THE AUTUMN SHOW.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 318, 18 June 1915, Page 4

THE AUTUMN SHOW.

Tlio special mooting of the Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural Society called for this evening is one at which there should bo a largo attendance. Apparently the fate of the Autumn Show is in the balance, and it will be for the meeting to decide whether or not th-3 show shall be abandoned. It is to be regretted that the need for considering such a question should have arisen, for it casts an undoubted reflection on thn farming community of the district. The society has been in existence for forty years, but has not flourished as it ought to have done, considering the prosperity and progressive spirit of the farmers in the district. When the Autumn Show first replaced the Summer Show it did so under most favorable auspices, the membership of the society being increased to over SOO and the entries being almost double those of previous years. But the now outburst of enthusiasm did not last, and the membership dwindled to 400. To make matters worse, the society lost its tenant at the Coronation Hall, and had to face a liability of nearly £2OO a year. That, however, was set right by selling the Hall to the Defence Department, but retaining the right to hold the Winter Shows there, and as part payment the society secured a portion of the Bew.i Rewa rifle range for use as a show ground. That, however, involves a large outlay on buildings and pens, and unless a considerable accession of members is secured we are told in plain terms by the president that the society cannot see its way to incur the liability. This unfortunate deadlock is ono that the farmers of the district should not allow to remain. It is in order to advance the success of the farming industry that the society exists, and it would be a retrograde movement to impede its career of utility. Why the society is not better supported is incomprehensible. It has some zealous and strenuous workers, and every effort is made to induce farmers to interest themselves in the shows. Wo fool sure that the farmers and business men of the district have not sufficiently realised the need for liberally supporting the society, but there is no question as to this now. No one would regret the abandonment of the Autumn Show more than those whoso support is so muefi needed. It is to lie hoped that on the grounds of utility and the credit of the district an adequate measure of support will enable the society to continue its shows and keep up the reputation of the district. The matter lies in the hands of the farmer-", and the appeal for help should not bo in