AUSPICIOUS OPENING OF TIMARU SHOW

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21180, 29 October 1938, Page 18

AUSPICIOUS OPENING OF TIMARU SHOW

FINE DISPLAY OF STOCK

PUBLIC EVINCE KEEN INTEREST

Fully maintaining the high standard of past exhibitions, the seventy-third annual Timaru Show opened at Smithfield yesterday with “judging day.” The Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which is highly regarded throughout New Zealand for its enterprise, is to be congratulated on the display presented yesterday. Not only was it a credit to the Association, but a reflection of the enthusiasm of the people of the district who, by their unstinted support, have enabled the Association to add another to its already long list of successes. The entries showed a slight increase over 1937, and while there were decreases in some sections there were no serious declines. Some of the finest cattle and sheep in the South Island were paraded before the judges yesterday, and were well worthy of the high praise bestowed upon them. People’s Day to-day should attract a gathering well in keeping with the generous patronage that the 1939 Show deserves.

Officials—President, Mr C. H. Johnston; vice-president. Mr Arthur Ward; hon. treasurer, Mr T. Seaton; hon. veterinary surgeons, Messrs A. M. Patterson. M.R.C.V.S.. C. H. Williamson; auditor, Mr A. C. Martin; secretary, Mr H. H. Fraser; committee of management: Messrs W. J. Bassett, J. E. P. Cameron, J. Crawford, Wm. Divan, A. S. Elworthy, H. Elworthy, D. Grant, R. Guinness, Eric Hart. C. H. S. Johnston, H. B. S. Johnstone. C. Ley, W. J. Kelland. R. Maddren, M. F. Maze. R. J. Murphy. C. L. Orbell, W. H. Orbell, W. J. Parry, P. Porter, T. R. Rhodes. G. G. Rich, T. Seaton, P. R. Talbot. B. E. H. Tripp, A. Ward, Dr. P. R. Woodhouse.

attendance, H. Elworthy; class stewards, D. Grant, J. E. P. Cameron, J. E. Bennett and C. L. Orbell. Dog Trial Committeeman in attendance, J. Crawford; class stewards, T. Probyn, J. F. K. Jamieson and Andrew Jamieson; timekeeper, P. A. Elworthy. Draught Horse Competition Committeeman in attendance, W. Divan. Ewe Hoggett—Committeeman in attendance, C. H. S. Johnston. The heavy rain overnight did not augur well for the opening day, but although moisture-laden clouds filled the sky the Association was fortunate that rain held off. The attendance for the first day is never very large, but interest was keen and the standard of the exhibition should assure a bumper crowd to-day. Those who say that all shows are alike might be right up to a point. They are alike in character, but the improvement in methods each year brings about something new to interest the public. The carnival atmosphere cannot change, but so happy is the spirit on People's Day that no one desires a change. The Show provides a variety of entertainment all on its own. and so long as exhibitions as fine as the 1938 Show is staged, there is no fear of a waning of public interest and appreciation. Year’s Progress Reflected Each year sees new developments in farm machinery and implements, and the display this year will stand the critical eyes of the farming community ar I provide them with a feast of interest. No effort has been spared by the Association to develop and encourage this Important section of the Show, and the fact that the space was fully taxed was a demonstration of the confidence the trade has in the Show as a medium of display. It was a matter for satisfaction that many of the firms increased last year’s space and showed a wider range of their goods.

Sheep—Merino: Committeeman in attendance. D. Grant; class stewards, L. Mackenzie and S. Mackenzie. English Leicester: Committeeman in attendance. W. J. Bassett; class stewards, J. Raymond and P. McPherson. Border Leicester: Committeeman in attendance, W. J. Kelland; class stewards, Leo Gaffaney, M. Maze and J. Cameron. Romney Marsh: Committeeman in attendance, J. E. P. Cameron; class stewards. J. W. Fisher and J. N. Crawford. Shropshire Downs: Committeeman in attendance. T. Seaton; class steward, D. C. Doak, junr. Southdowns: Committeeman in attendance, T. Seaton; class stewards, Alex. Ward. A. Elworthy. Ryelands :Committeeman in attendance, T. Seaton; class stewards. R. J. Bassett and lan Scott. Corriedales: Committeeman in attendance, W. J. Parry; class stewards, J. Scott, Bruce Moody and John Elworthy. Halfbreds: Committeeman in attendance, Donald Grant; class stewards, L. Mackenzie and S. Mackenzie. Breeding sheep: Committeeman in attendance, T. R. Rhodes; class stewards, J. S. Stowell and S. Mackenzie. Fat sheep and lambs: Committeeman in attendance, G. G. Rich; class stewards, R. L. Cliff. S. King, G. Seaton and J. Newbegin. Cattle Committeemen in attendance, R. Maddren and E. Hart; class stewards, F. Hart, J. A. Nichol, F. I. Washbourn, R. A. Dyson and D. Murray.

A tour of the grassy slope overlooking the show ring brought home to many the remarkable progress that has been made in the last few years with farm Implements and machinery. Today the sound of powerful engines of tractors on the grounds draw definite attention to the part that this "iron horse" is playing in modern farm management. while the many other forms of electrical and mechanical devices, designed to bring about labour saving and easier methods of working, are displayed in profusion. Close to the means of increasing production and cheques are the motor cars which, under modern methods of travel, bring the farmer within easy and speedy reach of his community of interest. It is without doubt one of the most interesting and comprehensive displays seen on the grounds.

