ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION’S SHOW.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1099, 14 November 1883, Page 2

ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION’S SHOW.

President, Cyril G. Hawdon, Esq ; Vice-Presi-dents, H. T. Winter and Joseph Hunt, 1* sqs, Hon Treasurer, A. Harrison, Esq; Committee, Messrs T. Bullock C. Percy Cox, J. Carter, S. Chapman, E. S. Coster, C. T. Dudley, O. Digby. H. Fricdlander, C. J. Harper, J. Ivess, VV. Lyttelton, A. Leatham, R. Miller, F. T. Mayo, J. Mann, D. Oliver, C. W. Purnell, W. J. Silcock, M. Stitt, J. Strachan, J. Sargeant, J. Tucker, D, Thomas, J. E. Trevor, J. C. Wason, E. G. Wright; Secretary, Mr G. Jameson. No event of the year is anticipated with more interest by the residents of the Ashburton county than is the annual show of stock and implement! held under the auspices of tin locil Agricultural and Pastoral Association. It would of course bo absurd to institute a comparison /between the exhibition held here and that which takes place in large centres of populatio i like Christchurch and Dunedin, but taking it simp’y for what it is wo have good reason to congratulate ourselves on the success which has attended us since the Association came into being, six years ago. It goes without saying that whether there will be a largo attendance or otherwise depends greatly on the weather, and consequently many who looked forward to a pleasant day s outing were far from being pleased when they found that rain was falling yesterday. Fr in morning to night the downfall continued without intermission, and although the weather-wise professed to read signs of the atmosphere favorably, and predict a possible good day for the morrow, the less sanguine opined that the wish was father to the thought. Fortunately, however, the rain gave over soon after midnight, and this morning broke clear and fine, although the sky was somewhat cloudy and threatening. At nine o’clock the town was astir and people were evidently preparing to go to the show, and should the rain keep off as at the time of writing (10 a.m.) it seems likely to da, this year’s exhibition will be a success so far as the attendance is concerned. The chief inconvenience on the ground is that, owing to the downpour of yesterday, it is rather damp underfoot. There is an idea abroad that the lesser agricultural shows will before long bo things of the past, as exhibitors will prefer to send their stock to places where a larger attendance is assured than is possible in smaller places. That argument is not wanting to show that there is some justification for this opinion is proved by the fact that the Timaru Exhibition was admittedly inferior to any that had gone before, but up to the present there is no reason to believe that Ashburton has lost ground. It is no idle boast to say that we can hold our own with any of the places between Christchurch and Dunedin either in respect to the number of entries and the quality of the stock and implements put foiward, although this year there is a falling off in the numbers in comparison wit’ll last year, as the follow-

Totals... 366 39s 43 8 5*2 428 From this it will be seen that the entries number 94 leas than in 1882, and ten less than in 1881. This does not at the first glance look encouraging, but a study of tho figures shows that what falling off there has been is not in the moat important departments. Tho sheep number tho same as last year, an 1 there aro only four loss in tho cattlo. while tho implements exhibit a marked and satisfactory increase of no less than twenty-four entries. Tho most noticeable deficioncos are in the cases of boras, pigs, poultry, and dairy produce, while both in the manufacture and extra exhibits there is a fallmg off in quantity. So far as dairy produce is concerned, it is perhaps to be wondered at that in a district which is so well known in this particular department of farming only twenty three exhibits should be forthcoming as compared with forty one in tho previous year, but as regards poultry the decrease may be accounted for by tho fact that there is a Society specially founded for promoting the breeding of farmyard birds, and no doubt people who take an interest in these matters prefer exhibiting at their own special shows. A cursory glance round the show is sufficient to convince tho

visitor that if tbs entries are not ao numerous this year, this deficiency is more than compensated for by the improved qaality of the stock and implements shown. It need scarcely be said that the arrangements of the energetic secretary, Mr Goo. Jameson, loft nothing to be desired, everything being in order this morning, so that the judges were able to proceed in their work from an early hour. Having said so much by way of introduction wa will proceed to speak of the show in detail, and the first department we come to is that of the SHEEP. For such a district as Ashburton, favored as it is for the production of such a special class of stock as long-woolled sheep, it was to be expected that the show in this class would be good, and we may safely say that our expectation was fully realised at to-day’s show. A pleasant and reassuring feature, as regards the ulure prospects of the district, was the

