SHOW PIONEERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 10 November 1939, Page 11

SHOW PIONEERS

SURVIVORS OF 1875 GATHERING ON GROUND PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD TWO PAST PRESIDENTS Seventeen pioneers who were present at the first Gisborne Show in 1875 were on the ground yesterday, and 12 of them assembled as guests of the Poverty Bay A. and P. Association in the officials’ dining-room for afternoon tea. An appeal was made [or the others to participate, but they were detained elsewhere.

The gathering was a very happy one, and included two people who had held the position of president of recent years. They were Messrs. 11. G. Smith and J. C. Graham, whose fathers took leading parts in early Show movements, the former’s father being on the first committee and also an early vice-president, while the latter’s was the third president of the association.

Those present at the gathering were:—

Mrs. W. Baty, Gisborne. Mrs. C. D. Bennett, Gisborne. Mrs. Amy Pitt, Gisborne. Mrs. W. Lougher, Gisborne. Mr. J. S. Buckland, Gisborne. Mr. H. J. Clayton, Gisborne. Mr. O. Hansen, Kaitaratahi. Mr. C. Hansen, Gisborne. Mr. J. C. Graham, Gisborne. Mr. C. Lewis, Gisborne. Mr. H. G. Smith, Makaraka.

Mr. R. Robb, Gisborne Also on the ground were: —Mr. F. Bousfield, Wairoa; Mr. C. Webb, East. Coast; Mr. C. Dunlop, Gisborne; Messrs. McKay (2), Ormond. Progress of the Show

On behalf of the association, Mr. Smith extended a welcome to the pioneers, and remarked on the phenomenal progress of the Show from 1875 to the present day.

The fine grounds, which he ventured to say, were second to none in the Dominion, afforded every possible facility for exhibitors. He referred also to the growth of the district apd the farming industry generally. Mr. Graham supplemented Mr. Smith's remarks by referring to the interest taken by the pioneers’ sons, and said it was remarkable that recent presidents were sons of founders and former presidents of the Show. He also thought it an excellent idea to invite all the survivors of the first Show to be present at the jubilee event, and he was sure that those who were able to remember would appreciate the great growth made by the association.

Mr. Robb replied, and on behalf of those present thanked the association for its thoughtfulness in inviting the pioneers to be present. He was sure that the officers and all concerned must feel proud of the splendid demonstration that day. He could not help noting that the reference to the pioneers’ sons carrying on the work was fully true, and while that spirit obtained there was no fear of interest in the Show flagging.

Still An Exhibitor

He complimented the association on the grounds, for, having visited other showgrounds in the Dominion he was proud to endorse Mr. Smith’s remarks regarding the suitability of the Gisborne grounds for Show purposes. Continuing, Mr. Robb referred to Mr. O. Hansen as being present in 1875 and being still an exhibitor. He noticed Mr. Hansen in the grand parade with his horse and gig, which he drove himself, and which was decorated with a number of red tickets. At the first Show Mr. Robb’s father was the winner of the draught stallion championship, with the horse Auckland, and Mr. Robb had the pleasure of riding his uncle's pony in the Show ring, being beaten by Mr. Chas. Dunlop, who was first in the event.

At the conclusion, a group photograph was taken.