An attentive and appreciative audience of some 80 members of the Hawke’s Bay Founders recently heard how the Hawkes Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society developed the A&P Show from its earliest beginnings to the present day.

In his July presentation at Ahuriri, retired farmer, former Hawke’s Bay regional councillor and amateur historian, Mr Ewan McGregor, highlighted the main points of development of the A&P Show, which are included in a recently-published book he has authored on the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society, .

Mr McGregor said an exploratory meeting was held in 1858 to form the Society but the first Show didn’t eventuate until 1868 at Havelock North. The next Show was held in central Hastings (1874), then on to the site of the present racecourse (1878) after which the venue was moved to its present site at Tomoana where it was first held in 1925.

“In the early years of farming in the Bay, the A&P Society was a vital forum for learning and discussion for farmers,” Mr McGregor said.

“In 1874 the first ram fair was held which enabled farmers to purchase excellent lines imported from England which were then used to improve local flocks.”

The Show aimed to bring town and country people together and up to the 1950s, those attending wore formal attire. Special trains were provided from Woodville. 

With the advent of the Mystery Creek Field days in 1969, farmers now travel there to learn about the latest in machinery and technology and this has necessitated a change in focus for the A&P Society.

“Some examples of this have been the introduction of the quest for the Hawkes Bay Farmer of the Year, the Horse of the Year event (1999) and the very popular Farmers’ Markets introduced in recent years.”

The book, ‘Hawke’s Bay on show  ̶  History of the Agricultural and Pastoral Society, 1863-2013’ costs $75 and is available from the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society.

Founders Hawke’s Bay is a New Zealand Heritage Society which celebrates the history and accomplishments of the pioneer settlers of New Zealand and their descendants. Inquiries about Founders, or membership, may be directed to the Hawke’s Bay secretary, Mr Richard Bayley on telephone (06) 876 7616.

PHOTO: Book author on A&P history, Ewan McGregor, receives a presentation from Paddy Bayley, President, Hawke’s Bay branch of the NZ Founders’ Society.

CONTACTS FOR THIS STORY:

Mr Ewan McGregor, telephone 06 873 4288

Mr Richard Bayley, Secretary, Hawke’s Bay Branch, NZ Founders Society,

telephone 06 876 7616