ROBYN PARKES
The newly-formed Golden Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Association held its first show on Thursday, 1 February 1894 in a large paddock in Tākaka, loaned for the occasion and planted with cabbage and lacebark trees to improve its appearance and provide shade.
For the convenience of the public, a stand and booth were erected for resting, along with a committee tent, bandstand, large marquee for exhibits, luncheon booth and other refreshment stalls.
A sizeable committee oversaw the event, including president Mr W Baigent; vice presidents Messrs J Page and F Ellis; secretary Mr G Girling Butcher; treasurer Mr A Sinclair; and committee members R Bartlett, T Baigent, C Lewis, T Walker, T Symes, H Abbott, J Page, G Sigley, T Hume, J Newport, John Haldane, James Lindsay, H Byrne, J Reilly, R Soper, R Hyland and James Manson.
The day began with cloudy skies and the threat of rain, but conditions improved by midday.
Cattle and sheep were penned, dogs tied to stakes, fowls caged, and horses arranged around the paddock for judging. Timber and brush jumps were set up for equine competitions. By 11.30am, about 1000 people were on the grounds, with more arriving later.
Mr McKenzie, M.H.R., officially opened the show, but noted the clash with Nelson Anniversary Day, suggesting that a different date might have drawn an additional 300 to 400 attendees from Nelson.
Exhibits of produce, agricultural implements and machinery arrived from Nelson aboard the Lady Barkley, but a low tide prevented the vessel from reaching the wharf. Engines and trucks were sent down the tram line to retrieve what they could. While Berkshire pigs and ham and bacon exhibits were brought ashore by a smaller boat, a Buckeye harvester and woodwork items remained on the steamer.
Equine events were among the most popular, with 24 women entering the riding competitions and four in the driving. A near accident occurred when Miss Rentoul’s horse was startled by sheep and backed onto its haunches, damaging a shaft and forcing her out of the competition. Miss Scott of Upper Tākaka took first prize. In the men’s classes, 14 competed in riding and 12 in driving, with Mr Walker of Puramahoi winning the jumping event.
Cows were judged on milk yield over a 17-hour period, with the winner producing 37.5 pounds – a record.
Tent exhibits of butter, flowers, homemade bread, cheese, cakes, fruit, vegetables, honey, jams and pickles were beautifully arranged and drew large crowds.
The baby show had seven entries, with Emms’s baby Charles taking the prize. Games and amusements ran until closing at 5pm, and as spectators and exhibitors packed up, many left having enjoyed a memorable day.
