High standard promised for autumn shows

Press, 4 March 1988, Page 24

High standard promised for autumn shows

The Amuri show which will be held at the Rotherham show grounds tomorrow promises to set a high standard for the 1988 North Canterbury autumn shows. Rotherham is on the Waiau road about 12 kilometres from Culverden. The show covers a wide area including the Culverden, Waiau, Hanmer and Rotherham districts. It wilp be the 72nd Amuri show and this year’s president is Mr Bill Rutherford from Montrose. one of North Canterbury’s older runs.

The Rutherford family have been involved with North Canterbury farming since the 1860 s when Duncan Rutherford became one of the original runholders. Montrose came into the Rutherford family in 1876 when it was purchased by W. O. Rutherford who was then manager of Leslie Hills. Today, Montrose is known for its Corriedale sheep and Hereford cattle. Its two-tooth ewes have often topped the Culverden Ewe Fair.

Mr Rutherford, his wife, Pam, and four children have a strong interest in horses. Bill Rutherford has competed at several South Island shows and has won a number of awards for his efforts. He says that his children will be riding at the Amuri show. Interest in horse events is strong this year. As well as attracting entries from the district, competitors will be arriving from as far away as South Canterbury, Kaikoura and Westport. Palmer and Doak, Ltd.

of Rangiora are supporting an F.E.I. jumping competition which has boosted entries. The event will continue at the Cheviot show next weekend and finish at the Hawarden show on March 19. when the prizes will be presented.

Mr Kelvin Dunbar has been secretary of the Amuri A. and P. Association for 10 years. He is also treasurer and has been a committee member for 50 years. Mr Dunbar farmed at Waiau for 60 years and has retired in Amberley with his wife, Florence.

Mr Dunbar says that the entries are well up compared to last year. There are 926 horse entries and 518 in the sheep sections. These are up by more than 100 each.

There are two new cups this year. The Bewdley Challenge Cup has been presented by’ Mr A. G. Burbury and it will be awarded for the most outstanding goat fleece.

; The other new cup is being presented by Mr and Mrs T. M. Arps and it will be; awarded for the most points in the goat section.!

The (secretary's job is one of j the busiest and ;it includes arranging all the entries and the final show catalogue. The 'secretary .is also involved with the trophies, from collecting them from past competitors through to having them engraved with this year's winners. Mr ( Dunbar believes that the Amuri show has much to offer Christchurch people who want, to visit the country. "It is a great country show and this year the grounds are looking very attractive," he says.