EPSOM FIXTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23281, 25 February 1939, Page 17

EPSOM FIXTURE

IDEAL CONDITIONS - WEALTH OF PROVINCE high-class livestock WIDE RANGE OF EXHIBITS A striking glimpse of the primary •wealth and potentialities of the Auckland Province, is afforded in the annual * J show of the Auckland Metropolitan Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which opened at the Epsom Show Grounds yesterday. With among the choicest of the Dominion's livestock on parade before the judges, it was essentially a programme of prime interest to country people, but city-dwellers as well as fanning families will be attracted bv the People's Day cntertainjiients arranged for to-day. Bright, yet unoppressire weather, tvpical of the later summer months, contributed to the success of the first day's proceedings. For several years attendances have been 011 the increase, but a notable record was establishes yesterday, when the gate figures wert more than double" those of last year, The conditions also represented an idea, for judges, spectators and th< ' assemblage of well-groomed stock, ant rarely has the machinery of exhibitior and adjudication been carried out with such conspicuous success. Accommodation Taxed An influx of stock into the Grounds commenced 011 Thursday, bu the majority of the entries did 110: arrive until early yesterday morning The association's, policy of continua ground improvements has been main tained this year, and added accommoda tion has been provided for the stock ii several of the pavilions. 11l spite of thi provision, every available pen was ii use. Although it was a day of labour nn< preparation rather than df colour an< spectacle, the proceedings were far fron lacking in appeal. As ponderous bulls sleek cows ahd lethargic pigs sliowe( their quality before the judges, th rings were surrounded by farmers, to gether with, a sprinkling of towns people, who felt qualified to appreciat the finer points of the livestock on dis play. Revived Interest in Horses The grandstand and the sloping bank around the arena were also well fille by spectators, who chose to watch th thrills of the ring and the cor stant parade of tall hunters, statel - hacks and diminutive ponies. Illustrating the revived interest i light horse breeding, entries iu thi section constituted a record, hacks an hunters well known in every provincii show ring competing for the wide rang of honours. The three daughters of th Governor-General, Viscount Galwaj took part in the tests for amateur gii rkiers, and Lady Galway was an intei estedspectator when the hunting event were in progress. Cattle, Sheep and Pigs Although competition was lacking i several sections, -the classes for th more popular dairy cattle breeds wer strongly patronised, more particularl by Waikato and Auckland breeder: "while high standards of quality wer reached among the sheep exhibit Pigs were penned in greater numbei than ever before, and the judges con mented favourably upon the develoj ment of improved types adapted t New Zealand conditions and suitab. for the production of pork and baco for the export markets. The display of poultry and cag birds, seemingly almost infinite in ii variety, filled one pavilion. Hundred of dogs were entered in the aunm show of the Auckland Kennel Clu in another section of the grounds Fanciers from many parts of the Don inioh were exhibiting in the latte classes and specimens of several unusiu breeds, recently' introduced to Ne' Zealand, were included in the entries These were the largest for five years. Other Interesting Sections Nor were home and garden forgottc in the comprehensive range of exhibit: In spite of the difficult growing seasor which had the effect of limiting entric in some classes, many types of produc were on display, while the lon "benches of dahlias and cut flowers ir eluded blooms from a number of wel known gardens. Classes for cookery an preserves and pickles were not include in the homo industries section this yeai but appealing skill and artistry wer revealed in the exhibition of needk work in its several branches. Th photographic and art entries furnishe another striking portion of the indoo exhibits'. For tens of thousands of visitors t Epsom to-dav the show will, perhaps be something of a transient spectacle But for hundreds of others, whose ir ierests lie iri livestock and whose er thusiasm is fired by competition, th exhibition is the culmination of week of preparation. Every animal, from th largest bull to the smallest terriei has had attention lavished upon it. Hope of New Records Many of the modern mechanical dc telopments in farm equipment are t be seen in the trade displays. Th motor industry is also well represente in the exhibition of the latest model of British and American cars. Full satisfaction with the first day' proceedings was expressed last night b the secretary of the association, Mi . W. F. O'Donnell. He said that a firs day's attendance double that of las year was a happy augury, and, in vie\ °f the added attractions that were t tie presented to-day, there was ever . hope oif new records being establisliec PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART SEVERAL LARGE CLASSES The photographic section was notabl for several large classes, in which th Kenqral quality of exhibits was ver; high. Entries in the art section wer Email. The awards were: — PHOTOGRAPHY _ Senior Division.—Portrait or figure study f- L. Casbolt, l; F. L. i3owron, 2; D. Whi ' a nn. 3. Seascape or marine: E. T. Robsor - 1 ; F. L. Casbolt, 2; D. Whillans, 3. An subject: C. IC. Singleton, l, 2 and 3. Lane scape; R. Brialey, 1! F. L. Casbolt, 2; E 4* Robson, 3. Farm scene: R. Brialey, 1 f* L. Casboll;, 2; G. Stephenson, 3. Any sul: ject, open to those who have won awards i ? n s* exhibition: F. L. Bowron. 1; H. Co ie %e, 2; R. J. searle, 3. -Junior Division.—Portrait or figure: A Fair, 1, •> and 3. Landscape: A. D. Fail Seascape or marine: G. A. Cassells. 1 ani "! A. D. Fair, 2. Farm scene: A. D. Fair, 1 ART SECTION Still Life.T-Miss M. Bowman, 1. Land in oib>: A. G. Funnel), 1 and 2; J Y ri PPpn, 3. Seascape or maritime, in oils f- G- Funnell, 1 and 2; J. Crippen, 3. Land scape, water colours: A. G. Funnell, 1 am ' : ,o. Crippen, 3. Seascape or maritime ?t» er colours: A. G. Funnell, 1; J. J. King? loru, 2. Pen and ink or sepia: J. Crippen. 1 XI ffi lor Division.—Group of objects: Mis Thompson, 1; R. Lcese, 2.