THE TIMARU SHOW.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14043, 29 October 1909, Page 7

THE TIMARU SHOW.

THE PEOPLES DAY.

A RECORD GATHERING. Patrons, Messrs It. U. Rhodes, A. li. G. Rhodes. U. H. Rhodes, t'resiueiii, Mr K. H. Rhodes. \ u.v-i'residein, M. Herbert Ehvwrthy. lion, 'lrcasun i, «Mr AV. Priest. Hon. Veterinary »i:i■geons, Messrs A- Patterson. AI.K.C A .."?.. F. C. Robertson. M.R.CA".*. Auditor, Mr K. G. Turner. >Se retary. Mr R. Leslie Orbrll. I'lmintittec of -Management, Jno. "Armstrong. Jas. Austin, Junr.. F. H. Barker, W. .1- Bassett. Alex. Bisset, AV. K. Brwklaiid, \V. A\ . Cartwright. Robt. Davie. A. S. l".l----«ortby. Donald Grant, K. It. Gm'ntirss. AV; Harper, R. Irving. Edwin Kelland. <j'eorge Lyall, H. Lowrv, D. Mar-far-lanp. C. N. Orbrll. Rupert Parry. J. S. Rutherford, I». Shaw, Junr.. Tims. Tcschemakcr. O. Seott Thomson. J. AVith',ll. TUf following list of p-'st Presidents IoiVV lie of interest :-IS«J \V. K. Ma---•>naid. IS«7 \V. K. Ma«f!-n:dd. IH:S Wib. Gosling, 1860 M. Stirdb-lni'-. 187(1 K. Elwnrthv, IS7I \V. K. M:»-dc;iiald. 1872 M. Studholme. 1873 M. Studliolmc, 1874 K. El worth v. 1875 T. S. Tancrcd, 187(i Clias. Mover. 5877 V. Archer, 1878 AV. S. Davidson. 1870 K. Elworthv. 18S0 Wm. Evans. ISBI T. Teschemakor. 1852 J. C. MeKrrrm*-, 1883 A. \V. Writrbt. IJ. H. j Hhodes, 1885 D. McLaren. I»SR AV. TMoridy, 1887 G. H. Rhodes. ISBS -«. S. Rutherford, 1880 A. M C'l-rk. 1S!»» '<'. T.; Rhodes, 1801 E. T. Rhodes, 1802 C. X. Orbell. 180:t .las. Kins. 1804 A. C. Prillglo, 1805 J. C. Tbi.-r-ns. .tiiir.. I 89« E. R. Guinness. 1807 Ceo. Lv:-H. 1898 J. S. Rutherford. ISO!) if." 11. Rhodes. 1000 Edwin Kelland. 1001 (' N. Orbell, 1002 John .M»ndell, rnw Wm. Dav. 1004 Donald -Gran'. »'"•""• Ale*. Scott. 10W A. S. Elivortb'-. 10' C R.Jrviiiir. 1008 J. S. Rutherford. I:«•'.) II: H. Rhodes. Judges.—Sheep—Merino. Mr Bernard Tripp. AVoodbnrv; Knglis'i Leicester. Afr/H .T. Little. Hawarden: Border IJeicester, Mr Thos. Blaekley. liakaia: Lincoln and Rouiney. Air Pat Pattnllo. Hampden; Down Breeds. Air AV. B. Andrews, junr.. Southbridjre: In-Bred, Half-Bred. Crossbred and Rvelands, Mr H. Stitt, Ashburton. Cattle.—Fat Cattle, Mr T. Dowling, Lowcliffe, Hinds: Shorthomed. Hereford, Polled Angus. Aldernev and Afffch. Mr W. H«y, Timanj; Ayrshire, Mir Jas. Guild, Temuka. ■* Horses.—Draught. Messrs Andrew Chrystaf, Lochiel, and J. Elliot, Middlemarch; Thoroughbred, Hackneys, Hunters and Polo Ponies, Mr Ales. Boyle, Christchurch; Troop Horses, Col. R. A. Chaffey, Waiau; Harness Horses, Cobs, and Ponies, Mr AV. Hayward, jtfnr., Cliristchurch. Dogs, Mr Bernard Tripp, AVodburv: Sorting Dogs, Mr R. Wark. "Christchurch; Pigs, Air T. Langdon. AVinchester; Dairy Produce, Mr J. McCahon, Timaru: Bread and Cookery, Mr A. Budd. Timaru: Agricultural Produce. Air T.' Anderson, Timaru ; Pony, Trot, and Pony over Hurdles, Air 0. Scott-Thomson, Kakahu Bush, Geraldine; Alilitary Events, Col. R. A. Chaffey; Driving Competition, O.' Scott.Thomson, Kakahu Bush. As the-weather plays such an important part in a successful gathering of the people,: it is well to make a start:-with it in an account of the

day's proceedings. Just now, so far :is [ the weather- is concerned it is a great i study in contrasts; the first day of the