fact that by far the greater part of the entries were by local breeders, and there was an absence of that very objectionable class of exhibits, the “ show case sheep," an animal which, however meritorious, has become to ba looked up >ll as something of a sham. In the Lincoln class the exhibits were of a very superior character, the chi:f interest centreing

on the young stock which, generally speaking, were exceptionally good. Mr Pushby sored first prize for both ram and ewe under 18 months, and it is a pity that such stock as his belong to another district. The most successful ex-ii-oitors were Messrs Dudley and Northoy, whoso animals were highly commended, as indeed they deserved to be. From the promising character of their stock these gentlemen may take consolation from the fact that they stand well to overtake the older Pash by breed so well known in the northern part of the provincial district. Mr Pashby also secured first prizs in the

class for rams above 16 mouths w;tn “ Wilberforce,” a magnifi ent animal, worthy of every attention from breeders. Messrs Dudley and Northey were the only other exhibitors in this class, and they were awarded second prize for their ram Ullyses. In the Leicester classes there were 28 entries, as against 19 in the

Lincolns, and the competition was fairly good in moat instances, the quality of the exhibits running very even. For the best ram over eighteen months the first award went to a ram bred bv the late G. G. Uussell, of Otipua, near Timaru, a name we'd known in connection with the successful breeding of long-woolled sheep. Vliis animal was exhibited by Mr J. 13 mifant, id *i-k Ur* /»rvrw’ffof-nli»fAfl siQ il"

one of the finest rams in these parts, A ram owned by Mr P. 0. Threlksld, another veteran breeder of this class of stock, took second honors, Mr Bonifant’s other exhibit coming well up. The show of young stock in this ciass was also good, numbering 12 entries out of Iho total of 28, and Ashburton has certainly no need to be ashamed of its efforts so far, to breed for wool, at the sacrifice, possi-

hly, of eatable mutton. The growth of the frozen moat trade may p ?rhapa cause a change to float over the spirit of the dream of the breeders, and we shall look forward to future shews with some interest in the swing of the balance between wool and mutton. The chief prizes for both classes of stock under eighteen months go out of the district, being taken by Mr Threlke'd, but the locally owned wore within a shade or two of equality, and Mr jßonifant may rest content with the prospect of several first prizes next year. The competition was narrowed to these tw > exhibitors by the absence of the entries of Mr T. Taylor, from some cause or other. In merino sheep the show

was a fairly good one, and the quality of the animals was unexceptionable ) ut the interests of Ashburton do not f icus in merino sheep. They look well at any show as a class of animal that stands in about the same relation to long wools as a

Mongolian does to a Ear pean ; that is, possessing the v luable attribute of being able to scrape a living where the other would starve. But Ashburton is not a starvation district as the condition of its longwools and their number, as well as of its cattle and other stock, testifies; and as a consequence the merinos did not carry the whole weight of the show as in former years, both here and further South. Still the entries were as full as in the other classes of sheep, totting up to 21, the President of the Association adding his quota of five. In fancy bree Is there was a good show, there being a dozen pens of the Down breed, which are generally represented by a solitary pen, or perhaps a couple, and this may bo an indication that our local breeders are already on the qmi -ime with regard to testing the capabilities of Ashburton County in the meat trade connection.

