Seventh People’s Day.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 6, 1 December 1916, Page 5

Seventh People’s Day.

THE OFFICERS. President: - Mr E. Jackson. Vice-Presidents: Messrs J. B. fline. M. W. Hathaway, W. A. McCiiteiiau, J. W. Boon. Hon. Treasurer: Mr R. Masters. Audito. ; d; J. H. Thompson. Hon. Vc’ Surgeon: Mr E. Mason. Executive Committee; Messrs E. Jackson (chairman), R Dingle, C. Jackson, .1. M. Shatter, A. C. Bell. W. S. Ca‘n, !', Styles, T. Hanford, R. McK, Morison. W. J. Lopdell, R. Masters. General Committee: Messrs O. Ferguson. T. Perry, T. Walker, G. Smart, S. M. Porritt, A. David, P. J. Peterson, D. J. Malone, D. Watkin, W 7. H. Robin- , son, J. B. Richards, J. G. Faultier’ A. M. Spilman, W 7. 15. Foaron, W. H. Were, J. B. Cleiikiw, W. Pettigrew, W 7. H. Rutledge, B. Orr, W. H. THamblyn, W 7. J. Kendrick, H. M. Good. H. N. Silk, T. R. B. Mellow, N. B. Fletcher, A. Stewart, J. Linn, J. Corbett, W. P. KirkWood., E. Marfcll, J. Stewart, F. Schnmaker, A. Huggett, E. Kelloher, E. Walters, W 7. T. Bayly, E. H. Linnell, H. Johnson. Secretary Mr A. 1). Stanley.

The 1910 Show was a remarkable one in many ways, one of which was the seventh day of sunshine for People’s Day. Since its inception, the Association has experienced glorious weather for the second day, but none has been more ideal than that of yesterday. Nimbus clouds chased each other about in the heavens, and Mount Egmont early put a hat on, after acting like a bear with a sore head for days such as need not be recalled. The attendance at noon was equal to the heaviest in the septennial period. and President Jackson’s face was wreathed in smiles at the prospect of eclipsing all records. Among the visitors present yesterday were Mr H. Okcy, ALP., for New Plymouth, and Mr D. W. Drew, a member of the South African Parliament, tlio latter expressing himself as surprised and delighted at the splendid show to he seen in these parts. The Kapouga Brass Band of twenty players under Conductor F. Woods were early on the ground, and considerably added te the holiday air of the gathering. Their general excellence evoked appreciation. THE GRAND PARADE. The Grand Parade was the acme of precision and method. The writer has seen a few agricultural ana pas toral exhibitions, where attempts hav o been made at grand parades, but never have yesterday’s arrangements been surpassed in every respect. The marshalling of the superb stock as was to be seen on the ground, was a masterpiece of its kind. Haw. ia, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, let them ail come, but there have been hitches, waits, and delays that have taken the gilt off the giuger-br-ad. so to speak. Marshal “*<ndy” Stc ' v ; art never did bettor since la- I ■' ' command of the Strat-iord cm "" ■ ( ■■ Immediately the catalog.ir ' ,nu > p.ru. chimed, the prise caum eu soon filing into the arena, lo.llov._ea by horses and turn-outs. The arm mats and competitors in their 'urn went a round of the ring, and ranged themselves up in order before the grandstand Hike a book,” as the saying goes. It was a sight that uiio might not see again even in Stratford, and yet, ere it was focussed on the brain, the scene was changed, and the cavalcade did a riglit-about-tuin, ie traced their steps, and melted ihto the outside enclosure surrounding the entire and hull boxes, or any old place except among the sheep pens and pig-sties! Perhaps, by next annual show some ingenious or ingenuous mind might work out a scheme to embrace in the Grand Parade these two somewhat neglected quadrupeds in the category of dumb animals, who, however, make no small showing at the end of the year in the income of the average mau-on-the-laiid ! But presumptuous suggestions apart, and in all good faith, the Association is to be congratulated on having such an efficient marshal for the great event of their year as Mr Stewart, whom, it should be mentioned, was highly complimented on all sides lor bis management. As Assistant-Marshal. Mr W. 'J'. Hailey (Klth.ani) ably assisted in arranging the parade. CATTLE.

