AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Taranaki Daily News, 2 March 1917, Page 6

AGRICULTURAL SHOW

—A * PEOPLE'S DAY. AT THE NEW GROUNDS. A HUGE ATTENDANCE. PINE PARADE OP CATTLE AND STOCK. The president and members of the committee of the Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural Society, who have worked so hard during tlje past few months i" the interests of the Society, must have felt largely repaid for their labor of love by the result achieved' yesterday, for, favored with glorious weather, there was a record attendance at the new grounds. All parts of Taranaki were represented in the crowd. From early morning, or as soon as the daily round of milking would permit, the settlers from around New Plymouth and along the coast, with their wives and families, poured into New Plymouth by vehicles of every description, whilst special trains from as far south as Hawera contributed their quota. It iwa.s, as one visitor expressed it, a Taranaki crowd, and each unit was much impressed with the work already done on the beautifully-situated showgrounds, a prominent Stratford resident remarking that the committee "had achieved a miracle." The trams had a very busy time, the townspeople (locking to the grounds in the afternoon by tram to the terminus, and then taking the motor 'bus, thus proving that they, too, intend to support the Society in its progressive step. The trains also conveyed a host of country people. Early in the afternoon the showgrounds presented a brilliant spectacle, being thronged ■ by a gaily-dressed crowd, who found much to interest and amuse them. The cattle pavilion, sheep pens, etc, were thronged with visitors, each breed of cattle having its own particular followers. The ring competitions, too, were closely followed. Some idea of the crowd could be gleaned during the Gran/1 Parade, the mass of people being densely packed around the arena, but the sloping nature of the ground allowed a perfect view of the parade, which was a. magniijeenb spectacle, being admirably marshalled by.Mr. L. A. Nolan. All thc.jpnze-wirming animals, except those in the fat cattle classes, paraded, and the great array of Shorthorns, Holstcins, Ayrshires and Jersey cattle as they passed in that order could not but convince even the most casual observer of the value of Taranaki's wealth producers, for, with few exceptions, this irray, which stretched right around the ring, hailed from Taranaki. Heavy "orsts, light horses (in saddle and liarne;s) also made a goodly display. Thoroughbred stallions were represented by Campfire, who carried himself like ihtf fhampion he is. The scene as the ! iorses trotted or cantered round the ring wa3 a picturesque one, there being -oins interesting contrasts.' Popular •'aiicy was proba'bly divided between a dainty little roan foal and a well-known weighty Bell 'Block Maori serenely driving behind a tiny pony and acknowledging the plaudits of the crowd by removing his hat. Tliere was a little dust during the parade, but this will probably lie obviated in future when the grass becomes more firmly established. The eompetaens proved very interesting, some splendid jumping being withies?, but unfortunately thev were marred by an accident, Shelllire coming down l-.adlv a* the hencoop in the ladies' competition and throwing his. rider, Mis; M. Browne,*of Hawera, who sustained injuries to her wri=t. Airbther lady rider was dismounted in the competition, but sustaino/l no injury. In the turning competition one of the riders was thrown through his saddle slipping. ' The organisation was again good, Mr. A. 1.. ''Humphries (secretary) attending to the numerous enquiries with his usual promptness and courtesy. He was assisted throughout by Messrs AV. P. Okey and \V. A. Parton. In fact, on the first day, the two latter, owing to Mr. Humphries absence through pressure of business, did the bulk of the work. The refreshment booth (Mr. YVooller) and publican's booth (Mr. Whittle) were admirably conducted and did good business, as did also the sideshow men. Much interest was also taken in the machinery exhibits. A feature of the afternoon's enjoyment was the programme submitted by the Citizens' Band under Acting-Con-ductor Hughes, of Waitara, their playing evoking applause from the crowded grandstand. A, bevy of young ladies were busy all day collecting for the Mayoress' Soldiers Comforts Fund, which will benefit, thereby to the extent of £SO. THE OPENING CEREMONY. PERFORMED BY ACTING-PREMIER. The ceremony of declaring the new grounds open was entrusted to Colonel Sir James Allen, K.C.8., Aeting-Prc-inier and Minister for Defence. Mr. John S. Connett, president of the Society, in expressing pleasure that the Society now occupied freehold property of it 3 own, conveyed the thanks of the Society to the Taranaki Jockey Club, ivhose racecourse had been used for, showgrounds in the past. The club had given the Society every facility, allowing it to use loose-boxes, remove fences <md engage the services of its caretaker. Mr. Connett felt that the Society owed the club a deep debt of gratitude for its many kindnesses and courtesies. Referring to the past, Mr. Connett mentioned that the Society had had a re-I markable run of bad luck until it decided to hold a winter show. This proved very successful, and it looked ns though its luck had turned. Everything went well until the winter show building could not be let, and became a burden to the Society. Just at that time, however, the Defence Department took over the hall. It was then that the' "Society t eamc into touch with the Hon. Sir James Allen. Mr. Connett went on to say that two years ago a, position in connection with the Society's nflairs was reached which demanded that the members and public should be spoken to plainly. The question was whether the Society should disband or go on. The Society decided to continue. Money was promised on debentures, and although the subscribers had doubt as to whether they would get their interest, they came forward well. Arrangement'; Were then made with the Defence Department for the purchase of ■the present, site 6f the showgrounds. The 4&teict,was»eafivasscd and the member-

