The Timaru Show.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 178, 28 October 1880, Page 2

The Timaru Show.

The annual show of cattle, etc., at Tiniaru on Tuesday and Wednesday was perhaps the most successful of its class that has been held in South Canterbury. It was held in the new Show Ground, some distance from town, and is excellent weather. The attendance ic set down at between 5000 and GOOO during the two days, and both in patronage and entries there was a large increase over last year. The sheep were a good show, but some of the merino breeders did not put in an appearance. Regarding the rams of all ages, the prizes went to Otago, and the Press correspondent has the following to say of this class : —“ They are big framed animals, with many useful qualities fitting them for this climate. In this connection it would almost seem high time that a more distinct classification should bo made in shows of the merino type ; in other words, that the merinos should be divided into two classes. In this class we noticed for the first time another distinct and extraordinary breed, which, though certainly not handsome, shows qualities that recommend a strain of its blood in a rough climate. The sheep in question, which wo trace all through the merinos, were originally American bred, and in one class the judges thought fit to mention their probable adaptability for the rougher portions of New Zealand. ” The chief prize takers in merinos were Messrs, reschmaker, Pearson, Ehvorthy, Borton, Rhodes, &c. In Lincolns, the show was a very satisfactory one, and a fine display of almost perfect animals was to be witnessed, though the number was not very large. The other breds were also fairly represented. Among the cattle some really fine beasts were exhibited. In the short horn class, best bull of any age, Mr. Russell achieved a well deserved victory. Mr. Kelland came second with Knight Errant, a well made bull, by Esau. Skebeloff, a Victorian bred bull, came third. In the next class, for best bull calved since July Ist, 1878, Mr. Menlove scored a well deserved win with Christmas Knight, Mr. Wildie coming second with a well-made animal by Hastings. Mr. Russell scored a third with Prince of Denmark and Marlborough, Mr. Russell scoring second with Tudor, by Hastings. In the class for bull calved since January Ist., 1880, Mr. Russell took first with Earl of Beaconsfield, Mr. Menlove coming second with Earl of Brunswick, and Mr. Kelland third with Bedford. In the class for cow of any age, Mr. Menlove carried the prize off with a very nice level beast, Mr. Russell coming second and third. Eor the best heifer calved since July Ist, 1877, there were six entries, and again Mr. Menlove was the first and second. The Ayrshire class throughout was exceedingly creditable. Mr. Moody had an exhibit of Brittany cattle, which attracted considerable attention during the day. The fat cattle were not numerous, but their quality was undeniable. The show of horses was specially good, and the draughts were all superior animals, as indeed were the others. The pigs were inferior, and far under what might have been expected from a district like Tirnaru, and the same might also be said of the poultry. There was a splendid display of implements of almost every description, the respective merits of which were well canvassed.