‘A minor miracle’

Press, 10 November 1981, Page 30

‘A minor miracle’

“In some respects, agricultural and pastoral shows are a minor miracle, the president of the Royal Agricultural Society, Mr I. A. Barnett, said in a message for the Canterbury show: “A. and P. societies show what can be done by a comparatively small number of enthusiastic workers in running a community venture, with free voluntary labour and time generously given. “This spirit of co-operation is seldom seen today, and I have great admiration for the efforts of committee members and stewards. The p role of A. and P. societies has always been important to the New Zealand economy. The show is the stock-breeders’ shop window. It is through shows that the urge to improve the quality of our livestock is engendered through keen and healthy competition. “The skills and dedication of our livestock breeders over the last 100 years has left us with a wonderful heritage. We can be proud of the standard of our livestock which is equal to any in the world. “Rising costs and shrinking returns make it imperative that we produce our exports as efficiently as possible and the performance of our stock is vital to success. “The Canterbury A. and P. Association can be justly proud of the major part it has played in the development of some of this country’s most important farming areas.