Bingara's first Pastoral and Agricultural Show, conducted in 1931, was a wonderful tribute to the many people who made it possible. Newspaper headlines following the show included: 'High class cattle.' 'Splendid ring events.' 'Large attendances were present on both days.' Many reporters paid tribute to the man at the helm of the Pastoral & Agriculture Society, President Gordon Munro.
Gordon Munro
Drawing strength from the very successful 1929 'Back to Bingara' celebrations, the town decided to conduct an agricultural show. The Back to Bingara carnival had been conducted to clear the remainder of the loan raised in 1921/22 to construct the Soldier's Memorial Hall. However, while confidence was drawn from the success of the carnival, Gordon's show workers had taken on a tremendous task. The major hurdle was to renovate what was called 'the old sports ground.' Once, besides horse racing, other sports had been played there. The successful conversion to a show ground was noted in the newspapers: 'Gordon Munro as president was a tower of strength and a splendid example in his enthusiasm. The result being that the old sports ground was renovated and converted into a modern show ring.' But it was a team effort, with many people involved.
The Officials
Charles Doherty, who was often involved in community affairs, was show secretary. A.R. Ross of Balaclava judged the ring events. Donald Munro judged the sheep. A Mr. Tanner judged the cattle. Mr. Eli Brown organised the wood chop. The CWA ladies conducted the luncheon. Mr. Harold Batterham was secretary of the Show Ball. Matron Wallis organised the supper at the ball, which was held in conjunction with the show. And Mr. T.D. Ryan officially opened the event.
Official Opening
Mr. Scully M.L.A., due to illness, was unable to officially open the show. Long-term solicitor and past Mayor of Bingara Municipal Council, Mr. T.D. Ryan, filled in. The Inverell Times reported: 'Mr. Ryan detailed the excellent work done by the committee headed by their young and energetic president Mr. Gordon Munro (cheers), the organising ability of the secretary (Mr. Doherty), and all those who had helped in any way.' But it was the Bingara and district people who turned up with their livestock who had made the show a great success.
Horses
Horse sports dominated both days of the show, indicating the more significant role they once had. The Inverell Times reported: 'The very high quality of horse flesh, which had been a feature of the first day's events, was even excelled on the second day. Many horses exhibited would have been a credit to the best show grounds in the north.'
Blood Horses – Stallions: H.R. Munro's Thespian (Champion), A.N. Stirton's Larkspour (Second), H.J. Butler's Chipple (Third). Mares: Norman King's Steaming (Champion), B.V. Hallman's Bubbles (Second). Draught Horses – Stallions: H.J. Butler's State Lattre (Champion), Whitfeld Bros. Peter (Second). Mares: Norman King (Champion), R. Reece (Second). Pairs: W.E. Wearne.
There was a substantial number of horses in the miscellaneous classes, including plough-horses, ponies, sulky, hacks and equestrian. Ribbon winners were Hallman Estate, Collin Bull, H.R. Munro, S.H. King, Wearne Estate, Hallman Bros., Messrs. Whitfeld, Ron Wells, C.B. Pyrke, Miss Jessie Stirton, Geo Dight, W.J. Bull, A. Dufty, F.F. King, H.W. Capel, W.H. King, Miss Jean King, H.J. Butler, Keith Hamilton, Frank King, E. Dufty and Miss Bub Lowe.
Riding Classes – Gentleman Rider over 60 years: A.N. Stirton (winner). Other contestants: H.R. Munro, James Bates, E. Hartog. Best Lady Rider: First Miss Jean Stirton, Second Mrs. Simpson. Other contestants: Mrs. Shinberg and Misses Stirton, Edwards, Lowe, Ellis, and E. Butler. Weight-Carriers: Whitfeld Bros., W.H. King, Mrs. B.M. Simpson, H.G. Munro, Miss Edwards, Creichton-Smith, C.R. Capel, Mr. Bagly, Mr. Pyrke. Hunting Contests – Maiden Hunt: James Bates (First), T. Kelly (Second). Maiden Pony: T. Kelly (First), W.E. McDouall (Second). Maiden Bush Hunt: Miss Jean Stirton (First), Whitfeld Bros. (Second). Open Hunt: V. Grant's Golden Bow and Victory. Gwydir Shire Hunt: Terry Kelly (First), F. Tyrrell (Second).
Children: Jessie Armstrong, Patricia Peacock, "Timmy" King (6 years), Jean Hill, Malcolm Dufty, Sid Connolly, Jock Dufty, Keith Hamilton, Rowley Dufty (6 years), Jessie Anderson (6 years), Edward King (5 years).
Best Lady Rider in Gwydir Shire: Mrs. Shineberg (First), Miss Forest (Second). Best Stock Horse: Winton King (First), Gordon Munro (Second).
Cattle
The Inverell Times reported: 'In the matter of high-class beef cattle, the show excelled in its exhibition of Aberdeen Angus and Herefords. The studs of H.G. Munro (Booroomooka Polled Angus) and F.R. King (Yeral), in the former, and Hays Bros. (Bexley) in the latter, were the best. Whitfeld Bros., due to floods, were unable to exhibit their Polled Angus.'
Sheep
It was reported: 'Mr. Byron Tomlinson was the most successful exhibitor, having his usual high-class string of excellent quality animals. However, a feature was the success of two beginners – Alfred Kent of Koloona and Mr. H.J. Butler of Bingara. Mr. F.G. Ryan was the leading exhibitor in the fat sheep section.'
The Pavilion
Under a large marquee, an inter-district competition was conducted. The displays were divided into agriculture, apiculture, vegetables, fruit, handicraft and miscellaneous. The winner was the Myall Creek/Keera area, second was Bingara Township/Top Bingara/Barraba Road and Rocky Creek/Pallal, and the Horton area was third.
Show Ball
The Show Ball held on the Wednesday night was an immense success. About 350 people were present and proceeds were split between the Show Society and the Bingara Hospital. However, the ball was not the end of the show, as thoughts immediately turned to the future.
Bingara Show 1932
The first Bingara Pastoral and Agriculture Show was the base that others were built on. On 14 March 1932, the Warialda Standard reported on the second Bingara Show: 'The second show of the Bingara P. & A. Society was held on Wednesday and Thursday with remarkable success. President, Mr. Gordon Munro, backed by a willing band of committee, achieved a wonderful result in the face of the existing conditions.'
The second show was conducted in vastly improved facilities, including the erection of a new pavilion, improved accommodation for sheep, cattle and poultry, and the improvement of the show ring. Distinguished visitors included the Deputy President of the Royal Agriculture Society and the organisation's Chief Accountant. The success of the 1932 Bingara Show laid out the pathway to the future – something Bingara's show people have built on over the following 90 years.
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