TO-DAY'S SHOW.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 18 February 1913, Page 4

TO-DAY'S SHOW.

To-day marks another epoch in the history of the resourceful Wairarapa district, as it does in that of the As- ; sociation which has provided a magnilieent display on a charming ground for the delectation of the thousands of people who will be congregating together to greet each other and cornpare notes upon the work that -ilia 11 have been performed by the judges. Since its inception twenty-six year-; ago, the Masterton A. and P. Association has had a varied, and shall we say, not always brilliant career. In late years, however., with the increasing wealth of the district, the growing-up of the -stalwart sons of sturdy pioneers, and the fostering of a spirit of emulation, there has come upon the Association a period of plenty, an era of success. Ever si:i:-e that vigorous novement was instituted for the removal of th-o ground* to Solway; ever since the enthusiasm of the settlers was thoroughly aroused ; ever .since the word "cannot." was removed from the vocabulary of the united, and determined members, the Association has gone on and on. unt;l to-day it ranks among the foremost institutions of ics kind hi the Dominion, a credit to those wiio have the honour to be associated w'tli it, and a glory as well as an advertisement to the- district. But, while we applaud the indomitable courage and industry of those who have foughu side .by side to produce the result-; as we see them to-day, w>' must not forget the persistent efforts that wor-o made by the founders of the Association —such men as Edwin Meredith William Lowes, Farquhar Gray, William Beotham. and the rest n f them —against tremendous and almost overwhelming odds. These men those these grand old pioneers, laid the foundation of the institution that is to-day, and to their memory we should pay reverence and respect. . The show of 1913 will he a memorable one —memorable on account of the achievements that have been possible against natural adversities. A.i?d if Providence—fickle Providence! —will only smile unon us at the supreme moment, our joy shall "have been consummated, and we shall go on t" achieve even greater, and better, and more enduring things in the year that is to come.