THE NEW SHOWGROUNDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 October 1916, Page 6

THE NEW SHOWGROUNDS.

A SPLENDID SITE. GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE. That the Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural Society has entered upon a new lease of life, and that its future caree; will be one of much prosperity, was evidenced by the last report and balancesheet that vras recently placed before members. The president's address at last Saturday's annual meeting sounded the highest keynote of optimism for the Society's future, and the efforts that are being put forth by the Society are deserving of the highest commendation. Mr. Connett,' in liis remarks, made special reference io the new showgrounds, and it lias probably come as a surprise to many members—those in the country especially—to know that work on the area has advanced so far since tha Society entered into possession. With the purpose of seeing for himself how much progress has been made, and also to give News' readers some idea, a representative of this paper visited the grounds the other day, when he was fortunate enough to catch Mr. G. W. Browne, who is supervising operations, at liberty. Although the weather was unfavorable, Mr. Browne very kindly accompanied the reporter on a tour of inspection, and explained the Society's projects for the various buildings and yards, and for enhancing the general attractiveness and value of the area.

The grounds are delightfully situated just beyond the Waiwakailio saleyards, on the eastern bank of the Waiwakailio stream. The freehold contains 10'/, acres, while there is adjacent a little over seven acres —the old rifle range—over which the Society has practically an optional lease. On entering at a spot that will eventually prove the msin public entrance, the first thing that appeals is the amount of work that has visibly Ibeen accomplished within the short space of ten or twelve weeks. On the is the ring, 7 chains by 5 chains m area. This has been ploughed and harrowed and sown, and the sloping sides (regulated so that all spectators will get an excellent view of the stock parades) have been turfed. The ring, on which £6OO has been expended, will be enclosed "by a four-felet paling fence, and provided with the necessary gateways. The first building will be the grandstand. which is to be erected in ferroconcrete, and a contract for it lias already been let to Messrs Boon Bros., to bo completed by the end of January. Luncheon rooms, cloak rooms, offices, etc., have all been provided for in this building, and a lawn in front of it is already laid out. Beyond the grandstand sites are allotted for the various booths, and then are the cattle pens, which are now in course of erection. These will be most commodious, and when completed will occupy an area of nearly two acres, capable of accommodating 350 'head. It is, however, only intended to proceed with half of this structure before the next show, when 170 head will be provided for. There will be seven "runs" of 150 feet by 30ft, each holding 50 'beasts, and between each run will be a l'2ft passage-way that will be ample to allow the public to inspect the exhibits. This building will be rdofed. Then will come the sheep pens and piggery run. Behind these, and between them and the river will be a concrete floor for the purpose of washing horses and cattle. Water for this purpose is to be supplied by town pressure, and brought across the Waiwakailio by means of a cable, and provision for the reticulation of the whole grounds has been made.

The horse-boxes and stalls are at the eastern side of the ground, near the river-lTank. Eight loose boxes, lined aijd well-ventilated, • for special stock have already been built. Each is 12ft by 10ft, and has a hayrick and feedbox. There are 40 open stalls for horses, and room is provided for 10 more, but work in this connection lias been delayed by shortage of labor, and also the fact that the material comes to hand very slowly at present. Thccattle for exhibition will be taken in at an entrance beyond the horse boxes, 3 l'2ft run being provided for the purpose all along the. riverbank, and the remaining space between the run and the river is to be planted. Accommodation for side shows, etc.. will be provided on a flat area in the north-eastern portion of the ground, on the opposite side of the ring from the grandstand. -The whole property will be re-fenced and eventually planted on all sides. Two are already ready for the purpose, a width of 15ft being allowed. A site has been decided upon for a machinery hall, 120 ft by 40ft, but the erection 01" this has, owing to financial considerations, to be deferred until a later period. The sanitary conveniences will be ample, and no fault will be found in this respect, while the rights of two paddocks adjacent have been secured for the accommodation of traps, motors, etc. ' The scheme adopted for the layingout of the grounds was that of Mr. (.(. W. Browne, and one cannot fail to be impressed with its compactness. Everything necessary for the successful carry-ing-out of an important agricultural show appears to have been considered in detail and provision made accordingly, and in time to come will redound to the energy and zeal of the gentleman who has willingly "fathered" it. The Society is to be congratulated upon its entejjrise in having burst the old bonds of tradition and launched out in the manner it has and obtained a property of its own which, in a few years, will doubtless be one of the best-appointed and most picturesque in the Dominion. And as it can easily he reached—it is only five minutes' walk froin the Fitzroy tram terminus—it will probably grove the rendezvous of holiday-makers,