THE FARMER'S HOLIDAY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 278, 21 May 1912, Page 8

THE FARMER'S HOLIDAY

HOW AND WHERE HE SPENDS IT. When that much talked of but never defined person, "the man in the street," goes holiday-making his desires command him to seek relaxation from his business, and for a time he tries to forget the familiar office or shop where he earns his daily bread. But with the farmer it is different, for when he comes to town he combines business with pleasure, and so takes his holiday at a time when an agricultural show is in progress. A show affords the farmer pleasant_ recreation, an opportunity to meet friends from afar. and. further, enables him to see the latest appliances of the industry he is engaarctl in, and to discuss with authorities matters appertaining to the farming and dairying industries. This custom has contributed a great deal to the importance and value of such exhibitions as are held at regular intervals by agricultural societies in every country throughout the civilised world. In Taranaki, where agriculture may be said to constitute the principal wealth-producing factor, the importance of shows has long been recognised. In order to keep'pace with the wave of progress in agriculture which is sweeping over Taranaki, the Taranaki Agricultural Society recently extended its influence by establishing an annual Winter Show. The inaugural show held two years ago exceeded the expectations of farmers and towndwellers, and last year's fixture eclipsed its predecessor. Next month the third winter show will be held, and from the large number of entries already received, and from the enthusiasm' with which the show ia being anticipated, the society confidently expects to establish a record. The new King George Coronation Agricultural Hall, which is now ncaring completion, on St. Germain's Square, will accommodate- this year's

show, and as the building has been erected specially for the winter show the various exhibits will be shown to the best advantage. The principal features 6i the show will be dairy, farm and garden produce, home industries, machinery and working exhibits, Technical School classes, native competitions, poultry, and general exhibitions. The applications for apace for the exhibition of tradesmen's displays, implements, machinery, etc., closed on Saturday night, and the secretary (Mr. Arthur Cliff) reports that this section-will be a strong feature of the show. Altogether 70,000 feet of space is available, and exhibitors who have not yet made their arrangement* should do so at once. The entries in the factory butter and cheese classes I are very satisfactory. The show will be, I opened by the Governor, Lord Islingj ton, on June 5, and will be continued on June €>, 7, and 8. Entries close with the I secretary at 9 o'clock on Saturday night.