slmw was-all sunshine: yesterday it nas I all shade, until late in the afternoon. ► The - morning broke with a licavy clouded sky, afld at about .10 o'clock there was just a sprinkling of rain.' ItSvas, however, the merest reminder "that- tho unsettled conditions were still with us. The' balance of the day was fine and very pleasant, and the vast- concourse of people who patronised,- the 'show appeared to thoroughly enjoy the whole of tho outdoor conditions. Invasions of Timaru, by visitors from as far north as Christchurch and Ashburton,and south from Oamaru and "VVaimate, take' place twice a year —at Show timo and New Year —and it is hard jreally to tell which is the most extensive froin a numerical point of view. "The chiel who had to take notes in Timaru yesterday had to be early on the bonlcrards to get his'material, for the farmers from Upper I'areora, Kingsdown, Ciaremont, and other places not served by rail were early in the .town. It was about i) o'clock that tlie streets first began to wear their lioliday appearance, and from that lioiir on till the numerous trains had left for the show grounds, the principal thoroughfares were thronged with people. The railway station was a scene of great activity. The Department as usual provided cheap travelling, and if yon thns entice them, the pubtic will always freely respond. The first train to arrive from Ashburton and-Temuka and wav stations consist-

e«l of 17 carriages, and all were filled,

sorac of them even to the platforms and the gangwavs. The Fairlie train was smaller,- but was very fully patronised, while the 18-car ordinary from Oamaru and AVaimate must have had close on 1000 passengers all told

on board. With all these visitors The j Corner soon became a mass or humanity, and it was difficult at times to iikikc one's way along the streets. The railway station, too, was crowded out, so many people stayed there till the first train lcit- for the show ground. This was sent en! as soon as t lie mail U.iiii ha J c(.iitv an-.. gou«.-. bung prior to (!!•• ;n rival i't it first special liun'il't'ls it person.- bad ;:«'ll>." to tllS show groiimi, v. h re Hie numerous officials had bteii en duly siucc 10 a.m. 'J lie siM'cial.-, ti-vk >»ni a great many people. f»r travelling by them was ilt-aper than by road. It left a nimble shilling for morning or afternoon tea, a consideration th>'.-,e times w 11«-11 the money market i- so titilit. The road, however, was not descrt-d. and it was an interesting sight to wateb the motor c::rs as they uoiind th'ir wiy among and |>:is>ei| tin- hurM'il v. hi-'es. .»hi'-ll rail-red iii di-M-riotioit from the homely gig to the .stately four-in-hand. Arrived at the ground it was interesting to waicli I lie clouil liilure.ile — those who eame by tram (tin* va.st majority) walked along Hie southern side, while those who eaine by the road, made tor the down on the north side. I'ntil the jumping events took place the people both young and old were on the move, but llie [Kicking process began about 2.3!), anu a view from tho ring showed the denser mass to bo ! on the northern side of the ground. The grand stand was comparatively poorly patronised; it was at no time more than two-thirds filled, while the few srats anmml the ring were crowded, many persons mistaking the fact that they were put there to sit on not to .stand upon. "Sit down in front" would be a good motto to boar in mind next year, so that the tiers of i>eoplo who line up immediately behind can get a view of the ring. It was strange, too, to notice that so far as the order of dress was concerned the mass was a sombre one. There wen.' a good many ladies present, but as tho early day had threatened rain they either won- dark wraps or dark costumes. The majority of men, too, wen: in dark clothes. Here and there the eye got relief with a Hash of terra cotta. lilac or heliotrop", and pale blues, brown, [Kile reds, and whites made up many picturesque spots. There were many choice toilettes, but the pen of the lady writer versed in terms that are chic and at times mystifying to mere man is needed to do them full justice. And writing of sombreness reminds ns that the gathering as a whole was very subdued. How the country people and for the matter of that many of the townspeople, did miss the hand. We were led to believe on the first day that a band would be present yesterday, but this was an error. Why there was no music we cannot say but we understand that it was a question of terms, deemed too high by the management to warrant the expense. H might Jh> well, however, for the committee at their next meeting to make public-some explanation, for we pan assure them that there were many enquiries yesterday why tho band h:>d not as«usual been engaged. The only music ( a, cornet, trombone and drum) cplifc the <iir near the circus tent. while a barrel organ droned "Sweet Molly Eeily" or the "Dead March" (pastorale) at the merry-go-round. With these the pleasure-seekers had to lie content, and as they were the principal of the many side shows, they certainly had their drawing ])ower, for the rising generation enjoyed themselves creatly on the go-round., while the elders dumped out their shillings to see Macmahon's circus outrival the Olympic Hippodrome. Then there were Aunt Sallies, and other minor at- . tractions to keep the coin spinning j from the. visitor to the. artist —a holi-| day illustration of demand and sunply. There were also one or two side shows of an industrial nature, electro-plating while you wait and ensraving oh glass. The expert with the latter was clever, nnd had many pretty articles of Venetian glass, for sale, on which either name or good wishes were electrically engraved. Passing from the ephemeral to the practical, it was interesting to sec how the people took their pleasures, apart from the primary demonstrations that took place in the ring. Tho pens of tho golden fleece were, practically deserted, and persons of all ages found most pleasure in visiting - the various trade displays and the stands where machinery was in motion. The produce annexo was a much more popular place than usual, and it was a pity that judging was so late in starting that only limited time was left for inspection. What was seen was most highly spoken of, and was a great credit to the farmers and their wives of South Canterbury. Too soon tho brightness of the display was dimmed, for packed humanity raised clouds of dust that settled on the exhibits and spoilt them completely. If the shed cannot be proiwrly floored, surely the Association can afford to sprinkle the floor with damp sawdust or some other material that will effectually lay tho dust. The displays made bv the commercial houses were exceptionally good, and as many household goods were on show, many ladies found their way inside, but were rather dif-

