The S. A and JP. Association.

Southland Times, Issue 9541, 10 June 1887, Page 3

The S. A and JP. Association.

TO THE EDITOB, Sir,— From your report of the annual meeting of the above A.sociation I cull tbe following spicy paragraph :— "The entries are. scarcely as numerous as last year, which can be easily accounted for when we (how many directors were present I ) consider that three shows in various districts of Southland are held just a week or so previous to our own ; which no doubt tend to cull out many inferior animals in all classes, which although they Goaab in number do nothing to create attraction at a cattle show." 1 tuke not up my pen in a capricious moment, nor do I wish to be led into a paper controversy, but the sentiments which I have abridged from the report arenas derogatory to kindred socie tieajjas they are unbecoming to a directorate to give expression to. If the opinion is held that it is uncharitable of the country districts to hold shows, and that there should only be one show, and that at [nvercargill, good and well, but to sneer at the exhibits at these •hows makes it painfully evident that the expre.sed sentiments emanate from ho«tile feelings. As a member of several of the Sonthland associations, and « frequent visitor at show*, I have often remarked that with few exceptions the implement at the Invercargill show was the class bsat represented. I notice that the report on thus particular heading bears me out, but goes further, stating ac it doei tbat at the last show the implements were quite a show in themselves. With this I agree, and would add that, the sheep excepted, the rest was a blank. The much- vaunted opinion that Chore, Wyndham, and Riverton should waive holding any future exhibitions of stock (not Implements) and oast in their lot under the banner of the Southland A. and P. Association is not likely to eventuate when such a hostile attitude is assumed by the members of the paternal (?) Society — nor so long as there is sufficient energy and funds to bring these various country _how» oat without a heavy overdraft being required to pay prize money. I would not have trespassed on your space even on the present occasion, but in conversation with seveial influential members of the city a.sociatioa at various time . I have heard the holding of the country shows so much decried that I cannot hep publicly claiming that if your country cousins wish a show, and are willing to pay for it — irrespective of other advantages that can be claimed in their favour — I say let them have it j and in future it is to be hoped that the members of the senior Society wiU, at least publicly, withhold their sneers untii they have a show worth calling by that name. — I am, _c„ Bucolic. 4th June, 1887. __-H-_M-_aa^__-_--____i__n____________B__B_____n__i