A RECORD GATHERING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 3 February 1930, Page 6

A RECORD GATHERING

IN PERFECT. WEATHER Tlie early ntQi'tiing of Saturday, Ist February, broke very threateningly for the Golden Bay A. and P. Association and the prospects for their 37th annual show did not appear bright :,. but despite the rain on the previous evening the weather cleared about 9 o'clock and a beautifully fine day, without wind, and a fierce sua was experienced, which resulted in the Association having the largest gale in its history. The sum of £IOO 12s Od was taken at tbe gate, an increase of over £'2o en last year. Thero was little stir in the township until about 10 o'clock when visitors began to Hock in from over the hill and the Colli ngwuod district. Considering the unsettled weather which had been experienced of late the Association must consider itself very fortunate in having a perfect summer's day. Added to this there was a record display of exhibits of a very high quality all combining to make the function one of the most .successful ever held by the Association. In the produce booth there was a very fine display, especially in the vegetable section and the cooking, which in the opinion of the judge, he had never seen excelled. The stock classes showed a- general improvement in quality throughtout while keen interest w r as shown in the ring events by both the competitors and public.

The combined Takaka and Motueka Bands were in attendance and enlivened the day's proceedings with numerous selections while the usual demonstrating stands and side shows attracted much attention. OFFICIAL OPENING At 12.30 the officials of the Association gathered on the grandstand and Mr Cyril Windle; president, in a brief speech welcomed the visitors to the district and thanked all those who had worked so willingly for the success of the gathering, lie then called upon Mr G. C. Black, M.P., to perform the opening ceremony. Mr Black stated that ho regretted that no Cabinet Minister was available to visit Takaka and he read the following telegram from Sir Joseph Ward from Rotorua : —"I regret exceedingly that owing to the unforseen necessity of Ministers remaining in Wellington over yesterday it was impracticable to arrange for the Government to be represented at the official opening of the Takaka Show. 1 extend my very cordial wishes for the success of this long standing fixture and I sincerely trust that the previous high standard anl number of the entries will be well maintained on this occasion. My besfwishes to all." Mr Black also read a telegram from the Hon. A. E. Ransom, Minister of Public Works, which stated that Cabinet had approved of the authorisation of free money assistance to tho Takaka County Council to repair earthquake damage instead of the £2 for £1 subsidy previously issued. So, said Mr Black, if Cabinet was not represented they were still rendering.assistance to the district. He continued by stating that on this occasion, one could not help but remember that show day was held on the anniversary of the foundation of tho Nelson Province which recalled the noble part the New Zealand Land Coy. had played in enabling the early settlers, ouv forefathers to develop the province. When they thought of them they should ask themselves if they are carrying on as they would wish ; and the fine display before the; public to-day was- a sufficient answer. Mr Black then referred to the recent work of the Educational Committee and said that when it made its report it would be something worth while and the whole system would be re-modelled within a few months and then, each child would be educated in its particular ability. He also hoped that before the next show that all would be gathered for the opening of a. new and up-to-date school in Takaka. He congratulated the exhibitors on the high standard of their exhibits and the district on the high quality it maintained in its products. It was well known that New Zealand depended on its primary industries and in the near future the farmer would be a semiscientist and. to assist them in that was the Cawthron Institute, with which there was none to compare in New Zealand. He gave instances of the valuable experimental work being carried out by the Institute and paid a tribute tor its officers. Another feature that augured well for the Dominion was that it was going to have for its GovernorGeneral one of the leading farmers in England and one who was recognised as a scientist in farming. Mr Black next outlined the assistance that the State Advances Office was extending to farmers. From the 10th December, 1928, to 31st January, 1930, the State Advances had assisted 3,902 settlers amounting to £4,697,065 and 4673 workers amounting to £31,956,200. Some people were afraid of a depression but with the amount of money invested in farm lands it must make for national prosperity. In the Nelson Province alone in the above period 82 settlers had been advanced £73,975 and 52 workers £40,145. Mr Black then declared the annual .show officially open and hoped that the 88th years of the foundation of the Nelson Province would bring prosperity to all. Mr W. A. Irons, chairman of the Dairy Control Board, who is on a visit to Takaka, also gave a short address. He stated it gave him great pleasure to be able to meet the farmers of the district, and he congratulated them on tho fine dairy factory they had and tho high quality of its product. Golden Bay factory was known all over New Zealand for the high standard it set, and was to be complimented as it suffered 1 the disadvantage of being a long way from a shipping port. Mr lions then, referred to the Dairy Control Board, which looked after the interests of all factories. The Board had come in for a good deal of criticism but it was saving enormous amounts for the farmer. The reductions it had made in marine insurance alone more than paid I he factories levies t<> the Board, while >J400,000 annually had been secured in costings. If the farmers maintained quality they had nothing to fear from the world's markets. There was any amount of land suitable for dairying in Takaka and production could be greatly increased. He instanced the great progress made in New Zealand in tho last 10 years, when production. had increased 400 per cent. The speaker also referred to the Massey College and the assistance it was giving factory managers with their difficulties. He also referred to the increase of topdressing, one million acres more being done in New Zealand last year, which

added to the prosperity of Hie country. Mr Irons concluded by advising farmers (o increase production to meet lower prices that may conic in Ihe future. Cheers were then given lor Mr Black and Mr Iron..