SHOW CONTINUES IN PERFECT WEATHER

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30289, 15 November 1963, Page 18

SHOW CONTINUES IN PERFECT WEATHER

Thousands Of Parents Take Their Children Canterbury has had its Royal shows and even its centennial show, but none could hope to be more successful than this year’s, which has completed its two first days and will reach its climax today, People’s Day. Again yesterday the weather was perfect, and thousands of parents brought their children to make the most of the holiday granted to primary schools. Side-showmen gathered crowds outside their tents with the usual skilful spiels, and the yellows, reds, greens, and oranges of the massed machinery were made more colourful still with sunhats and summer frocks.

There was plenty to see throughout the day, with a popular shearing competition near the main gates, horse jumping in the show ring, the opening of the dog show, the cattle parade, and once again a fast-moving polo match and another riding demonstration from the Australian “Cossack.” By the time the cattle parade began the grandstand was full and there was a broad ribbon of spectators right round the show ring. They were assured that these were some of the best cattle in the world, and the cattle certainly seemed impressive. With their prize ribbons around them, they looked quite aware of their own excellence.

Mr R. J. M. Loughnan’s informative commentary on the history and virtues of each breed included the information Charles I regularly knighted the day’s dinner roast—hence the word “sirloin.” In the oattie shed children stared in obvious amazement and disbelief at bulls like the side of a barn, and some screamed when more adventurous children slapped the docile beasts across their heaving rumps. One little girl was asking her mother to find the cow that jumped over the moon, but the best the mother could do was to point out one with a crumpled hom and promise to find the three little pigs.

The milking of dairy cows began at 6 aun. and continued, with interruptions for judging, until noon. By then farmers had put aside some of the milk to take home, given some to city relatives, and distributed the rest to members of the grounds staff. Gallons of cream were separated, and as usual, much of it was sent to orphanages. An interested audience of city and country visitors watched the Merino and Corriedale judging from a little grandstand in the big sheep pavilion. The judge wore white pyjama pants to protect his clothes, and each exhibitor held his sheep firmly while the judge looked it over. Hundreds walked up and down the row’s of champion sheep, looking at the different breeds. Unfortunately

there was nothing to tell thetn what the differences were something which could easily be accomplished with a few placards. Corriedales are the biggest section of the show, and yes-

terday the outstanding sheep was chosen. It was the D. S. Jdms Trust’s champion ram, which had won the same distinction once before. Entries for the implements and machinery competition numbered eight this year, which was a alight improvement on last year. There were two entries for the section devoted to farmers’ inventions, but for various reasons neither arrived. The association is trying to encourage that class, but interest has not been very great. Even so, it is known that many farmers are using good machinery ideas erf their own which are never shown to the public. Two silver medals were awarded—-one for a mobile potato-grading machine in the class for new harvesting and treating machines, and tlie other for a special aircraft fertiliser loader in the class for new machines which are not part of standard farm equipment.