WEALTH OF THE MANAWATU

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 138, 14 June 1933, Page 18

WEALTH OF THE MANAWATU

MANY HIGH-CLASS EXHIBITS STRONG DAIRY PRODUCE SECTION

(By Telegraph, from "The Post's" Special Reporters.) PALMERSTON N., This Day. Though the times are pressing heavily on the farming community of New Zealand, there is every indication that this year's National Dairy Show, which opened here today and will continue for the next three days, should be in every way a success. It is only to be expected that entries generally are not as large as they were last year, but it is significant that dairy produce entries show an increase. Quality these days is essential, and in this respect little fault, it seems, can be found with most of the exhibits. As in past years, the Show is creating considerable interest, not only in the city itself, but also in the outlying districts, and with a continuance of the fine weather experienced in the last few days, there should be a good attendance of the public. An attractive programme, catering for all sections of the community, has been arranged. Palmerston North is en fete, and many visitors are expected.

Although entries for this year's* Show are not as numerous as those for the preceding two years, it is interesting to observe that this year there is an increase of entries in the dairy produce division. In all, there arc 405 entries in this section, dairy factory butter accounting for 226 and dairy factory cheese for 239. In view of tlio fact that the dairy farmer is experiencing an anxious time, it is certainly gratifying to note that there is no lack of interest among butter and cheese producers. The primary producer realises that competition is of value, and the fact that he is supporting the Show means that he is fully determined to take advantage of anything that will tend to improve his product. There is today a movement throughout the industry which is expected to have beneficial results. Producers are more than ever taking up the attitude that their own house must be put in order if they wish to maintain their industry at a high standard. This year's 2908 entries may be regarded as satisfactory, considering the fact that owing to a recent revision of the schedule numbers of classes were eliminated, and the prise money was reduced in others. It must not be overlooked, also, that these are difficult times and economies are being made in all directions. There has been a fall-ing-off in the ring competition classes, and the fat stock entries have also decreased. Classes not included this year arc those for calf clubs, the special porker section, and mechanical toys. _ A new section is that for models, which has attracted the good number of 39 entries. The school classes, field roots, farm products, and honey classes remain relatively the same numerically. Entries for potatoes, vegetables, bacon, fruit, and photography have fallen off. There is a big decrease in the home industries section, and in the needlework and the knitting classes. Entries in the frozen lamb section have doubled. Details of this year's entries, with those for last year in parentheses, follow: — . ' . Butter and cheese, 465 (454); competitions, 39 (120); fat stock, 87 (124); calf club, — (10); schools', and boys' and girls' clubs, 130 (122); special porker classes'; — (8); mechanical toys — (12); farm products, 52 (48); field roots, 253 (259); potatoes, 41 (62); vegetables, 162.(203); fruit, 150 (191); honey, 45 (49); bacon, 24 (34); frozen lamb 28 (14); needlework, 207 (340); home industries, 222 (499); photography, 39 (96); models, 39 (—); poultry, 518 (536); pigeons, 201 (190); canaries, 100 (154); rabbits, 63 (27); cats, 43 (20). Totals, 2908 (3572).