THE NATIONAL WINTER SHOW.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8844, 21 June 1907, Page 3

THE NATIONAL WINTER SHOW.

Third Day. Yesterday was coanted upon, as being the children's day at the Show, but with the children came a large influx of the farming community from all quarters, of the district, so that Thursday could really be classified as the ' farmers' outing. At noon it was evident that there was going to bo a very large attendance, for a steady stream of people began to pour into Cnba-street, and an hour later the hall was filled with a moving mass of humanity. There the type and back-bone of the country, which in the ordinary routine of daily life is lost in oblivion, was brought into the light through .the magnetic influence of this vast demonstration of the fertility of the district of which Palmerston enjoys the unique distinction of being the centre. Absolutely the most imposing feature of all was to see tho happy parents leading round the playful children who are to shortly join in the ranks of those who control tho future welfare of the colony, it was indeed an edifying sight to pause for an instant beside some novelty in the Show and to hear the host of questions thrust uuon an unexpectaut parent and the answers returned, no matter how correct they may have boon, with the usual promptitude -which never fails to satisfy tho thirst for know'edge lei tho part of the juvenile element. Pew were tho persons who came under the observation of the writer that did not hear a happy and contented look. Certainly there wore a few exceptions but: these it is advisable to leave unnoticed as it is recognised that there is not a mere prosperous community in tho whole of “God’s own Country” than in the* Hsnawatu. The weather, although slightly cold, was an improvement on the previous day, and the people moved about the grounds with a greater degree of comfort, which relieved the congestion of traffic inside the hall. Lectures to Schools. The children were addressed by Government experts at noon on milk testing, apple culture, with special reference to diseases, and potato culture. Mr T. Vv. Kirk delivered the addresses on the culture of potatoes, which ho declared to be the most neglected crop in the Colony. He gave advice as to preparation of ground and the avoidance of diseased seed, the cutting of sots of single eyes, tho value of lime as a soil dressing and of sotash as a constituent of potato manure. L’otash encouraged hard and tough 'elinjjc, which was bettor able to resist lisea.se than the large soft leaves pro* luccd by nitrogen. Explanations of the r=o of formalin, corrosive sublimate, ailpliuto of copper and other disease fillers were given with reference to he Government leaflets in which full lirections for their use arc given. Photographs and specimens were handed mind and examined by the pupils, also iottles showing disease, and examples of lie greater prevalence- in moist weather, dr Kirk further showed the' difference letween fungoid diseases and those aused by bacteria, and by tho minute überclo forming worms. An explanation given how to test and mix biuestone. .lost of the complaints regarding unuccessful spraying came from people rho used inferior lime or biuestone, and hen 'failed to apply the mixture to the indor part of the leaves. A specimen of ho potato moth known in Australia was :anded round, and Mr Kirk explained I hat a largo quantity of imported potatoes rd to be sent back owing to their being fleeted with the moth. Mr Kirk concluded by giving an interesting illustraion of the use of the spray' pump. Fruit Growing. Mr A. E. Simms, Assistant Government omologist, gave to another group cf lildrcn and some adults an interesting ■ctnro about apple culture and the suprcssion of the various apple diseases, and ad several samples of pests to illustrate his Idrass. The lecture was preceded by a emonstration of apple tree planting and ic pruning of roots, also budding and the 10 general treatment of spraying, etc. He ad several samples of apples with and ithout disease, and the latter he himself anded round for his audience to sample. . hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr innns for his able lecture. Mr Simms, in eknowledgment, said that Mr Poacher was > have taken the lecture, but had to leave is show on account of his health. Shsep BrsstlsrsA Special General Meeting of tho Kew calaud f ’.annoy Marsh Ereeders’ Associaon was held yesterday, and was well alluded by breeders from both Islands, lie President, Mr G. G. IVhoeler, cccnied the chair. A good deal of discussion ■igiuated over a motion that nuregissred flocks lie admitted to the Flock look, and eventually it was decided tint time limit bo made up to Juno 30th, 108, after which no further flocks would a registered unless they are progeny Of ■gistcre flocks. I\lr G. C. “\Vheeler moved lat after January Ist, 1009, no entry of ny ram should be made in the Flock ook unless the breeding* was traced back, nd name or number of sire given. The [otion was carried by a substantial mjority. Tho meeting then went intv )mmiLtco.

The Catering

The Association has to be congratulated upon the excellent catering arrangements, placed in the capable hands of Mrs .Rawlins. With a largo and efficient staff, this lady was never tired of attending to the wants of her visitors, and carried out the responsible duty in a manner which is only done to those who have had years of experience in this department.