MANAWATU A. & P. SOCIETY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 203, 22 May 1919, Page 8

MANAWATU A. & P. SOCIETY

' THE SPRING SHOW. (Special Correspondent.) Palmerston North, May 21. The most .important matter discussed at the meeting of the general committee of the Manawatu and West CoastAgricultural and Pastoral Association held yesterday was the arrangements for tho spring show. In tho course, of a general discussion on a motion that the duration of the show should be three days, it was pointed out that many exhibitors from a distance complained that tho cost of 'attending a two days' show , was quite equal to that of attending a threo show, while the business done by them at such fixtures did not compensate for the expenses they wero put to, and many of them had stated that they would not exhibit again until the three days' exhibition was reverted to. Several members spoke strongly in favour of a three days' show, as it would' certainly attract more, entries and would also add to the prestige of the fixture, while it would also be for the benefit of tho finances. The motion was carried with one dissentient.

Concerning . tho question of dates, it was mentioned that tho Wanganui Association lwd now' given up the dates on which they had been in tho habit of holding their show in the middle of November, and a motion was tabled that tho Mauawutu show should tako placo on November 19, 20, 'and 21. In support of this, it was mentioned that this would bring the show after the metropolitan fixture in C'hristchurch, and that being so it would probably attract entries from tho South Island. ■ It was admitted that entries from there had fallen off greatly since the Pftlmerston. show was held before the Canterbury exhibition, as it was impossible for breeders to send their stock up here and 'get them back in time for their own shew. Mombers interested in sheep contended that the date suggested would be too late, as shearing generally started in this district, at the beginning of November, and they could hardly expect breeders to keep their stud sheep in the wool until towards the end of that month, while both the attendance and tho number of exhibits -would be affected by tlio fact that a number of the farmers would be engaged 'in shearing operations. Several members interested in stud cflttle expressed the opinion that the show should be held on the original dates' ns most of ...the' breeders turned their'bulls out with tho cows, at the beginning of November, and tile show would' probably be denrived of the presence of, s<rmo of the best cattle, which would' detract from it materially. The general consensus of opinion was to tho effect that pronosed would be in the' best interests of the show generally, ■ and the motion was carried with three dissentients.