OXFORD LAST SHOW OF THE SEASON

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32885, 7 April 1972, Page 15

OXFORD LAST SHOW OF THE SEASON

Horse entries for the last show,of the season in Canterbury, the Oxford Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s annual show at Oxford tomorrow, are a record for the association.

Although the total i entries have fallen over all by 80, entries in the horse sections have increased by 168. The total horse entries this year are 1036 as compared to 868 in 1971. Oxford is only 34 miles from Christchurch at the end of the Tram Road, and for this reason and the fact that it is the last show of the season and the only show in Canterbury tomorrow, the Oxford Show has proved very popular with horse people in particular Oxford has a strong community spirit and those people organising the show hope it will be as big a success as the centennial celebrations were. The Oxford Agricultural and Pastoral Association own about 12 acres of land in the centre of the town and although the site has several buildings on it which are used to house the indoor displays, sheep pens, and hurdles for the horse events all have to be erected. Over the years the displays at the Oxford show have always been very interesting and diverse. As an Autumn exhibition the show can cover a much wider variety than the larger spring shows.

The vintage farm machinery displayed at the Oxford School t centenary will also be on view at the show. The machinery includes several tractors, waggons, an old header and various types of machinery used on local farms between the two world wars. A Hart Parr tractor built in 1927, a waggon built in 1914, and a 1928 Case tractor will be included in the display. Entries in the sheep classes have fallen by 67 this year and this reflects the dry conditions being experienced in the district. These conditions are also responsible for the fall in entries in the grain, roots and vegetable sections. Entries in most of the other shed sections are comparable with the previous year. Entries in the handcraft section have again increased this year. Oxford residents maintain a wide variety of skills, and items on display will include turned and carved wood, pottery, shellwork, and displays of spinning and weaving. A detailed list of entries this year as compared to those received in 1971:

imported from Australia will also be attending the show. The secretary of the association (Mr J. Berland) said the quality of the dogs at the show this year will be on a par with those paraded in the past. All the judges will be from Canterbury except Mr H. Hatcher, of Wellington, a well known judge who has just returned from judging in Australia. The kennel association’s next show will be held in October when it is hoped that three Australians will be among the judges. The association also hope to introduce puppy sweepstakes for the first time in the South Island. This will mean that all entry fees apart from that needed to cover administrative expenses will be returned to the competitors.

Totals .... 3100 3020 Entries for the flower sections and shearing competition close at 10 a.m. on show day. The North Canterbury Kennel Association will again hold its show in conjunction with the A. and P. show. This year the kennel association has a record number of entries. The total number of dogs entered is 320, and this reflects the growing popularity of the animal in the show ring. A special attraction at the kennel association’s show will be the appearance of a Hungarian Vizla, recently imported from England. Two Papillon dogs

1971 1972 Horses and competitions 868 1036 Sheep 533 466 Wool 22 20 Cattle 149 122 Dogs 14 35 Dog Trials .. 27 28 Poultry 52 56 Pigs 75 35 Grain and seeds 81 51 Potatoes .... 48 32 Roots 13 5 Garden Vegetables . 107 61 Cooking .... 192 166 Jams, Jellies and Preserves 116 113 Wine 59 28 Handcraft ... 173 179 Photography . 136 120 18 17 School Section 417 450