METROPOLITAN SHOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21118, 27 February 1932, Page 15

METROPOLITAN SHOW.

OPENING, AT EPSOM.

FINE STOCK ON VIEW.

GOOD TOTAL ENTRIES. HIGH LEVEL OF QUALITY. INCREASED ATTENDANCE. No one with doubts concerning the vitality of pas':oral farming in the Auckland Province could retain them lon-' after entering the Epsom Showground, where the Auckland Metropolitan Show opened yesterday. It might bo supposed by the unthinking that in a time of depressed prices the cx- ' hibits at such a fair would bo fewer and possibly the general standard of quality might show some decline. The reverse is the case. Not: only are the entries in all the principal classes more numerous, but their quality is equal to and, in many cases distinctly higher, than that of recent years. The show, in fact, gives clear proof that bad times have merely been an added incentive to improve every kind and breed of livestock and that the farmers* efforts in that direction are bearing good fruit. Present conditions have not deterred regular exhibitors from undertaking the expense of sending' their best animals to the show. In this they have displayed a professional pride and a public spirit that are worthy of high praise. Such a spirit ' is only another sign of the keenness which the farmers of the Auckland Province liave shown in their efforts to increase production, both in total and proportionately to acres held and stock carried. i The Export Classes. One fact worthy of note is that in some cattle classes new animals secured prizes over others with high awards to their credit. Considerable improvement is noted in the sheep classes, indicating that /farmers are giving more and more attention ta the production of high-quality wool and lamb for the London market. It, is fully expected that tho fat lamb entries, which are to undergo a second judging at Smithfield, will receive high commendation there. Among the pigs entries reflected the greater interest that is being taken in the production of pork for the Home market and in the development of pig-raising as an adjunct to dairy farming. A new export pork class, to be judged at Smithfield later, was both large and keenly contested.

Horsemanship may now be the spott of the relatively few, but this year there is no decline in hacks, hunters or ponies, and the districts south of Auckland fully maintain their reputation as one of the Dominion's best horse-breeding areas. The first day's ring events were of real interest and held the attention of a largo crowd, especially in the afternoon. Increassd Attendance. Beautiful weather favoured the opening of the show yesterday. The grounds were pleasantly green, and a cloud-flecked blue sky and a fresh breeze made a stroll among the tents most enjoyable. As usual, the grandstand was decked with large flags, which flew bravely and added a touch of colour to the scene. Well over 1000 people paid for admission, including numbers of children, in spite of the fact that it was not a school holiday. Tho young folk were much in evidence after the near-by schools closed for the afternoon.

•The day's gate receipts amounted to £55 Is, compared with £77 8s 6d last year, when the charge for adults was 2s instead of'ls, and £39 Os 6d in 1930, when the charge was the same as this year. There was continual movement in the main ring, where the light horse judges were kept busy' all day. The show offers Aucklanders airnost their only opportunity in the year to' see fine horses in action otherwise than upon racecourse or trotting track, and it is obvious that the privilege is valued. The hunters always /come in for much admiration. Indeed,' there are few finer sights than a good animal of this class, well ridden, taking a series of jumps. The horse that plays up provides a diversion of another kind. Perhaps dearest to the spectators are the children upon their ponies or hacks. The New Zealand small boy, in shirt and shorts, perhaps with his stockings well down, sits a horse remarkably well if given a chance to learn, and some ot his deeds in the Auckland show ring year by year are a delight to sec. Hie little girls (1c quite as well ill tlic saddle as others of their age anywhere. Fine Show ot Dogs. A noteworthy figure in the ring yesterday was Mr. H. Bullock-Webster, the veteran ' master of the Pakuranga Hounds, who has just- completed half a century as an exhibitor of light horses at the show. Elsewhere fine draughts were being led round in a circle before the judges, and latjr ponderous bulls of Friesian, Jersey and other breeds attracted much attention. Enthusiasts made careful pilgrimages. Through the buildings in which the cattle, sheep and pigs were housed, and there were many earnest conferences between exhibitors and judges whenever the latter's work permitted. The Auckland Kennel Club's show, held under the grandstand, was one of the largest rfnd best since the pre-war period. The wide range of breeds represented was good evidence that pedigree dog-breeding continues to grow in popularity. The judging rings in the open

air attracted main' spectators. Decreases were noted in tlie liorne industries and miscellaneous sections, no doubt owing to. the better opportunities given each year by the Winter Exhibition. This decline- was sufficient to account for the drop in the grand total of entries for the show, which was 1667, compared with 1789 a year ago. Trade exhibits are not so notable a feature as they have been in other years, but this is not a matter for surprise. Under all the circumstances, the display is /quite creditable. The usual side-shews, games of skill, and booth? for the sale of fairings gave much fun to young and old. Arrangements throughout the day worked excellently, and classes on the whole were well Hp to time, reflecting credit on the judges and officials. Loudspeakers installed in the ring gave information concerning each competitor in the jumping events, and announced results from time to time. Ihe apparatus also dispensed music in the intervals bft we on other activities. On yesterday's' showing the attendance to-day. given fine weather, should be very Jarge indeed.