THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1929. THE SHOW.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5509, 4 December 1929, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1929. THE SHOW.

Tomorrow the Hauraki A. and P. Association will be holding its 31st annual show. The significance and value of these affairs it is hard to estimate : so-far-reaching, and yet withal quiet, are their workings and benefits that they are inestimable in worth to country and city alike. So closely connected is urban life in New Zealand to that of the country that the two are really as one. Were it not for the pursuits of the rural community no towns or cities would exist—they draw their very life-blood from agricultural and pastoral pursuits, and the law of supply and Remand is regulated by the success of the farming year. In helping the farming interests to attain success A. and P. shows contribute in no small measure. It is through them that interest and keen spirit of competition is kept alive. The shows bring the rural community together as nothing else does. They meet to discuss the various merits of their beasts, to debate new methods of feeding, treating pasture, and a host of other things so dear to the heart of thi farmer, and thus knowledge is disseminated for the good of the whole. The spirit of competition created urges the owner to bring his animals up to a standard where they will stand a fair chance of beating those of his neighbours, or at least bear non-dero-gatory judging. Thus encouragement is created to improve herds, and this in its turn is instrumental in producing the butter, wool, mutton, and lamb for which this Dominion is justly world-famous.- Throughout its existence the Hauraki A. and P. Association has annually held a show the interest in which has been island-wide ; and not alone just at show time, but throughout the year has it been ready with various forms of advice and assistance to the people of the land—the people who made, and are making, New Zealand. Divided, the voices of the farmers are unheard ; united, with an A. and P. association as a fountain head, their voices bear weight, and representations to Parliament and other objectives which would otherwise fail are thereby aided towards their fulfilment. A good example of what shows accomplish in the way of promoting the use of certain breeds of cattle is illustrated by Ayrshires. Jersey and Friesian are household names in New Zealand for their productiveness. This has been brought about by their entry en masse at shows, thus gaining advertisement not only on the spot, but through the medium of the Press when the results of judging are reported. With the names of certain breeds constantly before him as consistent prize-winners the farmer cannot but be influenced towards thenuse. It has been proved beyond doubt that Ayrshires are second to none as producers of butter-fat, yet although splendid herds exist in this district no entries have been received for the forthcoming show. This state of affairs is not peculiar to the Hauraki event, but is common to New Zealand. Through this laxity on the part of Ayrshire breeders and owners the type is little heard of in the Dominion, and therefore little known.