The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, DECEMBER 1. 1913. STRATFORD SHOW.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 77, 1 December 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, DECEMBER 1. 1913. STRATFORD SHOW.

Though most of the other North Island centres-in which Agricultural and Pastoral Shows have been held this year have been unlucky in the weather conditions which prevailed, there seems some reasonable hope that Stratford

may be more fortunate, and we sincerely trust it will prove so. In all great open-air gatherings the weather has much to do with the making or marring of tin* success of the function, and

after enthusiastic officials (such as those who are directing the Stratford A. and I*. Association’s affairs have proved themselves to he), have spent a whole year in getting ready for the

big event, it is at least disheartening to he met with wet and stormy weather. But these things are in the lap

of the Cods, and wo can lint hope that Wednesday and Thursday of this, week will turn out summer days indeed. From its inception the Stratford A. and P. Association lias taken a place in the front rank of sue!) institutions, and it has done more—it has steadily progressed and advanced in every direction. This year the entries are larger in almost very division |thau in previous years, and are splendidly representative' of the resources of the district. During the year nn-j donhted improvements have heen effeetod in the dairy herds of the district, and the competitions in this division are attracting much attention. "Wo believe that more than ever the s -t | tiers are realising what the Stratford | Show means to the wide district from which its principal exhibits arc drawn,

and from which the greater number of those who will be present gain then' livelihood. Apart from the pleasure afforded m the meeting of old friends

and acquaintances—a meeting which perhaps only takes place once in the year—there is ever to he borne in mind the educative value of such a Show.

and the opportunities it affords settlers of learning for themselves at firm hand what their brother farmers are doing in the way of stock improvements. Standards are set up to he reached and: bettered if possible, and object lessons' are provided in good tanning. It isj quite certain that in seeing what others j can do men are spurred on to emu-, lation, and good is thereby attained, j No one will for a moment gainsay j the fact that farming methods ng general have shown marked improvement in the district of late yeans, and it is quite fair to say that the A. and I’. Association lias helped'towards this desirable state of affairs. Favoured with the unselfish services of such men as those who are acting as the j

executive of the Association, every-j thing possible has been done to make the Stratford Show the biggest and, most successful public event we have vet had in our midst. It remains, however, for the farmers and settlers to remember that this is their own particular Show, and that it is up to them to lend all the personal support they are able to give. If they do this there can be no doubt of further success.