Devon County Show: … Opening Ceremony: … Mr. Lewis Bearne, J.P. – (chairman of the Newton Abbot District Council), briefly welcomed the President and members of the Association, and called upon Mr. W. S. Pinsent (Chairman the Highweek Parish Council) to present Lord Clifford with an address of welcome, the yard being in the parish of Highweek. Mr. W. S. Pinsent read the address, which was signed by the Chairman of the Newton Abbot Urban District Council (Mr. L. Bearne), and the Chairman of the Highweek Parish Council (Mr. W. Pinsent). It extended to Lord Clifford and members of the Association the heartiest welcome on that, the third, visit to the town, and expressed the hope that the meeting would he successful in every way, and of assistance to those who were interested in agricultural pursuits, they looked upon Newton as the centre of a very important agricultural district, and as it was eleven years since the Association held its last show there, it was felt that another year should not be pass without an invitation being sent to pay the town another visit. Some difficulty arose first in finding a suitable site but owing to the kindness of Miss Wall and Mr. Vicary, it was overcome. It was true the ground was not as level as might be desired, but it was hoped that would not be found an inconvenience. They were glad to observe that the total number of entries this year was larger than last year, but this was no doubt partly due to the number and value of the prizes that were offered. The various contests and competitions arranged for were full of interest and would be sure to make the show exceedingly popular. The entries for the dog show, organized by the Local Committee, and to be held on the two following days, were very numerous and it bade fair to be the most successful exhibition of its kind held in the county for several years. lt was also hoped that the concerts promoted by the Newton Choral Society for that, and the following evenings would give pleasure to the members of the Association and the many visitors in the town. The Local Committee hoped that the arrangements, so far as they were responsible for them, would be found satisfactory, and they desired to express thanks to the secretary, Mr. J. L. Winter, for the courtesy he had shown and the great assistance he had rendered to them. In conclusion, the address reiterated the hope that the show of 1898 would be remembered as one of the pleasantest and most satisfactory the Association had ever held (applause). …
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0911 Devonport: William Swain Pinsent: 1843 – 1920