AGRICULTURAL SHOWS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1732, 10 May 1905, Page 63

AGRICULTURAL SHOWS

(By “Agricola.”)

It -will be freely admitted that tlie benefits arising from holding an agricultural show are very considerable. From a commercial point of view its influence is of some importance, and much good business results ; from, an educational view the practical lessons to be learnt from it are many, while the benefits to the town in which it is held are of equal importance. At the same time, if the subject is closely considered it will be readily seen that the wealthy stock breeder and stud flock owner get far more benefit or profit out of the show than any other person connected with it. Take, for instance, the case of a pedigree breeder who exhibits his flock or his herd and wins in prize money, say, £lO or £ls. At this show his stock have been brought (through the influence of the association) directly under the notice of graziers, breeders, and flock owners from all parts of the colony, and possibly from Australia, well-to-do men the majority of these, many of whom become purchasers at the ram fair following the show, or buy straicdit from the exhibitor himself,

with, the result that the si vcessful exhibitor makes sales to the extent of two or three hundred pounds. In addition to this he has made a name for himself that will ensure a ready sale for Ins stock at a good price for many years to come. All this has been done at the expense of the society that has canvassed the town and district for donations and trophies very much in the interest of the breeder. lam not going to say that this class of exhibitor does not make the show, hut I very certainly do say that the show makes the exhibitor; and donations are very largely drawn from the business men and the shopkeepers in the town. Long before the date of the show the town and the adjoining town; are diligently canvassed for subscriptions. In fact, the upkeep of an agricultural association depends in no small measure on the support of the non-exhibitor. Look through the list of members of the average A. and P. Association, and the names of pretty well all the business men in the town will ha seen, also a number cf the employees ; a good “gate'’ is also much valued to swell the coffers of a show. This is always very largely made up of the townsman and Ins family. It* is, consequently, by no- means the farmers’ or exhibitors’ money that makes the show or the association a success. Under these circumstances I believe that the agricultural and pastoral associations might very fairly and profitably consider some sehemo whereby a, very considerable amount of the prize money should revert again to the association. lam confident that no exhibitor would withdraw from any good show on account of a fair percentage of his prize money again .reverting to the association. No one will contend that

the money won is in any way a necessity to the best exhibitors. The red or yellow ticket denoting the first prize is what they are really striving for. Having won this they have won a reputation that means far more to them than the few pounds ready cash prize money. The pedigree breeder makes a trade* or if you like a profession, of the work. The show is then very necessary to him as a means of bringing his stock before the general public and probable purchasers. Then these exhibitors, getting, as they most decidedly do. the lion’s share of the profit, should undoubtedly contribute in proportion to what they receive. The matter is well worth considering by any association, and I think some good would come out of it, in any case a discussion on the subject would hurt no one.