TO BE HELD IF POSSIBLE

Southland Times, Issue 24755, 28 May 1942, Page 4

TO BE HELD IF POSSIBLE

AGRICULTURAL SHOWS A decision that all agricultural and pastoral associations should try to hold, their shows this year was made at the annual meeting of the Southern District Council of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand at Gore yesterday. It was also decided to ask the Royal Society to have the position clarified about petrol for judges and exhibitors attending shows. The question of holding shows this year was fully discussed, and although it was admitted that there were many difficulties to contend with, the majority of those present considered that shows should be held if at all possible. The chairman (Mr J. A. Edwards) said that the matter had been introduced to give breeders a lead. The breeders desired to know whether or not shows would be held so that they could prepare their stock. He understood that the Christchurch, Timaru, and Oamaru shows would be abandoned this year. Mr A. C. Cameron (secretary), said that the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association might have to abandon its show this year because of its grounds being occupied. “Whether or not shows can be held is the question to be decided,” said Mr A. C. Adamson. “A number of associations cannot hold their shows this year because of their grounds being occupied. The Southland show may have to be abandoned because its ground is at present occupied." The Clutha Association had fixed its date for this year’s show, said Mr D. Wallace. “We are going on with it unless something unexpected happens. We do not want to get cold feet over this matter. I recommend that all Southland shows carry on until they are absolutely forced to abandon,” Mr Wallace said.

It was reported that the Kelso Association had decided to abandon its show this year and that the Wyndham, Winton and Gore Associations had not made a decision. The Otago Peninsula Association had set the date of its show for. December 12. Mr T. Hamilton said that if the ground was available he thought the Southland Association would carry on with its show. If, however, the smaller shows did not carry on, he did not see how the Southland show could be much of a success.