VALUE OF SHOWS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 123, 18 February 1935, Page 5

VALUE OF SHOWS

Improvement of Farm Products Those who follow farming pursuits owe a definite duty, not only to themselves but also to the industry as a whole, to assist to the utmost of their endeavours in sustaining the enviable reputation of the Dominion’s primary products. This can best be done by every farmer supporting the agricultural and pastoral association in the district aud by giving it active support. Financial assistance alone will not suffice. Success does not lie at the door merely for the opening of it by the officials. The farmers must of necessity pull their full weight with the official by entering substantially into the competitive ring. There is a high educational value attached to shows, for the prize exhibits invariably represent the maximum attainments iu one or other of the departments of rural life; thus it is by competition in such classes that a healthy spirit of emulation is stimulated. It is too, at the shows that one sees the most up-to-date farm machinery and 1 appliances. It is these which have done much to revolutionise farming in recent times, and they represent untold economical improvements. As occasions of personal contact shows have no equal. Views are exchanged on matters pertaining to farming methods and farm management, the breeding of stock and its preparation for the competiitve markets. Though the past twelve months have produced measurable improvement in farming conditions generally this should not be taken as a signal for the withdrawal by the farming community of its interest in the agricultural and pastoral exhibitions. Indeed, very much the reverse should apply. With the improved position aud a little greater spending power available the farmers should be imbued with a desire to place the primary industries in such a position that they may reasonably combat, to at least some extent, any further depression that may descend upon this country. It is the show associations that can do much to accomplish that end, but not without generous support from the rural interests.