LARGEST SHOW IN BAY OF PLENTY HAD SMALL START BUT HAS GROWN WITH DEVELOPMENT OF WHAKATANE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 59, 21 June 1950, Page 4

LARGEST SHOW IN BAY OF PLENTY HAD SMALL START BUT HAS GROWN WITH DEVELOPMENT OF WHAKATANE

From a small start in 1924, when the first show had to be financed by the issue of debentures to the value of £770 the show has grown out of sight. There was a hard time for the show to catch on in the district but over the years it grew slowly until just before the war it was getting onto a sound footing. In 1939 the profit was £205 but the war had its affect during the next two years. The following year the profit was £lB3 and in 1941 when, the final show was held it had dropped to £156. But the profit was still there and showed that although most people had more important things on their mind they had still time for the show exhibit of their district .

This boded well for the future and When men turned to fighting a war the foundation for a “new, better and bigger” show after the war had leen laid. Towards the end of 1948 a move Was started for getting the show established again. But, there were many problems to face, not the least of which was that of power. There was no power available for shows or any similar functions. Then the Bay of Plenty Winter Show Association had the offer of a power plant from England. But the cost delivered was about £9OO at Whakatane—and the Association had just that amount in the bank and no more. It was a difficult decision to make. Without power no show could be held. And what was the use of a show association which did not run a show ? The more cautious members were Icath to spend the last of the money but from the arguments and discussions of the many meetings it was finally decided to purchase the plant and run a show the following year, “come what may.”

There are few who do not know the result. The show was an outstanding success. The best ever held, surpassing all expectations. And the Association came out with a handy profit of £6OO. But, what is more important, it had re-establish-ed the Whakatane Winter Show and made it one of the best of ijts kind yet held in the North Island. There is every reason to believe that this year’s show will be an even greater success. For those who may doubt that let them take a walk among the visiting side shows and the exhibits from some of the large city firms. Side show proprietors don’t go to all shows. They pick them out and so do the business firms who want to show off their wares. After the success of the 1949 show there was no hesitation. Plans were immediately made for a show the following year and before a month had past inquiries were being received for floor space And so it has gone on. There has been no lack of interest but the main trouble in all the planning has been the shortage of space. It has been difficult to work everything in. However, by this morning full arrangements had been made and the show was ready to get under way. For the next four days people in the district will have an opportunity to see the prosperity of the Bay of Plenty. It should not be missed.

Exhibits Fill Show Space In Hall To Capacity All of yesterday up until late last night exhibits and entries for the various competitions rolled into the show positions for the Whakatane Winter Show, which opens today. On Monday there was hardly an exhibit in the hall but early yesterday they started arriving. Many have filled the space set aside for them and have spilled over so that the hall and the large marquees this morning were filled to capacity.

The side shows have been erected and those of a mechanical nature were tested yesterday. The show secretary, Mr R. Cobbe, said today that the side shows are probably the best ever seen in the Bay of Plentj’-. Most of the main ones that were at the Waikato Winter Show have come to Whakatane. The show will conclude on Saturday and will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. A large influx of visitors is expected not only from the Whakatane district but throughout the Bay of Plenty.

When the 1950 Whakatane Winter Show opens this afternoon it will be opening one of the largest shows of its kind yet staged in the Bay and one of the largest country winter shows in New Zealand. A huge area has been covered in the last few days, over 20,000 square feet, 4000 feet of which is taken by motor and tractor exhibits ar.d 3000 feet by the poultry section.