MANAWATU & WEST COAST A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

Feilding Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 119, 16 November 1901, Page 2

MANAWATU & WEST COAST A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

» — METROPOLITAN SHOW. Second Day. Although rain fell heavily on Wednesday night, the weather was perfect for Thursday's show, and the attendance was large,and the judges could only carry out their duties with difficulty. A lively interest was manifested in each and every exhibit and the all round excellence of the stock shown was acknowledged by all. The whole scene was one of gaiety and animation, and will long live in the memories of those who took advantage of the fine weather to visit Palmerston and this rapidly progressing show. The numerous counter attractions and side shows were well patronised. Every person on the ground wore a smile of contentment and pleasure, which was ample testimony to the completeness of the whole affair. The judging of the dogs, poultry, horses, cattle, sheep, and the competitions elicited a great deal of public interest. The awards were, in the majority of cases, in accordance with public opinion. One of the chief centres of attraction was the Dresden Piano Co.'s exhibit. Here were to be seen all classes of pianos and organs of the best makes procurable. A pianola, a handsome-looking instrument through the medium of which any person, whether musician or not, can play perfectly the most difficult pieces in existence, in fact it is just as simple to play a complicated piece of music as it is an easy one. The merits of this marvellous instrument were quickly appreciated by a constant stream of visitors. The Marton Brass Band enlivened the proceedings with some well-played selections, which were much enjoyed ; by the 10,000 people present. ! Third Day. 1 In spite of the fact that there was such a large attendance on Thursday, ; there is no gainsaying the fact that Friday was the peoples' day. There was excellent weather — typical New Zealand weather — and the people J from nil the towns and settlements turned out en masne and thoroughly appreciated the outing. The public took the liveliest interest in the competitions and frequently applauded ; the exhibitors as they appeared in the show ring. The Tandem Driving Competition resulted in Mr A. W. G. Wood's Billy and Jimmy being placed in the premier position, with Walton & Tombs' team second and L. E. West's third. The award for the single driving class was carried off by Mr J. D. Manson, with Messrs E. Stevensen and L. E. West filling the places. The greatest attraction yesterday was undoubtedly the wood-chopping contest, around which a great amount of interest was centred. The winner, who completed his task in the remarkably short space of time, 6min. 37sec, was closely followed by the other placed men. Only one competitor retired from the contest. The winner was Mr C. Hutton, Eltham, and his win was a decidedly popular one. Some excellent cross-country jumping was witnessed in the Hunter's Competition, several splendid animals taking the hurdles remarkably well. The lowest estimate places the attendance at 16,000 to 17,000. The total takings at the gates for the three days was £907, £550 of which was taken yesterday. The total takings at the gates and stands for the three days was £1150. The committee are deserving of a meed of praise for the satisfactory way in which everything was got off to time. Although there was such a large number of horses and cattle exhibited, there was not a single hitch, even the parade passing off smoothly. The playing of the Palmerston North band added additional charm to the outing, and was favorably commented on. The Association have much to be thankful for in as much as the weather was so gloriously fine, although it had rained rather heavily during, the three nights, the days were perfect, and the office-bearers were untiring in their efforts to please and to carry out their onerous duties to the satisfaction of all. The three day's show worked very well with the exception of a few exhibitors, who thought it advisable to remove their stock for the night, and bringing it back early next morning. As a whole the show of 1901 was the most successful, from every point of view, the Society has yet held, and we hope next year's carnival will be far and away superior to this year's. The prize list is continued on the fourth page.