hire scheme was successful, £3OOO being raised among members and supporters. The matter of getting out a scheme of buildings was entrusted to Mr. G. "W. Browne , who visited different show-, grounds in New Zealand, and, thanks to the courtesy of the officials of kindred societies, was able to secure ideas for the laying out of the grounds. On his return the scheme he evolved wis approved of and submitted to Messrs Sladden and iPalmor. Mr. Roy Parkin was. responsiblo for preparing the ova!. Mr. F. Mesesnger designed the grandstand, the work bein" carried out by Messrs Boon Bros. j\fr. Geo. Browne supervised the construction of the cattle pens. Mr. Connett said Sir James Allen had been of material assistance in facilitating the negotiations between the Defence Department and the Society, and when the question of who should be asked to open the grounds came up, ail were unanimous in agreeing to invite Sir James. Mr. Connett expresoeil the pleasure of the Society in having thg Minister present, and .asked, him to declare the grounds open. (Applause). At this point the Citizens' Band played the National Anthem.' Sir James, addressing the large crowd before him, said he deemed it a very great pleasure to be present. He regarded the duty allotted to him a pleasure. The Minister said what was represented on the grounds ,was of vital importance to New Zealand. There were many reasons why the Defence Department and the ngricultnftl societies shoyld be closely united. The question of productivity of the country was of vital importance. Men at the front must be fed. and New Zealand was in the fortunate position of being able to export produce. The agricultural societies could learn many lessons from the Defence Department in point of organisation and initiative. These two features were wanted is many phases of life in New Zealand. Let these two words, he said, be the watchword of the Taranaki Society: "Organisation" and ''lnitiative." New Zealand was a God-given and beautiful country. He went on to say that tha Defence Department stood for the pro tcction and preservation of the freedom of the country. A 'writer had said, "The greatest thing a people can possess is the free soul of a free people." That was wanted in New Zealand, and all should do their best to make the most Of tTigir inheritance. Sir James congratulated the Society on its achievement, and hoped that it would meet with every success in the future. He then declared the grounds open, amidst the cheers of all present. telegrams were received from the Opunake A. and P. Society and the Dominion Dairy Show. PRESIDENT'S WORK RECOGNISED. BY MEMBERS OF SOCIETY. After the opening ceremony, Ihe president of the Society (Mr. J. S. Connett) was made the recipient of a beautiful silver tea and coffee service, the •jift of the member: of the Society. " Mr. H. J. H. Okey, M.P., who made the presentation, said the members had felt it a duty to recognise in some way ihe work done for the Society by Mr. Connett. It was only two years ago when the quest ! on whether the Society should disband or continue its operations ,vas seriously discussed. Mr. Connett and a number of the leading members, took the matter up, and it was decided to continue. Mr. Connett visited every dairy factory in the district, and received the support of the directors of a "fhcnie whereby the success of the Society would he assured. The membership 'Was increased from 300 to over 3001). (.Applause). An arrangementjjms entered into whereby the DcfolfeeDep.irlment purchased the Coronation Mall and the Society purchased ten acres of land at YVaiwakaiho. Stops were.at once taken to find the money wherewith to erect the necessary buildings on the new site For the first time for •10 years the Society occupied a showL'round of its own. The success of all those negotiations, said Mr. Okey, were due to Mr. Connott's energy and enthusiasm. He had lmuh pleasure in presenting Mr., Mrs. and Miss Connett with a gift of plate. The gift was inscribed: "Taranaki Agricultural Society. —■Presented to Mr. John S. Connett, president, on the occasion of the opening of the new showgrounds at Waiwakaiho, in appreciation of the good work done in the interests of the Society." Mr. Connett was also handed a gold medal conferring upon him life membership of the Society. Three hearty cheers were given for Mr,, Mrs. and Miss Connett.

