Excellent support for 1988 agricultural show

Press, 8 November 1988, Page 33

Excellent support for 1988 agricultural show

Staging the 1988 show might have been difficult for the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The apparent downturn in the economy has affected rural areas more than others, and some South Island farmers are wondering about their futures should the present weather pattern continue.

In addition, the association had a very successful Royal show last year. That event would be difficult to equal this year.

The 1988 show will not be a poor second to any previous show, however. Entries are comparable with the 1986 show, support for trade displays has been excellent, there are numerous new competitions and events, and enthusiasm for this important Christchurch event is as great as ever. In fact, according to the organisers, there will be something at this year’s show to interest everyone. There are two significant changes being introduced this year. First, the show will be on for four days instead of the usual three. It opens tomorrow and finishes on Saturday. The other change is a new name. From this year

the event will be known as the “Canterbury International Agricultural Show.”

Noel Woods, the chief executive of the Canterbury A. and P. Association, says there was a need to promote the international aspect of the show.

“We have an increasing number of overseas visitors at the show. Last year more than 500 names were recorded in the visitor’s book and they came from as far away as Iceland.

“Considerable numbers of livestock are being exported and New Zealand has become a leader in supplying stud stock to overseas markets. Much of the stud stock is raised in Canterbury and many over seas agricultural people see our show as a shop window for the stud stock industry,” Mr Woods says.

The new four-day programme will be better for both exhibitors and spectators. With extra time, more classes and activities have been introduced. There will also be less pressure for the public on Friday, the traditional Christchurch show day. A full grand parade will be held in the main ring on Friday and Saturday.

Mr Woods says that many people will want to visit the show on both days during the long week-end. “Saturday will be a full programme, but the activities will be different to those on Friday. “We are making an early start with the fourday show and it will be well in place by the next Royal Show which will probably be held in Christchurch in 1992. “The number of entries this year is pleasing. While we could not expect to match the entries for last year’s Royal Show, we have done slightly better than the 1986 show in some classes.

“It was expected that the economic conditions plus the severe drought in some South Island areas would have had quite an adverse effect on the nubmer of entries this year, but that has not been the case.

“Over-all, there will be an excellent representation of all the major breeds of livestock for which classes are offered. “This is the Canterbury A. and P. Association’s 126th show and the committee is very appreciative of the support of the exhibitors and sponsors in all areas of the show,” Mr Woods says.