CATTLE. Taken as a whole the show of cattle to-day was disappointing. Individual merit there was, but for such a district as this, there should be no difficulty in getting together at least twice as many cattle of show shorts as there were on the ground. In shorthorns there were 10 entries, 8 of them being by one firm, Messrs Dudley and Northey, who may be complimented on the excellence of their stock, which competition would perhaps have brought more to the front. Still,they have no reason to complain of the share of awards that fell to their lot. In Ayrshires there were 8 entries of very superior stock, and are we glad to see that Ashburton is alive to the excellent qualities of this unsurpassable breed. The fashion has been, and still u with ill-informed people to “ fancy ” the shorthorn as a milk producer. But in comparison with the modest Ayrshire the shor.horn is a poor second best; the only redeeming feature is that the shorthorn makes more butcher’s meat. In fancy oat la there were several entries of Al.ierney and Brittany breeds, but the interest of this department of the Sliov lay in the Ayrshires. '1 here was an absence of tho larger breeds, such as the Devons and Horefords, which seem to be quite unnecessarily falling into disfavor with colonial breeders. Although the shorthorn is a good all round animal, those others are the ou"s to cultivate in anticipation of tho freezing meat trade with the Homo Country, a id wo look for a revival of interest in this direction. In fat cattle there was but one entry, a cow that would have shewed up bettor in competition with more of her sort. It must bo admitted that ior such a large and important district as Vahb irton the show of cattlo was deficient, both in numbers and in that suporio-ity of breeding which might have been looked for, though the same fact has fallen und r our notice with regard to other districts. This paucity of entries has more than once led to the remark that agricultural and pastoral shows should bo more central, and ws have heard it reiterated that four ~r five for tho South Island would be ample We disagree with such opinions. Tho capabilities of a district can never be developed at a central show miles away, Practical men know what mo ving and handling of stock means, and besides local shows, even if void of pretension and magnitude of city exhibitions, do more to bring out tho needs and requirements of a district than any number of central shows possibly could.

HORSES. If in cattle we hive had occasion to comment somewhat, unfavorably, the scale is completely turned in the matter of horses —draught stock particularly. The entires on the ground to-day, although perhaps not boasting of the purest strains of blood that emanate from the valley <*f the Clyde are yet good enough for all practical purposes. Not being a hilly country Ashburton doss not stand in such groat need of extra heavy draught stock. Further South they need, goodness knows, all the pulling that can be got out of horseflesh, but in this district our requirements are more in the direction of activity with strength combined, rather than in mere dead pulling at a slow pace. With good flat roads and a level country, such an animal as the Suffolk Punch would certainly be of very great value, and we are s >mewhat surpiised to see fhat local faith in horseflesh seems rivetted to the Oydesdale. Out of 97 ©atrieso f h r->a 50 wore of draught stock, a very creditable and well balanced proportion for a large agricultural district; and of these, 13 were of young stock. Those who understand and appreciate such shows as that of to-day, look to the young stock as an indication for the future, and therefore we should have liked to see more young horses there. As, it was, however, what was absent in numbers was press .t in quality, without doubt, for better year-

lings and two-year-olds, it would be hard o find any colonial show. Not to criticise individually too deeply, which would take more space than we have to spare, we woulddraw attention to three fillies on the ground These were Mr J. Grigg’s Tilly, by Lord Beaconsfield; Mr Jas. Cochrane’s

two-year-old filly by Gleuroy, and Mr A. Laatham’a yearling by Commander. These all promise to be the da • s of good working stock, presenting the chief points noticeable in good brood mares, and also looking well for work. The show of geldings was as good as at any show between Christchurch and Dunedin, which is saying a deal. The first prize animall Mr Miller’s Duke, would take the same honor anywhere, barring, perhaps, his color. Tliis was excoptad too by a few, though there is, perha, s, nothing more

than prejudice in it. Color in a Clydesdale may be anything excepting blue, and we are glad to see that judging in this class was entirely without prejudice. In blood .horses the show was merely ordinaoy, comprising but 7 entries, 3 of which were two year-olds. There were 5 entries of carraigo burses, and 7 of buggy horses, though the principal defference lay in tho harness, rather than in any special point of breeding. We would suggest that another time harness horses should be driven in harness on tho ground. It

is no teat of the qualities of a horse to tie him to a post all day ; he might look well enough there with his elothes on and yet be a perfect brute in the shafts. There were 17 entries in tho various hackney classes, and ir. may be said generally, as of the drsught stock, that they 'are of a very superior quality. Some amusement was caused by the offer of a prize of a ladies’ bridle for tho rider of the best ladies’ hack. It was generally consider© 1 that thii was an ungallant

offer, and tha the bridle should have been for the horse. This prize, together with Mr Carter’s of a guinea, for the best ladies’ hacp, to be rilden on the ground, brought ought qui'e a field of lady riders, on very creditable horses, the best of whioii was, of a certainty, Mis Dudley’s Arab mare Sultana; though possibly, the charms of tho horse were enhanced

by the graceful ease with which it was lidden. In the hunter class there wore three entries, Willowby, Flirt, and Cigarette. The honors fell to Flirt, while Cigarette had all the fun, managing somehow to slip his rider. There was the usual collection of ponies, the Duke of Edinburgh stock being noticeable. There are one or two things we may draw attention to in » friendly way, with a view to future improvement!. One of these is the matter of judging. To see animals walking about late in the day without their ewards detracts from the interest and value of the Show. Prize tickets should be affixed to the prizetakers as early in the day as possible, and to remedy this judges should bo in town overnight, in order to begin work eirlier.

