THE CANTERBURY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION’S SHOW.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1096, 10 November 1883, Page 2

THE CANTERBURY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION’S SHOW.

[bv our special reporter,]

The annual show of the above Society is generally reckoned to be the premier exhibition of the kind in the colony, and those who visited the ground this year could not fail to see that all previous efforts had been eclipsed. Indeed, it is doubtful if Melbourne could turn out a better class of stock than was to be seen in Christchurch, while the implements could certainly nob be excelled anywhere. The interest felt in agricultural matters was evinced by the crowds which flocked to the grounds yesterday, a continuous stream of people pouring in foam town all the afternoon, and at four o’clock there could not have been less than 15,000 persons at the show. The weather was threatening during the morning, and a drizzling rain commenced about eleven o’clock, but fortunately the afternoon turned out fine. His Excellency the Governor made his appearance on the ground a little after eleven, and was received by the Committee wao presented him with an address. In responding to this Sir William Jervoia expressed himself as highly pleased with the show, which he considered to be equal to any he had seen, except ♦ho large exhibitions in Great Britain. Owing to his suffering from a bad cold the Governor did not remain long on the ground, and the luncheon it was intended to give him accordingly did not come off. The greatest order prevailed during the day, all the arrangements being as perfect as possible, fur which the energetic secretary (Mr M. Murphy), and his stall deserve high praise. There was taken at the gates during the day the sum of L 903 12s, which is nearly L3OO more than last year. Wo can safely say that had the weather not been threatening in the morning, the amount would have been L2OO mere. The only accident we heard of was a mishap to the groom of Mr Stead’s entire Cadogan, who was kicked in the back by the horse, but was not severely injured. Speaking of the show in detail, the first animals we come to are the

SHEEP. These show a decided improvement on the exhibits of past years, the animals being first-class throughout, and the judges must have experienced considerable difficulty in determining which were the best. In the first section, merino breed fine combing, Messrs Robert Campbell and Sons carried off the palm with a splendid ram, bred by Mr James Gibson, of Tasmania ; and the same animal was awarded the prize silver medal for this class of sheep. Mr Teschemaker secured second honors with a ram bred by himself. The Campbell sheep, however, carried all before them in the fine combing class, the silver medal for the ewes under 18 months being also secured by this firm. Mr W. Lyttelton for rams under 18 months took second prize, with soma good class well-culled sheep, carrying excellent combing wool. In the strong combing division the medal went to the South, Mr Alex. McMaster taking it for a ram above 18 months old. The same exhibitor was placed first in two other instances in this section, but the ewes from Campbell’s estate were adjudged the best, one of them taking the silver medal. The Hon M. Holmes’s English-bred Leicesters were, of course, a feature of the show, the ram which took the silver medal being an especially fine specimen of long-wooled sheep. For ewes in this class, Mr Joseph Haydon was awarded the silver medal, and the N.Z. L. and A. Company were also prominent in this part of the show, their young ewes being particularly good. Mr Holmes had to play second fiddle to the Land Company when the prizes for Border Leicesters were adjudged, the Land Company being the holders of first honors, namely the Champion medal. The Lincolns were certainly amongst the most noticeable exhibits on the ground, and attracted a great deal of attention. Mr Holmes was the principal prize taker, although ho was run pretty close by some of the other competitors, notably Mr Menlove and the Land Company. Mr Jc hn Reid, another Oamaru breeder, had it prottly well all his own way in the Romney Marsh division, both medals going to him, and the Cotswold ware not good enough in the opinion of the judges to warrant a first prize being given to Mr Boag, who was the only exhibitor. In Southdowns Mr J. Deans held pride of place, and Messrs Dudley and Northoy were given a medal for their fine Hampshire Down ram, as they were also for a pen of three ewes of the same breed. The crossbreds and fat stock were well represented, but do not call for

special notice. Most of the prizes went to the South, but no one in Canterbury would grudge the breeders the honors they so justly gained. The show of sh ep could scarcely be excelled anywhere, and experts ware loud in their admiration of the quality of the exhibits. To one not thoroughly versed in sheep lore the subtle points of difference in the animals would of course not be appreciated at their true value, but nobody could fail to see that the collection (consisting of 414 entries) was a magnificent one and a credit to the colony. Turning from the sheep we come to the

