The Winter Show

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 20, 11 June 1914, Page 6

The Winter Show

>o> An Auspicious Opening Bigger, Brighter, Better Than Ever

The fifHi annual winter show of the Taranaki Agricultural Society opened yesterday under most auspicious conditions, (lencrally a. winter show has been as wet as a circus, but this year the riateis wore kinder, and the big show opened in fine weather. The first impression one gained from ■i cursory glance at tlie Show ;, cstcrday morning, even in a state of deshabille and ring with an uproar like the trip hammers of Babel, was that this year's 'display is bigger and better than ever. [This is proved no optical illusion by an inspection of the catalogue, which shows ■ that tlie aggregate entries are some , 'three hundred in excess of last year's. ,I'hc only individual defections is in the [farmers'- industry class. There is only .'one district court and-one farm court, | but the general display of home products is oxeellcnt.

The whole. Show is well displayed, every square inch of space is utilised to tho fullest advantage, and its internal arrangements run smoothly under the ministrations of Mr A. L. Humphries as secretary.

THE OPENING CEREMONY. There was a good attendance at the ! formal opening which took place, at 2.30 p.m. ■Mr J. S. Connett, the President of the Society, expressed his gratification at the success of this year's show. The entries totalled -2042, which wa s ahout 300 in advance of last year's. Many of the classes had not filled >as well as life previous shows, but 'others again ihad more than made up the deficiency. On the whole, the class of exhibit was good, Butter and cheese classes had filled bettor than last year, and comprised entries from ul' parts of Tarnniki and district. The entries in the field root crops were good, and in the acreage crops exceptionally fo. Mr Griffiths hail started the acreage competition, and had this year been followed bv Messrs Webster Bros.,"who also instituted one for mangolds. Personally, he had a high opinion of the educational value of these competitions. The variation in the weight of the swedes in the acreage competition, from a two acre plot, was from 30 to 50 tons, and in the mangolds from a half acre plot 33 to 80 tons.'This competition would increase in value .is the years went by. The Society w?.« particularly indebted this year to the Agricultural Department for staging such an attractive and educational cvliiliit. He had .been naked to st'le thai those in charge were willing lo givu -all information to visitors. The staging of exhibits in general had been improved and the stewards wero on the watch for suggested improvements. He thanked the committee, the ladie-' committee, the donors of prizes and the judges for their support to the Show.

MR IT: OKFA', M.P. I Mr IT. Okey, M.P.. in Hip. course of a lirii'f address, comTiiiiL'.'.i'd Taranaki on the possession of such :i successful Show, iu which all the crops needed for winter feed were to he seen exhibited in the best quality. The Show tended to demonstrate what coo'.'l be done by intensive cultivation. The increased exports of the province should encourage the farmers to still further efforts. Last year the exports of agriculture alone were valued at over twenty-two million pounds, and this notwithstanding the interruption to the season due to the labor troubles. He had much pleasure 'in decraring such an excellent Show duly open. A XOTE OF WARXIXCI.

The Hon. 0. .Samuel, after a few congratulatory remarks, urged the necessity for encouraging agriculture in a country whioh. needed cultivation and settlement like New Zealand. He greatly deplored the tendency to drift towards the comforts and luxuries of the cities. The only thing that could be done to counteract it was to increase as far as possible the comforts of the people who were doing such noble work in settling the country. Tie looked on every loan raised for towns or cities with a measure of regret when lie thought Jiow much more advantageously the money could be expended in the country. He referred to the many advantages of town life, and asked how it could he possible to expect people to live in the country unless more of the comforts and luxuries of life were extended to 'them. It should be done, even if it did cost a little money. He coni sidered Taranaki fortunate in her public men who had done so much to make shows like this a success.

AGRICn/ITRAL DKPARTMKXT'S EXHIBIT.