Another matter for improvement is the location of the horses. The day has almost gone by for horses at a show to be tied up to a fence, It answered well enough in the good old days when colonists were few and the family horse was tied up in a familiar way along with the exhibits. The other little matter is that of quartering the sheep in mud and shingle. It is h >rd enough on them to be penned up all day in the hot sun without the drawbacks alluded to, and we only say a word on their behalf when we draw attention to it.

PIGS That portion of a show allotted to pigs is, as a rule, generally neglected, therefore no fault can be found with the h ilf dozon entries of to-day, the more so as they were of really good qu ility. Mr J. EL Raine’s Berkshire boar, which took firsr prize in the all age class, is a really good and useful animal; weil-brei and fitted for other than mere show purposes. Messrs Dudley and Northey’s now, which was awarded first prize in her class, was a splendid animal, and they were both just the stamp to breed from. In young stock, Mr James Brake showed a pretty sow under twelve months, remarkably well grown. The other entries do not ca ! l for special remark. In five classes there were no entries.

DOGS. The entries in the dog class nnmbered 7 for the smooth, and 5 in the rough coated divisions, the quality of the animals throughout being excellent. Among the smooth dogs, Scamp had no difficulty in bearing off the palm, thus repeating the succo ssess he had gained this year at Christchurch and lims.ru. Mr Harold’s Scot took second prize, and Mr Carter’s Roy, a very pretty clog, was highly commended. For tho rough dogs, tire veteran Rob, whose reputation was gained at these shows some time ago, was the victor, a black and white collie n med Noy, belonging to Mr James Digby being second, Jed, belonging to Mr J. A. Maclean, earning a highly commended ticket. For greyhounds, the first prize fell to Mr J. Tail’s fawn and white dog Le Loup, ant the second to Mr W. Crook’s J ick. None of the lhrea_ sluts wore particularly good, and the judges decided not to award a first prize, Mr Crook’s Spy being placed second

POULTRY”. Tho exhibition of poultry did not arouse much interest, as there was virtually no competition, the only exhibitors being Messrs W J. Silcock, Poyntz, Parkin and Carter, the judges duties in this instance being entirely a sinecure The birds themselves were undoubtedly all good of their class, but as they have b:on seen at, the Ashburton Poultry Society’s Shows there is no need to particularise them. Neither is this the best time of the year to show poultry, and as we mentioned in our introduction breeders no doubt prefer to send their birds to the annual exhibition held by the Poultry Society. Under these circumstances, and considering the few entries this year, it would perhaps bo .as well not to include this class in next year’s Show.

IMPLEMENTS. The collection in this class is certainly the best ever got together in Ashburton, not only in number but also in the quality of exhibits. The first department of this class is that of ploughs, in which Messrs P. and D. Duncan, Booth and Macdonald, aid Reid and Gray arc the only exhibitors. Nothing shows the advance of agriculture more than the improvements that have taken place in recent years in ploughs, aud here wo find implements which could not be beaten anywhere. The judges must have considerable difficulty in deciding which are superior, but to the ordinary observer Messrs Reid and Gray seem to pay special attention to the finish of their manufactures, which are carefully polished up. We notice that all the fittings on the ploughs made by this firm are stamped out of wrought iron, instead of being formed of malleable castings. The beams are made of forged scrap iron, and the cross frames are v’d, so that when they

are forward they become perfectly rigid. In the double-furrow class Messrs Reid and Gray show a plough furnished with a loose swivel coulter, which the makers claim to bo specially suitab'e for atony ground. The grubbers and scarifiers here are to bo praised for the excellent workmanship shown, b jt otherwise do not call for particular notice. In the harrow class, Mr James Little, of Woodend, who is recognised as the premier harrow maker of Canterbury, has two exhibits of his celebrated five and four leaved diamond harrows, and Messrs Reid aud Gr.iy sho v a z : gaag. Mr Forriman shows one of Haxton and Beattie’s patent harrows, which are too we'l known

