KOKATAHI WINTER SHOW

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1926, Page 4

KOKATAHI WINTER SHOW

PEOPLES’ DAY.

The weather continued beautifully find for the second day of the Ivoka-tnhi-Koitorangi Winter. Show. There was a large attendance present yesterday, motor-ears from all parts conveying patrons to the Show. Visitors were present from the south district, as well as Ross, Kumara, Grcymouth, Grey Valley and many of the settlement districts round about. The large hall was well tilled throughout the afternoon and general praise expressed in appreciation of the display. The various sections drew admirers throughout the afternoon, while the district hays and farmers’displays were very special attractions. The ladies were attracted to the cookery and fancy work seclions, while the work of the juveniles was also arresting. Altogether the display well deserved the high praise passed on it, and the Committee of Management from the President downward, deserves great appreciation for the actual work put in to achieve so marked a success. .Mr IT. A. Boddington was secretary as on the previous occasion and was the right man in the right place. He is a hard worker and proved to Ire the most successful exhibitor at the Show, The treasurer (Mr Fleming) and other members of the Committee were all busy and helpful, while the ladies’ section of the committee directed the tea rooms and had charge of various sections of the exhibits. The management at all points was well maintained, and exhibitors and public received every courtesy from those in authority. THE SPEECHES.

Shortly after 2 o’clock, in the presence of a. crowded assemblage. the formal opening of the Show was performed.

Mr T. P. O’Neil (President) apologised fur the absence of l.lon 11. L. Michel. ALLA'.. Mr 'l'. E. V. Seddon. M.P.. and Mr J. Myall, of Barry town, ’file President said he wished to welcome those present to the Kokatahi "Winter Show that day. Tie praised the general display, specially mentioning the root crops, which were a credit to any district. He appreciated the support the Committee was receiving and saitl they were well compensated for their work with the show l.y the success achieved. He hoped they would he able to do better next year and invited support front the outside districts, where, also, similar shows might be held. He had pleasure in announcing with thanks that Mr V . Newman of Hokitika had intimated his intention of presenting a twentyguinea silver cup for the exhibitor receiving the greatest number of points at the Show, the trophy to become the property of any individual who wins it three times in succession or five times at intervals. Mr O’Neill concluded by again thanking all tor their help and support, and inviting greater help in the future. Mr (!. A. Perry, Mayor of Hokitika, said he had great pleasure in congratulating the people concerned on the display. It was a good foundation for greater tilings in the future. The display showed what the district could do in many necessary avenues of production. He trusted they would be able to induce other districts to work in consort for the benefit of the settlement. The root crops displayed were certainly an object lesson ol wlint could Ire produced. The whole Exhibition was instructive niicl evidenced what could he done. The show had its social side, too, in bringing the people together, and it was lint right tliaL the town and country should be brought more together at functions such as the present. They all appreciated the Show and the present was certainly a very worthy occasion upon which to meet together. Mr J. O’Brien, the next speaker, Congratulated the Kokatahi people on their splendid effort. I,le saw their Show last year for the first time, and be could say that this year the quality of the exhibits was better, notwithstanding the weather. The Exhibition was a credit to the district showing it could produce the best, and all that was necessary. The district could well he self-supporting. Thu hays were well worth inspecting- in detail, and were a credit to those responsible for the displays. He hoped the Totnru Flat and liotomanu people would Ink:- up similar Exhibitions in North Westland to assist in advancing Hie interests of' their districts. Such districts should certainly be represented at Exhibitions such as the presenf. It* felt that the farmers of the district would he able to outdo even the present effort, and lie wished them success to that end. Mr O’Brien concluded by thanking the committee for the opportunity to speak on the present occasion.

Mr W. Jeffries, County Chairman, thanked the C'ommittoo for the compliment paid in asking him to open the f-'.i'ow. It was a privilege and an honor which he appreciated. Me joined with the previous speakers in extolling the display, and heartily endorsed what had been said. While they were engaged at tl eir function that afternoon, Parliament was being opcned/also, hut 're did not expect the members of Parliament with their large salaries would emulate in value the eeonomie worth of the settlers of the district who had contributed to the success of the. Show. The latest trading returns for the Dominion were serious, in that imports were exceeding exports. There was a Ctrl I for more exports and there should he more production to meet a situation which if: it continued would have a very serious effect. The debt of the country was now two hundred and forty-five millions and a huge sum had to be found yearly for interest payments. ~ There was thus a call for production. lie went on to refer to the deterioration of land in the district. some farmers allowing their holdings to go hack. There was land here second to none for pastoral purposes and the best use should he made of it. He urged an" expansion of production. indicating how higher returns could be brought in by stocking the land more. Jt behoved all to assist where they could with production. Likewise, all should co-operate to discourage the importation of goods not necessary hv reason of production in New Zealand. Such a Show as the present was important as showing the capabilities of the district, and it should he the endeavour to enlarge the scope of production and it would be to the profit of those on'the land. Mr ■Jeffries concluded hv declaring the Show open and congratulating all concerned on the success, they had made , in displaying the produce and re- , sources of the Kokntahi Valiev.

SPECIAL PRIZES. Rest Game Cock.—W. Hall. Host Game Cockerel.—J. J. Breeze. Champion Bird in Show.—J. Monk. .... Most Successful Exhibitor. Classes I to ti.—lf. A. Roddington. Most Points Ducks.—JT. A. Roddington. Most Points Potatoes.—T). Smith. Most Points Farm Roots.—H. A. Roddington. Most Successful Exhibitor, Classes 73 to 108.—IT. A. Roddington. Hams and Bacon. —J. Monk. Rutter.—ll. A. Roddington. Most Points Cookery.—Mrs J. Fleming.

Fruit Cake.—Mrs V. Jones. Iced Cake. —Mrs Morel. Sponge Sandwich.—Mrs A. Howat Brend.—Airs P. Jones. —Airs Ecclesfield.

Fancy Work.—Mrs McCallum. Oil Painting.—Miss 0. Ckesterjnan. School gaining most points.—Kanieri. (Most Points in Show.—H. A. Boddington. Handwriting, children under ten years.—Maida Harris 1, Rose Parker 2, Herbert Vroblfski 3.