CATTLE. In this division the entries numbered 189, including many so evenly matched that the judges occupied a long time in deciding which were worthy of prizes. For the bull of any ago class, twelve animals came forward, the first prizt, which included the champion gold medal, falling to the Land Company’s Earl of Brunswick 2nd. This grand animal may be considered as the finest bull in the colonies, having never been beaten since he has been exhibited. He was calved in Victoria in 1878, by Duke of Alvie out of Countess ot Brunswick. He is admirably proportioned, and evidently possessed of gigantic strength, and there could be no doubt of hia superiority to the other bulls shown in this class. Mr E. Menlove’s sth Duke of Alvie came next, and Mr John Deans’ Duke of Gunterstone took third place. The New Zealand Stud and Pedigree Stock Company sent down a bull to compete in this class, but he hid not secure a prizs, not being by any means up to the standard of the best stock in the yard. Two animals were entered for the second class, viz , bulls calved since 30th June, 1880, but only ane prize was awarded, Mr Watson’s Marquis of Huntley being the winner. In the two-year-olds, Mr Steel’s white bull Baritone was first, Mr John Reid’s Duke of Ellesmere being second. The latter gentleman secured chief honors for his youngster, Lord Enfield, but the three contributions to this division from the Longbeach estate did not obtain a prize, although they were well built animals and in splendid condition. In the class of yearling bulls, Mr Grigg, however, was highly commended for the roan Catnbyses, and received a commended ticket for hia other entry, Clio. The gold medal for the best shorthorn cow on the ground was awaided to Mr John Reid for his magnificent anima Rose of Oxford, which was bred in Victoria, the same exhibitor also taking second prize. In the Herefords there was only one bull entered, and there were three entries in the cows. The Land C impany took the first prize among the latter. The polled Angus cattle attracted much attention, the stock shown by the Land Company, who were the only exhibitors, being greatly admired. The imported bull Robin Hood, a noble beast, was the first, though soma people fancied more a grandson of the same animal, who gained second place. Of the smaller breeds, such as the Alderney or Jersey, the Ayrshire and the Breton, there were many representatives, Messrs Wm. Boag, James Little and Holmes being the principal exhibitors. These, however, call for no special mention, and it need only be said that the stock showed great improvement upon anything shown here in previous years. In fat cattle the only exhibitors were Messrs Ferguson, Garforth and Threlkeld, the last mentioned, however, confining himself to one entry. This part of the show was fully up to the high standard maintained throughout.

HORSES. The entries in the draught class numbered eighty seven, including many of the best known entires in this part of the cjlony. Mr John McKellar’s celebrated horse Prince Royal carried off the first prize and he well deserved the honor. He is a magnificent animal, has a beautifully shaped head bespeaking his breading. The second prize taker, Mr Menlove’a Prince Victor, is not so gracefully formed, but is evidently possessed of gigantic strength and moves well. Mr MoKellar also secured third prize with Victor, a very powerful beast, especially in the hind quarters, and Mr McClelland was awarded a highly, commended for Lord Raglan. The entire Chancellor of Blackball was in this class and secured many admirers among the spectators, but {the judges did not accord it any special mark of approval. Of the two three-year-olds entered, a son of Prince Royal, named Prince Alfred, belonging to Mr McClelland was the better, Mr Menlove’s Banker Hero being far lighter in appearance. Mr Holmes’s Awa Moa was easily the best of the two-year-olds, although Mr Boag’s horses, especially New Style, showed promise. Among both the colts and fillies in the draught class were many animals that would do credit to any show in the worid, most of the first prizes going to Southern owners, Messrs Holmes’ and Menlove's names being prominent in the list. Eight horses paraded in the blood stock class, and the judges were some time in coming to a decision. Finally they awarded the premier position to the imported stallion Cadogan, belonging to Mr Stead. That the horse well deserved the honor could not be doubted, hia lines being perfectly symmetrical, and it is questionable if a better looking animal could be found in any New Zealand stud. Trump Card, who was in splendid fettle was given second prize, and St Leonards the third, although Bundoora was considered by many present to be more worthy of the latter place. There was a large show in the carriage horses, hackneys and hunters, as well as in the cobs and pony classes, many of the animals showing excellent qualities. Messrs Robert Wilkin, John Orr, A, Story and R. J. Sutherland were the principal prize takers. Mr E. R. Guinness’s Jarkie took the first prize in the hunters and Mr Keith’s Zetland won the leaping match, for which there were three entries.

PIGS. The entries in this class numbered 56, or 10 more than were sent in last year; nor was it only numerically that this department excelled, as the quality of the animals was admittedly superior to those shown in previous years. Mr James Rowe was especially to the fore, the animals exhibited by him being (splendid specimens, although other breeders, as for example Mr John Grigg and Mr William Boag, fairly divided the honors in several instances. Mr Rowe’s boar Prince Victor carried off the first prize, as it well deserved to do, albeit the animal shown by Mr Boag ran the winner very close. Mr Grigg secured one first prize, his exhibit being also highly commended, one second prize and one commended.