in this district to reqarra dation. In disc harrows?' Messrs G. Jameson (as agent for Mr P. W. laittrj of Christchurch), P. and Duncan, Booth and Macdonald, and Reid and Gray are the exhibitors. The Duncan harrow has

the advantage of . combining with a manure distributor and a seed sower, while Reid and Gray claim for theirs tho advantage that it is easily put together for working, and is also capable of being rapidly packed when it has to be moved from one place to another. There are numerous entries for seed sowers and

drills, all of which are well worthy of careful inspection, albeit np striking novelty is apparent in their construction. Kelsey Bros., of Christchurch, through Mr A. Harrison, show two of the Johnston harvester mowing and reaping machines, idenacal with those in the Christchurch Show last week, which have been already described in our columns, and Messrs Reid and Gray and Scott Bros, have also exhibits in the same class, the latter showing an American machine known as the Buckeye. Mr Little is again to tho fore in the hoe class, in which he also has a speciality, and Messrs P. and D. Duncan are competitors for tho same ma-

chine. For Messrs Tucker, and Reatell’a prize for the' best farm dray, there are six entries, sent by Messrs Booth and Macdonald, Reid and. Gray and P. and D. Duncan, all cf which show such admirable workmanship that it will be hard work to hit upon the best. The manner in which the carts have been turned out is proof that the: colonial manufacture is in every way equal to what can be made at Home. Messrs Baker and Brown show two well-built' and' nicely-finished Whitechapel carts, reflecting great credit on the firm.. : One of them, the framing of which is made of ash, with lancewood shafts and .cedar panels—altogether a very taking and useful little buggy. Messrs Baker and Brown have also on view an American sulky, which is likewise well finished. Close to the exhibits just mentioned is a collection of chaff cutters, shown by Messrs Andrews and Beaven, and Reid

and Gray, all good in workmanship, but not showing any striking improvements on the same claaa of implements of last year. Mr Poyntz is the only exhibitor for the heat collection cl husbandry tools, and the same gentleman sends two wheelbarrows, both of which; are of Iron. Messrs Fa -riman and Poyntz have each a “ Racine” corn screen oh view, a machine which appears to. be admirably adapted for clearing; grain. There are several implements among the extra exhibits rfhich attracted much attention Jand admiration, notably the reapers and binders sent by Messrs Twentyman and Cousin (Howard’s), Morrow, Bassett and Co. (McCormick), G. Jameson (Hornby), and Wood, Shand and Co. (Wood’s) and other importers in Christchurch and elsewhere. The excellencies of these machines are so well known to farmers .and others interested that it is needless to particular! ;e them. Messrs P. and D. Duncan show here the turnwirist plough, which was so much admired at the Metropolitan show. It is specially adapted for hillside work, and is altogether an ingenious arrangement. The same firm have a potato planter, worthy of notice, the idea being exceedingly good and novel. It will be remembered that a correspondence as to the relative merits of certain ploughs used at the Methven; match appeared in the Guardian some time back, and Mr P. Walker, the loc il representative of Reid and Gray, has put in an implement for the purpose of demonstrating what a lea plough should be. The appiratus is so arranged as to show what is “ false cut,” and those who felt interest would probably be able to moie clearly understand the merits of the question by being afforded ocular demonstration. An implement which was much noticed, but which arrived too late for in sartion in the catalogue is Cockerell's patent carriage cultivator. This implement is greatly used in Victoria, where it is in high repute, and a branch has been opened in Southland by the pitentee and the advantages appear to ; be so manifest that we should imagine it will be an equal success in this colony. It is a tooth disc harrow formed either in au X shape or a triangle aud it has the advantage over the ordinary. Norwegian harrow, inasmuch as it is flexi de and will act as a scarifier as well as a do i -crusher, and covers the seed equal to a drill, \moug the other exhibits not catalogue 1 was a well budt wagonette from the factory of Elz Bros, the same which was ticket id H. 0. at Christchurch, and there was also on the ground samples of Wilson’s colonial sheep dip, with plans of the inventors public dip erected at Otautan, in Southland. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency had on the ground an engine and combine by Ruston, Procter and Co., which was at work during the day. The merits of this machine were referred to in our notice of the Christchurch Show, where a similar one was on view. The Christchurch and Timaru Barb Wire Companies exhibited specimens of their manufactures, and the nature of them was fully explained to au interested crowd, who appeared to be thoroughly satisfied with what they saw.

