PATRIOTIC SHOW

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 110, 5 November 1915, Page 5

PATRIOTIC SHOW

SECOND DAY'S RESULTS

MARRED BY HEAVY SHOWERS

THE PREMIER PRESENT.

(er our special reporter.)

PALMERSTON N., 4th Nov

Instead of the bright sunshine of the previous day,-low-hung clouds, which at intervals discharged heavy showers of rain, and violent wind storms, were the weather conditions at the Palmerston Agricultural and Pastoral Show to-day. It was a most unfortunate caprice on the part of the weather, if a patriotic growl may be permitted, for it undoubtedly meant a considerable diminution in the takings, which are to go to the Sick and Wounded Soldiers Fund. The attendance, especially of'townspeople, and settlers from the neighbouring districts, was greatly affected, and could scarcely compare with the second days of some previous years; The ground was wet underfoot, though very little inconvenience was noticed in this respect unless short cuts across the- grass were taken, for the. society has had excellent gravelled roads laid down to ail principal parts. Ample indoor shelter was also available for all the people on the grounds, and in one sense perhaps it was a case of an ill-wind blowing some one good, for when the crowds skeltered for the sheds when the showers started, they were driven into the arms of the ladies who are running patriotic stalls therein and who lose no chances.

In between the showers various features of the show were inspected by the visitors. The machinery exhibit is not very striking yet, but there are evidences that each succeeding year witnesses a gradual returning of the "machinery men" to this form of advertisement. Motor-car firms were in fairly strong force, and farm motor machinery had good representation.

Side-shows, now situated in a far corner of the grounds, seemed to be attracting healthy patronage. They are in great variety this year, and the attractions they offer, like each week's new picture programme, have undergone a complete change from last year. Generally speaking, the war has undoubtedly affected the show, i This can now be seen. The general statement one receives from farmers is that labour has been too short to allow much time to be given to preparing stock for show. It is mostly in,the sheep classes that the effect of this is chiefly found. However, the attempt of the association to stimulate interest at this period with additional prizes has on the whole met with a good response, and 'the show is a very excellent one indeed. The alterations that have been made on the grounds, and the extensive additions (which have already been amply detailed), have also had their good effect. The season of course has been a prosperous one in the Manawatu and surrounding districts, and this is to be seen in the magnificent condition of the stock.

The weather made conditions unfavourable for the ring events, and wHh a slippery ground it was fortunate there were no accidents the one incident of this sort that did occur was unattended with any serious misliap. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey (Prime Minister) and the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald (Minister of Agriculture) were present, and the former officially opened the new pavilion in the presence of a large crowd. Mr. Massey also spent some time inspecting the show, evincing particular interest in the great display of cattle.