fidcnt in sampling any bottled exhibits. The tent in which the dogs were housed was open all round and tiiis enabled all who wished to have ;t look at somebody's pets, ami t" also admirr the valuable and intelligent Friend of the good shepherd. It was not, however, always wise to get too close, as a young man found to his pain, for one of the dogs bit him so severely in the hand that the SI. .fohn Ambulance men had to apply a dressing. Mauy of the dogs were on their best behaviour, and though they must have iiad a weary time, they showed their full appreciation of any petting. As close neighbours they had the modern specimens of fast locomotion. It if quite on the cards that an airship wil be on view at the next show; for this year of grace one must be content with the motor car silver-plated at almost every point and Ihe motor cycle, which, those who annihilate, time and distance will tell you is as easy to seat ami as comfortable, as a lounge chair. Trust to the trade to dilate on the deligjits of motoring, as the crowd of intelligent, listeners stand wonderingly by, and mentally absorb them. The secrets of motoring are to the many a scaled book; it is for the farmer's daughter to intelligently criticise, and this she did when the lwx churn was shown to her. The expert pointing to the glass in the cover remarked that through it one could plainly see the process of manufacture. "Not so." said the maid from the dales; "the glass gets clouded over with moisture, and what am I to do then." This was a. poser, and the writer of these random notes " followed the man from Cook's" to the machinery section. Hero, the noisy oil and other engines were at work smoothing the. bearings hut not otherwise doing useful work. And so the crowd passed the time till the .jumping events started, and a stillness reigned o'er all that was evidence that the supreme moment had come —when events were to lie decided by man and horse that jwurtrayed in more or less realistic stvle that there was a spice of danger at a Pastoral Show. Fortunately South Canterbury horses are so clever and their riders so courageous that this danger is reduced to a minimum, and excepting on two or three oecasions tiiat were really trifling, there was no great risk, and the jumping events were as usual a complete success, and were most highly spoken of. Finally we came to the practical part which the Association plays, and, as year succeeds year, with enhanced success. Show days are busy flays, and call for the combined action of manv officials and members- :md a large staff of workmen. The public sec the finished article, and arc not slow to criticise any shortcomings. Taking finance first, it is a pleasure to us to record that the show takings, so far as attendance, was concerned, were a record. The first day's gate receipts were £T4 13s, ami second dav's railwav revenue £220, against £l2 14s and £2Ol respectively for 1908. The road, gates returned £loo 18s and grand stand £ll 7s (id this vear, against £134 18s <)d and £l2 10s (id last vear. The grand totals were, 3s 3d; 1 !KK)—£3!)H 13s (id ; an increase this year of £32 10s 3d. To these figures will be added entry fees, etc., and in <hie course all will ap|K'ar in tiie balance sheet of the Show. It can he truly said that all the officials worked with great zeal. The judges were, men in whom the greatest confidence ccwld bo placed; they were painstaking and discharged their important duties in the most conscientious manner. The class stewards were willing and lost jio time; but it is just a •question whether these gentlemen should not .hold a meeting and discuss the point whether it would not be better to divide the work more, so that greater advantage may be taken of the hours at disposal on the first day. As it is now far too much is crowded into the second day, and as numerous events are going on at one and the same time, it is a great puzzle to follow the catalogue. It would make for a far better show and a still more liberal cash return if still more horse events were put into the first day's proceedings, and the catalogue so arranged that the events for each day could be sorted into distinct groups. It is a matter of easy arrangement, and would be bound to increase the popularity of the Show. The Association has done well for exhibitors, by increasing the accommodation for live stock; but now that sufficient- stalls have been erected for horses it would be well in the near future to erect a few loose boxes for yearlings, more particularly for stud and thoroughbred stock. This is merely an illustration by the way; there may be other needed improvements that will make the appointments more up-to-date: and the class stewards are the men to give the Association a lead as to what is required. As on the first day. though with a much busier time, all the officials did excellent work yesterday; and it must be gratifying to them, to the Association as a whole, and to the pastoral and agricultural community, that the Show of 1900 passed over with such substantial and gratifying success. Details of yesterday's ring and other competitions are as follows: —