WAIKATO WINTER SHOW

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22725, 11 May 1937, Page 10

WAIKATO WINTER SHOW

Though the official opening of the Waikato Winter Show will not take place until this afternoon, the serious business of judging is under way. As indicated by the judges' comments on the dairy section, the event will fulfd its purpose of bringing together a representative collection of. exhibits for critical comparison. However far other features may be developed, this remains the central feature and chief motive of such shows: competition with the aim of improving quality. In nothing could this be more important to the Waikato than in dairying, the industry on which its fortunes so largely rest. The growth of the dairy section has been amazing, but no more 'so than that of the industry itself. In 1907, when the first winter show was held, there were six entries in the section. This year there are 1300 in round figures. But, important as it is, dairy produce has no monopoly in the show. Other branches of farming, other exhibits —fruit growing, pig and poultry farming, for example—decline to be pushed into the background. Arts and crafts also demand their share of attention. The photographic section, with its' entries from far overseas, is a notable example of the comprehensive nature and widely-spread reputation of this Waikato exhibition. Though with a strong claim to be the most important farming centre .in the Dominion, Hamilton also claims to have much more than purely farming interests embodied in its life, and the range of activities exemplified by the winter 'show proves the case. This event successfully epitomises the qualities of a marvellous pastoral area and the many-sided activities of its chief town.