AUCKLAND SHOW.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 286, 3 December 1925, Page 9

AUCKLAND SHOW.

FROM 1843 TO 1925. PREPARING FOR ROYAL EVENT THIS YEAR'S FUNCTION. On May 8, 1843, the first agricultural and horticultural society of Auckland was established, the first president being Dr. John Johnston. At that time the president had a pamphlet printed giving detailed information concerning the native race and the advantages which New Zealand offered to settlers.

The first chow was held in the Exchange Hotel on December 18, 1843, and the second on February 27, 1844, in the Royal Hotel. Besides the exhibition of grain, there were samples of the first manufacture of colonial malt. An application was made to the Government for the open space at the junction of Shortland and Queen Streets to be granted in trust to the society (till such time as a corporation might be formed to whom the land might devolve) to erect a market on the site. The Government offered to reserve the land, but subsequently the Government erected market buildings.

The committee established a monthly market dinner, to be held on the first Saturday of.each month. The society continued with great spirit for a year or two until the affairs of the new cplony fell into a depressed state. This, with the de.partur for England of Dr. Johnston, who was credited with being the mainspring, caused it to fall into a state of lethargy. In December, 1847, a movement was made to re-establish the society in Auckland, and on March 21, 1848, the Agricultural and Horticultural Society again got going. On March 6, 1849, a show was held at Robertson's Rope Walk, Mechanics' Bay, and from that time onwards, with the exception of the years 1864-5-6 and 1887-8-9, a show has been held each year, culminating in the great function which opens on the Campbell Showgrounds at Epsom to-mor-row. x

This Year's Great Event. Last year the annual Auckland A. and P. Association's summer exhibition was held on October 24 and 25, a s the opinion was held that it was rather late for sheep. This year it had been decided to hold the show about»the second week in November. The dates of the Royai Show in Christchurch clashed, however, and the executive committee decided to make the dates December 4 and 5. To say that this year's function will be bigger, better and brighter than ever would not be overstepping the mark. Good and all as previous shows have been there will be no doubt that the 1925 effort will eclipse them all. The reason is not far to seek —the Royal Show will be held here in 1926, and for some time past the general committee of the Auckland A. and P. Association, headed by the president, Mr. W. W. Massey, and the managing-secretary, Mr. A. D. Stanley, have been strenuously working with that object in view. Some splendid up-to-date improvements to the grounds and buildings have been made and the comfort and convenience of the public have been provided for in a manner never attempted before. Additional amusements have been provided in. a programme of wood-chopping events, the prizes for which amount to £235. Highland dancing has also been introduced and both these events will take place on the lawn opposite the Trotting Club's stand on the spacious grounds. The axemen's carnival has attracted choppers from all parts of New Zealand.

Splendid entries ha\ _ c been received for all the horse events, and especially in the jumping competitions. In the Dominion Hunter event some of the best horses in the North Island are competing, including that old veteran of the show ring, Patch. Major Samuel's El Arish and C. J. Wells' Lady Muriel, champions at the Waikato and Whangarei shows respectively, will be seen over the big jumps here.

In the cattle classes, particularly the dairy section, some of New Zealand's champions will compete with each other for the prizes. Included in the latter is Hengerveld Belle Segis, the five times champion Friesian cow, which also took the Royal championship at Christchurch.

The entries in all classes of stock are much in excess of last year. The same remarks apply to the home industries section, as well as in the butter and cheese. A feature of the 1926 show will be the unique display of roses and other flowers. Hot water will be provided free for picnickers, and all motor cars will be parked on the Trottinar Club's coifrse. Special provision hns been made for handling the public, both to and from the orrounds and whilst they are there. The executive have established a Tailwa» office on the sround for the convenience of exhibitors whose stock has to trnvpl by rail. Side shows are more numerous than ever and there will be nlenty of amusement for voting and oVI. There will he in addition mariv workin" , trqde exhibits as well as agricultural mnr-hinerv of the latest rlesicrns. But. with all arlde'i attractions nerlians the sjre=>te<=t of all will he the loud sripTkinu amolifier. which will be hpqrd all over the crrounds announcing the various results to the crowds. All that is needed to make the show the greatest success held in the history of the society is fine weather.