THE RICH WAIKATO

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 58, 31 May 1927, Page 1

THE RICH WAIKATO

Notable Exhibits Staged at Coming-of-Age Show

MONUMENT TO LAND’S FERTILITY

(THE SUN’S Special Representative) NORTH of Kaitaia, away south, east and west across a lovely, changing, rich countryside—thus is spanned the land responsible for mountains of wealth in the primary produce displayed at the Waikato Show. For something more than prize-winning awards or the satisfaction of a discerning palate stand masses of butter, pallid beside unending ranks of prosperous-looking cheese. Together they represent wealth that lies in the flats and undulations of the Waikato.

II'HEN the show was opened at 2 ” o’clock this afternoon, the presence of His Excellency the Gover-nor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, who made the formal opening declara-

tion, added interest to the occaaion. His upbringing in the rural atmosphere of Ayrshire ? ave the GovernorGeneral the eye of a discriminating farmer. Through the stress of many campaigns he has preserved that in-

fallible discernment, so knew what he was talking about when he corntrended the fertility of the Waikato, the enterprise of its farmers and the excellence of their products. Of all, he said, there was ample confirmation in the massed produce that surrounded him. This is the Waikato show's coming-of-age party. Instituted 21 years ago it has attained a robust seniority after a lusty infancy. Under the circumstances it is appropriate that this year's displays should be of such quality that there has beet formed the general impression that this is the best show of all. PRODUCE AND PROGRESS Wealth extracted from a fruitful mil fringes the long lanes through which the crowds began to throng to day. Exposed for their inspection were the components of a mechanism that has created prosperity for a closely-peopled countryside. In the Hamilton public library one gazes with interest upon the Hamilton of 186(5 —a cluster of huts clinging to the sloping tank of the Wai»ato. To-day that slope, in the arched shadow of a majestic bridge is a lawn jewelled with flower beds, and above it a populous town is spread across the plain. An analysis of the agents that elected the transformation reveals 'hat bountiful primary production yvas he first of them, and for every loyal citizen 'he brimming benches at the Waikato show should therefore be full of interest.

Yesterday it was interesting to watch the exhibition taking shape. Id the roster of annual shows throughout New Zealand there is no undertaking greater than this, and at noon yesterday the limitations of time seemed definitely to decree that the aggregation could not be completed in readiness for to-day’s opening. HOURS THAT COUNT But it is wonderful what those last few hours will do. Where a few hours ago was an untidy litter, to-day tiers of vegetables meet the eye. The Winter Show Association itself has staged one of the most arresting displays, an exhibit of root crops and vegetables. Yesterday men staggered beneath giant pumpkins and marrows which to-day form a commanding central group, or with reverent tenderness put in their appointed places potatoes, onions, and stalks of golden grain. Several Government exhibits com mand attention, and denote that the old charge of failure to recognise the value of publicity cannot now be levelled against the powers that be. Forestry, tourist, and agricultural departments are handsomely represented. Back from Toronto for the edification of the Waikato have come two large plaster maps of the North and South Islands. Coloured lights glow at every point where there is a dairy factory. With 347 factories in the North Island, and 155 in the South, the maps blaze attractively. Southland, Taranaki and the Waikato are shown to be the chief dairying areas, but even in remote places, in the shadow of the Southern Alps, under the forest girdle of Ruapehu, or on the distant East Coast, the little lamps of the dairy business still burn cheerfully. FOR TOWNSMAN AND COUNTRYMAN As disclosed at the show, the creations of the Waikato’s Housewives would satisfy the most fastidious epicure. It is further revealed that secondary industry has not been neglected, and the townsman, as well as the farmer, is attracted by the individual sections of the big display.

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