FIRST SHOW 57 YEARS AGO

Southland Times, Issue 23990, 4 December 1939, Page 11

FIRST SHOW 57 YEARS AGO

Steady Progress Of Association REVIEW OF EARLY FIXTURES PRESENT GROUND BOUGHT IN 1892 ’ Many memories will be recalled by the pioneers and those who came after, by a review of the various shows held by the Gore Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Each year the show renews its youth, and, while the history of the association is not one long record of unbroken successes, tremendous strides forward have been made both by the association and the town and district whose products it has so attractively presented for general inspection and comparison. An important part in the remarkable advancement of Eastern Southland has been played by the Gore Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The problems and interests of the man on the land have always been considered by the association, while in other capacities the association finds means and opportunities to serve the farmer, for each year it enables the agriculturist and breeder to bring forward the fruits of his labour, be it stock or produce, to be judged on a competitive basis.

The outbreak of war has shown the necessity for increased production. The latter may tend to cause a falling off in quality, and although this must be rightly guarded against, it cannot be considered so very important in times of war. Competition is the best and surest means for retaining the quality of stock or produce, and if competition in the show ring is any criterion, there is every reason to believe that the Dominion’s produce, and particularly that from Eastern Southland, will maintain its high standard. Great credit is therefore due to the Gore Association, which for over half a century has organized annually a splendid exhibition of the finest produce and stock.

The first shows held in the Eastern District of Southland were the result of a combined effort by all of the districts—chiefly Mataura, Wyndham and Gore. However, things did not run very smoothly, with the result that Gore formed an association of its own and eventually conducted the first Gore show in 1882. Some of the present members of the association were present, coming with a dozen others from Mataura in a “K” class wagon. At that time, 57 years ago, the sight of swamp hens was not uncommon and pigs were numerous. There are no records available of the first few shows held by the association, but in 1887 the society staged its annual show in Green’s paddock, situated between what is now Wigan street and the river. Having reached quite, a healthy state by this time, which marked the sixth year of its existence, the show had become a gala day for Gore and the surrounding districts, and residents, young and old, for miles around, flocked to the ground. SELLING THE "GATE” One of the most interesting experiments in the history of the association, which has been recalled from time to time and which is worthy of being repeated, was made in this year, 1887. Atrocious weather had prevailed at one or two previous shows, and, fearing a recurrence of these unfavourable conditions, the committee sold the gate for £45 on the Saturday before the show. Monday dawned wet and gloomy, and with the show but one day away the purchasers of the gate would gladly have accepted £3O for ’their bargain, but no offers were forthcoming. They were rewarded, however, for their speculation. Tuesday, December 7, 1887, was hot and humid as the previous days had been wet and miserable, and although the roads were muddy as a result of the previous spell of rain, folk did not think of shirking the arduous. Show day was then, as now, one of the big days of the year at Gore. The attendance was about 2000, the greater proportion of whom jmprised women. In those days there was no grandstand and no permanent buildings of any description. The vast throng just pushed to and fro “seeing the sights,” while what accommodation was necessary was provided by canvas tents, the ground being literally studded with these. lu those days the main feature of the show ring was the horse, which supplied the greater proportion of the stock entries. Today their numbers have dwindled by comparison, but there is evidence that they are coming back into favour. Next in order of favouritism was the dairy produce section, this being housed,in a large tent. The humidity of the weather affected the butter, but some of the exhibits were of a high standard, and competition was very keen. FARM IMPLEMENTS Agricultural implements and accessories were displayed in good numbers, and a special section of the spacious ground was devoted to this purpose. A drain plough was shown by Reid and Gray Ltd., while Begg’ and Wilkinson exhibited a buckeye elevating reaper which dispensed with the canvas wings and could be folded to allow it to

