The Press WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8, 1967. The Show

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31521, 8 November 1967, Page 20

The Press WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8, 1967. The Show

The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show this week promises to be no less successful than usual notwithstanding the economic cloud that hangs over many areas of the farming industry. Pride in the ownership of good stock and admiration of quality are not easily upset by market prices, high or low. If anything, quality earns a higher premium when prices are low. The economics of farming may, however, affect the Christchurch show this year. The trade and machinery sections are larger than ever before, and exhibitors will be keen to show their prospective clients that purchases of new equipment, even in hard times, can be justified by improved cash returns. The beef cattle sections of the show may attract more interest than usual. While Christchurch has long had the reputation of showing one of the finest ranges of sheep breeds in the world, the show’s beef cattle sections have never been strong in numbers. This year more farmers are likely to show special interest in the cattle breeds to which they are turning to diversify their production. Town and country visitors to the show should be impressed by the latest achievement of the association in improving its grounds. The new grandstand will be used for the first time. Assisted by the Canterbury Rugby Football League, the association’s members have created for themselves, and for Christchurch, a fine sports ground and show ground. The association can fairly claim to have the best-equipped show ring and stock exhibition buildings in New Zealand. Britain’s agricultural societies are finding increasing difficulty in staging shows. Happily, in New Zealand, agricultural shows still flourish. They remain important occasions in rural districts and in some cities. Although stock is now judged more on performance than on appearance the shows retain a proper standing as festivals and exhibitions of our main industry; and they deservedly win the interest of town and country people alike.