METROPOLITAN SHOW.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16053, 8 November 1917, Page 8

METROPOLITAN SHOW.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TO-DAY.

There is every indication that i.he good fortune which tlio Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association has almost invariably experienced in

the matter of fine weather for its big annual fixture, the Metropolitan Show, will not desert it this year. It is safe to predict that, as in former vears, the show will prove an irresistible attraction not only to farmers and those interested in farming in Canterbury, but to those similarly interested in almost every part of tho Dominion. The city dweller will also, it may bo safely asserted, find it difficult to restrain his steps from taking him to the Addington Show Grounds to-mor-row, People's Day. Yesterday was a busy day for exhibitors, who devoted almost tho whole of the day to preparing their exhibits for the opening to-day. War-time conditions are noticeable in the decrease in the number of exhibits, but not necessarily in t£.e quality of tho stock and other exhibits. As compared with the entries for the 1914 show this year's entries are 669 fewer, and as compared with the 1916 entries are fewer by 365. Last year it was noted that the only section which showed a marked decrease was the sheep section, the entries in which were 73 fewer than in 1915. This vear the decrease is even more marked, the entries being 145 fewer than last year. The following comparative table of entries will be of interest: — 1911. 1915. 1916. 1917. Farmera' judging competitions 28 21 11 13 Shearing competition 37 11 5 — Sheep .. .. 1001 909 83G S9l Cattle .. ..252 237 241 213 Horses .. ... 48G 458 462 353 Pigs .. .. 91 G8 70 28 Dogs .. .. 11 1G 12 9 Dairy produce, etc, .. 187 189 152 ■ 117 Totals .. 2093 1909 1789 1424 The Asociation's show grounds at Addington will bo found this year to present the attractive appearance with which visitors to the Metropolitan Show have been, of recent years, so highly appreciative. The General Committee and the special committee of tho Association, together with the Association's urbane and courteous secretary, Mr O. B. Pemberton, have left nothing undone calculated to increase the convenience and comfort of the public who, on the present occasion, will find that the arrangements are quite as complete as they have proved to be c>n previous occasions. In addition to the varied and numerous stock and general exhibits, there will be the customary attractions in the shape of side-shows. There will be a frequent tram service to the Show Grounds to-day and to-morrow. In order to suit tho convenience of visitors from the country the departure of all trains will be delayed on the e/ening of People's Day. Visitors to tho show to-day and tomorrow will greatly facilitate the work of the officers at the ticket boxes if they come provided with the> coin necessary to pav the amusement tax. It will be readily recognised that if the officers at tho ticket-boxes have to give change to a largo number of tiie public there will be considerable delay and, possibly, annoyance. As in past years, the St. John Ambulance Brigade will be in attendance on the grounds on both days of the show. Representatives from tho Cliristchurch, the Selwyn, and the Avonside Nursing Divisions will take care of any lost children, and vill render first aid in accident cases. The brigade will have four tents in different of the grounds. " TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. Tile principal activities at the show to-day will be the judging of the stock and other exhibits. The chief classes to be judged to-day will bo the 6heep, draught horses, some classes of harness horses, cattle, pigs, dairy produce, and cured and preserved meats. In the afternoon the judging competitions. open to young farmers, or farmers sons, , n will take place, and also the following jumping events: Maiden hunters', best jumper (steoplechase style), and the pony jumping competitions.