The principal exhibit from the point of view of the progressive fanner who is anxious to obtain instruction in the best methods of cultivation, tlie most up-to-date nu'tliod of farming liis land, and perhaps j.ust a* important, flic methods to avoid, i s the large exhibit staged by the Department of industries and Agriculture. Thai the Department fuilils its lnihaioii of "guide, philosopher anil friend" to the New Zealand farmer is evidenced by a glance over the exhibit. It is the result of careful and painstaking experiment with rout and field crops, ami a careful classification of the results of these experiments, which should appeal to all farmers. The exhibit has been selected with an eye to the spcial ici|uirements of the Taranaki farmer. It in is charge of Mr A. .T. (Jlasson. with Mr Mill in charge of the Monmabaki section. 'Mr Freeman controlling the garden produce exhibit, and Mr Bayliss the cooperative experimental plants exhibit.

The Momnaliaki State farm sends a comprehensive display of farm and garden produce, special prominence being given to forage plants, of which lucerne is the chief. Hung on the wall are cards, giving instructions and showing the results of experiments in growing variety trials. Samples of hay and chair are aJso displayed. Other forage plants which are advocated for supplementary cropping include silver .beet, Budakale ana I t/hou Moltier, fine specimens of

Another special feature of the Moumahaki branch of the exhibit is the cocksfoot section. To demonstrate the great variation in cocksfoot growth on different classes of soil, there are samples of turf sown with cocksfoot; 2Slbs. to the. acre. This pure cocksfoot has, in the opinion of Mr Hill, answered perhaps better than any other crop for. a permanent pasture of certain lands. A selection with a view to isolating improved strains is being undertaken by the Department at prccs-wt. Also exhibited is a robust strain of prairie grasses. Root crops are exhibited showing types of mangolds, swedes, and carrots (of which there is an especially fine exhibit). The garden produce section, under charge of Mr Freeman, (head gardener) comprises a comprehensive display of all garden produce, including pumpkins, onions, and several varieties of potatoes, and other vegetables. Boards are on the wall to indicate the results of various experiments. There is .also a chart showing the system of rotation of crops. ■ ■

An especially interesting section -of the Department's exhibit is that dealing with grasses taken from the Albany flats. These include specimens of grasses which have proved most suitable for growing on the gum lands of the north. Those who have been most successfully cultivated include most of the fine fescues. A considerable amount of space is occupied by specimens of weeds, noxious and common pasture weeds, all mounted on cards by Mr Glasson. There are some 80 varieties of all the ills which the farmer is heir to and some of the milder stypes, with pithy explanations of their haunts and habits. A choice little exhibit of fancy c'heeses made at Wereroa experimental farm conclude Mr Glasson'a department. The main portion of Mr Bayliss' section of the exhibit deals with the results of experiments on the co-operative system. Approved farmers in the Xorth Island have been supplied with seeds and manures and a scheme of cultivation. They carry out the scheme, which doais with varieties of cereals imported from time to time by the Department, anil for their labor allowed to return the crops. There are exhibited specimens of cereals from Canada, Australia, Sweden, and other countries. The result of these experiments shews that White Lcgowo oats and the Haunt-hen barley have proved particularly suitable to 17r;- lands in the Wairarapa district. One of the befit green feeds was the Swiii Xeck barley from the same place, nrmely .Svalof, in Sweden. There are ivangolds grown by Messrs James Corpe, '>[' Cunnniiifhiim, R. Ross, of A\vahuri, I. G. EhetCof Woodville, and T. Blackball, of Leppcrl.on. Carrots and swedes, all grown under different systems of cultivation with various manures, are there in plots from all parts of the Xorth Island. There are also drumhead cabbages, specially recommended as feed for sheep and cattle, especially from young studs. A special feature is made of the lucerne section. This is a green crop which is specially necommendcd by the Department. An exhibit is included from the Xew Plymouth High School ■plot. An interesting section is an exhibit of seeds ticketed in different colors, and under each color are grouped the seeds for sowing at different periods for permanent feed throughout tha year.

