Traditions roll on

By Lyn Johnston

Have you discovered the National Library’s Papers Past website paperspast.natlib.govt.nz? A fantastic online resource for researchers, Papers Past is a treasure trove of historical information, social trivia and advertisements from the earliest New Zealand periodicals including the Albertland Gazette.

Recent newspaper articles about the 2011 A & P Shows reminded me of the Albertland settlers and their agricultural shows mentioned in books, diaries and letters. So I visited Papers Past and found this item from the 26 March 1892 issue of The Observer.

Port Albert - There was quite a ‘red-letter’ day here on March 3 when the Annual Show was held in the Agricultural Ground. About 400 people turned out to witness the sights, most of which were up to the usual standard.

The fruit and dairy produce were arranged on tables in the Public Hall, and looked splendid. Whilst the judges were awarding prizes to the successful winners, the public were enjoying themselves by witnessing the sports, which were got up to pass the time away by Mr Robert Walker and his committee. Much credit is due to him for the able manner in which they went off, as there was no accident to mar them whatsoever.


The following are the results of the sports:- High jump for horses, Mr T Inger 1; tilting the ring for ladies, Miss M Wilson 1, Miss E Wilson 2; tilting the ring for gentlemen, Mr T Mander 1. By the time these three events had been decided, the judges had finished their work in the hall and most of the time was then spent in viewing the exhibits. A splendid tea was partaken of about 5.30, catered for by Mrs Hartnell, which was enjoyed by all, and the hall was again cleared, and a concert followed, when a lengthy programme was gone through by local and other talent. Most of the items were encored, but on account of the number of performers on the list, no responses were allowed. The floor was cleared for the third time, and dancing was kept up till 12 o’clock. The music was supplied by Mr G Nicholson.

Pictured: This photograph was taken inside the Port Albert Temperance Hall on 8 March 1906. The exhibits include top quality fruit, veges and flowers. Against the wall are stacks of locally canned peaches and plums. Harold Marsh Collection, Albertland Museum