THE ROYAL SHOW

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11664, 31 October 1923, Page 11

THE ROYAL SHOW

MAKING PREPARATIONS. WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT AT PALMERSTON. (By’Telegrapli.—“Times” Special Reporter.) PALMERSTON N.. October 30. Mr K. W. Dalrymple, president of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association, conversed with a “Times” special reporter for a few minutes on the subject of the Royal Show, which, it is ardently hoped, will be held in Palmerston North next year, and, if the final selection falls to will take the place of the spring sboif. When it was decided to form a Royal Society, the idea of holding the first show at Palmerston North was accepted almost unanimously. “The Manawatu executive,” said Mr Dalrymple, “is prepared to go on with the project very thoroughly onoe it is finally settled, and the members are very keen on having it here. They will do their utmost to make it a success, and it should have the effect of bringing in exhibits from a much wider area than we have touched hitherto, and also a greater number.” ; PLANS AHEAD. . Asked whether there was sufficient accommodation as the show ground stood at present, Mr Dalrymple pointed out that the executive had made several alterations and additions since the last show. These include new brick stables for horses, and all stock is now under cover. The society has, however, never been squeezed for room, but if the Royal Show is held in Palmerston North, he recognised that they would need more room than they had at present. This has already been anticipated, and a scheme has been placed before the committee which practically involves the remodelling of the show ground. The whole ground is to be drained in order to avoid the morass that prevailed at the last winter show, while the suggestion has been put forth that a bitumen road should be constructed from the entrance gates to the stand with bitumen paths round the side-shows. Another site is to be found for the grandstand, and if anything like the scheme outlined is carried out the Manawatu ground will he second to none in, tho Dominion. WILL RAISE THE MONEY. The association had not a large sum of money in hand, said the president, but they did not anticipate any difficulty in raising the' amount required to do everything that was necessary. Other associations had raised money for such a purpose, and they could do the same. No doubt they would have to spend a considerable amount of money, but if the show was held at Palmerston they were going to give it a good send-off, anyway. DOMINION TRIAL GROUND. Mr Dalrymple agreed that the Royal Show would be a splendid trying-out ground for the whole of the Dominion’s stock, and a ehow hekl under Royal warrant would be additionally attractive, besides which they would have an Increased monetary value. If the breeders took it up as they should do, they should see the very best stock that the Dominion can produce. Perhaps the interest generally was not as keen as it might he, but it was yet early. WILL DOUBLE THE ATTENDANCE. Another gentleman pointed out that there wore usually 20,000 to 25,000 people present at the show on people’s day, and if there was a Royal Show he thought tho number would be doubled. Manawatu was tho richest area of land in the Dominion, was an ideal spot for a Royal Show, and they had the means to make it a success.