Time to Wake Up.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 472, 26 June 1890, Page 3

Time to Wake Up.

jTO the editor.] Sir,—Outside farmers coming to the Bh often ask when the Agricultural show is held and we have the somewhat humiliating reply to give, “ We have no show—at least, we hav< not had one far some years.” This is not ait should he in such a fine district as out* where we have most of the advantages which a bountiful nature can give us. I am awarof the reasons which principally caused thi cessation of the shows in the past, but I hop< those reasons do not exist in the present. There are clear signs that times are mending, so let us try to again inaugurate a show. Personally, I should like to see a Farmers Club started in connection therewith, at which subjects of interest to the class migh' be brought forward and publicly discussed, to the advantage of all concerned. I feel so much about the holding of the show annually that unless the old members of the Committee set the ball rolling I see no reason why some of the later arrivala should not step into the breach and practically start a new annua) show. There is much to be gained by these shows—men desiring to improve their flockand herds can here see those animals bes suited to their requirements, at cnnaiderabl} less cost, of time and money than is now required to traverse from place to place. Again, *• competition is the soul of business,” and in this way much would be done which would other wise remain undone ; to the general improvement of the farming interest of the bay. As an instance of what good could be done, suppose a class or classes were introduced for “freezers,” to be judged, say by Mr Nelson. From this we should learn the exact class and condition of sheep required for this growing industry. Again, lam sure no one will gainsay the fact that we want something to stir us up in the matter of breeding good serviceable horses for hacks, harness, or farm work. There is also a good field for improvement in the manufacture cf butter. I hope, Mr Editor, someone will interest himself to push this matter to a head, as it really deserves. I should like to see the hon. secretary call a meeting of those interested, both old members and strangers, at some early date, to see what can be done.—l am, &c., Cirencester.