Maungaturoto will be celebrating 150 Years in 2013


Thursday, September 8, 2011

The First Agricultural Show

Every year the annual Paparoa A &P Show is held. Once though, Maungaturoto had their own shows. The first show was held in a 'public room' on March 2nd 1870. The article below makes for fascinating reading:

MAUNGATUROTO, WAIRAU : AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

The first exhibition of the recently-formed Agricultural Society of this district was held at the public room, on Wednesday, March 2.

The samples of produce, though limited in variety, spoke favourably as to the capabilities of the soil, and the care and industry of the settlers. A splendid show of choice and well-grown fruits of various kinds was furnished by Mr. Hurndall, of Wairau Creek Farm ; and Mr. Huband, of Aston House Farm, exhibited a basket of the best-flavoured peaches I have met with in this country.

Potatoes of fine growth were exhibited by several of the settlers ; other root crops, seeds, and cereals, together with dairy produce, did the exhibitors great credit.

The Rev. T. Booker and Mr Charles Hook were appointed judges, and awarded prizes as follows : — Peaches : First prize, Mr. Huband ; second prize, Mr. Hurndall. Red potatoes : First prize, Mr. Howard ; second prize, Mr. Rowsell. White potatoes : First prize, Mr. Howard ; second prize, Mr. E. Martin. Carrots : First prize, Mr.Hurndall ; second prize, Mr. Howard. Parsnips : First prize, Mr. Hnband ; second prize, Mr. Hurndall. Onions : First prize, Mr. Flower ; second prize, Mr. Mason. Rye grass seed : First prize, Mr. R. Marbin (a very clean and sound sample) ; second prize, Mr. Oldham. The judges commended some exhibits not under competition, especially a collection of fruit by Mr. Hurndall and a collection of flowers by Mr. Huband. Samples of wheat by Messrs. J. Rowsell and Oldham, and some well-grown cabbages by Mr. Mason, also deserved honourable mention. — A meeting was subsequently held, when' the rules suggested by the committee were amended and confirmed, and the meeting separated, with larger hopes for the coming year.

Daily Southern Cross 26 March 1870

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