Canterbury Metropolitan Show.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16364, 8 November 1918, Page 6

Canterbury Metropolitan Show.

This is the fifth year in which our agricultural shows have been held under war conditions. On the first occasion, in 1914, it was too soon after the outbreak of hostilities for either the entries or attendances to be much affected. In the three following years the increasing number of men called to the front had its effect upon stock owners, who were unable to have their usual number of exhibits prepared for exhibition. The public also lost a little of their interest in the shows in view of more serious considerations, and railway facilities, moreover, did not tend to increase the attendances. This season's shows, so far as they have gone, in both the North and South Islands, mark the cliangc that has como over the outlook of the war. The entries of exhibits have generally shown an increase, and the attendances have also been more numerous. Furthermore, the relief of the war tension iB manifested in the brighter tone that is observable among those who gather round the judging- rings and stock pens. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association is among those societies that has already shown some relief from the depression of the war. The entries, after falling off since 1914, have now shown an increase, and at the lime of writing tie weather con.ditions promise to be- conducive to a large attendance to-day. The Association's splendid ; grounds at Addington have been added to during the year, the extra accommodation, with a-new- entrance from Whiteleigh avenue, being, devoted to the parking of motorcars. . The reorganisation of the grounds and'further improvements havo been in contemplation for some time, but have been held over .until < after the war. A new access 'to the dairy and fat cattle and pig. pens'-- from the main'entrance gates will, however, be found inconvenience, to the public, especially when tire .main avenue is congested.; The show indicates'some of the changes in stock breeding • that the war . • has ' brought about. The demand for and high price of wool have caused more attention to be paid for the woolled breeds, and for the time beings the Downs are not so much sought after. The entries of the dif-ferent-breeds indicated this, Shropshires and Southdowns not being as numerous as 'in past , years..' Lincolns' provided more competition ; and- although. there were few Romney l exhibits on the show., ground, the breed has- made some progress' in Canterbury during the last few years.' In, cattle, the- dual "purpose breeds have progressed, • while ,the two smaller dairy breeds, - Jerseys and Ayrshires, have lost some-ground. Friesians have made new friends, and there has been a remarkable recovery in the ever popular Shorthorn, and. competition has not Been so keen for some years. The presence of

very fine representatives of the herd of tbe late Dr.-UcNab's Knapdale Estate, Southland, adds' considerable interest to : their section of the show, and it is pleasing to see Mr J, 0.. N. Grigg's name again among the exhibitors and prize-wirfners. The handsome Red Polls are still in few . hands, but the breeders ■ find a-good demand for their bulls in the North Island for crossing purposes. There has not been much encouragement to draught-horse breeders in'the prices ruling either in New Zealand or Australia, but the quality of the stock has been well kept up. The exhibits at the show do not •by any means represent all the Cantorbury studs, a. number of first-class animals that- were seen at shows earlier in the season being absent. The collection of- light horses is probably - one of the best seen on the ground so far at" least as tho saddle section is concerned. The implement section is an improvement upon late years, and -it is to be hoped that an effort will •be made to build up this part of the show until we have something-like the great displays formarly made. There is a large collection'of produce in the shed, a new feature being the classes for baskets and, trays made by soldiers. The tent exhibits are, as usual, full of interest to visitors; and altogether the show must be-considered as being well up to the standard and well worth a visit.