WAIMATE SHOW ENTRIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21504, 17 November 1939, Page 3

WAIMATE SHOW ENTRIES

Substantial Increase In Most Sections Only Notable Drop Is In Draught Horses Entries for the Waimate A. and P. Show on November 25 are substantially above last year’s, the comparative totals being 642 and 567. With the exception of Clydesdales, most sections have received more entries. A very satisfactory feature is the increase in sheep entries, which have risen from 178 to 202. As there are a large number of sheep breeders in the Waimate district, particularly of Border Leicester, it is very satisfactory to notice that a major industry is to have better representation. The main reason why Clydesdale entries have fallen is that one of the largest South Canterbury breeders has not found it convenient to compete, and the numbers in the section have as a consequence, fallen from 44 to 15. Cobs and ponies show an Increase of seven, and even though there is a drop of four in the hacks and hunters’ classes, light horses will be better represented that they were last year. The popularity of the sheep dog trials Is indicated by an increase of nine in the entries, and in addition, five more collie dogs will be on exhibition. Pigs, formerly a weak section at the Show, have moved forward from nine to 14, and as the industry is being taken up more seriously in the district, still better figures can be expected in future years. There is little variation in the home industries sections. There will be six “bays” as against five last year. Large entries for children’s handwriting more than balance a fall in the children’s cooking section. The total of 642, even though it does not come up to the figure of 708 in 1937, definitely shows that the Association still has the support of a prosperous district. Before the Show last year a member of the committee stated that, in view of the entries received, it would appear that there would ultimately be only one or two shows in New Zealand. The substantial increase in entries this year has disproved that contention. The first step in the success of this year's Show has been more than satisfactcorily passed; the day has been changed to a Saturday, and with good weather conditions, and Increased attendance should add to the final success.

The comparative table is:— 1938 1939 Sheep 202 178 Dog Trials 22 13 Cattle 29 25 Clydesdales 15 44 Thoroughbreds .. .. 4 3 Hacks and Hunters . 53 57 Light Harness .. .. 6 2 Cobs and Ponies 69 62 Pigs 14 9 Collie Dogs 15 10 Dairy Produce and Sundries 59 40 Bays Competition .. 6 5 Home Industries 62 65 Pupils’ Cookery 30 45 Handwriting .. .. .. 56 9 • ■ ■ ■ . 642 567