MASTERTON SHOW.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9056, 15 February 1908, Page 6

MASTERTON SHOW.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE FAIR,

HOW THE GROUNDS ARE BEING IMPROVED.

There is an interesting transformation being worked' on the Masterton Showgrounds at the present time. The public will have some idea of the hardness of the soil and the yellow nature of the surface itself as it was a week or two back, for they know too well how the unfortunate farmer is suffering through his pastures being baked. The Ground Committee of the Association has, however, embarked on a scheme of irrigation, the effect of which will come as a great surprise to the general public when they have an opportunity of seeing the grounds on Show day. The creek running along (he north side of the enclosure has been dammed up, and the water has been conducted to all parts of the inferior portion of the ring. Already the grass is coming on splendidly, and as there are several inches of water in different parts, by Tuesday, the first day of the Show, the whole area will appear as verdant as in early spring. The process of the irrigation is very interesting, and the caretaker of the grounds, Mr W. Davidson, is displaying considerable ingenuity over the work. Naturally the ground will be materially improved for jumping, and this is an important matter in view of the splendid entries. The lawn is looking so beautifully green already that a "Wairarapa Age" reporter, who visited the grounds yesterday, felt constrained to ask how it was brought to such a pitch of perfection. The contrast it furnishes with the yellow surroundings is most vivid. The caretaker replied, "judicious watering did it all." The grandstand seats and floor have been thoroughly scrubbed and the place generally renovated. Quite a small army of men is employed about the grounds, repairing jumps and the ring fence, erecting new pens, booths and other accessories to the fair.

Over two hundred new sheep pens have had to be erected, and the produce hall is being enlarged by a thirty-feet long addition at the south end. The publican's booth is also being enlarged considerably, and several large private sheds are being erected for exhibits. With a green sward on the low-lying parts of the grounds the surroundings will be considerably improved, and on Show days the enclosure will present a much more picturesque appearance than at previous Shows.