ON THE GROUNDS THIS AFTERNOON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 24 November 1908, Page 3

ON THE GROUNDS THIS AFTERNOON.

Midday brought out the sun, and the. heat over the ground was somewhat^ .excessive. Thte workers had now made some impression, and the (grounds were beginning, to look like a show. Farmers had been busy, all the morning putting 1 an extra polish op the horses, and they were now taking rest under the shade of trap and liedge. The judging, they knew, was to begin at twelve, and' xjveryth'ug had to be in readiness for that. The first day is the day for enthusiasts, and opinions were freely expressed. The various side shows were hanging up their weird attractions to induce the passer by to " step_ inside and see a sight he has never sen before." It"' was hot work pitching tints at mid'flay and collars, coats, and waistcoats were quickly dispensed with. About -half the people present semed to h-ive ton much to do, but the others were finding the sun too hot, and energy waSi a missing, quantity. On Show day 'farmers meet. F«w are unknown, l and the hand shake goes on all the time. The farmer has a characteristic way of performing this greeting; but heartiness and goodwill are always there. . A walk «round the ground found the sheep happily cool under the welcome shade of, the trees on the western side of the entrance. There is a falling off in the number of sheep exhibits, due to two . prominent breeders. Messrs G. and A. Hunt, not competing. Sheep from these breeders have for many years been a prominent feature of the Shows .of previous years. The horse classes eompare /favourably with previous years, both the draught and light koTse sections Having filled well. The draughts were basking ill the sunshine 'in/the paddock on tuO right, and then "lossy coats showt.d u;> to good effect. '\s usual -the cattle aro punned at Jie northern, end. They number about the same aa in previous years. The pigs were continually telling wheie they were. These show au increase Poultry number about the same as last year, whila dogs are about as numerous as Die former year The domestic produce section, always a strong feature of the"" Show, compares favourably with the display of any previous years. ' . During iho yeas, the AfiEOciatlon hM made an important addition to the building on the ehois grouni— a commodious luncheon slwd. The dimensions of the new building are 71ft. by 21ft., and aIU. conveniences for preparing luncheon have been provided,, The new room, which meets a long-felt want, cost about £200, and was built by Mr W. E. "Wilkes, of ...Richmond.