BOOT CROPS AN'D VEGETABLES. Oiu: of the an st interesting features of the Show, from an utilitarian point of view, is the sectb n dealing with root crops and garden vegetables,- wliL-li for til,, purposes of winimiii. may be classed together, although for show purposes they are separated. A winter ,s4iow should be. nothing if not indicative of a desire on the part of the fanner to cultivate good winter crops and fodder, and this in the opinion of the judges has been accomplished this- year in an even greater degree than last year. Mr C. Goodson, who judged the general held root competition, expressed himself as well pleased with the class of product. The general entries wenfar larger than the last show, altliough that in carrots (which are especially line in quality) is smaller. The mangolds, Mr Goodson said, were rather rough, but of especially good quality. They showed a nice coloring, • said Mr Goodson, which was an evidence of alnindarttsacc'hariiic matter. In this connection he remarked that it was a mistake for farmers to strive unduly after mere size. They should endeavor to send a uniform exhibit representative of the average size of the crop. There- were, he said, some, ehou in oilier which showed signs of good cultivation. The entries in the various acreage competitions filled well and made an interesting display. Chatting on these, Mr Goodson said that they showed evidence of keen competition on •the right lines.

Tho vegetable classes filled well, though not so well as last year. Onions were especially prominent. An especially creditable feature which cauglv't the eye of the judges was a collection of furm'grown vegetable" bv Mr C. Sf-n ( ,f, the only one in the compeliuon, but well meriting the first prize bestowed on it. It is a fine example of what can be grown on ten acres of land.

DISTRICT COURTS. There was only one entry in the district courts competition, that from Bei! Block, but it made a hue display. It is a big imposing display ofall the delicacies which pertain to country life. It is prettily decorated with ferns, (lowers and greenery, and staged olTeL'tivcly. There are displaved pork, mutton, pheasants and poultry. Ilutlor of fJic well known Bell lilock brand includes weird and ' wonderful shape.-, and bulk box worked oil (he surf-ice i;i fniK'.v dedgn. A spc;-i:il feature of tlu- court is a dspiay oi' tin- products of casein, showing it in a'.l slaj-cs of manufacture. Cream.-, jams, jellies, preserves, picklo.-i and honey are aijioni* the numerous displays. A line collection of native woods made by Mr. (liddy, makes an attractive find instructive .showing. The court is in charse. of Mesdanies Connett and Kmollie.

FROM iur.uw. Ail exliiljit from Raglan is a fa.r cry, and docs much to jnovi- the popularity of the Taranaki Show. It is a fine display of root and field crops, wool, grain, and gsßfltftLfatm. and dairying prgdiiQej;

FARM PRODUCTS.

JUiXiEra AND .STEWARDS,

in charge of Messrs Rawlinson and Wright (secretary of tlie Raglan Association.)

Tho interest taken in the competition for the host court of .produce from a ten-acre farm was disappointingly conspicuous by its absence. The only exhibit was j[r U. K. Street's, and it'is so line a, display that it is a thousand pitiej> that it should lie denied competition. It is a striking example of what can he done on a smail farm. The display comprises butter, cream, preserves, pork, bacon, ham, preserves, pickles, game, field crops, over tw.-nty varieties of root crops, and others too numerous to mention.

■ln the home industries -ection, the entries were mimurous and the di.-piuy tJiey made was an outstanding feature of the Show, and a lasting advertisement of the abilities of the ladies of the province in the preparation of dainties to tickle thy pa.'ale of the inner man. They ran the gamut in a profusion of delicacies, from (he stall' of life, through cakes, preserves and fruits to the utilitarian realms of pickles and sauces.

HOXEi' SECTION. There was a fair entry in the honey section, but unfortunately tho general quality was not what might lliave been expected. The judge (Mr. Herrick) stated that although the first prize exhibit was of good quality, there was a fallingoil' in the other exhibits. Some of the specimens were inclined towards, fermentation, while others had a superfluity of wax. Mrs. Matthews, of Egmont Village, entered a fine exhibit, hut was disqualified because, in her exhfbit of clear honey, she had included wax. The display in granulated honey was disappointing. This is attributed lo.the fuel that owiiiv to s»,;,v unexplained ciimauconditions it is impossible this se:ison to j granulate honey satisfactorily.

