THE SURAL SHOW

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2699, 19 February 1916, Page 9

THE SURAL SHOW

A LIVE CONCERN

HELD IN A BEAUTY SPOT

One of the most live bodies in tha district is the Waimarino Agricultural, Pastoral, Horticultural, and Industrial Association. The association has a membership of about 300. ' It was formed seven years ago at a meeting convened by the late Mr. A. Dauphin, 0119 of Uaetihi's pioneers. The iinst show iras held' in a storeroom connected with one of the local business establishments. It was only a small exhibition, but "the quality of the exhibits was so good that .it marked the district as capable of attaining a high standard ,in agricultural produce. The snow of root crops surprised even the most sanguine enthusiasts in the district. For this, the firs;, show , the stock entries were accommodated in t-ho Domain. During the next two years the demand for space for exhibits to hi shown indoors -was so great that th< big Drill Hall had to be secured.

The show increased , in popularity throughout the district. .When the association was "well ou its legs" it approached the Government for a grant of land, with tho intention of converting it into a permanent show ground. A grant was obtained of 17i acres of land adjoining tho town. Tile asso-' ciation quickly improved it, and the last four shows have been held there. A Ground of Natural Beautyi When this land was "taken over the association it was covered by virgin forest. The association lias since greatly improved the- property, clearing and grassing about five acres, on which a substantially fenced show ring and good stock pens have been laid out audf erected. A large building has been put up on the groun'd for the bousing o/ horticultural and industrial exhibits. This year's show was held on Thursday. The entries of stock were so far in cxcess of previous entries as to necessitate the erection of extra stock' pens. Tho importance and popularity of thf annual show is evidenced' by the fact that show day is the one big day and, outstanding event of tho year. About twelve acres of tho land i? still under original busli, and the asso' ciation is endeavouring to preserve if for science purposes. The site is onr of the most naturally attractive 6.110W grounds in the Dominion. It is surrounded by virgin forest, and has a' magnificent view of Mt. Suapehu. | . The Judge'and the Swedes. The quality of exhibits in the past hat ! been very favourably commented on by outsido judges. Tho shows have given tho district an excellent reputation for the production oi iirst-ckss potatoe* and root crops generally. Last year's judge of root crops was seen coming i away with two large swedes. On being asked what he waa doing with them, he said: "I am going to take them bock with me down country. If. I went back and told what I saw, and didn't take these, I'd be called a liar." The stock shown includes fat and dairy cattle, and fat and wool sheep. In these lines the improvement during the seven years of the association's existence has been exceptional, and is in itself sufficient justification for the existence of the association. A really good useful class of horse is shown, and it is noticeable that since the association began its work of encouraging the improvement of stock, much better backs and harness horses are seen in the district. • \