SHEEP DOGS. Twenty-four dogs were entered in the two. sections of this class, the prize for rough-haired falling to Mr John Deans, and that for smooth-haired to Mr H. M. Strouts. In the absence of any opportunity to test the ability of the dogs the judges had to award the prizes to those animals who showed the best breeding, which was perhaps not altogether the most satisfactory way of arriving at a decision concerning the quality of a sheep dog.

DAIRY PRODUCE, MEATS, Etc. In this department a considerable increase was shown as compared with last year, the respective numbers for the two years being 96 and 132. The quality too was excellent, especially in the fresh butter division, the prize in this instance deservedly falling to Miss L. Gorle. Of the rest the School of Agriculture was the most successful exhibitor, the greater

proportion of the prizes going in that direction. An interesting contribution from the Canterbury Bee farm consisting of hives, honeyjextractor and honey, attracted attention, and was highly commended by the judges. The collection of cured and preserved meats attracted considerable attention, not the least attractive feature being a small pig cured whole, shown by Mr James Rowe. The School of Agriculture secured the special prize given by the Lyttelton Times for the best sample of cured bacon, but the propriety of a public institution competing for this did not pass by without comment.

IMPLEMENTS. Probably no portion of the show awakened more interest than that which contained the agricultural implements. The entries this year were unusually large and varied, no department of farming being unrepresented by some labor-saving apparatus. It is in contemplating the vast lumber of machines for agricultural purposes that we can in some way realise the enormous progress that has been made during recent years in the direction of affording means for the easier and more effective cultivation of the land. What used to be done by hand labor a few short years ago can now ba better accomplishad by mechanical contrivances, all of which means a great saving both of time and expense. In the Christchurch show there were 377 entries, of which Messrs Booth, Macdonald and Co. sent the largest number, 86, the Dunedin firm of Reid and Gray contributing 57, and Messrs P. and D. Duncan 51. Many other makers and importers were represented, the implements including every conceivable apparatus from a hand churn to a combine engine. The first division consisted of ploughs, and in the furrow class Messrs Booth, Macdonald and 00. were declared first, Messrs Duncan second, and Messrs Reid and Gray were highly commended, i n the double-furrow and the plough and subsoiler combined Messrs Duncan were awarded the chief honors, but with singlefurrows they had to give way to Mr R. Webster’s exhibit, and rest satisfied with second place. Throughout this portion of the show the judges appear to have considered Messrs Duncan/aciZe princeps, as the firm were given no less than 27 first prizes, Messrs Reid and Gray being accorded only three, namely, for tripod harrows and hand and horse-power chaff cutters. The ploughs exhibited showed sevaral important improvements which have been made recently, and, among those sent by Messrs Reid and Gray was a double-furrow fresh from the hammer, without any ornament or paint. Messrs Duncan also showed new additions to their impleme its, which will lessen the work of ploughing. Some hill-side ploughs attracted notice ; although they are little needed in this province they have been found of great use in the more rugged land down South. In the grubbers and hoe classes, Messrs Duncan, who have made improvements in the construction of these implements, took first places, other firms having to be satisfied with highly commended tickets. There was a large number „of harrows on the ground, especially the disc kind. For heavy and light harrows Mr James Little got lirst and second prizes, Messrs R. Wilkin and Co. being highly commended for the former class. |The disc harrows shown by Messrs Duncan attracted much attention, on account of se era! manifest improvements. Instead of simply harrowing the ground, apparatus is attached so as to enable turnips to be sown and manure dutributod at the same time. The firm in question ware awarded both first and second honors. Messrs Duncan also gained chief prizes for wbippletrees, field roller, clod crusher, and potato planter and digger. Among the exhibitors in this class, besides those mentioned, were Messrs R. Wilkin and 00,, Mason Struthers, Kelsey Bros., Morrow, Bassett and Co, Andrews and Beaven, J. Anderson, and others. The collection of farm drays was a splendid one, the vehicles being well made and serviceable. Messrs Duncan got first and second prizes, and held the premier position in connection with town carriers’ cart class, although there was little to choose between the contributions in this instance. Of the wool presses, that shown by Messrs Wilkin and Co., known s W, Speedy’s patent lever, pipe pattern was judged to be the best, the Solway, exhibited by the same firm being next. Quite a crowd was congregated all day round that part of the grounds where the threshing machines were kept at work. Five of them were kept going, and of these the first prize was given to an Aveling and Porter traction engine, and a Hornsby threshing machine, shown by Mr J. Anderson, Reid and Gray taking second place with one of Clayton and Shuttleworch’s combines. The Loan and Mercantile Agency exhibited a machine made by Ruston, Proctor and Co., for which it was claimed that it was easily managed, did clean work, put a large quantity of grain through and separated the classes clearly. The)judges accorded this a highly commended, and to the Grain Agency Co.’s machine a commended. No less v than fourteen reapers and binders put in an appearance, nearly all of which showed some improvement upon last yeat’s exhibits. In one instance the knotting apparatus was more satisfactorily worked than formerly, and an ar rangement provided in order to better adjust the knives, while in another case a provision was made to enable the driver to lower or highten the reaping apparatus without getting off his seat. The judges, however, will not decide on the relative merits of these machines until an opportunity occurs to try their capabilities in the field. It would be imposible with the space at our command to give anything like an adequate review of the numerous minor exhibits in this large collection of

