History: Mudgee Show
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1907
1908
15 April 1908
1931
31 July 1931
MUDGEE SHOW.
Some Early History.
MUDGEE. - Mr. V. D. Cox, ex-president of the Mudgee Agricultural Society, gave some very interesting facts about the early history of district shows in Mudgee at the recent smoke concert, at which he was made a presentation. The information, he said, was taken from records preserved by his father (the late G. H. Cox), who was the first president of the present society.
From the records it appears that the first show ever held in Mudgee was on April 22, 1846, and was held in pens on Market-square (which is now Mudgee's beautiful Robinson Park). The show was "numerously and respectfully attended," and "no district in the colony could provide anything superior," so the records state. To indicate how far back the sheep-breeding industry started, the first item was a pen of fine-wool rams, and was won by Mr. Nelson Lawson.
In the early days shows were not a yearly fixture, and the second show took place on December 9 in the same year, and again the records state "It was rather numerously attended, and the season being a fine one, there was a good entry of sheep and wool unequalled in the colony."
Prior to 1861 donations were asked for the purpose of conducting a show, but in that year the constitution was altered to annual subscriptions, and a committee of 30 was appointed, and that has been the number ever since. The show that year was held on Putta Bucca (the late Lawson Estate), when the first steam threshing plant was exhibited by the late John Bax, and he received a special prize of £1.
The following year, 1862, the show was held on seven acres of land which was granted to G. A. and H. B. Cox at a rental of /6 per year for 90 years. During the year the farmers and free selectors held an opposition show, but the rival bodies amalgamated, and the Mudgee Agricultural Society, which celebrates its Jubilee next year, was formed, and took the annual exhibition in hand.
In 1866 Mudgee held its first sheep show. In the early days a Bathurst correspondent, writing to the "Sydney Morning Herald," said: "It Is remarkable the apathy that exists in those interested in the (sheep) industry. At Mudgee, a mere village compared to Bathurst, associations of this kind have long been established"7
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1935
31 March 1935
SHOW NOTES
FINEST WOOL IN HISTORY
The wool section provided a show in itself, and gave Mudgee one of the most striking advertisements imaginable. No fewer than 78 fleeces were displayed in orderly array, and the quality made the world wonder. Never has there been such a display of a local show, and it is extremely doubtful if anything of a similar standard has ever been staged in the country. The method adopted by the judge in displaying the point scores was a really excellent one, and will no doubt become an established practice. It is anticipated that a great many of the wonderful fleeces will be included in the western district exhibit at the Sydney show, and Mudgee district will thus receive another boost.
THE BUSY BEES
The apiary exhibit was really attractive, and those interested in the industry are to be commended on their enterprise. R. H. Taylor was a Rood winner, while C. Smith and G. Murphy also scored well.
THE OLD FIRM
The old firm of Murphy and Son commenced operations in 1858, and is still going strong. The saddlery and harness display this year was really amazing, and reflected the greatest credit on the genial boss and his highly skilled staff. The man from the country was deeply interested, and the stand was always crowded. There is not the slightest doubt that the display was one of the features of the pavilion.
TRADE EXHIBITS
T. Collier and Sons were represented by some attractive specimens of Terazzo work, for which they are famous throughout the district, and there was a constant stream of inquiries from the public.
Motors were there in profusion. Fountain's garage had a fleet of cars on view, and those in charge appeared to be kept busy.
In the area reserved by Leresche's garage were handsome Terraplanes and Hudsons and serviceable Roo trucks, while duco and body building was also featured. The R.A.C.A. patrol service station also found quarters here.
In Loneragan's spacious pavilion the motor men gathered and discussed the merits of Dodges, De Sotos, Chevs., Pontiacs and Buicks. Attentive salesmen were in charge and their persuasive ways resulted in excellent business being transacted.
Brain's garage, featuring the famous Fords, was also a very busy centre.
W. Kellett and Sons, housed in their own pavilion, displayed the popular and reliable Lister shearing machines, separators, etc., and naturally the man on the land was keen on an inspection. Canic, a lining and ceiling material, which is finding great favor with builders, was also a feature of this very attractive show.
JUNIOR JUDGES
Eight Junior sheep judges entered for this most interesting competition, and they showed remarkable aptitude. After a thorough test the honors went to young D. Lynch, of Botobolar, and he was warmly congratulated on his very fine performance.
OTHER ITEMS.
THE boothholders should have no reason to regret their venture. All appeared to be well conducted, and, generally speaking, the public was satisfied with the service. Mr. Bert. Lord was in charge of the publican's booth, and, as the weather was warm and a little dusty, he and his assistants were kept busy supplying neck lubricants.
The side-shows were numerous and exceedingly varied, and attracted like a magnet. And how the spruikers battled for the elusive shilling The tales they told about the marvels to be seen on the inside sounded most convincing, and they certainly deserved what harvest they reaped. There was a fairly tough element on the ground, and a few thefts were reported. The police under Inspector Armstrong had most of the undesirables set, however, and gave the scaling fraternity very little chance of getting busy. The police also controlled the 'a--fiii' in very able style, and earned the thanks of the show committee and public generally.
The horse section, as usual, made a mighty strong appeal to patrons. Draughts again showed to great advantage, and it would be hard to find a finer lot of Clydesdales anywhere. The sporting events proved full of excitement, while the grand parade gave everyone a thrill. The judging in all classes was not completed when this edition went to press, and extended criticism is not possible. Further reference to the section will, however, be made later.
If there is one body of workers deserving of special praise it is the stewards. The enthusiastic men and women entrusted with the long tedious job of staging a multitude of exhibits performed remarkably efficient work, and their efforts had a lot to do with the success which attended the Show.
The attendance appeared to be highly satisfactory, but complete returns are not yet available. Details will appear in Monday's issue.
The ball last evening was a brilliant success. The Mechanic's Institute, with its artistic decorations, presented a glowing spectacle, and every one spent a gloriously happy time. Secretary Jimmy Dykes had the assistance of a highly capable committee of ladies and gentlemen, and the former, in particular, are to be complimented on their splendid work.
The luncheon arrangements on the ground were again in the hands of the Country Women's Association, and no better service could be imagined. The smallest detail was not overlooked, and the result was a highly satisfied army of patrons. The Society is indeed fortunate in being able to command the co-operation of the C.W.A8
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