History - Stanthorpe Agricultural Society
The following are extracts from
Stanthorpe Agricultural Society
1875 - 1975
Centenary Booklet
Compiled by Mrs. Jean Harslett, copies of the booklet are available from the office.
In 1875,
... The Courier Mail reported, " We perceive with pleasure the formation of the Stanthorpe Society bearing the name of the Border Agricultural , Horticultural and Mining Society. We think the addition of 'Pastoral' might have been an improvement." The name, however persisted as it was until the annual meeting in December 1878 when Mr J.W. Pillar moved that the word 'Pastoral' be substituted for 'Horticultural', and it was carried unanimously. For the next thirty-five years, until 1913, the official designation of the Society remained the same. Then Mr. A.E. Bateman, who had been secretary for the Society for two years, suggested that a less unwieldy name should be chosen. He aslo felt the present name gave no indication to other parts of the State, where the Society operated. A special meeting was called and it was unanimously decided to give th society the simple title of, "The Stanthorpe Agricultural Society", the name it still bears today...
... The first Show (held in 1876) was acclaimed a magnificent success. It was pleasing to hear from the lips of such an experienced and influential visitor as the Minister for Works, that the exhibition of vegetable productions was equal to anything he had seen in the colonies and Agriculturists from New England endorsed his remarks. The public so generously responded, that a building twice the dimensions could not have housed all the valuable exhibits. "Some had to be crowded beyond distinction and others were lost to observation under the tables. No blame to be levelled at the Society, because they have to adopt every possible means of economy."...
... In 1901, the president, Mr W.H. McQuaker and the committee, realised the grounds in use were far to small... ...the ultimate choice of the present grounds has proved one of foresight... The grandstand and pavilion was the first building erected at the new grounds...with the pavilion below and grandstand on top...
... The first Show held in these grounds was in 1905...
Further Information
The State Library of Queensland has a variety of photos available for online viewing including photos of committee members of 1914, 1915 and 1927.
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