THE WINTER SHOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20924, 14 July 1931, Page 11

THE WINTER SHOW.

POPULARITY MAINTAINED.

KEEN INTEREST IN EXHIBITS.

ATTRACTIONS FOR TO-DAY. In spite of the unfavourable weather, the Auckland Winter Show was again a centre of popular interest yesterday, the crowds in the afternoon and evening, although they wore not as great as on Friday and Saturday, being surprisingly good considering the conditions. During the day many parties of primary and secondary school pupils were in attendance, including parties from the Auckland Grammar School, King's College and Sacred Heart College. Primary school children journeyed from as far afield as Hamilton, while many city schools were represented. Over 1250 children passed through the gates during the day, a remarkable total considering tho weather.

In addition to the attractions which have been offered the public from the opening, several interesting displays were made for the first time yesterday. The exhibits of Chinchilla and Angora rabbits were a source of considerable interest and proved very popular with children, A number of primary school children commenced a baking competition, which is to bo continued for the next few days, their quick and workmanliko methods causing a crowd to gather round the largo stand where they were working during the afternoon. The Maori women's stall, with its busy workers, was also a favourite with visitors, many of whom watched the industrious artists for a long time. The many wonderful models in the miniature engineering section again proved probably the most popular feature. Boats which had not previously been seen on the large pond were set going, while at one time or another practically all the stationary engines and pieces of machinery were put in motion.

A number of the free gifts were claimed on different stalls during the day, while many other visitors were to be seen eagerly looking for their numbers. Each clay new numbers are added to those displayed on stalls, a steady supply of gifts being ensured until the show closes. Talking picture programmes were screened at two sessions and the Mount Eden Boys' Band was in attendance. In tho early evening a splendid entertainment was given by Miss A. Beresford's pupils. The special attractions for today include new picture programmes, the continuation of the baking competition, an entertainment by Miss M. McLaughlin's pupils and selections by the Ponsonby Boys' Brass Band.

COMMERCIAL RABBITS. IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD. DETAILS OF THE AWARDS. Keen interest was evinced yesterday in the display of commercial rabbits, in conjunction with the Auckland Winter Exhibition. The display took the place in the produce shed occupied by the poultry show last week. There were good entries in nearly all the classes and the general standard of the exhibits compared favourably with that at shows in other centres in New Zealand.

The judge in the Chinchilla section, Miss A. Myers, said the exhibits had been judged from the commercial point of view by English standards and the general standard attained was high. * It was unfortunate that many good rabbits were suffering from minor complaints, and the conditions of the does with litters might have,been better, but there was no serious defect in any animal. The best Chinchilla in the show was Mr. ~VV. J. Wilkinson's entry, but as he was not a member of the Fur Club, he was not eligible for the special prize for the best Chinchilla, which went to Miss D. M. Oldershaw. <■

An improvement in the standard of breeding in the past two years was reported by Mids Garner, the judge in the Angora section, who said the wool in particular was of a higher class. Breeders now appeared to understand the industry better arid their increased knowledge was reflected in their showing. The classes were all very even, the does being exceptionally hard to judge. A feature of the show was the success of Miss D. M. Oldershaw, who won all the six special prizes, the Herald Cup, the Farmers' Trading Company Cup, the Fur Club Cup, the Smallholder Prize, Mrs. Bartlett's Prize and Mrs. Garner's Trophy. Details of the awards are as follows: —

Angoras.—Doe and litter: Miss D. M. Oldershaw, 1: Oakdale Commercial Rabbitry, 2. Pair, under 12 months: Miss Oldershaw, 1. Doe, under 4 months: Miss Oldershaw 1; A. Sands, 2. Doe, under G months: Grajton Stud Rabbitry, 1: Miss Oldershaw, 2; A. Sands, 3. Adult doe: Miss Olderslmw, 1 and 3: A. Sands, 2. Buck, under G months: Miss Oldershaw. 1 and 2: Miss J. Leggoe, 3* Adult buck: Miss Oldershaw, 1 and 3; Great Northern Angora Farm, 2. Best, sample Angora wool: Great Northern Angora Farm, 1: Grafton Stud Rabbitry, 2; Miss Oldershaw, 3 Chinchillas.—Doe and litter: Miss D M. Oldershaw, 1: Oakdale Commercial Rabbitry, 2. Pair, under 12 weeks: W. Manning, 1; Miss Oldershaw. 2 and 3. Doe. under i. months: Oakdale Commercial Rabbitry, 1; Grafton Stud Rabbitry. 2. Doe. under G months: Mias Oldershaw, 1; W. Frost, 2. Adult doe: Miss Oldershaw. 1: Grafton Stud Rabbitry, 2; W. Frost, 3. Buck, under 4 months: Grafton Stud Rabbitry, 1: Miss Oldershaw, 2. Buck, under G months: Miss Oldershaw, 1; J Reilly. 2: Grafton Stud Rabbitry, 3. Adult buck: W. J. Wilkinson, 1; R. W. Curtain 2; Grafton Stud Rabbitry, 3. Best Chinchilla pelt: Miss Oldershaw, 1. Best pelt, any variety: Great Northern Angora Farm, 1. Children's Class.—Any variety buck or doe: G. Ferris, 1; Miss M. Sands. 2: Miss P. Gray, 3.