PRODUCE AND MANUFACTURES. The entries in the dairy produce class are not so large as we had a right to oxpact in a district where farming of this description is carried on to 30 large an extent. The quality of the exhibits, however, is unexceptional, and in ono or two instances there was considerable com petition. For 4 fresh butter five ladies sent in specimens from their daries, but Mrs Lloyd could bo beaten and she repeated her success of last year by taking first prize, but Mrs Williams ran very close, and Mrs Small’s butter was deemed worthy of a highly commended. The last mentioned lady was the only exhibitor in the powdered butter class, and her exhibit was accorded a first prize. Mr G. Gilmour had no competition to meet for colonial cheeses, which ware shown in excellent condition. For both the smoked and unsmolced hams, Mr James Oroy bore all before him, securing both first and second places in each division. For nearly all the remaining departments of the produce class exhibitors were conspicuous by their absence, the only farmers sending in being Mr Carter, who

sent in a sick of eating potatoes, and Messrs Dudley and Northey, with two sacks of beans and linseed. The latter were given a highly commended, and Mr Carter a commended. In the produce shed there were on exhibition specimens of Now Zealand manufactures, conspicuous among which was the stall of the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory, which did credit to the Company in every way. The Ashburton Brewrry Company had not to contend against anybody else, and the judges considered their ale worthy of a first prize and a commended, and their porter took both a first and second. The entries for wool were not

forthcoming with the exception of the contribution of Mr C. G. Hawdon, of greasy me; inos, v. hioh was commended. One of the most noticeable features of this part of the show was the furniture sent by Messrs J. Meech and J. A. Persson. Each of these had prepared a taste-, fully furnished room, Mr Meeoh’a velvet pile suite being specially handsome, although the other room, if not so valuable, was equally. effective in its way. The judges gave these rooms a highly commended, an honor they more than deserved, as they would huyesbeen worthy of a prize had they not figured among the extra exhibits. The same remark applies to Me Poynta, whose'show of flowers and ornaments were greatly admired, and the same gentleman exhibited an ingenious contrivance in the shape of a propag.ting frame. Mr W. Patching’s

specimens of his handiwork in the shape of reaper and binder canvasses, and stack and horse covers were also worthy of praise.

Prize List. SHEEP. MERINO. Judges—Messrs D. H. Potts, A. Grant, and M. Stitt. Marshal in attendance—Mr D. McLean. For the best ram above r 8 months old—M. Brown, jun., Goolera, bred by exhibitor in Victoria i ; M. Brown, jun., Beaufront, bred by F. Paramore, Tasmania, 2. ■ For the best ram under 18 months old —W. Lyttelton, i; W. Lyttelton,, 2; M. Brown, jun., highly commended

For the-best ewe above 18 months told—C. G. Hawdon, bred by exhibitor, I; W. Lyttelton, 2; W. Lyttelton, bred by exhibitor, highly commended A - For the best ewe under 18 months old—W. Lyttelton, bred by exhibitor, i; W. Lyttelton, 2. For the best 3 ewes above 18 months old, with lambs at foot—W. Lyttelton, bred by exhibitor, i For the best three ewes under 18 montns old —W. Lyttelton, bred by exhibitor, I. D. Oliver gives L2 2s for the best 5 merino rams under 18 months old—M. Brown, jun., I; W. Lyttelton, 2 LINCOLN. Judges—Messrs M. Duncan, H. Ford and Mcß.ath. Marshals in attendance —Messrs D. Oliver and H. Ross. For the best ram above 18 months old,— T. Pashby’s Wilberforce, 1; Dudley and Northey’s U 1 lyses, imported, brccTbyß. Cartwright, England, 2. For. the, best; ram under 18 months—T. Pasby, 1; Dudley and Northey, bred: by exhibitors, RiversdaD, 2 ; Dudley ahdNorthey, by an imported Cartwright ram,'bred by exhibitors, Riyersdale, commended. For the best ewe above iS months <fld— Derwent, Tj'Emolejf‘ab4’ Northey, bred by .C. T. Dudley, Dwell, highly commended. For the best ewe under 18 months old—T. Pashby, 1; Dudley and Northey, bred by ex-* hibitors, 2 ; Dudley and Northey, bred by-ex' hibitors, highly caramended. . / For the best three ewes above 18 months old with lambs at foot—Dudley and Northey, bred by C. T. Dudley, Dwell, 2. ; For the best three ewes under 18 months old—T. Pashby, 1.

