Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 1940. SHOW ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 120, 19 April 1940, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 1940. SHOW ASSOCIATION.

It is a matter of supreme importance? to Palmerston North and the wonderfully fertile district of Mamnvatu that its Show Association should prosper in these difficult times. Without its two Shows each year Palmerston North would lose valuable attractions which have played a not unimportant part in the city’s advancement, and the district itself a most helpful aid to the wellbeing of its rural industries.' Happily the day is far distant—if it comes at all—when institutions such as the Manawatu- A. and P. Association will not be able to play their conspicuous part in the national welfare, so deeply rooted are they in the people’s life. Rut it is essential that these associations wherever they exist should have the public’s earnest support. Given generously in the past, it is urgently required now in these most difficult times. Citizens as a rule cannot be insensible of the valuable services given to the Manawatu A. and P. Association over its lengthy existence by prominent farmers and townspeople. With them it has been a labour of love, however arduous the, work, given solely with, the desire to'promote the prosperity of each section. For town and country are interdependent. On our primary jjroduction and the successful marketing of our exportable products depends in the greatest measure the Dominion’s prosperity, and each Show is a testimonial to what has been achieved through the courage, industry, and enterprise of the farmer. From them the city people gain a beneficial knowledge of what the country means to New Zealand’s stability and prosperity, while the numerous commercial displays help to foster business. The Shows have proved their worth many times. Palmerston North is singularly fortunate in having its Showgrounds within the city, a wide expanse of grounds and display buildings which facilitate the holding of its Shows. Keen vision and vigour marked the Association’s inception and progress in the early years, preparing the ground well for the future. That work lias borne its fruit in rich measure. It. has been maintained since by officers who have been imbued with the same spirit as the early ones, and will continue in the future. • This fact must be patent to all while there are sons of the farming pioneers and citizens appreciative of the Shows’ value. But the Association cannot prosper entirely through the efforts of those who guide its destinies. It must have the-most loyal support of the townspeople and rural inhabitants as a whole. This support, can be shown in many ways — membership and attendance at the exhibitions in numbers sufficient to giv.e an encouraging revenue surplus are two of the most important. The

energetic leadership of the past is being maintained by the present officers, who in this year are confronted with the need to* economise wisely . without impairing the Shows’ success. Not many people realise the cost of upkeep of the- Association’s grounds and buildings, of the need to conserve expenditure without detriment to these structures, and above all to maintain equilibrium in tlie finances. By team spirit and generous recognition tlie district can and should get behind the Association as stated, encouraging its officials ,in their earnest endeavours, and helping the new secretary in her responsible duties. Greater support is more than ever required to-day and the measure in which it is given must determine the Association’s prosperity. It should not be lacking.