WINTER SHOW PRIZE ESSAYS

Otago Witness, Issue 3098, 30 July 1913, Page 18

WINTER SHOW PRIZE ESSAYS

Following are the essays placed first ’n order of merit in Classes I and II in connection with the recent Winter Show. The title was ‘‘The Winter Show.” Class I. A sunny day, a fresh breeze, flags flying, and a happy excitement all combined to make my journey to the show a pleasant one. Outside the large building people were flocking round the ticket offices purchasing their tickets. Inside was all bustle and noise, slightly confusing at first, but full of interest. The cattle and sheep were being criticised and praised by experienced farmers and wondered at by the dwellers of the city. These splendid animals had evidently been reared by owners who were determined to have no scond-class stock men who were prepared to spare no pains to obtain the very best results. The meat exploited from New Zealand will not be of inferior quality. Many machines, such as oil engines, milking machines, and sheepshearing machines, were on view, some working with a great clattering noise and some, especially the milking machines, the centre of attraction to farmers who owned large herds of cows. The old methods of manual labour are being discarded in favour of these mechanical devices, and the work can now be done under more pleasant circumstances and in a much shorter time. Stylish buggies and gigs were also on exhibition; but the motorcars, those triumphs of invention, were thought more of because of their greater speed, for the business man of to-day wishes to do his work in the shortest possible time. The farmers’ exhibits of turnips, carrots, and mangolds were proof that the soil in which they were grown was most suitable for the cultivation and growth of root crops. The lower storey was almost entirely an exhibition of machinery meant to assist workers in their labour, while n the upper story was a display of the products of that labour. So, having finished my inspection of tiro former, I proceeded to view the latter. A special room was set apart for the Government Department’s exhibit, and the first object to catch my eye was the lucerne hay and the ensilage, and thi'y told me that here again modern ways and new methods were being used. The Weraroa Farm forwarded samples of fancy cheeses, while from Waerenga came bottles of wine, vinegar, and mead. Evidently the luxuries of life will not need to be all imported in the future. The value of scientific methods in agriculture was clearly demonstrated by the most interesting exhibit of the results of co-operative field experiments with wheat, oats, tubers, forage plants, etc., and of the specimens of grasses, grains, fruit, etc., sent from the experimental farms. These exhibits are of the highest importance, not only to farmers. to whom they teach many lessons, hut to the dominion as a whole, for our future depends on a sensible use of the land. I was aroused bv the loud crowing of roosters and the quacking of drakes and ducks from the Milton Poultrv Farm, while close at hand was the phormium flax and its finished productions. Chief among the displays of agricultural and dairy produce were the farmers’ bays, which were simply marvellous both in their arrangement and in the great varietv of goods displayed, 9 hey proved that, given good laud, energetic workers, and sensible “methods, splendid returns arc possible. Placed on long tables and stands were first-class cheese, yellow butter in pats and . pretty fancy designs; most tempting honey, cakes and apples, loaves and scones, fowls, bacon and hams, and sacks of wheat, oats, barley, etc., all bearing testimony to the industry of the people of Otago and the fertiltiy of the soil.' The latest styles of furniture were set cut ns in furnished rooms, and were much admired; the beautiful jewellery glistened in glass cases; sewing machines were tried; lovely specimens of Natures handiwork filled the floral stall, to which many were attracted hv the delicious perfume of the violets ; while on all sides were stalls of fancy goods and side shows. This exhibition brought people from far and near,' taught many lessons, brought into notice new inventions and methods, gave one an idea of the industries and productions of Otago, increased trade, and

brought into close contact the country and city, to the advantage of both. Class 11. Throughout the first week of June two topics of conversation engrossed the Dunedin public—the visit of the New Zealand and the Dunedin Winter Show—events which attracted many country visitors. In the absence of the Prime Minister the show was officially opened by the Hon. H. D. Bell. On entering the building enormous bullocks which, if released, would probably create a stampede, attracted attention, yet when the pipe baud in the vicinity sent forth its weird straihs, the docility of the cattle was remarkable. To alter the quotation we might say : “Music hath charms to soothe the savage beast.” The extraordinarily large sheep elicited the “They’re not sheep, but young bullocks! It is to be feared, that the sight of the prize pony caused many small boys to break the tenth commandment. The massive turnips and other useful roots demonstrated the advantages of intensive cultivation ; but owing to the past wet season the grain, although of excellent quality, showed a marked decrease in quantity. The fine display of dairy produce proved specially interesting to the country people ; the artistic exhibit of fancy butter was appreciated by all, whilst the plump, welldressed poultry, together with the hams and bacon, recalled pleasant memories of Christmas. The excellent cooking exhibits testified to the fact that in Otago the art of baking has not been forgotten ; but it occurred to me that if the judge sampled all the specimens he would afterwards become a victim to acute indigestion. The wonderful variety of products procured from a single farm was shown in the interesting exhibits of Messrs Willocks and Reed ; but the amount of time and labour involved in preparation, doubtless, prevented many from competing. Another attractive feature was that of the Department of Agriculture, which has this year surpassed all previous efforts. Within a dome-shaped structure were characteristic views in the fruit and farming areas of the dominion, whilst on the exterior walls might be seen specimens of grasses and clo'vers grown by the Waitaki Boy’s High School. The various diseases which afflict the farmer’s stock, the weeds he may profitably cultivate, and those injurious to his crops were also exhibited. The fine display of fruit from the Government experimental farms, together with a collection from all parts of the dominion, determined the best varieties for export, illustrated what can be done by cultivation and irrigation, whilst a fruit-packing demonstration was an object-lesson to the orchardist. Other sections showed wine, vinegar, mcade, and fancy cheese. Some excellent sheaves of wheat and the fine specimens of domestic birds from the Milton Poultry Farm gave a finish to the whole display. The Tourist Department’s exhibit consisted of an attractive display of trophies and views of the scenic beauties of the dominion, the whole revealing the natural resources of our country. Although the Otago Education Board had an excellent display, the small number of entries from the” primary schools was perhaps, as was the case in our school, due to the allurements of the noble game of football.

Downstairs were tlic various farming implements —shearing and milking machines, separators and fertilisers, all of which, owing to the difficulty in obtaining labour, prove of great benefit to the farmer, saving both time and money. The National Electrical Co.’s display comprised electrical specialities—radiators, hot plates and kettles, gvillers, toasters, and last, but not least, the electric iron—-all labour-saving devices which lessen the need of employing domestic help. The furniture exhibited by the various local firms showed their capability of manufacturing a really firstclass article, whilst the jewellery reflected great credit upon the makers. The magnificent array of motor cars evidently impressed our country visitors, for no less than £6OOO was expended on these luxuries. This emphasises the fact that the prosperity of the farmer is undoubted. The Dunedin Winter Show of 1913 has worthily sustained —even surpassed— the reputation of its predecessors; it has proved the wisdom of its promoters, mutually benefiting town and country by bringing them into closer touch, thus increasing the happiness and prosperity of this portion of the dominion.