AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5428, 20 August 1878, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

(From the Queenslander, July 27.) There is a noticeable disposition amongst those who conduct agricultural exhibitions to become just a little slovenly in matters of detail ; and, as all shortcomings in that respect must react upon the success of the exhibitions, reference to the matter seems necessary. Amongst the several features that aid iu making exhibitions successful, order in the acceptance, classifying, and arranging of exhibits is of first importance. Exhibitors will soon cease to come forward when they find that arrangements for classifying and placing the exhibits are defective. In every case it is a severe tax upon time and energy to get np creditable exhibits, and it is a serious mistake to suppose that the credit or discredit of the occasion all falls upon the exhibitor. The share of success and credit that falls to the association and the officers of the association concerned is really as great - as to the exhibitor. And it is therefore n duty upon the officials concerned, as well as upon the exhibitors, to seo that tho matters of detail that tend so much towards success arc fairly attended to. There should be no room for doubt on tho part of tho exhibitor as to what material is available for him at the show. Tables are always provided for exhibits, and they should be neat and_ clean. When this is neglected ; when exhibits are placed upon rough undressed boards, tho effect is decidedly bad. However meritorious or good the exhibits may bo, carelessness or slovenliness in setting them out tidily for exhibition has a most depressing effect. There should bo no shortcomings iu this respect, or tho result must bo injurious to all concerned. In the classifying of exhibits, also, a great deal can be done before the rush of tho opening day takes place. Space should be set apart for tho various sections, and, if practicable, individual stewards should seo to tho arranging of tho details of each. But tho secretary of tho society is tho main dependence in emergencies of tho kind. U nless ho is well up in tho details at that time ; unless ho has a fair

idea of the number, bulk, and character of the exhibits, and knows the position to which each belongs, there is much risk of confusion—which leads to dissatisfaction and disappointment,and want of success. Arrangements should also be made beforehand for the comfort and refreshment of those who are expected to see to the working out of details, aud particulars of these arrangements, as to 'time and place, should be supplied to each. Arrangements for admission and prompt decision as to who are to have honorary admission are as necessary as the other features referred to. Where practicable, printed cards, programmes &c., should be issued, aud as far in advance of the opening day as possible. Attention to these and other details which will readily present themselves gives a degree of certainty and method to exhibitions which has a marked effect upon results. The desire of all concerned is to get the public to come to the exhibition, aud the arrangements should be such as satisfy and instruct visitors. These are the leading objects of exhibitions, and when the necessary details are attended to continuous success follows as matter of course, or very nearly so.