THE WAIKATO WINTER SHOW.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1088, 29 March 1911, Page 17

THE WAIKATO WINTER SHOW.

A POPULAR FUNCTION. One of the most popular institutions ever established in Waikato is the Winter Show Association, which has its home in Hamilton. Started four years ago, in July, 190", the show jumped into popularity from tho first day its doors were opened to tho public. 'I he management have been most fortunate in catching the public taste. At the outset it was found impossible to fill the association's large building with purely dairy and agricultural exhibit:;, and tlie committee added many interesting classes to the schedule, embracing poultry, homo industries, needlework, school and art exhibits, together with numerous side-shows, the result being that the first show of the association was pronounced the most interesting of its kind ever held in Xow Zealand. The management havo wisely held to tho lines which proved so successful at tho first show, and while giving first place to the products of the district, features to interest the general public have always found space. As a means ot advertising the wonderful resources cf Waikato, the show has fully justified its existence, and won the proud position of being considered the premier exposition for Waikato. Iho show is held in p. most central position in Wird Street, opposite tho Railway Station, and no matter what' the stato of tho weather may be visitors by rail have only to cross the street to gain admission to the show buildings. Tho main building in which the show is held was erected by the Borough Council for the joint purpose of a. licrso bazaar and show purposes, and it lends itself admirably to tho purpose. Large as. tlie building is 3GO feet lons by 00 feet wide, it was'found-insufficient- for the first show, and a largo'number of exhibits bad to be placed under canvas. Two years ago extensive additions we.ro made to tho buildings, which are now claimed to be the most complete and- extensive ot their kind in "New Zealand. As showing tho rapid progross the association "has made" (ho following figures will serve to illustrate:— 1907 19C8 1909 1910 Membership ... 2G2 293 25,' i ,1-18 Entries 975 1590 163-} 2609 Gross Receipts'.—l9o7, £541; 1903, £931: 1909, £1142 125.: 1910, £1323 7s. lid. _ The credit for the inception of the show mainly belongs to Mr. J. T. BontJ, who was Mayor of Hamilton at the time the idea of holding a show wes first suggested. Ho was ably assisted by Col. Allen Eel!, the first president, and Mr. J. A. Young, -the present Mayor of Hamilton. The Borough Council, Chamber of Commerce, end other local authorities warmly supported the scheme, and tho efforts put forth in the interest «r the town and district have borno .excellent results.

Tho association has boon fortunate in its officers. The, first two years of its existence found Col. Bell as president, and Mr. E. B. Restell, both painstaking and interesting' officers. For tho third and fourth year Mr. J. T. Bond occupied the position of president, with Mr. Maxwell as secretary, and tho association made great strides under their guidance. This year Mr. J. Bennett is president, with Mr. Smith as secretary, and accepting the old saying that "a new broom swoops clean," wo may cxpect a further increase in tho interest taken in tho show. Tho next show is to be held from June 6 to Juno 10, and already preparations are well, advanced, and it Is fully oxpected that all previous efforts will bo eclipsed.

Those in scarch of a gcod cheap property should not fail to inspect a special announcement' in this issue by Mr. F. J. Snxbv, laud agent, Hamilton. Particulars of three splendid properties arc contained in the advertisement. Particulars of two excellent partlyimproved and unimproved King Country properties am advertised for sale in this issue by Messrs. Cochrane and Butement, Mastertan and To Kuiti. Finch's Bazaar, Tailiape, supplies all papers, books, magazines, and the' highest classes of literature. Tho firm are also the local agents for Tin: Dominion.

For high quality and low prices in-gro-ceries, eic., (he residents of Tnihape are requested b.v advertisement to pay a visit to Messrs. Porter and Kidgley, storekeepers. Those who want a station, farm, or section should not fail to pay Mr. Geo. Henderson, land agent, Hamilton, a visit. Tho Sandon Wool Press, advertised in this issue, is tjic linlcnt of Mr. Ci. Cummins, of Jlarton. The press has a wide sale iu New Zealand, owinß lo the extreme 'simplicity with which it can be worked, and it practically lasts a lifetime.