WINTER SHOW

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25552, 3 June 1944, Page 8

WINTER SHOW

COMPREHENSIVE DISPLAY THE OFFICIAL OPENING HIGH QUALITY OF EXHIBITS The fifth war-time Winter Show of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society was opened yesterday, and the outstanding nature of the displays, the size, quality, and representative nature of the exhibits, and the variety of attractions in the industrial, educational, and amusement sections have combined to make it a rich source of interest for both town and country visitors. In this, the fifth year of war, the call for the increased output of foodstuffs has become still more imperative, and winter shows, with their competitive classes, offer encouragement to the farmers to provide not only larger quantities but also better quality stock and produce for export as well as for the local market.

Yesterday was judges' day, and with a total entry of 2010 in the competitive classes, compared with last year's total of 1996, the task of the officials was by no means a light one. The fat bullocks were outstanding, and as a result of scientific breeding and feeding on the part of the exhibitors it is safe to say that those exhibited yesterday were equal in quality to this class of stock that could be produced anywhere. There were increased entries in 9 of the 18 fat stock sections, and the sheep classes, with 64 entries, attracted the largest showing for seven years, the exhibit being a credit to the sheep breeders. Competition throughout the catalogue, indeed, was keen. The factory cheese and butter exhibits, the judging of which was completed on Thursday, are shown in classes drawn from actual export consignments. The many varieties of apples and pears in the fruit section illustrate the extensive cultivation in Otago of these important commodities.

It is essential for Otago to have good . winter feed crops, and much has been ■ learned from the Winter Show displays of roots regarding what can be ■ grown to secure the best feed values. Once again this year the turnips, -t mangolds, and other roots are of ex- • cedent quality. Entries in the garden •’ vegetables section have risen from 67 to 110, and there are increased entries . in both the preserves and needlework sections, which more than compensate for the drop in the home industries or baking section. Wool entries for the first time have passed the three-figure mark.

The takings for the first day of this year's show were £215 15s, compared with £228 6s 6d for the first day last year. During the evening the Highland Pipe Band played on the stage. Attractive Displays

The displays include six bays arranged by the Women’s Institute, for which there are entries from Hindon, Taieri, Green Island, Macandrew Bay, Waikouaiti, and Dunedin. These are shown in the Victoria Hall, along with the needlework section, and a very attractive display of chrysanthemums set out on the stage.

The Otago Model Engineering Society has some outstanding exhibits, the feature of which are three small operating railways and a model railway engine, 18 feet long, the. material for the parts of which cost over £ 1000. Nature study material is displayed by the Museum Education Service, and the stall of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union shows the products of a farm.

Perhaps one of the most interesting and instructive exhibits is the fine display of war souvenirs of this war and the last war, including both Allied and enemy equipment, which has been arranged by the Dungdin Returned Services’ Association. A feature of the display is a collection of civilian and army newspapers, among them being a copy of the Crete News, of which only four issues were published. The Brydone Hall also houses a training aircraft which is part of the display arranged by the Dunedin squadrons and school units of the Air Training Corps. Air cadets will be in attendance each night to demonstrate the various types of equipment, including a gun turret, power operated.

An exhibit of arts and crafts representing the work of school pupils attending manual training centres, intermediate schools, and district high schools reflects in a striking way the results of modern methods of training children. The display is of outstanding merit, and covers a wide range of art and craft work, clothing, woodwork and poster work.

The army display in the Agricultural Hall consists of a Bofors 44millimetre quick-firing anti-aircraft gun, a 25-pounder'gun-howitzer, and a two-pounder anti-tank gun, besides several other British small arms and machine guns. The exhibit also includes enemy weapons—German, Italian, and Japanese—which were captured in this war, and a display of A.E.W.S. work done by mobilised soldiers and members of the W.A.A.C. in leisure hours and also by patients in hospitals. Interesting exhibits by local manufacturers and farm machinery are included in the displays, and full attention is also paid to the amusement side. A merry-go-round in the Brydone Hall and the usual range of side shows provide no lack of bright entertainment.

Additional interest for visitors is offered by the Dunedin Fanciers’ Club Show, which is being held in conjunction with the Winter Show and is housed in the Fuller Hall. Opening . Ceremony

The official opening ceremony was performed yesterday afternoon-by the Minister of Defence, Mr F. Jones, in the presence of a large crowd. (A report of his remarks appears elsewhere in this issue.)

, The president of the society, Mr John Young (Allanton), spoke of the difficulties that had had to be overcome because of war-time conditions. He said he believed that the Otago Society was the only one in New Zealand that had continued to hold its winter show. The show not only fostered goodwill between town and country, but served the object of improving the quality of Stock and produce. The retiring Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) congratulated the society on the outstanding nature of the displays.