Stock Show Called Off

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31320, 16 March 1967, Page 16

Stock Show Called Off

The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association decided yesterday to abandon the Grand National Fat Stock Show in July this year after a deputation from the Canterbury Meat Retailers’ Association had told a sub-committee of the farmers’ association that it would ask retailers not to support the sale of prize-winning show stock if a further show was held. The fat stock show had outlived its usefulness, a statement from the deputation said.

After the statement had been read to members of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Mr J. H. Ensor moved that the show be abandoned this year. Mr A. D. Oliver seconded the motion, and asked the committee to note that the motion was moved very reluctantly. The motion was carried.

The president (Mr E. G. O. Rutherford) said the deputation from the meat retailei-s had discussed the statement with the sub-committee, but had not "stepped down” on any points. The statement also said that butchers had over the years received no publicity for having paid a premium price for stock. The public had no knowledge or interest in prize-winning stock. The Meat Retailers* Association knew of no other show in industry at which the items were offered at a price higher than the standard price.

It claimed that butchers had never been invited to judge any classes of stock other than classes for which they presented trophies. They had decided not to present the Butchers’ Cup if a show were held, and would ask the Associated Meat Buyers ; to withdraw its cup from the fat stock show.