Variety of interests attracts useful crowd to Canty show opening

Press, 10 November 1983, Page 24

Variety of interests attracts useful crowd to Canty show opening

A cold wind did not stop thousands of people attending the first day of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show at the Addington Show Grounds yesterday.

At the end of the day gate-takings totalled $9349, slightly down on the first day’s takings of $10,824 last year. However, the show’s director, Mr Noel Woods, said he was still very pleased as many people who attended yesterday were members and did not have to pay. Last year Canterbury hosted the Royal Show and this would also account for slightly higher takings. This show was not as big as the Royal Show, but it was still one of the biggest Canterbury shows.

Trade exhibits totalled nearly 200, which was higher than last year’s total of 180, and all the main livestock competitions were well supported, with the exception of sheep. A record number of 1706 horses were entered, the cattle entry of 879 was the second highest in the show’s history, the pigs section was well supported with almost 150 animals, and there was a big entry of 82 in the dog trials.

However, the sheep entry of 1562 was below average and Mr Woods said there were probably a number of reasons for this, the main ones being the droughts over recent years and the economic climate. The cattle came from as far as Blenheim and Invercargill and Mr Woods said the cattle pavilion built for last year’s Royal Show had proved a real asset because of the large entry. The sheep entries had also come from throughout the South Island and the unloading facilities in Whiteleigh Avenue were used for the first time. Mr Woods said these facilities meant large sheep trucks did not have to come into the Show Grounds. All the usual show exibits were present, with a promtion of United States farm machinery by the United States embassy taking a place for the first time. The New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board was also demonstrating meat boning and the different cuts needed for overseas

markets. New Zealand’s need to diversify its traditional agricultural products led to this year’s theme for the display in Canterbury Court — “Alternatives in Agriculture.” The comprehensive display, described by Mr Woods as a show in itself, featured many of the changes taking place, alternative methods of cultivation, and land uses. Exhibits included deer, goat and rabbit farming, bee-keeping, wine and fruit processing, herb growing, organic farming, landscapes, walkways, and even Clydesdale horses. The Animal Nursery, in the old shearing pavilion, was a new feature at the show. Many large overseas shows have similar projects and the Canterbury society had considered it for some time.

The relocation of the shearing and wool handling to the selling centre this year meant that space was available and Mr Woods said he was thrilled with the way it had turned out. A

variety of baby animals, including puppies, kittens, chicks, rabbits, piglets, and ducklings were on display, with Neville Barry singing animal songs. It was crowded all day and Mr Woods hoped new ideas would come out of this display so it could be even better next year. Yesterday’s special guest was the United States Ambassador, . Mr Munroe Browne, and the British High Commissioner, Sir Richard Stratton, is expected today or tomorrow. Many children had their first look around the show yesterday, although it was officially a - school day. School parties were given guided tours by Young Farmers’ and Education Board members and the pupils of schools who wrote to the society were allowed in at half the normal price. This was one way the society would foster children’s interest in the show, Mr Woods said. Large numbers of free tickets had also been distributed to children at the City Farmyard six

weeks ago, with the condition they would be accompanied by an adult. It was a quiet day for sideshow attendants and many of the fairground rides were not operating. Those that were, were often nearly empty. The St John Ambulance Association also had a quiet day dealing only with the occasional minor scratch, and the League of Mothers had no visitors at their tent for lost children.

Mr Woods expected attendances to be higher today and tomorrow, but said every day was People’s Day at the show. The society was trying to get away from the traditional idea that Friday was People’s Day and he said a good programme was offered every day. It will be family night this evening, with the ring programme continuing until 9 p.m. The highlights will include members of the Canterbury rugby team pitted against a team of sheepdog enthusiasts,, and a motor-cycle display.