both, while each section of the community was also catered for in classes more particularly its own. By reason of a variety of causes, however, among them perhaps the development of the summer shows and other displays in the country centres, the exhibition became less and less a farmers’ concern, until to-day support by the agricultural community is practically nil. For many reasons this is a regrettable state of affairs. The town and immediate country districts —to avoid encroaching in the slightest on areas that may owe any real or imaginary duty to any other organisation —could without difficulty or great expense provide a much more attractive display than is the case now. Not only could the various classes be improved by larger entries, but the quality could also be better, while there should be available many displays of a nature that is lacking at present. Shows, whether industrial or agricultural, should not be regarded as merely a means of providing entertainment for the curious of instruction for those personally interested in particular exhibits or sections. They should be made the most of as affording the opportunity of bringing home to the public the resources and capabilities of the district. They should constitute an important influence in quickening local patriotism, for it is the man with the widest knowledge of what his home district can produce who has most pride in it. Such a man, and woman also, by drawing a telling picture of its products and potentialities is a natural missioner, impressing others with a sense of the importance and economic value of his or her district. As a factor in assisting toward a broad realisation of the productiveness of the County and the activities of its people the Ashburton Winter Show ought to occupy a prominent place and it is to be hoped that when the present stressful conditions have passed it will be among the first to feel the revivifying influences.