STOCK ENTRIES SET NEW RECORD

Chronicle (Levin), 31 January 1947, Page 4

STOCK ENTRIES SET NEW RECORD

WEATHER FAVOURS FIRST DAY With a record total ojc 2144 entries paraded before the judges, the Horowhenua Agricultural and Pastoral Association's 41st annual show opened at Levin this morning. Favoured by excellent weather, early reports from the show today give good reason for believing that the event', the second to be held since the war, will result in record revenue figures. The total entries this year exceed last year's record of. 2071 by 73. The cattle section is again the strongest and this year constitutes a -record. Pig and horse entries are also in •• the record class, but the. sheep section shows a decrease of five. There has been a sharp decline in the home industries, this being principally due to rationing and the consequent necessity for the exclusion of cooking and baking entries. There has also been a fall in the knitting and needlework entries. This section reached its zenith last year when 720 entries were received. Though not nearly approaching these figures this year, the section has evoked widespread interest, entrants from Auckland to as far south as Nelson being represented.

The comparative table of entries is as Tirifiw* —

The following is an analysis of. the stock entries by breeds, in which the 1946 figures are given i-n parentheses: — Cattle: Jerseys 126 (162), Ayrshires 153 (150), Friesians 91 (76), Milking Shorthorns 30 (38), grade dairy cattle 82 (48) and calf club competitions 53 (40) . Sheep: Southdowns 83 (119), Romney 87 (112), Cheviots 26 (-) and fat sheep and gift classes 86 146) . , Pigs; Berkshires 44 (52), Tamworths 29 (23) , Large Whites 1 (1-) , Large Blacks 18 (9), crossbreds 13 (-), porkers and baconers 10 (16) aind Young Farmers' classes for porkers and baconers 17 (-) . This morning the grounds presented a scene of feverish activity. First on the field were the exhibitors, who from an early hour were busily engaged in yarding their stock and making final preparations for the judging, which began at 9.30. An air of cheerful goodwill prevailed even among the judges and stewards, who had a most unenviable task which they handled with quite efficiency. An estimate of the extent of their work can be gained by a glance through the official catalogue, where it will be noted that there are as many as 20 entries in single classes. Cattle entries again reached a high figure, the total numbering 528 as against 496 last year. It is interesting to note that for the first time for many .years, if ever, at shows in this district Ayrshires have outnumbered Jerseys. The grounds are in perfect condition and trees provide ample shelter. A car park has been established on the left of the main gate. As always, the amusement park is being keenly patronised, and there is a sufficiently wide variety of sideshows and entertainment to satisfy the most demanding, An exhibit that should not be overlooked is that of the Manawatu Catchment Board, which, in conjunction with the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, has an interesting display of photographs depicting the results of New Zealand's most vital problem, that of soil erosion. Another outstanding attraction is the colourful display by Massey Agricultural College of many points in modern sheep and dairy husbandry, and horticulture. This is both interesting and educative. Trade- exhibits are not as numerous as in pre-war days, but show a considerable numerical improvement on last year. The opening today must have given every satisfaction to the organisers, who spared no effort to make this year's show outclass all others held in the district. Special mention must be'made of the president, Mr. J. A. Kiisby, and his committee for the excellent manner in which the programme was compiled and put into operation. The person on whom a large majority of the heavy organisatin falls in events of this nature is the secretary, and Mr. J. E. Fullarton's efforfs must "be regarded as a prin-r ciple contributing factor to the .success of this year's show. Tomorrow's Programme Tomorrow is people's day and it is then that the largest attendaiice is expected, both in the morning and at the night show in the evening. The detailed programme is as follows: — Day show. — 9.30 a.m.. judging ponies, Clydesdales and farm horses; 11.30 a.m., best lady ritier and commence National dancing competitions; 1 p.m., best lady's hunter; 1.30 p.m., qualified hunters' competition; 2 p.m., grand parade; 2.30 p.m!, eight-horse team display; 2.45 p.m., march past of girls marching teams and exhibition by plaeed dogs in open dog trial; 3 p.m., children's pony races and open hunter's competition; 3.30 p.m.,. steeplechase jump; 4 p.m., consolation jump; 4.15 p.m., walk and gallop. Night sbow. — 7 p.m., qommence marching competitions.

1947 1946 Horses and competitions . 417 341 Dog Trials 15 23 Cattle 528 496 ' Sheep 282 287 Pigs 132 100 Home Industries 530 720 Schools 240 104 Total, «... 2144 2071