NEWS FROM THE PAST

WHAT I SAW AT THE SHOW

By a Visitor

In spite of mud, wind, rain, heat, and mosquitoes I left Brisbane early on Tuesday morning to see Toowoomba’s carnival. Hearing from friends of the tenaciousness of the Toowoomba red soil, I armed myself - excuse the military phrase, for I am not a volunteer - with tight boots and gaiters, and on arrival at nearly two o’clock I toook up my quarters at host Walker’s. Rain, rain, rain, was still falling when I had my lunch, but as I came up to see the show I found my way with difficulty to the grounds, and reached there at near four o’clock. I was anxious to hear what the judges had to say of the exhibits and to have a good look at the famed productions “of rich Darling Downs.”

I shall not speak ill of your show grounds because all first attempts should be dealt with tenderly. There is room for improvement beyond any doubt, and time and money will no doubt accomplish it. The large shed requires to be boarded in on the weather side and the floor also requires to be boarded. The cattle pens ought to be covered, and there is need of a shed for the agricultural implements. Mr Russell, who had charge of the splendid collection of agricultural implements exhibited by that enterprising Brisbane firm, Alfred Shaw and Co, informed me that the damage done to the various articles from exposure would amount to more than £20. However, these are matters of detail which next year will doubtless be obviated. Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertise, January 30, 1877