The earliest exhibition showcasing dairy produce, livestock, and farm products emerged in the 1870s. These events took place annually, with locations alternating between Ballan and Bacchus Marsh.
However, due to strong opposition, the committee decided to relocate the show midway to Myrniong, which significantly increased patronage and attendance over the years. Myrniong eventually became the permanent home for the society's annual exhibitions. These events attracted high-class showmen, including leading draught-horse exhibitors from Melbourne and Ballarat. One memorable incident involved some chaos among dairy cows due to inadequate pens, resulting in them rushing and butting each other, not an uncommon sight at any B&S Ball!
The Plough Hotel always reaped benefits from the local Myrniong Show by providing on-site catering or hosting post-show gatherings. On one occasion, approximately 40 men enjoyed an excellent dinner at Thomas Ryan's Plough Hotel after the show, with many committee members in attendance, almost resembling a meeting.
By March 1876, the show had grown to feature 400 entries, and favourable weather conditions attracted a large audience.
The 27th Annual Show held in February 1884 provided a splendid opportunity for farmers to showcase their prized horse stock, despite the lack of a railway for transportation to the yards. The quality of the animals was top-notch, quoted as being worthy of appearing in any showcard in the colony. Both imported and locally bred horses engaged in friendly competition among exhibitors. The event also featured judging for dairy stock, sheep, swine, wheat, barley, and butter production. The "corporate marquee" even hosted notable figures such as Mr. Peter Lalor, famous for the Eureka Rebellion.
The 28th Annual Show took place in April the following year, continuing the tradition of yearly exhibitions. Member entry tickets cost 3 shillings for one adult, and families with children under 12 years received special rates. Each member was entitled to 10 free entries into any of the categories for judging.
On Monday, 27 April, 1885 while travelling home from the Myrniong Show, an unfortunate incident occurred to Mr. Graham, a resident of Ballan Shire, along with his wife and Mr. Walker, a local grazier from Greendale. Mr. Graham was at the reins of his horse-drawn buggy when a sudden fright overcame the pair of horses, causing them to bolt uncontrollably. This abrupt motion ejected all the occupants from the buggy. As a result of the accident, Mr. Graham sustained severe lacerations to his face and head, rendering him unconscious for three hours. Mr. Walker also suffered substantial injuries, with deep cuts across his head and body, one of which measured four inches in length. Mrs. Graham injuries, while not specified, were equally severe. They were taken to Purcell’s Plough Hotel, with medical assistance soon arriving.
The 1891 Show, held in scorching weather, featured Ayrshire cattle from New Zealand. However, the highlight of the show was the presence of the 1888 Melbourne Cup Winner "Mentor," along with the legendary "Malua" and his son "Haere" (family ticket, no doubt!).
In November 1892, the Secretary of the Bacchus Marsh Shire Council attempted to declare a public holiday in honour of the Myrniong Show, however, this did not come to fruition. In fact, the annual Show was abandoned that year with the Myrniong Agricultural Society winding up by 1898. The root cause of this was not the quality of the exhibits, as they were considered as being much superior to those at both Bacchus Marsh and Ballan Shows. The real cause was the difficulty for exhibitors to reach Myrniong from the closest railway station which included the tedious climb up those Pentland Hills!
Next week, we look at the Myrniong Horticultural Society’s Flower Show
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