SUPPORT OF FARMERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 263, 7 November 1945, Page 4

SUPPORT OF FARMERS

WANGANUI VICTORY SHOW THIS WEEK

WIDE INTEREST BEING TAKEN Assured of the full support of farmers, many of whom are coming with their families from different parts of New Zealand, the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association believes that the 1945 Victory Show, to be held on the Wanganui Racecourse on Friday and Saturday of this week, will be an outstanding success. Established in 1872, the Wanganui A. and P. Association is now in its 71st year of service to the farming community. During the war years it was necessary to curtail activities and run abbreviated shows, but the association has an unbroken record and this year’s Victory Show will be the 71st annual event.

“Annual shows held during tne association’s long period of existence have done much toward the improvement of live stock and have greatly forwarded the introduction of new implements,” said the secretary, Mr. A. R. Donaldson, yesterday. "These shows have also been effective in spreading education of the right type for the young farmer. The idea all along has been the dissemination o r scientific information, the encouragement of experiments, and the offering of prizes to breed the right type of stock. To-day the association has compiled a schedule of classes that is almost comparable with that of a royal show.” Mr. Donaldson added that the association has been well supported by the various breed societies in the Dominion. The New Zealand chilled beef championship, conducted by the association, is recognised by every breed society in the Dominion, this fact being indicated by the substantial prize money donated. “Breed societies have grown immensely during the past century In England, but some breeders of early times were resolutely opposed to the publication of pedigrees of their stock. These were kept privately because the breeders considered that the particulars required were in the nature of business or trade secrets that should not be divulged. To-day, however, the value of official co-operation is generally admitted,” said Mr. Donaldson.

Referring to some of the highlights of the forthcoming show, Mr. Donaldson said machinery and farm equipment would provide one of the most extensive displays of its kind seen in Wanganui. In an effort to improve the home industries sections, the executive had approached the various women’s organisations with a view to framing a new schedule. As a result of this co-operation there had been an increase in the number of classes and the prize money offered. There are 27 classes in the homecooking section, seven for decorative work, 13 for jams and pickles, and 42 for knitting and sewing. The prize money is augmented by special prizes donated by Wanganui business firms, the average prize money for the 89 classes being £l. It is expected that the sheep dog trials, to be'held in conjunction with the show, will be of considerable in, terest, some years having Elapsed

since competitions of this nature were held in conjunction with the annual show.

Many side shows have also booked space and some are already in occupation at the racecourse.