A THE SHOW.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 89, 28 November 1911, Page 5

A THE SHOW.

BEFORE TOE CROWDS COME

A PRIVATE VIEW. (By Our Special Reporter.) On the eve of its opening day a big Show always wears a look of eager expectancy. True, there is not the bustling, 'jostling, happy crowd, eager for all the joys of the Fair; instead, there is the small army of workers, the official keeping one eye on the weather and the other on the finishing, touches, upon which his men are busily engaged, the showmen erecting their tents in preparation for their natrons of the morrow. Early this morning a representative of the* “Stratford Evening Post” was conducted over the grounds by Mr. Dingle, the President of the Association, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Stratford A. and P. Show. Driving in through the main entrance of the grounds, Mr. Dingle pointed out the new seats arranged under the -shade of the big fir trees on the right. “Those,” ho said, “are for the picnickers; they can get hot water from the cottage across the way, and

ran enjoy their meals in comfort.” Further on came the marquees. First a hig one fully thirty yards long. Inside, the carpenters wore busy constructing fair-sized wire cages. “You won’t guess what that is,” remarked someone. “That’s for the dogs.” This year the committee has decided to feature the canine section of the dumb community, and Laddie and Fido will be able to fight for supremacy in a more dignified and loss disastrous manner than dogs are wont to do. Next door the poultry will disport themselves, and further, on still, in the big corrugated iron produce shed, are the long white tables ready for all the varied products in which the farmer and his good wife can display their skill and industry. Then there are the side shows. The strong man with bulging muscles, who will toss the heavy weights and wrestle any man, is getting into training by driving in pegs • and pulling ropes. Next door the Yankee gentleman, whose wonderful flow of language will draw around him a crowd of ardent admirers, displays the human side of his nature. “I like the crowds,” ho drawled. “They’re so pleased to see each other. It’s always ‘What have you been doing since the last Show?’” Perhaps lie forgets how far apart these people live, and does not think of the difficulties in the way of paying calls. Still, he struck one of the main reasons why a show should be held each year. It brings the people together, adds fresh interests to their life, and confers mutual benefits when comparing farming experiences. It is just one reason, but it is a strong one. Passing round tiie enclosure'with its neat white railing, it seems difficult to believe that sixteen months ago stumps marred the beauty of its fair surface. Next year it will all be as smooth, and covered with as fine grass as the cricket pitches in the centre. On the main ground the hurdles for tiie military events, the pony leaping competition, and others..of that, class, are in position. The furze jump in particular looks very formidable,, and should prove a good test of the, .qualities of the .hunter. Going round the enclosure past the stables, the size and number of the pens for. sheep, pigs, and cattle iliaar striking, testimony to the fact"that this Show in every respect is going to bo a record one. One glance at the number of entries is sufficient - 3 in several classes the number has been doubled. Moreover, tiie quality will -lie in keeping with the quantity, it is anticipated that some of the linest stock ever exhibited in JSew Zealand will be on view. As yet, however, the yards are empty, and there is still much work to 10 done. ’ I

A marked improvement is to be seen in tJie two fields to the rear of the stables. These have been drained and stumped, and are ready for tiie time when the increasing patronage of the community and tue development of the district demands additional space. Tiie Stratford A. and x*. Association certainly,have enough land on which to stage the biggest Show in Taranaki, if not in New eZaland. At the present rate of progress it will not lie long before Stratford is in a fair way to attaining that goal. Near the Stand is the pen for the fat bullock, which is to figure in the weight-judging competition. The first pi me for this is a Singer sewing machine to the value of £l4 10s. Three sheep and one extra fat pig are also in the competition, and the winner in each is certain of a good prize. Another excellent scheme is the judging competition open to amateurs only. Competitors will be asked to give their decisions on the quality of certain classes of horses, cattle, and sheep, and the one whose opinion most nearly corresponds to that of the experts will be awarded a certificate of merit.

Viewed from the ton of the large stand, whoso seating accommodation should to-morrow be taxed to the utmost, the grounds appear certainly looking at their very best. 'They speak volumes for the energy of the'members of the committee, who are to be congratulated upon attaining such excellent results.

By this afternoon all the arrangements are expected to be completed. It only remains for the public to accord this, the second Show, the support and patronage they so liberally gave the first. Given this, and fine weather, November 29th and 30th should bo days to be remembered in Stratford and for miles around for many years to come.

Nothing now remains hut for the public to come along and patronise the Show cither for their amusement or their instruction. To amuse the public there will be side shows of every description, and, as the showgrounds are very suitable for the purpose, families wishing to make a picnic of the outing may do so and get a great deal of enjoyment on either day of the Show. Under the large belt of trees on the east of the entrance gates a number of seats have been placed in the cool shade, and tables will lie distributed under the trees for the use of picnickers. Other seats are now in course of erection on the southern end of the grounds. Hot water will he supplied free from 1 p.m. to 1 p.m. The horse and pony jumping events are always popular with the public, and as the oval is very compact these events can bo followed in every detail while taking place. From the number of entries received in the harness driving events some really fine horses and smart turnouts should grace the ring. _ Quite a number of lady riders will exhibit their prowess as horsewomen, and as they take a pride in turning nut smartly, together with their ability generally to ride gracefully and with ease, tlie classes in which they take part are always welcomed by the public. Events of any kind that arc novel appeal to most people who wish for entertainment, and in this respect the novelty at (ho Stratford Show will be the dog parade. The dog parade itself

will lie novel, and more than this can) be said of a certain animal, the spo-j cies of which the public will he al-| lowed to judge for themselves, which will disport itself among the canines. With fine weather the Stratford Show: of 1911 should make history.