Butter and Cheese.-Judges: Messrs. J. Johnston, It. T.ij-nips.on, and W. Grant. Steward.-,: Messrs. 11. King, 11. 11. Street land J. Rolands. Hams and Bacon—Judge: Mr. YV. llealy. Stewards: Messrs). G. Colson and J. Honcyfield.

Fruits.'—Judge: Mr. ±l. King. Steward: Mr.. J. It. Hill.

| Garden Vcgctaoies.—Judges: JLongstafF and d, J. Elwin. Stewards: , Messrs. J. 11. l'Veetlu'V, S. Brooks, and A. S. Frost.

Field Roots.—Judge. Mr. C. Good-ion. Stewards: Messrs. Bocock, J.'lf. Street, Saumlers, Guscott an,. Candy. Field Roots Acreage Competitions.— .Pudges: Messrs. 11. King and H. Knuckey. Farm Products and District Courts.— Judges: Mesjsrs. C. Goodson, H. King, and W. llealy. Stewards: Messrs. Bocock, J. 11. Street, Saunders, Guscott and Candy. Native Work and Produce Grown at Public Schools.—Judge: ;Mr. .\V. W. 'Smith. Stewards: Messrs. Bocock, ,1. 11. Street, .Saunters. Guscott and Oaiiuv.

Farm Produce and Farmers' ('la.-'r'.es.— Judge: Air. W. Gilbert. 'Stewards: Messrs. It. Johnstone, .>. Hill, F. Calkighaii and T. Luxton. Ensilage.—Judge: Mr. \V. Diddle. Stewards: Messrs. R. Johnstone. X. Hilt. F. Oallayhan, and T. Luxton. Home Industries.—Judge: Mr. G. Young. (Stewards: Jlc.ws C. .Street, C. Bcllringer, W. Stanley and T. Smellie.

Jams, Pickles and Sauces.—Judge. Mr. W. llealy. tStew.arus: Same as for iiibnve classes.

Bottled Fruits and Preserved Fresh Vegetables.—Judge: ..Mr. ;W. llealy. Stewards: Mes- r.-.. G. Col-On and J. Honey field.

Honey Sci'.ion.—Judge: .Mr. 0. J. Her rick. Stewa.--.1-i. Messrs. .S. Pmil and A. If. Street,

Fancy Work.—Judges: .Mi's. 11. Fo.,>kes sind .Miss Matthews (Classr!* 22!) lo 243); Misses McAllitm (i ml Simpson (Classes 244 to 2.W); Mrs. W. Amburv and Miss Curtis (Clasps 2ot) to 274)'; Mrs. 1). K. Morrison ainl' Misw Marshall (('.lassos 275 to 290); Mrs. F. Webster (Classes 2!ll, 2!>2 and 297); .Mrs-. R. C. HUGH'S (Classy 2!13 to 2(Ki). Steward's: Mesdames E. Dockrill, A. Boon, Misses Lewis, Goldsworthy, Ilnmplliries. Fabian, Stephcnson J Smilh 'and .Mr. Geo. White. Photography.—Judge: Mr. Heel. Stewards: Messrs, G. i\V. Browne, and Eustace. General Competition.-'.---Judge: Mr. W. W. Smith. Stewards: Messrs G: W. Browne and Eustace. lllumiiiatinfr and Ticket Writing.— Judge: Mr. A, Lee. Steward 1 -: Messrs. G. W. .Browne and Eustace. Insects. 'Crashes and Weeds.—JmUie. Mr. W. W. Smith. Steward-,: Mwsrs.G. W. Browne and Eustace. Miscellaneous.—fudge: Mr. Hutton. Stewards: Messrs. C!. W. Browne and Eustace. Children's Classes.—Classes 30 to 331 —Judge*: M.rsi. iWe.bstox and Major Rand ford; stewards: Mesdame-si Dockrill and Boon, Misses Lewis. Goldi-jworthy, Humphries, Fabian,' Ster)!icnson-Smith. and Mr. Or. Wliite. Illuminating and Ticket Writing—Judge-, Mr. A. Lee. Grassc.-; and Weed-'—Judge, Mr. W. 'W.