Draught Horses—Committeemen in attendance, P. Porter and W. Divan; ciass stewards, W. Divan, F. E. Squire and Pierce Porter. Harness Horses and Ponies—Committeeman in attendance, R. Murphy; class stewards, H. L. Fenn, A. Cargill, H. H. Elworthy, C. Williams. Saddle Horses and Hunters—Committeeman in attendance, M. Maze; class stewards, R. Bassett, G. T. Rhodes and H. B. L. Johnstone. Measuring horses and ponies, W, H. Orbell. Dogs—Committeeman in attendance, J: Crawford; class steward, A. Jamieson and K. Cocks.

Pigs—Committeeman in attendance, R. Maddren; class steward, W. F. Dawe, Produce shed Committeeman in charge, Dr. P. R. Woodhouse. Agricultural Produce Committeeman in attendance, P. R. Talbot; class stewards, Steele, W. Stafford and N. Maze.

Last year brought a full contingent of sideshows and there was much favourable comment concerning their entertaining qualities. This year however, there have been, increasing demands on the space and the variety and standard are undoubtedly the finest seen on the grounds for many years. Many of the proprietors have shows of International repute, and to-day the hundreds who throng the area should not be disappointed. Increase in Entries The chief attractions yesterday in the stock line were sl.eep and cattle. The cattle entries showed an increase of three over 1937, and the quality has been fully maintained. Although there is a slight drop in sheep, the season has been fairly difficult, and the decrease is bound only to be temporary. South Canterbury enjoys a widespread reputation for its studs, and the breeders who have 'ong supported the Association came forward again yesterday with high-standard examples of their respective breeds. Many of the most outstanding draughts in the country find their way to Timaru Show, and while to-morrow less than last year will parade before the judge, they are bound to be of

Dairy Produce Committeeman in attendance, C. Ley; class stewards, Alan Marshall, C. Talbot and G. E. Knowles. Adult Cookery—Committeeman in attendance, Dr. P. R. Woodhouse; class stewards, Mesdames R. Hart. J. Gunn. C. H. S. Johnston. Misses E. Seaton, A. Nicol, and N. E. Ward. Children's Classes Committeeman in attendance. R. Guinness; class stewards, Mesdames R. Hart, J. Gunn, C. H. S. Johnston, Misses E. Seaton, A. Nicol and N. E. Ward. Home Industry and Miscellaneous— Committeemen in attendance. Dr P. R. Woodhouse; class stewards, Mesdames R. Hart, J. Gunn, C. H. S. Johnston, G. S. Ayling, Misses E. Seaton, A. Nicol and N. E. Ward. Poultry—Committeeman in attendance, p. R. Talbot; class stewards, Fred Ward and D. J. Talbot. Essay Competition—Mr Allan Tait. Woolclassing—Committeeman in attendance, T. Seaton; class stewards. D. L."M. Walls and V. Collins. Pony Competition—Committeeman in

excellent type and will provide keen interest. By the time the show concludes to-day 208 light horses will have appeared in the ring, and while the number is 20 less than last year, yesterday’s sections reached a particularly high level. Agricultural and farm produce showed slight decreases in entries but again the quality was a keynote. After a gradual falling off in recent years in adult cookery it was pleasing to find entries increase by 37, while heme industries have also appreciated to the extent of 20. There were 15 more entrants for the do; trial, while the poultry class showed an increase of 13 birds. The total entries (1595) showed an Increase of four over 1937, the ti ble being as follows:

Efficient Organisation

No sooner has one show finished than preparations are afoot for the next year’s exhibition. Throughout the year the committee has been busily engaged in planning improvements to the schedule, while the grounds have also received attention. The early start on the organisation leaves the actual show in a position to be directed smoothly, and yesterday everything went according to plan and the committee, exhibitors and public were all pleased with the result. The Association has, throughout the years, been fortunate in the small army of officials who are experienced in their duties and who are full of enthusiasm. The highest praise is due to the president (Mr C. H. S. Johnstone), the secretary (Mr H. H. Fraser), the committee, judges and class stewards for the efficient manner in which they worked. The secretary and his staff had a busy day In attending to the wants of the hundreds of callers at the office. The requirements of exhibitors were expeditiously attended to and there was not a hitch throughout the day.

MANY ATTRACTIONS TO-DAY The grounds'will be thronged to-day, when visitors will be able to spend a full day. There will be so much to see, that the day will .pass all too quickly, but in addition to the motor car displays, the machinery exhi' its, the side-shows, the various displays by the mercantile and other firms, all of which take a full space in the ground, there will be plenty to keep one interested in the viewing of the sheep, cattle, horses, dogs, poultry and farm and agricultural produce, whilst the competitions will also prove a great attraction to all sections. Another feature will be the Grand Parade which takes place in the afternoon, and is one of the day’s big features.

1935 1936 1937 1938 Sheep 449 501 466 442 Cattle 107 129 73 78 Draught horses .. 55 44 52 45 Light horses .. .. 231 259 228 208 14 16 23 16 27 20 21 18 Agricul. produce .. 23 31 33 25 Farm produce 104 131 92 85 Adult cookery 201 193 121 158 Children’s classes 354 253 253 234 Home Industries .. 76 169 110 137 Dog trial 30 31 19 •JQ Poultry .. 81 117 100 113 1785 1894 1591 1595