SHOW OFFICIALLY OPENED

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1929, Page 19

SHOW OFFICIALLY OPENED

AN INVALUABLE DISTRICT FARMING BASIC INDUSTRY. . SUCCESS CROWNS EFFORTS. “Farming is the basic industry of New Zealand on which all other sections of the community directly or indirectly depend. This is obvious when it is realised that 98 per cent, of New Zealand’s exports come from the land. The prosperity of our fair country depends on our primary producers, and if the farmers were conceivably to let down on production it would affect all shades of business endeavour.” Thus spoke Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P., when he declared the Stratford Show open last night. The function took place in the entrance hall, where a large crowd had assembled. Mr. Polson was supported by Mr. A. J. Davey, president of the Show Association, Mr. H. J. Kirkwood, vice-president, Mr. A. David, a member of the executive, and Mr. F. T. Hale, the hon. secretary. “I deem it an honour and a pleasure to be asked to assist at this function,” said Mr. Polson, “more especially as I realise how satisfactory it must bo for all those concerned in the show to. note tho success that has crowned their efforts.” He went on to explain that he was there in the capacity of a substitute for a Minister of the Crown. Unfortunately, the opening ceremony occurred in mid-week while Parliament was in session and a visit to Stratford would have meant at least two days absence from tho House. For this reason the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture had asked to be excused. Mr. Polson said he had been delighted with the show. In every way it was equal to last year’s display, and tho quality of the exhibits was high. He believed the show was as satisfactory to visitors as it was to exhibitors. In it was something of value to all, not only to farmers, who were enabled to compare selections of crops and roots, but to the trading section of the community as well. In tho show they also could make comparisons, note weaknesses in their own systems and decide upon remedies. A show such as Stratford’s was an invaluable asset to the district.

As far as .the farming community was concerned Mr. Polson was satisfied that New Zealand farmers had little to learn. He had travelled much in other parts of the world and had gained an insight into tho methods adopted by foreign farmers. Although there was room for improvement in New Zealand, when it was considered that the Dominion was 12,000 miles from its customers it was wonderful what advancement had been made in face of that and other economic difficulties.

Mr. Polson congratulated the officials and the secretary (Mr. F. T. Male) upon tho expedient manner in which the judging had been carried out and upon the splendid success that had been attained. .

MORE SCIENCE REQUIRED WEAKNESS IN AGRICULTURE. REMEDIES FOR CATTLE DISEASES. A strong appeal for greater efficiency by means of the finest possible scientific equipment was made by Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P., on behalf of the Agricultural Department in speaking at the opening of the Stratford show last night. “If,” he said, “the farmer is to develop tho primary resources as ho should, he must have the assistance of science, and tho Agricultural Department should be able to place that assistance at his disposal. It should be equipped for all contingencies to the fullest extent.” New Zealand already had a fine organisation in this important department, but the speaker thought a new hand at the tiller had been timely. The new Minister had every incentive to stimulate activity and to infuse new life into the various divisions under his control. As an instance of the desirability of a fuller scientific knowledge Mr. Polson mentioned that farmers had been advisedly informed not to make use of cures for mammitis in dairy cattle. Accordingly, vaccine marketed with this end in view had not readily been taken up, but in Australia dairymen were using the vaccine very readily. When Mr. Polson was in Germany recently he inquired into the matter and was told that chemists there could produce, and were producing, a vaccine within two or three days of its being required. Unfortunately, tho German vaccine could not be. exported to New Zealand because of differences in the nature of the disease, but he could see uo reason why a fully equipped department in New Zealand could' not solve these and similar problems as effectively and as expeditiously as they did on the Continent. Scientific help for 1 the farmer would ba a benefit for all classes of tho community.

ADVANCE STRATFORD.

OPPORTUNITY FOR BURGESSES.

.Whereas 9416 people paid for admission to last year’s show, this great influx is expected to be exceeded this week. Already-, the attendance at yesterday’s opening was beyond expectations and the weather has only to keep fine to ensure another record. * As men, women and children in the borough of Stratford only number a little over 3000 souls, it is obvious that a great deal of show patronage comes from outside, and, after, all, it is these visitors whom the association and burgesses of the town desire to make welcome. To-day, there is a. lack of propaganda concerning the province’s third largest centre. Stratford has many attractions and many features of interest that might well bo exploited, but there’ is scarcely any literature to impress visitors, and no organised body to foster the town’s advancement in this particular direction.