STRATFORD’S 1914 SHOW.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 65, 12 November 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD’S 1914 SHOW.

AN APPRECIATION. The following extract from the “Auckland Weekly News,” written just after Stratford’s first A. and P. Show, makes interesting reading:— “Seven months i ago an Agricultural and Pastoral Association was form ed in Stratford. On Wednesday and Thursday last week the Association held its first show, and men who had seen first shows jin various parts of the Dominion!;'' and others who had seen first shojvs in the Old Country, declared and reiterated that they had never seen a first show such as this., It ivas a triumph of organisation and energy, but based solidly on the fact that Stratford is the centre of Taranaki, and the very place for such a show. There were not wanting those who declared!the Association’s executive was too ambitious, but its members went ahead and purchased a freehold of 32 acres, handy to town, and practically a perfect show ground Then they erected yards to accommodate more stock than was ever shown* at many older shows, and erected a grandstand to hold 1500 people. And secretary’s office, produce shed, sheep 1 and pig pens were placed upon the ground. When the entries came in } over 1300 in number, more yarding accommodation: .had to be provided, and a giant rimu had to be felled and sawn at Derby Bros.’ mill befoie the timber could lie supplied. A logcovered paddock was ploughed and converted into a “ring,” and everything was ready. Stay, though, at its inception the Association did a splendid thing—it engaged the right man as secretary, and he was the embodiment of energy. Information was eagerly sought everywhere, in order that the new association might

avoid the mistakes made in the past by kindred societies. Every committeeman and scores of members became canvassers for entries and for members, so that the membership list totalled over 700 on show day, and the entries wore larger than at many old-established shows—double what are received by some, associations. Amongst the exhibitors were many of.the foremost in the island, and the whole of Taranaki was represented. The judges were more than surprised to find such a gathering of .animals, and expressed that surprise freely. The only thing that went “aglee” was the weather, and on the first day mi pleasant showers fell. This had the effect, however, of “laying the dust,” so to speak, and the conditions foi the second day were superb. Ihc show was officially opened by Mr J J 5. Eine, M.T. for Stratford. The schedule was comprehensive, includ hig all descriptions of horseflesh ami all breeds of sheep adn cattle, whde dogs, poultry, and home industries all had their place. Prize money was very .well distributed. But it was the "management of the show which waso remarkable. One would have thought the officials had managed dozens „f shows, so well did they seem to grasp what was required of them.

nnd so capitany carried out. The stewards were hard, working and prompt, the president (Mr 11. Dingle) and his principal colleague (Mr'G. Sangster) busy everywhere, and the secretary seemingly everything that a secretary could be. The'first show was a great success in every way, and augurs big things for the Stratford A. and P. Association in the days to be.” It is hardly necessary to draw attention to the great progress the Association has made since this was written. Last year the entries totalled 2300 and the membership is now in the vicinity of 1000. The whole o' tlie ground has been converted into fine feed paddocks, which accommodate the whole of the stock entered at the show; and a second grandstand has been erected. The success of

the show clearly indicates that a show was needed in the district; and it is safe to say that with the hearty co-operation of farmers and residents generally the show can he made one of the biggest hi the Dominion. It is certainly admitted that at present the dairy stock exhibited compares more than favorably with that at any othei show in the country.

Filters.—Complaints are very often heard about our drinking water j this is simply because it has net been filtered. AVe have just landed some very fine “Cheavin” lilteis fiom England, and if one of these was introduced to every home, there would be no further need to complain,. McMillan and Fredric, Broadway, Stratford.