A traditional favourite

Press, 20 January 1984, Page 22

A traditional favourite

A high standard of entries and renewed interest from the local community should ensure that this year’s Little River Agricultural and Pastoral Association Show is a resounding success. For a relatively small rural community, the Little River Show attracts good numbers of both entries and spectators. The show displays a wide variety of livestock, produce and handicrafts in classes that range from baking and floral art to winemak-

ing. The winemaking competition, in particular, has attracted a great deal of interest with 95 entries in classes for dry red, sweet red, dry white and sweet white grape wines; the same four types of wine from fruit other than grapes; vegetable wines and beers.

It is the livestock sections, however, that are traditionally the most popular. Entries reflect the importance to the area of sheep and dairy farming, with a record number of 136

having been received in the dairy section. The Little River Show has been chosen as the Feature Show for Suffolk sheep this year, bringing stud breeders together from all over Canterbury. Bell Booth, New Zealand, Ltd, has sponsored prizes to the value of ?180 in the Suffolk classes and 84 entries should make for stiff competition. Two trophies for the best ram and the best ewe in the show will also be hotly

contested: the Parkinson Memorial Cup for the supreme champion ram, and the Femina Ovine Challenge Trophy for the supreme champion ewe. An unusual feature of the Little River Show is its association with the annual Kennel Club Championship Show, which is held alongside it. More than 600 dogs

of all breeds compete in classes that include obedience and field trials. Woodchopping competitions hosted by the Ferrymead Axemen’s Club are another major event of the

day, with good prize money attracting axemen from many parts of the South Island.

There has been a good deal of interest in trade displays and amongst the farm machinery and stock supplies this year are farm computers, programmed to assist farmers in every facet of farm management, from accounting to stock rotation.

The Little River Show has always been known as a picnic show — the domain is surrounded by huge trees and the setting is picturesque. The organisers encourage families to pack a picnic lunch and park under the trees, close to the show ring, but only a

limited amount of space is available and early arrivers will take the best spaces. Regular visitors to the show will be surprised at the sudden appearance of an impressive new building at one end of the domain. Work has almost been completed on the Little River Volunteer Fire Brigade Headquarters and Community Centre and the building is a credit to the hard work and public-spirited attitude of local residents. In future the community centre facilities will be used on Show Day as well as providing recreational, sporting and social opportunities for the community year-round.