Stratford again proved herself a great dairying centre by the specially good showing of cattle of this type. In Jerseys, the judges bad all their work cut out to get through on Wednesday, and it was not until well

mi Mist onlay that some of the classes involving the. utility animals were posted to the press tent. In compo risen with oilier shows, Stratford is still in the lead, nr is not surpassed in type and point of numhois. Mr A. Hall, of Thames Valley, judged the Jerseys, and expressed er. nt pleasure at having to sort out the prize-winners in such a strong breed. He reversed his Palmeiston North decision in the case of C. Goodson's Mercedes Noble Lady and Bell Bird, placing the latter first and the former third instead of fourth and first. His explanation was that yesterday’s winner had improved considerably. Other Jersey champions graced the ring in the remaining classes, the whole constituting a very valuable collection. Olson Bros. (Egmont Village) made

great name in Ayrshires, scoring first in every female section, besides champion and two seconds. AA T . Hall, with his hulls, did exceptionally well, obtaining first and champion with Little Jim and two firsts and one second,. The Tholstcins brought forward the best breeders of the Island. A. J. GalBHiau and AV. I. Lovelock (Palmerston X.-.rHi) being well represented, and they secured a good share of the honors! The former’s Holland Queen’s son was reserve champion, being heaton by Air Johnson’s King Rose do Knl after a close contest. In cows, Mr James carried off the championship with Regis Galatea. The Hawora champion was only third in her class, Mr A. J. Gallichan’s Diamond being awarded reserve champion. The Grades, in the opinion of the judges were groat animals as a whole, and these also earned much public commendation. The Fat Cattle were very good in quality, if few in number, comparatively. HOME INDUSTRIES. In the Home Industries section the cooking, especially in the Girls classes under 16 (for home-made scones) was particularly good, and in tlie best Xmas, cake section. Airs Bolton (of Cardiff) the tviniior, is to he congratulated. For Preserves and Pickles, Airs Chadwick’s (of Hawera), although her collection was not subject to competition, was worthy of any show. Of Iced Cakes, Airs Edmondson (Alidhirst), who seemed first for best iced cake was far beyond the capabilities of an amateur. In the Alount Alellick section of needlework, Alastor G. Jones (Tariki), who secured first prize, produced an exceptionally fine piece of work, lor best Afternoon Tea Cloth work. Airs Rutledge (Alidhirst), who gained first prize, produced work of a very high merit. Special mention should bo made of'the exhibit of Fancy A) oik by hoarders of St. Alary’s Girls’ School, Stratford, this being the subject of an admiring crowd. FAT SHEEP. In Fat Sheep, McDonald Bros., Stratford, had a good win in the class for three fat ewes, scoring first against such well-known breeders as Marfell, of Toko, J. Forbes of Xorivianby, and others. The exhibit was one that would be hard to beat in aiiy show ring in the Island. In the only other entry that this firm made they secured third award, and this was for a pen of three freezers (ewes) for which there was some keen competition among nine entries. / JUVENILE JUDGING. In connection with the juvenile judging, a pleasant surprise was given to the competitors after the judging, when the boys were entertained to tea at the Medina Tea Rooms by Alessrs H. G. Sergell 'Agricultural Instructor), and X. Fulton (Dairy Instructor), and among others present were Alessrs E. Jackson (Pro-

