STRATFORD WINTER SHOW.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1929, Page 10

STRATFORD WINTER SHOW.

Although the youngest of similar organisations in Taranaki, the phenomenal growth of the Stratford Winter Show must oe exceedingly gratifying to those who a few years ago had sufficient vision, and faith in their town and district, to establish the exhibition. Commencing as a poultry show, still, perhaps, its most important feature, the show has now expanded until it covers all the productivity of Central Taranaki. In addition the home industries and arts and crafts classes have drawn exhibitors from considerably beyond the borders. of Stratford and the district. The series of “get together” movements in Taranaki which find expression hi the winter shows at Stratford, Hay-era and New Plymouth respectively, are all to the good of the province. They stimulate local interest in what is produced in each district in which the shows are held. They also show what is being accomplished in other centres, and residents in the rural areas see what New Zealand’s manufacturers are capable of making for the benefit of the farmer and for the general consumer as well. In the home industries section healthy rivalry is engendered, both in utilitarian as well as more academic accomplishments. Above all, the winter shows are very desirable social functions. Coming as they do when the work on the dairy farms “is at its lowest ebb during the year, the farming community is betterable to take advantage of the pleasure and instruction to be derived from a visit to a show. The farmer has more time in which to study the results achieved by others, and, incidentally, to learn that the townsman has his difficulties as well as the man on the land. Such knowledge is sure to make easier that complete co-operation between town and country which is essential to full productivity.