METROPOLITAN SHOW

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 216, 1 December 1927, Page 15

METROPOLITAN SHOW

CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS AT EPSOM

INCREASED ATTRACTIONS TO-MORROW

FROM the sleek herds of the Waikato and the Far North, and from the leading stud flocks of the North Island, picked representatives will be assembled at Epsom Showgrounds to-morrow. In the horse and pig' sections the Island will also be well represented, for at the big Metropolitan fixture North Island championships will be awarded in most of these classes.

It will be an assembly of champions. Following as it does most of the principal spring shows of the North Island, an excellent opportunity is provided successful exhibitors at other shows to forward entries in tip-top condition. From this select company prize-winners may undoubtedly be regarded as the champions of champions. FUN OF THE FAIR That “to see one show is to see them all,” is an old fallacy will be amply proved by a visit to Epsom tomorrow and also on Saturday. This year more and more novelties have been added t,o an already wide range of attractions. A naval display, including chariot races, w'hippet races, and the Auckland Kennel Club’s show, which is being held in conjunction with the show, are only a few of the attractions of the 1927 fixture which are calculated to cater for the most diversified tastes. In addition an unusually attractive programme of competitive events should attract a large number to the ringside. Judging by the applications received from all parts of the Dominion for side-show space, the necessary carnival spirit should not be lacking. All the fun of the fair should be obtainable at the Epsom Showgrounds during the next two days. INCREASED ENTRIES Although in such a famed dairying province principal interest will perhaps be centred in the cattle stalls, the growing importance of the province’s frozen meat trade is reflected in the large entries received in the sheep classes suitable for the export trade.

Following the very satisfactory uplift iu wool prices keener competition

in the wool-breeding classes is also a satisfactory indication that the province by no means carries all its eggs in the one basket. In that very useful adjunct to the dairying industry—pig breeding—further development is also indicated by a marked increase in entries received. In this class there will be four times as many pigs as at the 1925 show, and about 60 more than at the Royal Show 4ast year. VARIETY OF COMPETITORS Although a general falling off in the number of heavy horses is apparent at most shows throughout the Dominion, the keen interest displayed in hunting and light-horse contests in the North has ensured a steady supply of useful exhibits year by year for these classes. This year should prove no exception to the rule, and on both days keen competition in the hunters , hacks and harness classes should be forthcoming. The Auckland Kennel Club’s thirtysixth annual show, which is also held on the grounds, should also attract considerable attention. This year over £4OO worth of trophies, cups and cash prizes will be competed for, and accommodation for over 400 dogs has been provided. Arrangements have been made for the presentation of the championship ribbons by the Prime Minister, but in the event of his being detained in Wellington through Parliamentary duties, the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. O. J. Hawken, will officiate. On both days the grounds will be open to the public from 10 a.m. In order that the educative benefits of the show may be available to as many young people as possible, school children will be admitted free to-morrow.