PROVINCE ON THE MAP

Southland Times, Issue 23998, 13 December 1939, Page 21

PROVINCE ON THE MAP

—The Leader of the Opposition.

PERHAPS no single factor has played a more conspicuous or effective part in the development of agricultural and pastoral work in New Zealand than the annual shows of the various agricultural and pastoral associations, finally culminating in the Royal Show. Its contribution to the development of our stock, and the improvements of our methods and equipment, is incalculable. I would like to add, too, that the first Royal Show that was held in Invercargill did more for our province of Southland, in the way of bringing its endowments and importance before the rest of the Dominion, than perhaps any other one thing. That first Royal Show put Southland, on the map, and it ceased to be looked upon as an insignificant part of the far south or the Antarctic Circle. I am quite certain that this Royal Show of our Centennial Year will again prove to be valuable in at least demonstrating to the rest of New Zealand that, in production, Southland has. played—and will continue to play—a very prominent if not leading part. From the point of view of the diversity of interests that can be provided by an agricultural and pastoral exhibition, Southland is happily placed. It has a good variety of stock, and is strongly representative of all sections of dairying, meat and wool interests. It also has grain and agricultural products, and

a strongly developed and very essential background of sporting instincts, which are demonstrated by the strength of the various competitions connected with these exhibitions. I have no hesitation in forecasting that this Royal Show in Invercargill will again prove the great wealth and solidity of this province, and its ability to take its place with any other in New Zealand in the agricultural and pastoral field. I am sure, too, that other New Zealanders will realize, as the result of their visit to Southland for this Royal Show, the sincerity and warmth of the hospitality of the far south. I can say with pride that I am one of a family that has played its part in the pioneering work of this province, and I am proud of the men and women with whom I have been associated throughout my life in the great work of development done here. We are not looking back alone today, and this province from this show will go on to even greater heights of. development. He would be a strange Southlander indeed who did not feel a thrill of pride at the achievement of his province for which this Royal Show, I know, will be a wonderful advocate. That it is the Royal Show will provide it with the piquancy of strong competition from other provinces in the Dominion, and to the contests that this will provide in all the sections we will all look forward with great interest.

I would like to say just one word to express my own personal appreciation, and I know the appreciation of everyone, of the magnificent work done by public-spirited men in the organ-', ■ ization of this great exhibition. For them, no praise is too high, and the greatest reward of their work is in the progress of the community in which they live. That community in Southland is proud of them, and I am sure the public will show their appreciation by attending in full force on at least two days. ADAM HAMILTON. Invercargill.