Agricultural shows, including the county agricultural shows, are an important forum for showing what implements and machines were available to the agriculturists in a district – and beyond. County and regional newspapers often listed in their columns the main exhibitors and the key implements and machines that were exhibited. This can sometimes be one of the main sources of evidence for understanding what makers were making and selling and what businesses were operating in an area.
The Perthshire advertiser was a local newspaper that provided extensive reports of what was going on at the Perth Show. On 31 July 1929 it provided an extensive account of what was to be found. This is worth quoting for the detail that it provides on the activities of the business at that Show:
“Stands at Perth Show
Barclay, Ross & Hutchison, Aberdeen
Messrs Barclay, Ross & Hutchinson, Ltd, 67-71 Green, Aberdeen, who have an important branch at Station Buildings, Perth, are exhibiting an interesting collection. For over half a century this firm has been noted for the excellence of its threshing and barn machinery, and the variety of its products will be a source of fascination. The firm is agent for Austin tractors of the latest 3-speed design, and also for Rushton tractors, having a large selection of Lister and Ruston Hornsby engines. They will show power turnip-cutters of their own manufacture.
Cadogan (Perth) Ltd, Perth
This firm of motor-body builders has required a fine reputation for workmanship of a high standard in their productions. Bodies of all kinds and sizes are constructed.
Frew & Co. Ltd, Perth
Among the Scottish Ford Dealers, represented are Messrs Frew & Co., Ltd, 14-18 Princes Street, Perth; Harper & Sons, Blairgowrie, and McKercher, Aberfeldy, who have on view one of the excellent Fordson tractors produced by the firm. There is a complete range of Ford motor vehicles and tractors, with implements to work along with the tractor.
Garvie & Syme, Perth
For variety and completeness of wares, few ironmonger forms can compare with Messrs Garvie & Syme. The stock ranges, tools, oils, paints, cutlery, explosives, and in fact everything imaginable. They are agents for “Good Housekeeping” approved appliances, and are at all times glad to give demonstrations of the working of refrigerators by gas or electricity.
Wm Hume & Co., Perth
Another firm of ironmongers with an ever-increasing trade, Messrs Wm Hume & Co. Ltd, stock every kind of farm implement and machinery.
Charles Brand, Dundee
Wood, iron and machinery, slater, builder and contractor, Mr Charles Brand has branches in Dundee, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. Every species of building material is stocked and a speciality is made of sectional huts, suitable for halls, garages, &c. The firm does a large business in demolitions of buildings of any size, and machinery, and plant and buys quantities of scrap metal.
Alexander Lindsay, Perth
Mr Alexander Lindsay, wholesale ironmonger, farm and estate furnisher, 71-73 South Street, Perth, will have on Stand no. 21 a fine display of farm requisites. During its comparatively short existence the business has established a very wide connection among the Perthshire farming community, a connection that is daily increasing. The exhibits will include binder twine and sculls, all brands of oil for different engines and cars, wire fencing, dairy requisites, poultry appliances, etc.
James Scott & Co., Perth
On this stand will be shown a selection of electric appliances. The firm deals very extensively in electric lighting plants for farms and country houses and are experts in electric refrigerators. “Allscott” radio sets and combined radio and gramophone cabinets are a speciality in which Messrs James Scott & Co., have built up an enviable and widely-known reputation.
George Sellar & Son, Ltd, Huntly and Alloa
This well-known Scottish firm of agricultural engineers has a reputation second to none in the country. Their Sellar ploughs and farm implements generally have maintained a high standard for many years. This, too, with an economy of cost, which, in these hard times, is a consideration to everyone. At their stand Messrs Sellar will have on view a wide range of their products which will no doubt be closely scanned during the show.
Harvie & McKenzie, Perth
At stand no. 17 will be shown various domestic and farm implements. Lister separators, churns and other dairy appliances are a prominent feature with Messrs Harvey & McKenzie, while they also deal extensively in domestic stoves and heaters, Lip-Vac Vacuum flask and all other kinds of hardware. For the farm they carry a stock of stack covers, sheep dips, steel-ribbed potato sculls, and wire netting, and corrugated iron of various sizes and makes.
A. Johnstone & Sons, Perth
Cartwrights, motor body builders and general blacksmiths, Messrs A. Johnstone & Sons are qualified to give expert advice on all problems dealing with transport and transporting machinery. They have long and intimate experience and are at all times willing to put this at the disposal of agriculturists and others.”
