HOME INDUSTRIES

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXI, Issue 1450, 10 March 1931, Page 5

HOME INDUSTRIES

AT CAMBRIDGE SHOW. FIELD AND GAEDEN PRODUCE There was quite a good display of field, garden and orchard produce in the home industries department at lastweek's annual show, though the entries in the field produce section were rather weak. The judge of these sections, Mr Tom Harris, of Hamilton, said that many of the exhibits were very fine ones and demonstrated the fertility of the district soil and the ability of the growers The exhibits of onions, potatoes and tomatoes were splendid ones, though in other classes ho thought Cambridge could do much better in point of numbers. Mr Harris said there were one or two aspects of exhibiting that he would like to point out to exhibitors. The chief faults he found were in selection and in staging. Many exhibitors had tho mistaken idea that to win the class one must show the biggest fruit or vegetables. This was not so: what was required was uniformity and quality. In the tomato classes some may have doubted the wisdom of his judging, but he went for the characteristics mentioned, hence exhibits of very large but slightly over-ripo tomatoes had been passed by in favour of smaller tomatoes of uniform size and quality. It is a great pity, said Mr Harris, that exhibitors do not take the opportunity after the judging to approach the judge and seek information. It would be gladly given by most judges. The hints given by Mr Harris are valuable, especially the suggestion that exhibitors should seek information from the judges. The suggestion is of* such importance that we hope it will be noted by the Association executive, and that they will take the matter further by making provision for the respective judges oi the .Home Industries sections to give talks to exhibitors at the close of judging. This might very well apply to all departments of the show and we feel sure it would be very much appreciated by exhibitors. At the present time many an exhibitor goes away none the wiser for the nonplacing of his exhibits. If he krfew the reason why he would be encouraged to carry on and exhibit in subsequent' years. He would have the knowledgeto remedy faults, with benefit to his exhibits, himself and to the association. •.'•'.