PEOPLE'S DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1919, Page 3

PEOPLE'S DAY.

A GREAT CftOWO. Favored by,splendid weather conditions there was a very large attendance at the Stratford Show grounds yesterday, on the occasion of People's Day, arid the takings could not have been far short ni last year, which, considering that lac show had to be postponed, must be ivgarded as satisfactory. The Stratford committee have every cause to congratulate themselves ou the success of the Show. Visitors expressed themselves as well pleased with the display of stock, etc. The dairy cattle fully upheld Stratford's claim to be the centre of the greatest dairying district in New Zealand, while the fat cattle proved a revelation. Soma bullocks exhibited by Mr. A. T. Wills, of ITawera, were magnificent animals. Mr. Marfell showed that Toko, too, could produce fat cattle equal toi the best. Visitors found much to amuse, interest and instruct them. During the morning the cattle pens were thronged, whilst the horse fanciers watched the ring closely during the judging. The ma. chinery exhibits were closely inspected, and the side-shjws, which this year were fewer in number than usual, also did good business. The scene during the grand parade was a very animated one, and gave some idea of the great crowd in attendance. The prominent feature was the fine display of horses, headed by the draughts and ended by the ponies, a tiny tot of three or four on her diminutive pony eliciting general admiration. The jumping and other competitions during the afternoon proved very interesting. The high jump provided a great contest, the winner—W T. Bailey's Bluebell, which was making its debut in high jumping—winning with a jump of sft (iins, defeating Miss Williams' well--known pony Tasman, which, however afterwards jumped that height. Mrs. Belcher was was the winning rider in the ladies' hunters competition, Miss Brown taking second and third honors. The arrangements for the show were splendid, and there was not the slightest hitch to mar the day's enjoyment. The president (Mr J. W. Boon) wa9 indefatigable in watching the interests of the show. The stewards all knew their work, and, what is more, did it. The secretary (Mr. A. D. Stanley) and his assistant (Mr. S. Ward) came through their ordeal smiling, every detail having been provided for. Mr. R, Masters, as press steward, was again very attentive, and the pressmen have to thank him for many kindnesses. The catering arrangements, in the hands of the ladies, controlled by Mrs. J. W. Boon, were a credit to all concerned. The tables were tastefully set out. The fare provided was varied and good, and patrons could not complain of lack of attention, as the bevy of waitresses were very prompt in supplying the wants of their numerous patrons, and a busy time they had. Mr. F. Whittle had charge of the refreshment booth. Mr. T. Ayhvard, who had charge of the weight-guessing competition, secured over £33, a larger sum than has been taken for several years past. The results will bo made known to-day. The Stratford Band, under Conductor F. L. Spurdle, rendered a verv attractive programme of music, which' vas much appreciated. Owing to Mr. Hoppinr of Feilding, being unable to attend, the judging of the Friesian section was undertaken by Air. J. Grant, of Woodville. Following is the balance of Die prize awards: COMPETITIONS. Open Hunters' Competition, up to 12st; firat £ls 15a, second £3 3g, third £1 Is. —B. W. Harvey (Wavcrley) 1, C. Patterson (lvapuni) 2; A. G. Wood (Tikorangi) Hunters' Competition, for financial members of recognised hunt, club to ride their own mounts; first £3 3a, second f.l Is.—A, G. Wood, 1; L. Payne (Lepperton) 2. Ladies' Hunters' Competition; first | trophy valued £3 3s, second trophy valued £1 Is.—Major Samuel (Wellington) • stan Symes (Wavcrley, 2: B, W. HarI vcy, 3. Leaping Competition, steeplechase style not less than list; first cup value £y Ca, second £2 2s.—M. B. Doolaghty's (Opunoke), 1; A. G. Woods, 2; W. J I Loates (Lowgarth), 3. Bending Competition.—C. Patterson (Ivapum), 1; Miss Maud Williams (Hawera), 2. , n Hi^. J ump ; first, £3 3s, second £1 T - Bai % (Hawera), 1; Miss ,v *" n ' ama (Hawera), 2; C. Patterson (Kapuni), 3. I Aiders' Competition, over Imrdle.s, not less than list; firat £2 2s, second tara) ~ yme3 ' 1; T ' Buchanan (WaiPony Leaping Competition (14 hands %<T , er L"~J?' Paterson - l i J- Bretherton i (loko), 2; C. Paterson, 3.