The Waikato Independent. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1906.

Waikato Independent, Volume IV, Issue 291, 16 October 1906, Page 4

The Waikato Independent. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1906.

SOME two or three months ago it was proposed at Hamilton that a Waikato Winter Show should be held; at the time we pointed out that, if it was to be a success, it should be held alternately at Hamilton and Cambridge. This view was also the one taken up by the Waikato Times, in the course oi an excellent article on the subject. Since then, however, the Hamilton people have carefully abstained from any proposal or suggestion, that Cambridge should be taken into partnership, in the holding of the proposed show. Apparently the only kind of alliance desired by the promoters, is that the farmers and people of the Cambridge district should lend their powerful assistance to make the Winter Show a success—for the chief benefit of Hamilton. With this object in view, the meeting held on Thursday had the audacity to insert the names of a number of leading fanners and busi-ness-men of Cambridge as officebearers. This was done on the suggestion of one of those present, who blandly referred to the desirability of uniting the Waikato in matters of this kind, and said representatives from all parts should be included. We stigmatise this suggestion as audacious, because, as far as we can learn, the Cambridge gentlemen were never asked if they would consent to act. Anyone would imagine that, before their names were put on a committee, the gentlemen concerned would first have beem asked if they would be willing to assist. In fact, it was more imperative in this case, than in any other, because it had been suggested at first, at Hamilton, that the Winter Show should be held alternately at the two towns. Of course, the reason for proposing the names of the Cambridge gentlemen is the obvious one of strengthening the proposed society, and capturing the support of the people of this district. In fact, without their valuable assistance, it is clear that the society would, in vulgar parlance, be but a one-horse show, and not representative of the Waikato. Now, there is no reason why the Waikato should not be united in this matter, but it is useless to suppose that the leading men of the best farming portion of the Waikato are going to sink their local patriotism and spirit, and allow themselves and their district to be exploited for the main benefit of Hamilton. If the people there are sincere in their desire for a "united Waikato" and a winter show, which will be a credit to the district, all they require to do is to pass a resolution at their next meet-

ing, that the winter show shall be held alternately at Hamilton and Cambridge. By so doing the promoters will have the dual satisfaction of doing a graceful thing, and securing for the society the successful cooperation of all parts of the Waikato. As the local paper of the Cambridge district, we feel we would be neglecting our duty if we failed to direct public attention to this matter, and we hope we shall be supported in our efforts by the Waikato Central A. and P. Society and the local Farmers' Club, as well as by the people of the Cam bridge district.