THE MANAWATU SHOW.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 119, 16 November 1900, Page 4

THE MANAWATU SHOW.

— .c fame of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural aod Pastoral Association's annual show extends throughout tlvs colony, and colonial farmers have marked it down as one of the two most important and interesting metropolitan shows of, New Zealand. As a matter of fact, ma-ny.southern and northern' patrons of both the Christchurch and the Palmerston North , shows would hesitate before giving th,e palm, to, either. In number of entries the, Manawafcu show which concluded yest^d'ay hqlds the* record, with a gr<uid total more than 200 in excess of the Christchurch show. "Reliable critics of sheep, and cattle, who had attended both shows declare that Canterbury had no more interesting exhibition oi thesb classes than that shown by the Manawatu. That* honours won at the latter show are highly prized was proved by the presence of competitors from, six provinces— Auckland, Taranaki, Havrke's Bay, Wellington, Marlborough, and Canteiimry, and among Nor^h Island breeders the competition was particularly keen. • This, i?j the,, outcome of the wisdom and enterprise shown by the management in its choice of judges. All of them were men of experieiice and ability, aad. i^heir judgments on the two days gave general satisfaction. Another pleasant phase of the Association's .history, and one which carries a, high compliment to the President and 1 his brother officers, is the enthusiastic support given by the people of the district. The membership roll contains over 1400 names, the stewards are many and w,hole-heartcd in thcit work, and despite yesterday's inclement weather there was an enormous attendance. The management of tl;e Manawatu show was excellent, the grounds !ar,ga, the exhibits well-arranged, and the whole of the official staff attentive and energetic* ]jb is. unfortunate that raiu sp, persistently waits upon these aunual gatherings, and it is, apparent that the Association must continue, its policy of picoviddng- shelter for patrons. Already t\Y.o commodious grandstands have been erected, but even these, together with the small stand, were scarcely adequate for the crowd. Despite meteovologiaal opposition, the .Association has this yonr come out with flying colours, and Avith support that should greatly encourage the important work it has undertak'eri.