Stratford News

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 163, 27 November 1912, Page 3

Stratford News

From o:ir Resident .Reporter. THE SHOW. " To-day is the.first day of the Stratford Agricultural ji rid Pastoral Association's Show. Only a little over three years ago tlie idea of f.u;{!;ni; such an association was mooted i-i Stratford. The idea

I ''caught on." Leading fanners joined with progressive townspeople in bringing the scheme (,o fruition. Negotiations were soon entered into and a property purchased on the Flint road, to be turned into showgrounds. People who know the district best aver that no better choice could have been made. The property is situated just over the borough boundary, wiiiiin a clone's throw of the Mountain road. It had a gradual slope. In the east, a good belt of shelter bush on' ihe south si.'o, .ind a caretakers cottage. To-day the place is a fine showground, A big grand ;„.i;'.,l for 1 .ember:* and a people's stand u\ 'nook the spacious show ring, whieh has been pipedrained, levelled and sown, and which even under yesterday's downpour would have been lit for its purpose. Permanent' buildings for home industries and dairy produce Hank the southern end of the ring. A row of bull and horse boxes lie to the east. There is ample accommodation in the pens for the biggest show of stock ever held in the district. There arc proper facilities for washing stock. There is a spacious horse paddock, which has been taxed to its fullest i capacity at ea?h of the shows held. The ] view from the grounds from ihe grand- j stand embraces all the grand extent of J country lying out to the east. How is i it that the Stratford A. & P. Associa-1 tion is in such a proud position?

It is because of the enthusiasm and indomitable enterprise of the men who have been associated with the management throughout.. Some might be individualised, yet that might be hardly fair, for every man who has put his hand to the'plough has worked to the full extent of his opportunity and ability. There can be nothing lint praise and admiration for the manner in which the Stratford show has been carried-right into the forefront of shows, supported loyally by the people of the district, and supported also by what are popularly known as the "big" breeders in all classes of stock. Nothing succeeds like success, and the successes achieved so Far keep the enthusiasm hot.

To-day sees the opening of the their annual show. Everything is ready, every arrangement mail". end the onlv one that may miscarry is that of the weather. It is to be a noble exhibition of the finest stock in the district, and ilie grand parade and dog parade on Thursday will be worth going Miie-s to see. There will be side-shows g.ihuv (of approved class only), refreshm• at and general holiday facilities, including excursion fares and special trains, '"lie attendance promises to be a record one.

STKAY PARAGRAPHS Unceasing rain all day. but at time of writing there was a prospect of improvement. Oh, for v. change of wind to the south!

Messrs. Masters & Son made a special offer of Christmas fruits, not "prints," as stated in Yesterday morning's paragraph.

BERNARD'S FICTTJEES The special '•'double, bill" at His Majesty's Theatre should draw another big "house" to-ni'ilit. "Me an' Bill" and "The Child's I'rr.vi" continue to find popular favor, and Die Damn out Graphic., the scenic and comic films are specially good. A new special programme is announced for to-i"oiri;w night.