JUDGES BUSY AT THEIR TASKS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 23, 20 October 1937, Page 6

JUDGES BUSY AT THEIR TASKS

In every way tlie Mgh standards of past years are maintained |n the 1937 Hawke's Bay Spring Skow, -vvhicli opened at the A. and JP. Society 's showgrounds at Tomoana this morning. The day was & distinct success from every point of view. The snpply of exhibits is a particularly generons one, and entries in all classes are numerjons. The trade exhibits, cspeeially the displays of farm implements, show clearly the progress that is being made in scientific farming.^ There was'a fairly large crowd at the grounds this morning, Blthough, of course, to-morrow, which is People 's Day, will be "The Day" as far as the general public is concerned. The actual grounds are in ideal order and the adjdining "Waikoko gardens present a' lovely pieture, with the •willows spreading their graeeful branches. .The spacious showgrounds at Tomoana with their fine facilities for ihe display of produce, livestoek, farm and trade exhibits," and the fcmple accommodation for all fOrms of sideshows, are the envy of other societies of the Dominion and to-day they looked their best for the many visitors from all parts of New Zealand. The weather is. always the deciding faetor in the success of the show. Anxious looks were cast from time to time • at . the eloudy sky during the morning, but there appears to be reaspn to expect that the sun will evcntually break through the clouds. But it is to-morrow that more will depend upon the weather, and there will be much scanning of weather • -forecasts to-night. When the weather is in doubt- a special strain is placed on the shouldprs of the officials controlling the show arrangements. Though'the sideshows will reap their main harvest to-morrow, they all had a fair share of popularity during the day, ahd merry-go-rounds and other similar amusements, generally aceepted as symbolising "all the fun of the fair," carried the usual loads of gmall children and others not so young. With the passing of years these elder forms of amusement seem to increase in popularity rather than diminish. The judging was carried out at the show during the day, the horses, cattle, sheep, fieece wool, pigs, dogs and indoor poultry exhibits being judged first thing this morning, and the working •idraughts, remaining hacks, saddle ponies and working dogs later in the day. Everywhere there is something to interest everyone. The 'latest in'motor-cars are always seen first at the Spring Show and these exhibits attract eonsiderable attention, even from those with Sao. intention of buying a new car. All tastes are catered for in the exhibits, hack, hunter, and draught horses for the lover of horseilesh, sheep and cattle to interest the farmer, dogs and poultry for the fanciers, and for children of all ages a diversity of amusements. It is to be expected that the return of prosperity will be reiflected in freer spending at this year's show, and the takings will probably. provide a useful barometer of trade. With more iponey in cireulation business will be brisker in every way and money will be spent more freely. Many firms reported that they condueted good business at their stalls to-day and anticipate doing the same tomorrow. . Once again all those voluntary workers who give their services to the' public were at their self-appointed tasks. In the Coleman Memorial rest-house at the eastern end of the oval, the Plunket Society has a depot where mothers, tired of touring the grounds, may rest in eomfort or leave the baby while they1 tour the show. * At the St. John Ambulance Brigade's tent every thing is in readiness for the rendering of first-aid, and the Boy Scouts' parcel depot is again proving of great assistance. The Automobile Association (Hawke's Bay) is another body always ready to assist, and to-day and to-morrow the association 's officers will be patrolling the showgrounds ever willing to give assistance where it is require.dCredit for the successful shows in Hawke's Bay is always due to the secretary, Mr. A. M. Retemeyer, whose efforts this year have resulted in another triumph of organisation. Other bfficials have also contributed their share, and special praise is due to the society 's president, Mr. J. H. Absolom, who has presided over the meetings throughout the year and led the arrangements up to their successful conclusion to-day. The schools section, where the work of pupils of the primary sehools is on display, is always a source of interest and this year the standard is as high as ever. The Napier High 'School also has its stand again this year and here may be seen some fine examples of woodwork and metalwork, . -