sidento and E. Griffiths, the. Judge. After tea, the President (Mr B. Jackson) addressed the boys and impressed on those who were not winners not to ho disappointed, but to persevere in their studies, so that they may compete again in the future. Thanks were heartily accorded Mr Sergei!, who introduced fin’s* class, the hoys giving three rousing cheers. Mr Sorgell told the hoys that by persevering in their studies and taking every advantage of watching points in the host show specimens, they would probably later on ho the class from which the judges would be chosen. All the boys appreciated the kindness shown by the President, Officials, and the Instructors and Judge. the a. and p. The report would be incomplete without special reference being made to the general excellence of the arrangements for the whole Show. President Jackson and his executive have put tip a record that will make the next occupant of the chief office

in the Association sit up and think hard of the means to supply the necesI sary initiative and resource to outj rival the 1916 exhibition. Those whose duty takes them to the various shows in the North Island speak ungrudgingly of the great strides made ' by Stratford, of the numbers and quality of the stock of all descriptions, of the signs of unanimity among the workers (there are no drones), of the courtesy and attention of the officials as a whole, of the increasing number of side-shows and business premises, and of the plentiful supply of money, as evidenced by the well-dressed and prosperous-looking multitude and the “biz” done by the theatricals. All these combine to afford the truest index to the wealth of the district and the material advancement accomplished in the comparatively short period since the first settlement' c,f

Stratford, and of the lands that I’G out-back as a sure and stable support in the times ahead. The members of the Press are indebted to Mr R. A 1 asters for many courtesies and favors supplied during the two days of the Show; .he may rest assured that in this respect his department was one of those in the general arrangements which enabled Stratford to claim that she leads in 1916. The Secretary, Mr A. D. Stanley, worked well with his numerous assistants, of whom Air S. Ward was a tower of strength in matters of detail. NOTES. Even to the most, casual observer, the attendance was the best ever. And Money talks every time, and the proceeds of the gate made Treasurer Alasters mention that there was a substantial increase in the takings over last year. It must also be remembered that the membership of the Association lias been increased during President Jackson s regime, so that no loss than 10,000 people must have been on the ground during the day. The gate money amounted to £l6 more than last year.

In the motor paddock, as many as 210 cars were arranged, all of these having paid for accommodation; bosidcs,"there was a long string of others on the Flint Road, not to mention the busy-bodies plying for hire from town to the grounds. At a rough estimate, the value of the “stock” must have been not much less than £60,000.

Yesterday, among the great crowd present, parents and children appeared to stick closely together, if the experience of the secretary is to bo taken as a guarantee. Air Stanley reports that only two lost youngsters sorrowfully reported themselves to him as being motherless and blind as to the way to go. The little ones were duly escorted to their respective parents.

In ponies, under 11 hands, R. Membery, Stratford, secured first and champion for his black Shetland, the pony being a perfect miniature. One of the first prize-takers in the thoroughbred class judged on Wednesday, and which secured Air T. A. W. Nicholson’s prize of one guinea, was a well-bred two-year-old filly called Lady’s Maid, by Husbandman-Lady Alaude, a half sister, by the way, to the popular Taranaki runner, Crawford. The filly was exhibited in the name of Aliss AL Kennedy, a cousin of Airs C. Craddock, Stratford.

Air J. W. Burke, of Eltham, has disposed of his well-known horse Fritz, who added to his long list of honors by securing reserve championship in the harness classes. The new owner is Air AAL Cleaver, of Hawera, and the price paid was 100 guineas.

The Cup donated for two cows in milk by Air R. J. Linn, Notmanby, is valued at six guineas, not two guineas as stated in the Association’s catalogue.

The fact that practically no word of complaint was heard in connection with the judging proves that the Association had collected capable men to fill these important positions, while the willingness of the stewards in the various classes to further the interests of the Show was a very-pleasing feature throughout. Dustin’s Ltd., AA’angauui, never had such a lot of catering to do m Stratford, and towards the clojes fresh supplies of eatables had to be secured. It was a record time for the army of cooks and waitresses. The receipts from the side shows realised the sum of £62 4s. This was a record amount, being £l2 in excess of any previous year.