OPENING DAY

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 111, 6 November 1929, Page 12

OPENING DAY

PAL3IEESTOjSt SHOW

EXHIBITS UP TO STANDARD

By "The Post's" Special Reporter,

PALMEESTON A T., This Day.' The Manawatu farmers appreciate the warm raiii that has been falling during the last day or two, but the promoters of the spring show and the people of Palmerston Isorth in general, had they had their choice, would not have chosen this week. The fortyfourth spring agricultural show and industrial exhibition of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastor..] Association opened this morning. Cloudy and sultry conditions last night threatened rain for to-day, ' but, although it is still overcast and vcrv warm, the rain is at present holding off and it looks as if it might continue to do so.

Comparisons with last year are hardly fair, as on that occasion the show had the prefix '/Royal." Even if the entries do shotf this year a slight falling off in numbers, the usual'high quality of stock and other exhibits which characterise the Mauawatu shows is in evidence, and given reasonable weather there is no' reason why the present show should not be as successful as any of its predecessors. Visitors from the surrounding country are expected in large numbers, especially on. People's Bay, which is on the Friday: this year, a day later than usual. As the Railway Department has been, lavish in its train arrangements and excursion fares, a goodly contingent of visitors is expected to arrive by rail' from as far afield as Wellington, .whilst many more will, of course, come by, car. Several members of Parliament have signified their intention to be present, and accommodation in Palrnerston, Jforth by S'riday will be fully taxed. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. To-day's programme included- thai opening of the exhibition of machinery, motors, and implements, and it was obvious to the most casual observer that the farmer owes much to the modern development of the motor. The permanent stalls arid the sections devoted to home industries, needlework, photography, and such subjects were opened, and the judging in these sections took place this morning. The school work, always an interesting feature of, the show, has already been adjudicated upon. The only stock to be judged to-day are thoroughbreds, trotters, harness horses, and pigs. All tlio other horses, cattle, sheep, and dogs will be penned and judged to-morrow. The maiden jumpers' competition for the Ashlea Cup is taking place this afternoon in the ring. A novelty this afternoon will be the steer-riding competition, an event calculated to give the spectators plenty of thrills for their money. Whether the competitors will find it quite so humorous remains to be seen. The side shows will play their usual important part in the entertain-' ment of visitors, and this year they are as varied and numerous as ever. The entertainment to-night is in the hands of V.M.C.A. gymnasts.

To-morrow the show will be in full swing. The ring events will, include jumping competitions and a trotting exhibition. In the evening a gymnastic display is to be given bjr. members of the local T.M.C.A. r