MANAWATU SHOW.

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 20, 24 July 1934, Page 7

MANAWATU SHOW.

NEW PKOPOSALS

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Constructive ideas for ' improving future Manawatu Shows." were presented at a meeting of :the general committee of the Manawatu A. and J?.- Association in a report prepared by'the secretary (Mr. H. E. Kissling). The following recommendations concerning the next Spring ° Show, were made.by Mr. Kissling:— - 1. That a Dominion.machine-shearing championship be held annually at^'the Manawatu Spring Show, and that, it bs staged in the stadium. - . 2. That in conjunction with the shearing) demonstrations on wool classing ba given ~at suitable intervals by competent wool-classers. - 3. That an. efficient .public address system be installed during the show. The apparatus of various' firms differs considerably. It is now possible to obtain very efficient apparatus which has given, complete satisfaction to some associations I know bt: The main. advantages of the public address system are-: (a) The linking together of all sections of the show; (b) a service to the public! by broadcasting the time-table, particulars concerning competitors and exhibits, lost property, etc.; (c) the grand parade or any special "event can. be described in detail by a competent announcer who is thoroughly familiar with, the items; (d) the call stewards' difficulties are reduced, to a minimum. "When, the system is properly controlled, it.is comparatively easy to run the show according to time-table. It is most essential that a permanent, broadcasting official be appointed—one who is thoroughly conversant with competitions in the oval and who has a fair knowledge'of the stock section. If should be the duty of the. head steward .of each section to send information by messageboy concerning the winners of important classes and championships. This is a service much appreciated by the competitors. The success of the system depends to a great extent on the abilityj of the broadcasting steward. 4. That two or three trotting races be held on one-.day of th,e show. The horses would, be:- either;_in. harness 'Or ridden. These races have proved very; popular at Franklin. 5; That another band contest be arranged under the supervision of an, • officer of-this association. 6. That a buck jumping, contest be staged in place of steer-riding. \lt ;is possible that either Hawke's Bay or Carterton might co-operate in obtaining horses and so save expense to all. 7. That efforts be made to stage a monster motor-car "olympia" in the No. 4, hall. 8. I consider that it is advisable for a secretary's field office to be provided at a central position in regard-to'the stock sections, and to be used during the spring shows. This office should be provided with a telephone connected with the Palmerston North exchange. Except at certain stated times, it is my, intention to leave the main office in* charge of my.; chief assistant , arid arrange to l>e'near to the exhibitors and stewards... It is desirable to have"a. field office for the use of myself and a boy. Under this arrangement I will best be able to meet show supporters and to watch carefully for defects of organisation, etc. It will also give exhibitors and members a better oppor-. tunity of meeting the secretary and discussing show matters with him. 9. I would suggest that for the convenience of exhibitors at the time of making entries for a show an agent be appointed who has an office in a central position in the city, and that this agent be paid a commission on receipts. There must be many people whowould be likely to enter in one or two classes in the produce or hom,e industry section, if it were not for the necessity of cony ing down to the show office. I refer particularly to women who enter cooking or needlework. In addition, it is possible that some subscriptions would be paid earlier, if this suggestion is adopted. It would also be an advantage to' apoint: agents in neighbouring centres. The agent selected should ba one who knows most of the' people in. his district and is popular and has an office-or'place, of,business in a handy, situation. This is one* means of obtaining entries from a wide field, thus.makj ing our shows of a truly metropolitaa character. ~ . \' The, recommendations are to ber'conj sidere'd.by the.finance committeej-^hich, will then make suggestions to '. th» general committee.