Mr. Council, in reply, thanked Mr. OUcy and the members for their handsome present. He appreciated the'r kindness immensely, although he would have teen happier making a presentation to someone else than receiving on.". Although Mr. Okey would lead present to believe that he (Mr. Connett > wbs responsible for the success of the Society, yet the fact was that the success mas due in a large measure to the l splendid response he had received from tlie members of the farming community The prize fund, among other things, was far larger than it had ever been previously. Mr. Connett said an agricultural society had ud direct revenue, and had to depend upon its membership fees unci voluntary donations. Tt often had 'o spend money in anticipation. He considered that three-quarters of the milksuppliers of the district were members of the Society. He wanted to see every supplier and every farmer a member. Mr. Connett appealed to those who wore well oil' in this world's goods to come .forward and support the Society according to their means. In conclusion, lie again cordially thanked the members for their kindness. The following is the balance of the results: — HORSES. DRAUGHTS. Draught entire—E. W. Marsh's (Waitara) McGregor 111., 1 and champion. Draught mare—Thos. Perry's (Mangatoki) entry, 1 and champion. THOROUGHBREDS. Thoroughbred entire—J. Bond's (Xew Plymouth) Campfirc, by Carbine—Revelry, 1 and champion. Thoroughbred colt or gelding, since August 1, 11)15—G. Anstis' (Omata) Lord Signer 1. HACKS. Champion Haekr-E. Short's Scout. Pony,, under 14a hands, to be ridden by boy or girl under 10— J. Barra' elough's (Eltham) Pony 1 and champion, R. Bishop's (Bell Block) Lady Miek 2, W, - Sole's (New Plymouth)

Ladies' hack, 15 hands and under, to be ridden by a lady—Ernest Short's iFeilding) Heko 1, R. Ritchie's (Inglewood) entry 2, J. Priestley's (Hawera) entry 3. Weight-carrying hack, up to 11 stone —Ernest Short's Heko 1, M. Outfield's (Wanganui) Britannia 2, J. (Priestley's Shellfirc 3. Best-paced and mannered liack" —Ernest Short's Heko 1, J. Priestley's Shellfire 2, D. A. Anderson's (Marton) Grey Lynn 3. HARNESS HORSES. Champion light harness horse—W. J. Coates' (Lowgarth) Cliff. Harness horse, over 15.1 hands' (to be driven in harness) —W. J. Coates' Cliff 1, W. J. Coates' Proud Bess 2, Thos. Perry's (Mangatok'i) Don 3. Harness pony, under 14 hands, to be shown and driven in harness—Miss May Sole's (New Plymouth) Trixic 1, J. Lelirkc's (Fran 1:1// road) Dolly 2, R. Penwarden's (Omata) Mick 3. Harness pony, 12 hands and under, to be shown and driven in harness)—W. Pratt's (Bell Block) Pirairaka 1, W. H. Jury's (Omata) Fighting Sam 3. Host trotting mare or gelding (to bo driven in harness; speed, action and apnearance to be taken into consideration—W. J. Coates' ClilV 1, H. B. Lepper's Democrat 2, J. Barraclough's (Eltham) Pony 3. Farmers' light harness horse (to be shown, in harness)—W. J. Coates' Cliff I,'IT. B. Lepper's Democrat 2, W. J. Coates' Proud Bes3 3.