Novel Show
A NOVEL SHOW AT KATANNING.
From the West Australian
28 February 1899
(BY A CORRESPONDENT.)
On Thursday, February 23, Mr. E. R. Beeck, of Capemont Farm, Katanning, held a decidedly successful show in the local Agricultural Hall, himself being the only exhibitor. The show was to have been opened by the Commissioner of Railways, but Mr. Piesse was unable to attend, so Mr. Adam, R.M., acted in his place.
Robert Emil Beeck
Mr. Beeck came from South Australia seven years ago, took up land four miles from Katanning townsite, and, with several of his sons, commenced operations, the result being a farm and garden of which any man might be proud. The land where the garden is considered to be second class, one portion being very sandy. After seeing the show, one is inclined to ask what will first-class land produce? Mr. Beeck endeavoured to arouse interest and get a general show but failed.
Not to be beaten, he determined to have one of his own, which caused much comment and even adverse criticism, by the envious and jealous. The large attendance, however, showed that curiosity overcame prejudice and that the prejudiced were far the minority. It is to be hoped that this plucky and successful effort will be the foundation of an annual show at Katanning.
The quality and quantity of the exhibits, of which there were over 80, caused, surprise and delight and should give hope and encouragement to all who are settling in the district. Mr. H. S. Ranford, Government land agent, who was unfortunately away on business, lost an advertisement that his able pen could have used to great advantage in fixing new-comers on the land.
The following were among the exhibits :-Apples: Rhymer, Strawberry Pippin, Graumstein, Lord Lennox, Prince Alfred, Bismark, Rome Beauty, Five-crown Pippin, Cleopatra, Scarlet Permain, Steward’s Seedling, Lord Nelson, Gladstone, Golden Reinette, Irish Crab; splendid samples, perfectly formed and clean.
Pears: Those shown were few, but good. Peaches: Elberta, splendid specimens. Plums: German Freestone, Green Gage, Coloured (late), Magnum Bonum, Japanese, American Diamond, American Damson. Grapes: Lady’s Finger (two varieties), Early Shepherd, Mataro, Muscatel, Black Prince, Sweet Water, Mallie. To see and taste these latter exhibits was to praise. One bunch of grapes weighed 3 1/2lb. Water Melons: Two totalled 571b. Pie Melons: three weighed 90lb.
Tomatoes: A variety of these were shown, also an exhibit of tomato sauce/onions and potatoes were exceptionally fine. Beans, peas, cabbage, pickles (variety), chaff (oaten and wheaten), prairie grass seed, barley, wheat, linseed and sorghum (green) were also included among the exhibits, and refreshments were provided in the shape of tea, cakes (German and English), hop beer, melons and grapes. During the evening a promenade concert, contributed to by local talent, gave the ear as well as the eye and taste something to engage its attention.
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