THE SPRING SHOW

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 286, 31 October 1934, Page 10

THE SPRING SHOW

THE OPENING FUNCTION. A LARGE ATTENDANCE. EARLIER DAYS RECALLED. With the weather all that cuuld be desired and with the statutory haltholiday releasing a large percentage oi tlie population ot tho city Irom uieir tasks, there was a very good attendance at the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association's Spring allow this afternoon. A substantial mllux of country people had also added to the attendance on tho grounds tnis morning, and the swelling ol the crowds converging round the various centres of interest was noticeable from a fairly early hour. Among the attractions novel to a Palmerston North public was that of tin hare racing and this drew a large concourse to the oval and the stands. Steer riding also was scheduled and as usual was a keen source of enjoyment.

In declaring the Show open, Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., said, inter alia: “Many of us can remember the first Show held on these grounds, which at that time contained stumps, timber, and a very uneven surface, but the sturdy pioneors never let up, and today we have one of the finest grounds in New Zealand. As the years have passed by, we have had presidents and committeemen all imbued with the one idea, that of making our Show the leading fixture in the Dominion, and I think it can be said that they have accomplished it. The depression has had its effect upon agricultural shows, making it most difficult to carry on, but an improvement has taken place, and this year both the entries and the interest taken in the association have been most encouraging. We have also to thank the citizens for the assistance they are rendering. IMPROVEMENT IN STOCK. “The Royal Society has done much in raising the status of our agricultural and pastoral shows. in my opinion the time has arrived when the Royal Shows should be held alternately between Christchurch and Palmerston North. Many of our Show pioneers have passed to the great beyond, and our latest loss is the death of Mr Hugh Gillies, who was always such a familiar figure in charge of the grand parade. The breed societies are deserving of our best thanks for the help given to the association. The improvement in stock during recent years has been very noticeable. We have some ot the leading stockbreeders of New Zealand in our district and the potentialities of the Manawatu are such that they are able to produce some of the best of stock. The advent of electrical power has produced splendid results. What is being aimed at today is all-eleetrical homes, and the use of power in all directions on the farm. The electric motor is simple, robust, easy to start and stop and to make agriculture pay (with low charges for electricity) will make for efficiency and cheapness. “Records tell us that the Royal Society was founded in 1838. The first show was held in Oxford and there were six classes for cattle, three for sheep, and one each for horses and pigs. The section for implements was considerable and prizes were given for essays on agricultural subjects, skill in ploughing, and the best farm in Oxfordshire. In 1839 the first country show was held; people attended from near and far, and stock had to travel by canal and road. The growth of the _t°" r ns and cities created a demand for good beef and mutton, which awakened a desire on the part of owners to improve their animals. The progress made since those days is well-known and needs no repetition.” After discussing the agricultural and pastoral problems, reported elsewhere, Mr Nash concluded: “Mr president, I wish you and your committee every success, congratulate you, your secretary and all concerned, and I have now much pleasure in formally declaring the Show open.” In introducing Mr Nash, Mr D. Collis, president of the association, remarked upon the splendid weather that had favoured the opening of the association’s Show. and he hoped that equal good fortune would remain with the association for the remaining two days. Mr Collis had much pleasure in welcoming Mr Nash to the grounds.