There were battle axes and bug study sets, horror masks and Bananas in Pyjamas, Sunny Boys and sour sweets. Yesterday the Melbourne Showground exhibition centre was transformed into an Aladdin's Cave of goodies as children rummaged through the contents of a record 305 showbags. Even Consumer Affairs Minister Marsha Thomson couldn't repress her horror and delight. In fact it was the minister's duty to declare the bags safe for this year's Royal Melbourne Show, which begins on September 21. She did so after two toy daggers and a disposable razor had been removed by vigilant inspectors.
Parents can with confidence select showbags for their children.
Nevertheless, if yesterday's offerings were anything to go by, childhood is still a terribly dangerous business. An arsenal of dozens of guns and daggers, axes, pistols spears and knives was scattered across the hall. Showbag makers had even considered those children lucky enough to survive their armed and rampaging peers. He picks up a broom, he picks up a stick. Jean Mifsud said she took her children to the show every year.