THE HERALD. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 1919 A. AND P. SHOW

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 1212, 17 December 1919, Page 4

THE HERALD. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 1919 A. AND P. SHOW

Aix who take an interest in the existence and prosperity of the Central Otago A. and P. Society's annual a!iii>v must feel disappointed at the indifference eJ}.Qwn by the settlers aud residents of the sjp'Qijjiding district. This indifference has reached a position to practically jeopardise the very existence of the socioty. A perusal of the entries and ppize list reveal that the competition in the draught horses, cattle and sheep sections has practically reached the position of being a farce. The programme includes 11 classes'in the horse (draughts) section. Seven of t}jn classes received entries. But to %hat extent ? !i.%0 clashes Jiad only one entry each, three classes had 2 entries, and two had 3 entries. These entries were made by 3 individuals. Thoroughbreds, the programme offered 5 classes ; there was only one entry. ,Ca ( ttJe every class, 8 in number, were entered for, b*t Jjere again,, with only one or two entries in each, fou which , the interest and"(support"of four in-; dividuals were responsible. In the [ #>ep section, a worst state is- revealed.; : The programme offers 25 classes ; for competition, but only nine received |

entries. But for the constant support of one settlor there would:hardly have been any entries," as outside 6i the ontiies put in by this competitor, there were only; 3, all by one individual. It must be admitted that as a show in horses, cattle, and sheep the value at present-is small. The baking section this year was well patronised, the competition being keeu and the quality of the entries good. This is as it should bo, and supplies a part of the show, of particular interest to the ladies. In .the hack section, 9 classes entered for out of a total of 14 on the programme. Hero however the competition in the 9 classes entered was particularly good, there being-11 entries, an average of nearly five to each class. This section and the competitions, 0 in number, form j the main interest for tho public at present but unfortunately the competitions were only making a start when a portion of tho spectators had to leave by the train at 4.45 p.m. This is a part of tho show, the competitions, which might well be developed, but if the public are to be attracted theso events of interest must be attended to earlier in the day, before the travelling public are compelled to leave. At present the complaint of. ijhc public is, when urged to patronise the show, that " there is nothing to see." The society if it is to succeed and continue to exist, must face this complaint, to some extent quite justified, and for future occasions tako steps to attract and hold the interest and support of the public. Theso comments must not be taken as a criticism of only last week's show. Tho shows for several years have been drifting into this regrettable position, and there is nothing to be gained by shirking the fact. To face the position and endeavour to find a " remedy is the wisest plan, and a duty which the best friends of the society must not shirk,