The Saanichton Fall Fair, considered to be one of the best exhibitions ever given in this part of the country, was officially opened yesterday by the Hon. E.D. Barrow, Minister of Agriculture, at the Saanichton Agricultural Hall.
"At no other show this year have I seen as fine vegetables," said Mr. Barrow, "and no community comparable in extent and population has excelled your flowers and fruits. I say this after having toured all parts of British Columbia within the last few weeks."
He declared that no part of British Columbia had been successful in staging a superior show and congratulated the society upon being the oldest of its kind in the province, and also upon the efforts put forward last month in the large Saanich display at New Westminster, which won second place.
He stressed the anxiety of the Agricultural Department to promote the production of seed in the province, remarking upon the value of this as a reliable means of increasing the crops in each district.
"I congratulate the society," Hon. Mr. Barrow said, "upon the tremendous increase of interest it has shown in the management of the cattle competitions, and I am surprised at the way in which the new cattle sheds have been so well filled with entries."
Hon. Mr. Barrow, who spoke from the stage in the Agricultural Building, was introduced to the large audience by Mr. H.E. Tanner, president. The hall was brightly draped with flags and bunting and all the entries were displayed to advantage.