The morning trains brought in a very large number of visitors from the country, who were to be seen in crowds about the building all day. Much interest was displayed by farmers and other in demonstrations of apple-packing given by the Government expert at intervals during the morning and afternoon. The sale of fat stock took place in the morning. Prices were uneven, but there was a large attendance and competition was keen.
Both floors of the extensive buildings presented a very busy appearance all day. Downstairs the voices of the showmen mingled with the sound of whirring machinery, and upstairs the strains of band music rose and fell above the dull confused murmur of the great moving, gossiping crowd.
Everywhere keen business firms have sought to display and advertise their wares in the most attractive manner possible, and the result is an exhibition of very wide and varied interest. The numerous side shows and entertainments were very well patronised. Clever performing canaries, acting marionettes, and jiu-jitsu, as exhibited in practice by Gardiner and Le Mar, provided excellent diversion.
In the afternoon and evening music was supplied by James's string band, and in the evening both the Garrison Band and the Highland Pipe Band also gave numerous enjoyable selections. IA conspicuous and neatly set out exhibit is that of Messrs A. and J. Macfarlane, grocers and bacon curers.
In a semi-circle, and reaching up to a considerable height, is displayed a profusion of pork and hams treated in a great variety of ways. On either side stand samples of New Zealand-made Stilton cheese and bottles of tasty-looking jelly. In the centre is a fine stag's head, and several framed award certificates are used to add to the general effect. Dressed fowls of various kinds and eggs have also a place in the exhibit.
The takings at last year's show were phenomenally good, and amounted in all to about 1300. The present total this year is about 50 behind that sum, but today's receipts should reverse the position with a good margin to spare, and easily make a record in the history of the society.
This result is particularly gratifying in view of the predictions of some, who were of opinion that the show should be dropped altogether this year rather than held so late in the season. Today is the last day of the show. - ODT, 5.8.1911
