A DISTRICT’S OFFERING

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1929, Page 17

A DISTRICT’S OFFERING

IN AND ABOUT THE SHOW,

ANALYSIS OF DISPLAYS.

STRATFORD'S 1929 EFFORT.

Rows of scintillating coloured lights, swaying lightly in the evening breeze and reflecting splashes of red, blue and yellow upon the gleaming wet surface of Taranaki’s proudest thoroughfare. Lights concentrate towards the northern end. Here, there is animation and movement, thronging crowds and music, the merry click of falling coins and the burr of turnstiles. We find a place in the queue and experience the laughing jossling of the ticket office window. We pass over a coin and a moment later stand within the main entrance to the Stratford Winter Show.

Unlike many shows, the full effect of the extensive decorations in which lighting schemes, flags, bunting, streamers and greenery play a part in the game of hide and seek about a profusion of stalls and exhibits, meets the eye the moment the visitor passes the barrier. Every visitor involuntarily pauses at the wide entrance to take in and enjoy the view. There is no particular court or section just at first, but a rather inspiring ensemble of displays that conveys to the'subconscious mind the meaning of the magic word “show.”

A TOUR OF INSPECTION.

Not at first apparent, but disclosed after a few forward steps are two very striking trade displays occupying a court immediately to the right of the entrance. Lilting strains of melody proclaim the nature of at least one of these exhibits. The other has to be seen to be appreciated. Back in the main hall glistening new models of the latest in

motor-cars and motor-cycles are seen to right and left. Much time may be spent here, for keen demonstrators lurk behind polished coach work eager to tell you ‘all about this wonder car.” If you already own the ’'■'st car for the money in New Zealand, you may pass on to inspect the central displays. The passage divides, so to st all it is better to make up your mind at once to circle the island of wares taking in the stalls on either side as you'progress. A feature in this vicinity is a large tractor, one of the various models built by Union Foundries, Ltd., of Stratford.

SHOWS AND SHOWMEN.

A narrowed continuation of the main hall leads through ranks of showmen to the site of the merry-go-round, etc., at the rear. There is always a crowd here, but it is well to devote the first hour to seeing the show. Your sixpences and shillings will bring you much fun from this quarter later on. And so you move into the rear court, which is designed in two sections. The space in which you are now standing is full of interest, there being a number of side-shows. A barnyard clamour further back indicates the presence of the poultry show, where the finest birds in New Zealand are assembled in competition. This important section opens to-day (Thursday), and is well worth a visit.

Nearby, the Government poultry division has a display of more than usual interest. The complete poultry plant maintained at Wallaceville is reproduced in transparencies and working models to guide the way to modern methods of raising poultry. Series of plates and diagrams show the changes that take place in the egg during incubation, and details are given concerning the use of incubators and brooders. Photographs of standard utility fowls and ducks, with their egg records, add considerably to the value of the exhibit.

THE HALL OF INDUSTRIES.

Having run the gauntlet of more übiquitous showmen in the passage connecting the two main halls, the more serious portion of the show is reached. Here a splendid display of the district’s fertility, stated by competent judges to be the finest in the North Island, awaits inspection. Massive roots, mangolds, swedes, carrots and all the wealth of the garden and field are exhibited as a silent tribute to the richness of Central Taranaki. Across the hall, loaded tables groan under the weight- of hundreds of cooking exhibits, while the fancy-work section next door will well repay a visit. At the far end is housed the school section and the Boy Scout displays. A .class that has grown considerably is that of the art section, where objects of unusual interest are on view. Trade displays crowd the remaining space, particularly near the entrance to this hall of industries. In the vicinity is established the afternoon tea enclosure under the eineient management of Vinson’s.

Perhaps the most striking feature in this hall is the arrangement of courts from districts contiguous to Stratford. Three took part in the competition, the productivity of Toko, Alahoe and Cardiff districts being searched to make up displays, striking in appearance and eloquent of the primary resources contained therein. Such displays are to be encouraged, not only because of th^. greater significance thus given to the" general show, but because they serve a useful purpose in bringing the claims of progressive districts before the notice of the general public.

The Jubilee Institute of the Blind has an appeal to make, and visitors should not lightly pass by the stall devoted to this purpose