NEW SHOW GROUND.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 736, 19 August 1878, Page 1 (Supplement)

NEW SHOW GROUND.

CO THE EDITOR OF THE EVEXTSO MAIL. SIR.—It is to be regretted that the Committee of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association should be ,o divided in their ..pinions as to the best aito to choose for a new show ground. Hitherto their actions have been marked by unanimity, liberality, ami an evident desire to promote the successful progress of a most valuable organisation ; but in respect to the acquisition of a more suitable piece of ground, the writer is puzzled to know the motives actuating the three different parties in the Committee. The nasty offer made to Mr. Holmes for a site in such an out-of-the-way locality as Deborah was an egregious mistake, and it is well that it is now withdrawn, for had it been adhered to and the shows held there, the Association would have suffered very seriously, inasmuch as t->e support of the larger bulk of the citiz-ns of Oamaru would have been withheld, and the expenses of conducting the shows would be largely incruased. It is not to be supposed that the Committee have abandoned the idea of getting another site, although a resolution has been passed having apparently that appearance. As an outsider, having a great interest in the success of such exhibitions, and no private motive to servo, I venture ti> offer suggestions for what they are worth. The nhows of the past few yeare have always been regarded as annual event 3of great importance and benefit, not only to the farmers but to the people of the town, and any selection of ground should be influenced by regard being had to the welfare of the country-and the town, both being reciprocally dependent. Taking this as a premise, there cannot be a question, that the first proposition of utilising the reserve of l'.) acres near the Junction Hotel was the best that has yet been made.. But the conditions and terms proposed were such as offended the Committee, and were, from my point of view, not liberal enough to he for a moment entertained. Had the Corporation proposed to give the reserve for the use of the Association for two days in the year, with some fixity of tenure, and binding it to fence, plant, and otherwise beautify the reaerve, making it what it ought really to be, an ornament to the town, without asking the Association for the proceeds of the sale of the present six acres, then it appears to me the Association wontd have acceded to the agreement, and, in addition, would have paid 'an annual rental equal to what is now piiid by the present tenant. The Corporation would have had uo expense, and no loss ; and would have seen in a short time a recreation ground, beautified and made applicable for the purposes for which it is intended. The position of the Corporation has been somewhat like "the dog in the manger." They will not, or cannot, make the" reserve a credit to the town, and they will not accept the services of a body which would. The proceeds, or a balance of the proceeds of the mte of the present ground, will in any ease be used m erecting buildings, fences, and in the planting of trees, &c. _ The Corporation would therefore be enriched to the extent of the improvements effected on the reserve. I hope the Munietp-d Council, in its approaching sittings, will reconsider the roies-iou. taking a more comprehensive view of the tu'iire. and not compel the Association to hold iusliows at t distance from the town : thereby injuring the tradesmen and others in a considerable degree -luring the time of the ihow.

If th* Council <l cliue to make &r,y further proposals to the in regard to the reserve, then :t'i o-.-.t-look must be made tor the n.xt beat site kwpirig still in mind my premise. The paddock "f Mr. Lewis, near the South Town Belt, ia by far the best position to hold our shows, and although the price required for it may appear high, yet. after it ia paid for, there will still be a. eonliderable balance left to erect buildings, Jfcc.; and I am sure the tirst cost of the land will be mure than paid for in the extra returns from gate moneys, Ac, as compared with cheaper land at a greater distance.

Whatever decision is arrived at by the Association, it is to bo hoped it will not be tliu result of any selfish scheme or design, but be the outcome of au earnest and rhonest wuh to make the Association keep puce with the demands of the times, and maintain our shows in the foreground of all other Societieu in this Island. I arn, Ac. A.v Octsidek.