SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22111, 5 June 1937, Page 21

SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

CANTERBURY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION record of steady progress The year 1937 marks the seventyfifth anniversary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association ment of which the association may justifiably be proud. The anniversary falls to-morrow. In many respects the association holds a position ox prime importance among the associations of a similar character in New Zealand, and has led the way in many matters of supreme importance to the farming community. The Association owed its formation to the recognition of the important part that agricultural and pastoral pursuits were to play in the development and advancement of the province and to the necessity that arose for soma permanent body to control the annual exhibitions of stock and farm implements. The first of these exhibitions was held in 1852 in Hagley Park. The resolution to form an association was made at a public meeting held in 1863 on the afternoon of Friday, January 23, when it was decided to purchase about 10 acres on which to hold exhibitions. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr R. Wilkin; patron, Mr William Sefton Moorhouse (then the superintendent); treasurer, Mr J. Palmer; secretary, Mr W. Thomson. No time was lost in selecting suitable show grounds in Colombo street south, in the area that is now known as Sydenham Park. This land was bought from Mr John Smith for £l2o an acre. Addington Show Grounds Purchased By 1836 the Sydenham grounds had become too small to accommodate the shows and the show of that year was the last held there. The association’s report for the year stated that the incoming committee was instructed to purchase about 29 acres on Lincoln road at £2OO an acre, the terms being 10 per cent, cash and the balance at 5 per cent, for 20 years. . , In the early days the association s grounds were in great demand for sports gatherings and pier parties, and many troops for the South African War camped and received some of their training on the grounds. Lately the grounds have achieved popularity for football matches. The jubilee of the association was marked in 1913 by an exceptionally successful show extending over three days. The total entries numbered 2322, and the gate takings realised £ J 099 Another notable show was that of 1906—the New Zealand Internationa) Show —held in conjunction with the International Exhibition. It extended over four days. It was subsidised by the Government to the extent of £IOOO, and the public made generous gifts of prizes. Because of the subsidy the association was able to attract exhibits from all parts of the Dominion. Tim prizes awarded amounted to £2351, as compared with £1395 at the previous snow. It is estimated that 40,000 people attended this show, the majority on people’s day. Royal Shows The following is an extract from the association’s annual report for 1925-23: “The Royal Show of 1925 was held in conjunction with the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association on November 11, 12, 13, when the weather throughout was excellent. Entries in all sections were particularly good, and the title Royal for the show just concluded was well justified.” The first Winter Show was held in 1920, but was abandoned for want of support. In 1927 the second Royal Show was held in Christchurch and another Winter Show was held in conjunction with the Industrial Association of Canterbury. In 1931 the third Royal Show m Christchurch was held, there being 3338 entries, a total only eclipsed by the 1925 Royal Show. Both the sheep and cattle sections filled very well, and the standard of the stock was highly creditable. A magnificent display was provided by the grand parade, and the implement section was comprehensive and interesting. The district export lamb competition on behalf of .the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board was inaugurated in 1933, and the report for the year states that it was satisfactory to report that the North Canterbury disrlct would have a good representation of lambs at Smithfield, where the awards were made. The 1936 Royal Show brought together on the association’s grounds the largest ’and most varied collection of livestock ever assembled in the Dominion. The total entry of 4261 was a record in the history of the association, and the magnitude of the display called for temporary accommodation for both sheep and cattle. The sheep entry of 1239 set a new record, and the quality of the entry was well up to the standard that a Royal Show should set. Horses also set a new record, there being a notable increase in the draught horse section. Gate receipts for this show were approximately £IOOO more than those of the 1935 show, and this amount practically covered the extra cost of conducting a Royal Show. At present the membership of the association stands at 1419, made up of 371 life members and 1020 annual members and 28 junior members. The association’s history has been one of continued progress, and in this, its seventy-fifth year of existence, there is every indication that the association will progress still further.