Blokes' only debacle fails to steal the show

The Wakatipu rural heartland had its annual time in the sun with the "sexist" home brew sideshow failing to distract more than 6000 residents and visitors from competitions, entertainment and vendors at the 97th annual Lake Hayes Agricultural and Pastoral Show on Saturday.

Show organisers' refusal of Queenstown resident Rachel Beer's entry in the "men only" home brew competition attracted national indignation last week. Chief steward Sue Buckenham, of Arrowtown, said the competition was really "just a bit of fun" and the committee encouraged Ms Beer to enter as a "Sheila's challenge", but she did not take up the opportunity.

"The blokes' section was started last year to get the boys in the pavilion and has worked.

We are sure the moonshine section will be an open section next year."

Show committee president Mike Smith, of Lake Hayes, said yesterday that in hindsight the controversy gave the show more exposure, "but it was blown out of proportion".

"We welcome good ideas for our next committee meeting," Mr Smith said.

John Wallace, of Frankton, won the home brew section with his "CCCP Pilsner", as judged by host and comedian Te Radar.

Men held their own elsewhere at the Discovery of Gold-themed country fete.

Arrowtown father Daniel Iosefo said it was "a shock" to win the adult Fashion in the Field sash. Mr Iosefo's ensemble of dark shirt, red tie and silver-grey trousers and hat had the "stamp of personality" the judges were looking for, who were Dunedin model twins Elza and Nellie Jenkins plus Ruth Spencer, wife of Te Radar.

First-time Arrowtown entrant Jamie Sage (12) won first place in the miners' oat cookies, truffles and gingerbread men rounds and third place in the pikelets round. He won the trophy for the most points awarded in the competition.

A boy with his family who were holidaying from their damaged home in Christchurch won the raffle for the children's playhouse built by Lakes Building Company staff in the new competition for this year's A and P show.

Mr Smith said the family were "very deserving for a bit of a treat" and the raffle raised about $4000 for the Cancer Society. The playhouse built by the team from AJ Saville won the popular vote from judges and the public.

The ride-on lawn mower race returned with tightened rules on machines and without incident and was won by Alan McCrostie, of Alexandra. It was in contrast to the race last year which descended into a "mower rage" brawl between two competitors, neither of whom entered this year.

Matangi Station won four titles in the champion sheep sections, including supreme sheep of the show. Cecil Peak Station took home the world champion fleece title and Walter Peak Station the crossbred gift lamb section. Mt Nicholas Station won the merino gift lamb section, and Slopehill Downs was awarded both champion meat ewe and ram prizes.

More than 80 trade stalls, from farm machinery to cars, clothing to toys, handbags to garden ornaments, plants to spa pools, enjoyed brisk business.

A variety of stalls kept show-goers fed and watered and not-for-profit groups, including the Queenstown Lions Club and Arrowtown Scouts, were given free sites from which to fundraise.

Committee secretary Hayley Tomes, of Arrowtown, said yesterday she had already taken a booking from a new trade exhibitor for next year's show.

"Everybody I've spoken with, particularly trade people, said they were having a busy day and feedback's been all positive."

Mr Smith said he thought the day was a "roaring success".

"We had a wonderful crowd and trade spaces are becoming highly sought after as the popularity of our show grows."