THE A. & P. SHOW.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1922, Page 4

THE A. & P. SHOW.

THE PRIZE ESSAY

The following essay was awarded first prize in connection with thb A. and P. Show :

At last, after several days of unsettled weather, comes the dawning of a perfect day. The sunshine has no. difficulty in bringing merry smiles to the faces- of those who are present at our seventeenth Show. For it is Show Day in Hokitika, and all are wending their way to the racecourse to partake of the information to ho gained there and to criticise the desalts of the efforts of their willing friends. And what results! Who can say that Westland is not progressing when its farmers can show such collections as these? Westland is so situated, and has reached such a stage of development, that a show is very beneficial and in fact, a necessity, because the farmers are so isolated, and the farming districts so widely separated. A show is appreciated much more in Westland than it would lie in a city where the markets are practically daily show competitions, and give opportunity for criticism. Ibis is the reason wily our shows arc appreciated to such a great extent. The Hokitika racecourse is quite an ideal spot for the purpose, and lends itself to an effective display of the numerous exhibits. As we enter the grounds our attention is attracted b\ several very striking cattle-some so huge as to inspire us with awO, while some dear little jerseys are irresistibly charming. Then our gaze is turned to some very attractive horses. One cannot help comparing the daintiness oi the trotters with the massiveness and power of the draught horses. Then wo go along to the splendid collection or cows, which we vow arc beyond comparison, and then on Id the s ..c< pThese are not numerous, hut the low that there are, are of the best quality. Our attention is then attracted by the grunting of pigs. Hero we arc s' ruck at seeing such masses of flesn, ami think that, in future, we will agree with the Jews as regards pork, from these we pass on to some most entrancing little Pomeranian dogs which, though not as useful, we find ranch more desirable to the eye than the porkers. Then we examine the collies, huo-dog and fox terrier, and we agree that all are very interesting and indicate that, in spite of isolation, the people .of Westland are content with nothing but the best.

Waving in the gentle breeze and making a soft rustle, is the display of numerous kinds of grasses. These arc all arm.v*ed out in bundles, and make a very effective show. The eats leisurely nodding to and fro, are much admired by all, hut where most people are to he found is in the pavilion, where the larni ami dairy produce are exhibited. Here one sees the results of willing eliorts ol efficient housewives, and the skill and energy of the school children in putting forth such a large collection ot work. One remarks the capacity of the Mostland housewife when regarding their cakes, s,ones, bread and pickles of all descriptions, and wlen viewing the tasks of the school chi'dren we think of the. industrious gervr.ition to come.

Besides being beneficial to both young and old, to-day’s show must have proved itself to lie instructive to the farmers who, by the number of exhibits, proved their enthusiasm anil their appreciation of the opportunity of comparing their best with the best of others.

So, for the future shows, if every farmer extends himself in the determination to excel, and enters all his stock that He does not feel would disgrace him, and if he would take defeat if unsuccessful, in the spirit that there must always he a last, then the real purpose of these shows will lie actually attained in the improved prosperity and the disciplined contented spirit gained thereby.