MACKENZIE COUNTY BAY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21090, 16 July 1938, Page 18

MACKENZIE COUNTY BAY

To the Editor ot •* The Umaru Herald" Sir,—Most residents of the Mackenzie County would be pleased, and no doubt, to use Mr Talbot’s words “thrilled” at the success gained at the recent Winter Show. However these same residents would not have occasion to be pleased or thrilled when reading the remarks of a prominent South Canterbury lady as published in Monday's issue of your paper. This lady who was reported at such length, evidently could not spare a word of praise for the Bay that gained first prize; indeed it would seem as though she was just a little put out that the judges had the temerity to place Mackenzie first. She mentioned that it was not difficult to account for Mackenzie’s success, there being such a wide tract of country stretching to the “Misty Gorges,” etc. As a matter of fact the produce shown in the Bay was mainly collected from the part of the County referred to as the lowlands, the back country being represented in a small way only. The rather caustic remarks of the lady in question when she wondered if Mackenzie would have acquitted themselves so well, if situated in the vicinity of Washdyke Lagoon or Saltwater Creek seemed to be rather uncalled for. We all know that land at Washdyke and at Saltwater Creek can produce vegetables and other produce unequalled anywhere, and if Mackenzie only had land of that quality I venture to say that the Bay would have been something to marvel at.

Now, sir, it is well known that the Mackenzie County entered and prepared their Bay, not for cups or other gains, but to co-operate with the Show Executive and so help on the South Canterbury Winter Show. I think most people will give the dwellers of the Highland County that much credit. It was unfortunate that the Show should have concluded on such a note, and a little praise and congratulation would have looked and read well, if coming from one who evidently had much to do in the running of this particular section of the Show. —I am. etc., HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE. Fairlie. July 15.