SPRING SHOW OPENING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19809, 2 December 1927, Page 12

SPRING SHOW OPENING.

JUDGING BEGINS TO-DAY. PREPARATIONS AT EPSOM. A SUCCESS IN PROSPECT. Through the judging rings at the Auckland Metropolitan Agricultural and Pastoral Association's spring show, which opens at the Epsom Show Grounds this morning, will pass in increased numbers hundreds of worthy representatives of the real wealth-producers of the country. Although the great increase in stock entries over the 1925 show, and in some cases even over the Royal Show last year, does not include a large proportion of southern competitors, the quality of what the Auckland Province possesses in pedigree and grade dairy cattle, stud and flock sheep, horses and all breeds of pigs, will leave no room for cavilling. From all quarters of the far-firing province champions in their classes have been entered, and those competent to judge are confident that winners of the North Island ribbons which are to be bestowed this year will wear them worthily. The Auckland Kennel Club's show, being held in conjunction with the major fixture, will be the best yet conducted, and elaborate arrangements have been made for the comfortable accommodation of the dogs and their inspection by patrons. •

To-day is, of course, largely devoted to judging, although a programme of competitions will sustain the interest of those not particularly concerned with the allocation of awards.

"People's day" is to-morrow, when a pot pourri of entertainment will suffice of itself to attract thousands to Epsom. The modern trend of agricultural and pastoral associations to cater for the car- . nival element as a leavening of that side of the exhibition, which is of peculiar rural interest, has found liberal expression this year. Whippet racing in front of the stands during the afternoon will present an attractive novelty. A naval display also scheduled cannot claim that virtue, -but it will be on more comprehensive lines than hitherto.

Under Lieutenant Addis, trainees from the Philomel will carry out gun exercises and Lieutenant Venville will be in charge of a series of "naval ' chariot races." Most humorous events these, wherein two men are "ridden" by another, who drives " a pair." Equilibrium is unstable at any stage of the race and is customarily lost altogether once or twice in the course of an event.

There are, of course, all the more popular of the horse competitions, with their never-ending attraction, and an unprecedented demand for side-show space indicates the carnival element of "canvastown" will be more lively than ever. Prior to the grand parade of prizewinning stock, the animals will be marshalled facing the stands to be "decorated" with North Island championship and other awards by the Prime Minister, or in the event of Parliamentary duties precluding his attendance, by the Minister of Agriculture. It is worthy of note that some splendid stock which was debarred from being entered at the Royal Show on account of fears of the cattle tick will this year be penned.