THE WOODVILLE SHOW.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXII, Issue 3877, 23 May 1906, Page 2

THE WOODVILLE SHOW.

(to the editor). Sir, — As a Pahiatua settler, I think I may aay without fear of being accused of egotism that most people will admit that I have done my fair share of battling for the district. If I have a good cause I ara just as ready to stand by old Woodvilie, and I feel sure that Mr Bolton’s reason for giving notice of motion that the show be held every other year in Pahiatua is only that the matter might be setlLd for ever. I hope the idea that some 1 know entertain in that direction will be swept away. It is a regrettable idea, and I ara sure that any who are really interested in agricultural shows never thought of any such thing. They have had experience of the veiy great trouble and expense of running a show, lias it ever occurred to any of the people who desire an alteration what it really means—what the appointments for a show yard mean? In large centres there aie wealthy landowners who contribute handsomely to the support of such an exhibition altogether outside of membei s’ subscriptions and entrance fees and the other receipts. Even then can any one say that any show treasurer can present a veiy substantial suipms at his annual meeting? 1 say without much fear of contradiction, No I Shows were surely never meant to be run for the benefit of any town. The idea should surely be to benefit the unfortunate farmer who has to work in all sorts ot weather to produce the whole of the wealth of this lovely little country. No matter which town we hold our district show in, let it he the most central and convenient showground. In the present case there is no question but that Woodvillo is the spot, From three large districts trains meet there, the appointments on the showground are now very complete, and the ground is close to the town a..d the rail why station. Although I naturally would very much like to say that Pahiatua is the most central and convenient place for a showground, I must admit that it is not, nor will it ever be. Just think, Sir, how would an owner of heavy sheep like to travel them from the Pahiatua racecourse (which I presume would be the showground) in time to get them away home at six o’clock in the morning. He would not enter them lor the show, and what on earth benefit is it to a stock-breeder if he only meets in competition his neighbours’ stock. Unless a breeder can show in Masterton, Palmerston or Woodville, let him take my advice and not bother thinking of show stock. My experience has been that the distance by rail is not much consideration as the railway charges for show stock are very reasonable. The trouble is the distance from the railway station, and the appointments when the stock arrives. The best shows in the North Island, if not in New Zealand, are Palmerston, Carterton, Hawke’s Bay and Masterton. They are all close and convenient to the railway station, and havefirstclass appointments; The most popular of the lot is Carterton. Railway station and hotels are practically on the showground, and the attendance of men and exhibits is by far the best I have ever experienced. Now, Sir, how on earth could we mak a popular show in Pahiatua when the showground was so far away ? There is room for one show in the Bush I Districts, and the best convincing ground is Woodville, without a doubt. The people there have battled hard to keep the show going, and to have a lot of mushroom shows all over the country is no benefit to any breeder. Shows are meant for the purpose of improving the breed of S stock and not to benefit, any town or any particular man. I do hope that Mr Bolton’s resolution, which will be discussed at the annual meeting next week, will settle the question for many years to come. I also hope that every man who is in favour of holding the Bush District show in Pahiatua will become a member of the Association right away, and have a say in the discussion, if a majority of the members vote for the removal of the show to Pahiatua, I will fall in. If a sufficient number of substantial farmers will sign a guarantee that will be accepted by any Bank to raise sufficient money to put appointments on a convenient ground that will be a credit to our district, well and good, but without such an arrangement another show in the Bush district would be a certain failure. —I am, etc., R. Smith.

Onslow Park, Pabiataa, May 22.