negotiate gates. A separator, for which the New Zealand Loan Company acted as agent, kept the firm’s representative busy explaining its working to an ever-changing crowd. Green’s paddock was the site of the 1888 show. Heavy rain fell practically until midday of the day of the show, which appeared doomed to failure. After the experience of the previous show the committee did not sell the gate. The bunting hung by the committee on the ground to give an added appearance of gaiety was limp and wet, but in the afternoon the skies cleared and crowds streamed to the ground. The gate returned £77. This emphasizes the fact that the show was always one of the big days of the year and one for jollity and no complaints, and this spirit prevailed throughout. Because of the Gore Brass Band having for some unknown reason gone defunct, no music was available. Its absence was regretted and hopes were expressed for an early resurrection. The champion prize for the most points in horses, sheep and cattle, donated by the president, Mr G. M. Bell, was annexed by the New Zealand Agricultural Company. The entries totalled 306, but these figures do not include the implements, which showed an increase on those of the previous shows. SUCCESSFUL SHOW The following year, 1889, the association had the most successful show of its youthful career, and the display was favoured with a visit from the acting Premier of the colony, the Hon.. E. Michelson. One writer of the period took the distinguished visitor to task for wearing a shabby old coat on such an auspicious occasion. The president’s special champion prize, presented by Mr W. A. McDonald, was won by Mr A. Allison, who well deserved his success, having been run-ner-up - to previous winners. On this occasion, the New Zealand Agricultural Company did not compete for the trophy. ;An interesting feature of these early events was the horse shoeing for which Mr Thomas Green donated special prices of £l/1/- each for draught and hack classes. Included in the list of special prizes was a pompadour dress for the best bouquet of flowers grown in the district. A dress piece was awarded for the best home-made cheese.

The extent of the society’s progress can be gauged from the fact that in 1890 the gate was £92, and in 1891 £ll2. It was in 1891 that the increasing entries and the difficulty of completing the judging gave rise to discussion on the necessity, of holding a two-days show. The show held on Tuesday, December 1, 1891, evidently aroused indignation because of the fact that the grand parade had to be abandoned, as the last of the judging was not done until 5.30 p.m.. Some 3000 people were present and the entries showed an increase of 69 over those of the previous year. The dairy produce section had 160 entries. In the cheese classes Mrs Muir secured premier honours over the Gore and Mataura dairy factories, while Mrs and Miss Gilchrist (Waikaka Valley) were well to the fore in the homecraft sections. The display of implements was greater, and included a new phase of work from a local source, as Mr S. Collett, of Gore, had on display an ordinary spring cart and butcher’s spring cart,

the workmanship Of which elicited much favourable cdmment. This was the beginning of the coach-building industry locally. INCREASED ENTRIES Further evidence of the steady progress of the association can be gleaned from the fact that in 1893 there were 690 entries, while the gate returned £132. In 1894 the entries were 765 and the gate £154, a fairly substantial increase. The special trains to Gore were all crowded, while large numbers arrived in drays, lordly four-in-hands, traps,, and a fe>v on foot. For the first time in its history the association cut the licenced booths out. This meant a drop in receipts of £3B. . At the 1894 show a class was. introduced for “the pen of wethers most suited for the frozen meat trade,” and the prize of £5/5/- presented by J. G. Ward and Company was secured by Mr W. J. Johnston. The president, Mr N. S. Kingdon, donated the prize for most points, this being won by Mr J. Galt. Mr G. P. Johnston scooped the pool among the Lincoln sheep. Inhere were record entries for the 1895 show, which was held in ideal weather conditions. - The entries totalled 801, but with a few more implements this number was increased. The attendance was approximately 5000 and the gate returned £lB5. The special prize for the pen of 20 wethers most suitable for the frozen meat trade was won by John Reid and Sons with some ■ exceptionally good Shropshire Downs. Many factors contributed to 1896 being a bad year for the farmers and the Gore show. The show unfortunately clashed with similar functions in the Western District and elsewhere. The stock forwarded for exhibition was very poor, and a boisterous wind militated against an enjoyable day. The aggregate entries wer,e 665. Mr G. P. Johnston had a day out. He annexed all the special prizes, which were as follows: Most points in sheep 25/- presented by the Premier Dip Company; most points in sheep £2/2/- presented by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company Limited; most points in long woolled sheep, including fat sheep, £5/5/- presented by the Farmers’ Agency Company, Dimedin; and the president’s prize (Mr W. F. Ward) for most points in horses, cattle or sheep, or in any one or more of these, a silver cup valued at £5/5/-.

Eight years ago the association celebrated its jubilee, and to mark the occasion the executive redoubled its efforts to provide an attraction that would live long in the memory of the finest display of quality ever seen at Gore.

Stock owners are well catered for, loose-boxes and stalls being provided for cattle and horses, while sheep, which usually are strongly represented, find ample shelter beneath the roof of three large sheep yards. The association leaves no stone unturned in its endeavour to cater for every section of the community and the advance of the Gore show has continued.