WINTER’S BIG EVENT

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20513, 1 June 1938, Page 7

WINTER’S BIG EVENT

UNIQUE type of show FARMERS’ ANNUAL HOLIDAY BUSINESS COMMUNITY BENEFIT Amonfr the winter shows heM throughout New Zealand the Waikato w" . * un,fll,n ,n the decree to stands independent of outside attractions. The greatest among such ows. It is also the one which more nan any other stands upon its own feet, and is its own Justification. It depends upon nothin* hut Its exhibits and exhibitors for its success, and in 'tie thirty-odd years of its existence It has never looked back. ell established as the finest advertising vehicle available in the country, the show is of paramount importance to the business communltv. not merelv of Hamilton or the Waikato or Auckland. but of the entire Dominion, and the faith which manufacturers place tn the exhibition Is well reflected in the competition which takes place every year for exhibitors* spac-e. During the last few years such competition has been so keen that all available space has been booked well in advance of show week. As is natural, the show is of. particular importance to Hamilton’s business people, and it is not 100 much to say I that there is only one other period of the year—Christmas—which can in any way compare with show week In the amount of business done. Mld-yoar Break for Farmers Coming conveniently as It does toward the close of the dairying season, the Winter Show provides the opportunity for a much-needed mid-year break for farmers, many of whom make It the occasion for their annual holiday. This social aspect of the fixture has assumed growing importance with succeeding years, slnco visitors arrive In town from all over the Dominion, and, especially in the V\ aikato, the show is often regarded jas the rendezvous for the reunion of relatives and friends Closely linked with the social side r -f the Winter Show Is its educational value, and this factor, too. is steadily growing in importance with the expanding agricultural. pastoral and inI dustrtal scope of the exhibition. Educational Value of Show Educationally the show is of great importance In more than one direction. First, it is of growing instructional value to farmers by reason of the trade and departmental exhibits, demonstrating the most modern tendencies in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, and emphasising the grow- ; In* importance of farming scientifically planned and carried out. Naturally the attention in this direction is first claimed by such exhibits as those annually arranged by the Department of Agriculture, which materially enhance the value nf instructional literature made available to farmers by the Department through providing physical exhibits, tangible examples. ' and verbal instruction and explanation. ; Icafn. the educational efforts of the j Department are well seconded by the | trading organisations which cater for J the fawning community, and here | again practical demonstrations are af much more positive educational value than any literature. Town and Country Co-operate The most important function, how- ! ever, discharged by the show arises in ; such a natural manner than it is fre- ‘ quently overlooked altogether, since it s n Inly psychological in its effect. Every section of the show to some extent, and the show as a whole most of ali. emphasises the basic interdependence of the urban and rural populations. The townsman has his Attention drawn to the important pavt played by the farming community in

the satisfying of his everyday needs—needs so elemenal that in most cases their satisfaction is taken for granted. He learns, too. that farming is not a haphazard occupation, but an organised industry, on the healthy condition of which depends th*» prosperity of the urban society from which lie draws his own living. Conversely the farmer is made aware of his own dependence upon the skill and productive ability of the towns and cities for the plant and general equipment necessary for successful farming and of the importance of a good standard of living in the towns in conditioning his own standard of living through the return he receives for his produce. Such Is the chief end to which tho Waikato Winter Show is the means. The show, great in itself, popular and self-supporting, is not an end for those who work fnr it. justified as ttmy might be in adopting such an attitude. It is not. merely an advertising medium, unexcelled as it may be in that direction. nor is it merely an annual extravaganza. Rather is it the practical expression of an ideal which aims r;t promoting ever more fully that fundamental friendly understanding between the primary and the secondary producer which is essential to a stable social order.