Barraba's first agricultural show in 1904

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To start an agricultural show in Barraba an advertisement was placed in the paper in 1903, under the heading "Advance Barraba".
 
ADVANCE BARRABA
A meeting will be held in the Mechanic’s Institute on Wednesday September 21st 1903 at 8pm to consider the formation of a Pastoral and Agricultural Association for the Barraba and Manilla Districts. All are required to attend.  W Morrow, Hon.Sec.

Later in 1947 AP Williams wrote to the PA&H Association about how local people made a Show possible. “To enlighten some of the younger members, I would like to mention a little of the commencement of the Barraba PA&H Association. At a public meeting in December 1903 held at the Mechanic’s Institute with Mr. John Morrow in the chair it was decided to form the PA&H Association. A committee was formed and later Mr. J.W. Bull was appointed Secretary @ £25 pounds per annum. Ways and means of financing such an undertaking with the necessary buildings and facilities, with money a scarce commodity in those days, was no easy matter. It was done by issue of ten pound debentures bearing interest payable annually and our shows had to be so worked to pay this interest, prize money and with a surplus to erect further buildings”. The committee did not lose any time, “striking the iron while it was hot" and secured all the debentures they required to put the Association on a sound financial footing.

History pages

Opening of the first Barraba Show

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Barraba. Arrival of Gov Sir Henry Rawson to open the first Barraba Show 15.4.1904


The 15th April, 1904, is a red letter day in Barraba’s history, as it marked the visit of Sir Harry Rawson, Governor of New South Wales to Barraba, to open the first Barraba Show amidst great enthusiasm and excitement. Residents  met the Governor at Manilla (then the railway terminal), and the Governor and the Official Party were driven to Barraba in a four-in-hand coach, while Queen Street was made gay with bunting and flags. The show was a great success in every way. The first show was held at the Race Course - the present day site. 
“This day was one to be remembered, the showground was littered with people, picnic parties, children, visitors from everywhere, buggies and horses. In fact I doubt if there was anyone left at home in the district, and for years afterwards Show day was looked on as “The Day” of the year”.

Foundation medals

From Robert David Orchard

“My version of the Foundation (Gold) Medal is that it was awarded to my Great Grandfather, David Orchard better known as Goggy. The inscription on the medal is BARRABA P A & H ASSOCIATION LIFE MEMBER 1905. I’ve been led to believe that when the show society or association was formed the people connected to its formation made a donation or loan of £ 10 each. (I think the people were asked for a loan for the show association to be formed) I don’t know how many contributed to this.

Later when the show association became financial and people were offered their money back and those that didn’t take the money were awarded a gold foundation medal. This is how I obtained the medal, it has passes down through our family to the fourth generation, and all four generations were David or have David as a second name”

Foundation members

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David Orchard, Foundation member
It is interesting to note that at the 1946 Show, three foundation members were present, viz., Mr. D Orchard and Mr. and Mrs.C.F.Carter. All other foundation members were then deceased. Photo of David Orchard to the left wearing his foundation medal.

When the program for the 100th Show was prepared in 2011 it was thought that Daniel Capel (right) was the first Show President. The President of the first Show was in fact Edward King. If you know of a photograph of Edward King we would appreciate your help. Please get in touch with Patti Crowley (67821795).