EPSOM DISPLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22356, 29 February 1936, Page 16

EPSOM DISPLAY

POPULAR FIXTURE FINE STOSK SECTION GROUND IMPROVEMENTS IASSOCIATION'S GOOD WORK What in general opinion was the finest summer show to be held in Auckland was opened by the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association at the Epsom Showgrounds yesterday. The great improvements made to th" grounds, the record entries of stock and the fine, sunny weather combined in striking fashion to set the seal of success on the fixture. There was an unusually large crowd of spectators for a first day, and, given fine weather to-day, further records in attendance should be established. The improvements in facilities for exhibitors and spectators were evident to patrons as soon as they entered the gates. For some time the association has been preparing on the lines of experience gained by the managing secretary, Mr. W. F. O'Donnell, during a visit to the Sydney Show. Innovations which he observed there have been incorporated with or added to the former facilities at Epsom, with the result that this year's fixture reveals improvements almost out of knowledge. Improved Judging Rings The area below the old show ring has been built up and levelled, and on it the sideshows and trade displays have been arrayed compactly, a great improvement on the former straggling line of booths down the side or the grounds.' Metalled roads and kerbing provide liberal and tidy access to all parts of the ground, and the new provisions for stock judging have evoked the highest praise. Improvements in the stock pens have smoothed the routine work of the show and made the handling of the stock very much easier. The public is also able to watch the judging in greater comfort. Some very fine fat stock is on exhibition, and a feature of the show is the display of pigs. The largest show of Berkshires ever seen in New Zealand is on view, and some outstanding sheep have been penned. Although the sheep entries, numerically, show a slight weakness, the entries of stock generally are greater than at any previous fixture, with the exception of the Royal Show held in Auckland two years ago. There is a fine display of horses, and a feature among the always popular ring events is the provision for children. Pig Exhibitors' Facilities

The great improvement in the judging rings was the subject of much comment yesterday. Situated between the pens and sown in gr they provide handy access for the vtock and obviate the necessity, in former years, of walking the animals across the roadways. They have also been fenced off so that the publiq can move about or watch the judging without getting in the way. There are rails for patrons to lean on and seats for them if they wish to sit. Trees will be planted later to- give shade. , - The pig pavilions have been provided with a' pipe line carrying water for their entire lene;th, while another pipe line carries milk from a large vat. The pens have been made adjustable so that their dimensions can be varied according to the size of the exhibits. Special concrete bays for washing stock have been built. Commenting on the improved pavilions yesterday, a visitor from Australia said ho doubted, if they were excelled anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Among the improvements for the benefit of exhibitors and spectators is the new system of, indicating the exhibits. \Vbethel" in the cattle, sheep or pie pavilions, the entries of each exhibitor have been grouped, so that tie whole progress of his breed can be observed in* formation. Below the exhibitor's name is the name of each tinimal and its catalogue number, all in large type. Further Work In Hand

The base of the new grandstand, overlooking the new showring and trotting track, now in course of formation, is being utilised for tbe_ public and officials' living rooms. Ultimately the superstructure of the old grandstand will be imposed on the new base, and the old showring, at present in use, will be graded in conformity with the present side-show area, providing for much greater expansion of this feature of the show. New horse-boxes have been built and are now in use, being a distinct improvement on the old accommodation. . The public seeking lighter entertainment has been well provided for, a greater number of sideshows being erected than in previous years. A novel feature very popular with the children yesterday was a miniature railway. Music and the shouting of showmen provided the gala atmosphere without which no show is complete. The president of the association, Mr. 6. Austin Garr, said the committee had worked hard to introduce the improvements, and the effects were distinctly pleasing. The routine organisation was working'' much more smoothly an sj praise had been forthcoming from all v aides. The scheme was a large one and its results would be more fully apparent when it was completed. This would be some time this year, so that the new order of things would be fully established and put into operation as a. whole for the first time at the show next year.