The Show

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23177, 14 November 1940, Page 6

The Show

The decision of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association to hold its annual show in spite of the war has been proved wise by the magnificent'response of exhibitors. Entries, considerably larger than last year, are the most numerous for many years, except for the Royal Show in 1936. The, increased entries iii most of the important stock sections convincingly demonstrate the faith of the farmer in his industry and his determination to keep to the highest pitch of efficiency this most, important side of the Dominion’s war effort. In the preparation of stock for the show ring an immense amount of labour and careful thought is entailed, and the demand for it, at a time when labour is scarce and when special exertions have been called for from the farming industry, has been most creditably met. Total entries for the show are 3250 against the 3060 received laat year; and it Is significant that the increase is due in large measure to stronger support of the more important classes. The sheep section, which has for many years been recognised as 'the best in. New Zealand., is appreciably stronger than last year, only three of the 10 breeds exhibited being ft little less

widely represented. The most interesting increase is that in the merino classes, where entries have risen from 97 to 144, and stand at a higher figure than for some years. Once a feature of Christchurch shows, these classes weakened for some years; but the breed has been more prominently displayed at recent shows, and now stands third in order of size. The excellent support for this section suggests that those in charge of the breed do not wholly accept some gloomy prophecies about the future of fine wool production and of the merino as a foundation crossing breed. Two breeds not exhibited at Christchurch last year, and seen very seldom in New Zealand showings, will be represented to-day. They are the Suffolk and the Dorset Horn. Entries in both classes are very small, but in view of the great success of both breeds as meat producers in important overseas countries, they are classes that are likely to grow.

Though it is not as vitally interested in cattle as some other provinces, Canterbury produces excellent examples of most of the important breeds; and in the cattle classes there has been a substantial rise in the number of entries. Of the eight breeds exhibited, only one, Shorthorns, shows any decline; and to offset this, another important beef breed, the Aberdeen Angus, is notably better represented. A fairly big decline has occurred in the horse section. Draughts, which are struggling against the increasing mechanisation of farming, are again fewer; and for similar reasons carriers’ and tradesmen's turnouts, once an important and attractive part of the exhibition, are down. Saddle and harness horses and cobs and saddle ponies have held their own or improved their positions. An interesting reflection of the successful drive in Canterbury for the production of more pig meat for export is the big rise in the number of pigs to be shown. As a general exhibition of stock, the Christchurch show is the foremost in New Zealand; and many competent observers have declared that in range and quality its superior is not to be found in the world. The exhibition of stock at Addington, where the show opens to-day, is well up to the usual standard in diversity, and a good season assures that it will be well up to the high standard of quality set in former years. Apart 'from its significance to the producer of stock, the show is a telling demonstration of the vitality of New Zealand’s main industry. It also testifies, this year even more significantly than usual, to the farmer’s belief in the substantial value of competitive stock exhibition; and it is a thoroughly sound belief.