agricultural implements, which included well nigh everything requisite both for outside I arm work and the dairy. Among the extra exhibits, none attracted more attention than the rolling and scutching machinery shown at work by Messrs Booth, Macdonald and Co The rapidity with which the flax was reduced to fibre was marvellous, and those who had nevsr seen these mills at work before could not fail to be interested, especially as the* industry represented will no doubt ere long be an important one in the colony. Several traction engines, sent by Messrs Carter and Co. (of Dunedin), Messrs Wilkin and Co. and Mr J. Anderson were travelling about during the day. A novelty deserving of mention, which was exhibited by Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., was a sower recently patented by Messrs Haxton and Beattie, of Dunedin. It differs from other machines of this nature inasmuch as instead of the usual boxes projecting at the ends a hopper is fixed in the centre, large enough to hold several sacks of grain. Tubes Oft long are attached to this hopper, and through these the grain is forced by means of a screw, the seed falling through perforated holes. The great merit claimed for this sower by the patentee is that it is an even distributor of grain, and it is particularly suited to hill-side work. The invention created a good deal of attention and the judges awarded it a highly commended.

CARRIAGES. In this department there were 41 entries, all the vehicles displaying careful finish and first-class workmanship. Messrs Me or and Co., H. Brabner, Elmsleyand Curlett, Boon and Slevena, A. G. Howland, and Steel Brothers were among the principal exhibitors. There could be no doubt from these specimens that the Hew Zealand manufacturers of vehicles can hold their own with the Home makers, and the prices put upon

the various carriages were by no means exorbitant. In the Whitechapel cart class, Morr and 00. take first prize with an admirably finished trap with all the latest improvements, and the other exhibits of the same kind are but little if at all behind. Mr A. G. Howland’s “ Central Park ” dog cart has all the latest improvements, and the manner in which the springs are arranged appears to us to render the trap even mere comfortable than such conveyances usually are. Mr Hugh Brabner bears off more than one prize, and the work he has turned out is thoroughly deserving of the honor bestowed upon it. A wagonette exhibited by Messrs Elz Bros., of Ashburton, was much admired, and the judges awarded it a highly commended ticket.

NEW ZEALAND MANUFACTURES AND PRODUCE. For some reason or other iha local manufacturers do not readily avail themselves of the opportunity given them by the Agricultural and Pastoral shows to exhibit their wares, and this year was no exception to the rule. This was indeed the only department in which there was a falling off, and although what was showu was excellent in many ways, more competition would have given a heightened interest to this portion. In many oases there were no entries forthcoming, and ip others only one firm sent anything, thus rendering the judges’ duty almost a sinecure. The most noticeable feature was, perhaps, the exhibit of the Kaiapoi Factory, the woollen goods being greatly admired, both for their texture and design. Messrs Mason, Struthers and 00. had a case of saddlery,,for which they obtained a prize, and the Auckland Fibre Company sent samples of European flax in different stages of manufacture. In ales Messrs Manning and 00. bore off the palm, Vincent and Company being second and the Crown Brewery highly commended. The entry in this class from the Ashburton did not obtain special notice. An excellent collection of clay goods and some very serviceable ranges were also on view, and for wool the New Zealand Provision and Produce Company and the Smithfield Wool Works divided the honors equally.

THE FLOWER SHOW. The Spring show of the Ohristchurch Horticultural Society was held on the Grounds yesterday,, and the tent where the plants were exhibited was well patronised. Considering the early season the show was a good - one, although as a matter of course the contributions were not very numerous. What was wanting in variety, however, was made up by the excellent quality of the exhibits, and those who visited the tent were delighted with what they saw. The azaleas, of which there were several splendid specimens, were greatly admired, and there were also several pots of calceolarias of great size and beauty. The roses and the fuschias were not perhaps up to a high standard, but the collection of cut flowers calls for praise, some beautiful varieties of pansies being shown. Taken altogether, the flower show was a valuable contribution to the success of the day, and the ladies, whose interest in stock and machinery is probably not intense, must have felt a visit to the floral display to be a pleasant relief.