The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1938 WAIKATO WINTER SHOW

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20513, 1 June 1938, Page 4

The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1938 WAIKATO WINTER SHOW

The Governor-General officially opened the Waikato Winter ‘. low this afternoon, and for the next few days the extensive exhibition will be the centre of interest for many thousands of people. The ‘Bupieraacy of this Waikato fixture is not challenged in the Dominion, and in the matter of dairy produce it retains pride of place as the argest in the world. Probably those who founded the Association did not themselves realise what a record it would establish. They hoped that it would serve a need of town and district and make a ■worthy contribution towards their steady development, and in those lespects their desires have been exceeded many times over. The Winter Show has become an annual event that is looked forward to with keen interest by the public. Its value as a medium for bringing their materials and goods before the people has long been recognised by leading firms and industries and there has been official recognition by both the Dominion and the Commonwealth Governments. The show has become an exhibition covering an exceptionally wide range, but continuing to expand year by year. The explanation of this splendid growth is to be found in the progressive spirit and the initiative of those who have controlled the policy of the Association. They have not hesitated to follow new lines, and the Bledisloe Hall is evidence of a willingness to benefit by the application of scientific methods. Each advance made demonstrated the confidence of the executive in the future of this town and district, and the show 7 which opened to-day affords all the proof necessary that it has successfully fulfilled the work of reflecting their development. The great industries on which the welfare of the district and, indeed, of the Dominion—depends are fully represented. It is at the Winter Show that the progressive farmer expects to see the latest appliances for many branches of farm work. Incidentally he also looks forward to meeting there his friends with whom he can exchange views with regard to the work and the problems of the men on the land. It would be interesting to know what percentage of the farmers in this part of the Dominion do not visit the Winter Show. It must be very small. On the other hand producers come from other districts in large numbers, many having made it a practice to visit Hamilton annually for that purpose. The decision made last year to promote an international photographic salon in connection with the Winter Show was fully justified by the results, and it promises to become one of the features annually. This year photographic artists with international reputations have forwarded examples of their best work, and the list of entries show r s w T hat a surprising number of countries are represented. In other waj’s it will be seen that the show is being used to stimulate interest in arts and crafts, and so is becoming representative of home, farm and factory. The work of organising such an exhibition is arduous, and as each stage is made the starting point for a further advance thought has to be given to future requirements. In this respect the lengthy experience and constructive ability of the secretary of the association have been of the greatest value, and, with energetic officers and executive, the policj 7 has been one of confidence and constant development. The Winter Show is an event in the yearly cycle, and it merits the fullest support. A visit will provide a judicious mixture of education and entertainment. Primary and secondary interests here co-operate, and the show reflects in many ways the progress of the Dominion.