THE WHANGAREI SHOW

Northern Advocate, 15 November 1929, Page 4

THE WHANGAREI SHOW

Tt has been well said that a good agricultural and pastoral show Is an ♦asset of incalculable value to any district. Such an institution serves a double purpose. It not only acts as the shop 'window of a district, by allowing local people and visitors alike to see what land and stock can produce, but, by stirring the spirit of emulation, puts farmer and breeders on their mettle and urges each fo surpass his neighbour. It is, indeed, due very largely to agricultural and pastoral shows that the Dominion’s output of primary products increased to the huge volume registered today. But for the enterprise of some pioneers in importing high grade animals, and exhibiting them at their district shows, it is probable that the generality of farmers would have been quite 'Content to continue with the class of stock that had done duty in the past. Pride, if not pocket considerations, however, would not allow them to lag behind the exhibitors of animals which carried off the coveted prizes. The consequence was that each succeeding show r proved that the competitive spirit had been at Work in the interim. This, in simple language, is how, to a large extent, improvement in herds and flocks has been inspired. The same thing has applied to cultivation of the land. Exhibitors of farming machinery, and the demonstration of its uses, have led to the discarding of obsolete methods,' and the value of fertilisers, as evidenced on show grounds, has convinced farmers that, if they wish to make the most of their holdings, they must use liberally the aids which science has brought. Improved herds and flocks, improved pastures, improved methods of farming can all be traced in considerable measure to agricultural and pastoral shows and kindred institutions. Apart altogether from the utilitarian aspect, a show has a social value which cannot, be over-estimated. “.Show day’’ is the day of the year when country people and town dwellers mingle in a spirit of comradeship, and wiicn the reality of community of interest is properly realised. Whangarei has good reason to be proud of its annual show, which, in a very true sense, has left its impress on a large district. This year’s fixture is very close at hand, and young and old, in town and country, will be looking forward to their annual visit to the picturesque showgrounds at Kensington Dark. It is very gratifying to know that the society has good reason to anticipate a very fine show. Entries, which will close tomorrow, have come in very freely, and there are indications that previous records will be broken. This news, we are sure, will be received with pleasure by the community. Strenuous and continued effort has been exerted to make the Whangarei A, and P. Show one of the outstanding provincial fixtures of its kind in the Dominion, and there is no reason, if rural and urban support is forthcoming, why such a laudable ambition should not be realised. The agricultural and pastoral potentialities of the north are becoming recognised more generally every day, a fact towards which the Whangarei Show has contributed substantially, and we therefore hope that everything will conspire to make the 1929 fixture what the committee is expecting —a record show.