COUNTRY SHOWS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21461, 1 May 1935, Page 18

COUNTRY SHOWS

The value of country shows was Sfairiy widely questioned in the years immediately following the War, Some of the shows had not been held during the period of the conflict, and they had not been jtnissed, it was contended. The runMing of a show entailed, so the critics alleged, a good deal of work tm a few enthusiasts, and generally it was a struggle to make ends meet. In any ease, the larger shows provided all the scope required, for Stock showing, and it would be saving much work and concern in cases ii«f the smaller ones were quietly (dropped. It has not taken the 12 or 15 years 4hat have intervened since post-war matters resumed a measure of norxnaiity to dispose of these claims. Seventeen of these smaller shows are held in Canterbury annually, <nnd any person who makes a practice of attending a number of them cannot help but be impressed with their value for the exhibition of stock and the stimulating of better breeding, for the opportunity that they give for new breeders, for the display of agricultural produce, and, by no means least, for the opportunity of social intercourse. The Itmalier shows serve as an excellent *try~out" for stock intended for the larger gatherings. Exhibitors discover in these smaller exhibitions where they would likely be in the lings of the larger competitions, and San this respect they may save themjMrfves the useless expense of competing at the big gathering:?. This jmay appear a negative way of stressing the value of small shows, put many an animal (in his owner's ©pinion) looks a champion on the farm, but is just one of a number m the competing field. It is better for the owner to find this out early. However, apart from this, awards

are not lightly gained at these shows. There are very few of them at which some of the best breeders in the province do not exhibit, and in sections such as fat stock, draught horses, roots, etc., most of them equal, and in many cases excel, the standard of the metropolitan shows. In none of the country shows is the section set aside lor young people and their ponies a .failure. But for shows it is to be feared that the young folk would have little opportunity of keeping in touch with the horse. Most youngsters come into the world with a steering wheel in their hands, and it is pleasing—to the oider folk, at all events —to see that they still inherit an equine affection. Another feature of the country show is the scope it gives for competition amongst the women folk, and for the amazing displays of fancy work, cookery, etc., that are made. For the reasons mentioned it would be a great pity to see the country shows decline in number. Fortunately the experience of the last few years points to there ; being little danger of such a happening.