THE SHOW

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 19, 19 February 1940, Page 4

THE SHOW

INTERESTING SIDELIGHTS ‘VERY EXCELLENT HACKS” MB 11. S. KYLE'S OPINION “Generally, the hacks and hunters which paraded before me were a very excellent lot and compare very favourably with those in shows anywhere in New Zealand today. Ip fact 1 would go as far as saying they are right up to Royal show standard.”

These were the observations of Mr ii S. S. Kyle, M.P. for Riccarton, judge of Ihe hacks and hunters at the Franklin centennial siiow on Friday and Saturday. "Dow would our horses compare with iliose in the South Island?” Mr Kyle was asked. -

‘‘Equally as good as those in Ihe South Island. . . . Of course, being a South islander 1 would nol he generous lo Ihe South Islanders if I said yours were belter than ours, but you can take it from me yours take some heating,” was Mr Kyle's reply. "You officiated as a judge of the hacks and hunters, here a few years ago. How do Ihe horses of 10i0 compare wilh those?” Mr Kyle was asked.

A Difficult Task "1 would say that I hey are bel ter today. . . . Exhibitors are concentrating more on Hie thoroughbred type. . The hunters are a very line lot and they are making my task a difficult one,” lie said.

Air Kyle went on to refer lo Ihe encouragement being given by the society to children lo compete at A. and p. shows. "I must congealulate Franklin on Hie way it is catering lor tin; children. I see by Ihe catalogue I'll.at ii is fostering hoys' and girls’ agricull lira! clubs a wonderful scheme, and one . which could I Ihink la extended to include ponies. Book after Ihe hoys and girls of today for they are Ihe exhibitors of the future,’ Mr Kvie added.

Mr Kyle mentioned also that I here were a greater number of gentlemen riders in tlie North Island than in Ihe Sou Hi. "Down south, ’he said, the hoys preferred riding about in motor cars while the girls looked alter the horses, attended to Ihe grooming and did most of the riding: at A. and P. shows. II is refreshing lo come up (lore and find that gentlemen riders are so plentiful. They are good horsemen loo,” said Mr Kyle. Gambler. Ihe champion hack at Ihe Franklin show, was decorated by Mrs X. Stuart, wife of the senior vice-pre-sident.. and Whoopee, the champion hinder, was decorated by Mrs C. R. Fulton, wife of the junior vice-presi-dent.

Some Good Jersey Cows Mr i;. If. Leach, of Woodville. Ihe well-known breeder of Jersey cattle and judge of the breed al Ihe Franklin show, slated that the milking cows both as regards numbers and quality were among the lines!, he had seen in a show ring. They were a very fine 10l of cows of even quality true lo type. The yearlings and calves were very disappointing and did not compare at all favourably with Ihe older females. Apart from a few outstanding animals, generally they were lacking in type and were heavy in the shoulder. Breeders, he said, should endeavour to rectify Ibis fault. Some of Die bulls were excellent animals. The malure cow class of 19 was as good as any be bad ever judged, and they made bis tas'k of placing Ihe animals were outstanding.

“A very line lot of" Friesians and Shorthorns,” was the comment made in regard to these two sections. The champion and reserve champion animate were outstanding.

The productivity of the Franklin district was reflected in the hall, where one of the finest, displays of garden and farm produce ever seen, was on show. Perhaps the favourable season bad a lot to do with this outstanding exhibit. The cookery, sewing and needlework sections revealed the skill of the women of the district. Franklin had every reason to fee] proud of its display in the hall.