THE FARMER’S HOLIDAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 20, 21 May 1912, Page 5

THE FARMER’S HOLIDAY.

WHERE HE SPENDS IT. When that muph talked of but never defined person, “the man in the 'street,*’. I goes holiday-making, his desires command him to seek relaxation from his business, and for a time lie tides to forget the familiar office or shop where he earns his daily bread. But with, the farmer it is different, for when he comes to town he combines business with pleasure, and so takes his holiday at a time when an agricultural show is in progress. A show affords tiie farmer pleasant recreation, an opportunity to meet friends from afar, and, further, enables him to see the latest appliances of the industry he is engaged in, and to discuss with authorities matters appertaining to the farming and dairying industries. This custom has contributed a great deal to the importance and value of such exhibitions as are held at regular intervals by agricultural societies in every country throughout the civilised world. In Taranaki, where agriculture may be said to constitute the principal wealthproducing factor, the importance of shows has long been recognised. In order to keep pace with the wave of progress in agriculture which is sweeping over Taranaki, the Taranaki Agricultural Society recently extended its influence by establishing an annual Winter Show. The inaugural show held two years ago exceeded the expectations of farmers and town-dwel-lers ,and last year’s fixture eclipsed its predecessor. Next month the third winter show will he held, and from the large number of entries already received, and from the enthusiasm with which the show is being anticipated, the society confidently expects to establish a record. The new King George Coronation Agricultural Hall, which is now nearing completion, on St. Germain’s Square, will ac commodate this year’s 'Show, and as the building has been erected specially for the winter show the various exhibits will be shown to the best

advantage. The principal features of the show will be dairy, farm and garden produce, home industries, machinery and working exhibits, Technical School classes, native competitions, poultry, and general exhibitions. The applications for space for the exhibition of tradesmen’s displays, implements, machinery, etc., closed on Saturday night, and the secretary (Mr Arthur Cliff) reports that this seclion will be a strong feature of the ■show. Altogether 70,000 feet of space is available, and exhibitors who have not yet made their arrangements should do so at once. The entries in the factory butter and cheese classes are very satisfactory. The show will 1)0 opened by the Governor, Lord Islington, on June 5, and will bo continued on June 0,7, and 8. Entries Hose with the secretary at 9 o’clock on Saturday night.