DANNEVIRKE SHOW.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1031, 21 January 1911, Page 23

DANNEVIRKE SHOW.

A SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATION. WHAT HAS BEEN DONE IN FIFTEEN MONTHS. Although little moro than a year has ejapsou since the first steps were taken towards its formation, the Danncvirke District A.-and 11.I 1 . Association already occupies a practical and a very prominent position amongst the institutions of the district. As a matter of fact, after the preliminary steps taken by a'few public-spirited residents, the first, meeting of intending members was held 011 October 15, 1909, aind from that time there lias been no looking back.

It was felt that the position of Dannevirke as an agricultural'aud pastoral centre, the extent of the district, and the . fertility and development of its lands fully warranted- such an association's existence. The result abundantly proves that the time was well chosen, for there are few instances of a society gaining so rapid a hold 011 the sympathies and support of the whole of the trading and farming community. Both town and country responded in the most enthusiastic v\vav, the membership now numbers close on 500, and in this respect a position has been reached in fifteen months which it has taken many older "societies thirty or forty years to accomplish. To start' with, a strong executive committee was elected, and naturally a matter of first importance was the securing of. a ground on which to hold the annual shows. Eventually 'the Domain was selected as the most suitable, and by tho friendly co-operation of tho Borough Council the association was enabled to secure the use of t'lio ground under a very favourable arrangement. In a very short space yards, etc., were under way, and everything was ready in good time for the firstshow, which took placo 011 February 11 last year. .

The success -of that show, to which everyone looked to prove whether the association had "come to stay" or not, exceeded the 'most sanguine expectations. Generous donations to the prize fund helped to secure good entries, and tho iuterest was worked up until the event itself, favoured by glorious weather, brought together by far the biggest concourse of people ever seen in Dannevirke. • ' ; • ' An Attractive Ground. It may be rfemarked'that the Domain is a most attractive spot on which to hold a show. It seems eminently suited to present needs, while from-a visitor's point of view, the fresh, well-kept gardens and flower borders, the grassy swards; and shady avenue all combining to lesvo a pleasant meuiory and agreeable anticipations of future visits. ' A fine up-to-date band rotunda is now nearing completion, and this will add largely to the pleasure to be derived from the musical portion of the programme. ■' This year, donors of .prizes have come forward . even more liberally, and the amount specially contributed - approaches £300. Accordingly, in drawing up the prize schedule, the committee were enabled .to . allot considerably, more money to several events. - The most'notable adflition, is, Ihe champion jumping competition;. .for • which prizes ,of 25 guiheasj "10' guineas j and threo guineas have been .(ill.ocated,. and although last year the jumping competitions were a notably strong feature of the show it is certain that this championship will bring together a lot of the best horses in Hawkeis .Bay, and neighbouring, proTinsos,JJAMough. mention .is. .made..of. tho above competitions because from a spectacular standpoint they excite the most general interest, careful attention has been given to all other sections of tho programme.

So far the show* occupies only one day, and it comprises so full a programme that it takes very careful studying out and. organising 1 to get everything through in the time. The following judges will officiate:— Competitions and light horses, including ponies, saddje and harness, Messrs. Alfred Reid (Hastings) and ■J. R. M'Donald (Levin); "draught horses,' Mr. Hugh "Campbell (Haveiock North); Shorthorn, Polled Angus, and fat cattle, Mr. Donald H. Potts (Waihou); Herefords, "Mr. B. Chambers (To Mata); Ayrshires, Mr. D. Buchanan • (Tiakitahuna); Jerseys, Mr. Paul !HuiTter. (Porangahau); Holsteins, .Mr. C. Hopping (Rongotea); dairy cattle, the judge of three preceding classes; fat sheep, Mr. Alox. M'Kcnzie (Feathorston); Lincohis, Mr. Hugh Campbell; Border and English Leicestors, Mr. W. P. Archibald (Karamu); Soutlidowns, Mr. Duncan Gordon (Palnierston North)pigs, Sir. 'R-. Perrett, (Sandon); dogs, Mr. Paul.Hunter; dairy produce, an officer of the Dairy Division; home industries, Mr. S. 11. Jansen (Dannevirke); homo industries (open section), Mrs. Hartgill and Miss Young. Next Month's Gathering. It had ibeeii hoped that'his'Excellency tne Governor might be ablo to visit Dannevirke on tho occasion of the show, but it is feared that he will not be able to do so. In any case the event will bo under. Ministerial, patronage, •as Sir Joseph Ward ' and several other members .of Cabinet have, intimated their intention of being present- if public duties permit,' and as the Railway Department has granted excursion fares from Balmerstoh North', Hastings, ami intermediate stations there-is every probability of. a considerably .larger, influx of visitors than. last . year. TJIO show will take'place 011 Wednesday, February 8, and intending exhibitors will do well touiote that entries close on Wednesday next, January 25. Last year 011 tho" day following the show th'p..association inaugurated a very successful ram fair.- This also is to be an annual- fixture, and preparations for tho fair,-to take.-placo on February 9 are- now 'well an hand, tho number bt' sheep; for which entries caii be received being limited ,to 1100. . -

■ No.-account of tho history of the-as-sociation would be complete without mention being made of the services of Mr. El Averill, who was tho prime mover, and of Messrs. D. M'Donald and D. M'Kenzie, who associated themselves with him. in getting matters under way in readiness to placo the scheme before the public. Mr. Jis. Armstrong was elected president, and in his capable hands the ■allairs of the association have boon conducted with care and judgment. Messis. W. Rose, L. C. llathbono, and K A. Ransom (Mayor of Dannevirke) are vice-presidents, Mr. G. J. E. Bickford hon. treasurer, and Messrs. Stubbs and Webb secretaries.