, LEICESTER. Judges—Messrs M. Duncan, H. Ford and Mcßeath. Marshals in attendance —Messrs 'oroifter m m Ross; For the best ram above 18 months old—J. Bonifant, bred by T. G. Russell, Timaru, i; P. C. Threlkeld, 2. For the best ram under-18 months—P_. C. Threlkeld, I ; J. Bonifant, bred by exhibitor, 2 and highly commended. For the best ewe above ] 18 months old—-P,, C, Thielkeld, i j J, Bonifant, bred by Sir Gregg, Riccarton, 2 and highly commended: For the best ewe under 18 months old-4?. C. Threlkeld, I; J. Bonifant, bred by exhibitor,^. For the best three ewes above l 8 months: old, width lambs at foot—P.. C. Threlkeld, 1} J. Bonifa; t, bred by Ji T. Ford; SL For the best three ewes under 18 months old—P C. Threlkeld, I. J. Bonifant, bred by exhibitor, 2 DOWN BREED. Judges—Messrs M. Duncan, H. Ford and Mcßeath. Marshals in attendance—Messrs D. Oliver f-nd H. Ross Dudley and Northey, Prince of Harts (imported), i; Dudley and Northey, bred by exhibitors, Riversdale, 2 For the best Hampshire or Shropshire ewe of any age—Dudley and Northey, Hampshire Down Ewe, i and 2For the best Hampshire or Shropshire ram under 18 months old — Dudley and Northey, I For the best three Hampshire or Shropshire ewes over i 8 months old, with lambs at foot— Dudley and Northey, imported, I For the best five merino ewes with cross: bred lambs at foot; ewes and lambs taken into consideration—John Carter, I.

FAT SHEEP. Judges—Messrs M. Duncan; H, Ford, and W. D. Lawrence. Marshals in attendance—' Messrs D. Oliver and H. Ross. For the best five crossbred wethers (of any age), for butchers’ purposes—H. T. Smith, I For the best ten crossbred sheep suitable for ■, the frozen meat trade —M. Stitt, I '■ ! LAMBS. For the best ten fat limbs, any breed, for butchers’ purposes—John Carter, I For the best ten fat lambs, first cross out of merino ewes—John Carter, I CATTLS, (Imported or otherwise.) Judges—Messis E. Parnham, W. Watson and A. Pannett. Marshal iu attendance—Mr F. Lewis

SHORTHORN. For the best bull of any age—John Bell, Chancellor by Young Esau, 2 Messrs Miles and Co give Lj 3s for the best shorthern bull calved since Ist July, 1881— Dudley and Northey, Apollo, 1 For the best bull calved since Ist July, 1883 Dudley and Northey, Apollo, 1 For the best cow of any age in milk or in calf—Dudley and Northey, Daphne by Moni« tor, r ; Dudley and Northey, Beauty IV by > Wizard, 2 . - s For the best heifer calved since Ist July, 1881— Dudley and Northey, Duke of Cam*.' bridge by Oxford, r •• 1 For the best heifer calved since Ist July, 1882— Dudley and Northey, Lillian 111, I; Dudley and Northey, Beauty V, 2; John Bell, :

Daisy, highly commended AYRSHIRE. For the best bull of any age—W. R. Clark, Young Baron, I; W. Norrie, Sir James, 2 For the best cow of any age in milk or in calf—J. Tucker, Maggie, 1j W. Bellaney, Dolly, 2 ; John Carter, highly commended ; W. -l<. Clark, Maggie Warnock, commended ANY OTHER BREED. For the bull of any age—John Carter, Alderney Bull, l For the best cow of any age in milk or in calf—J. Ward, Judy, I; G. Robbins, Cherry, 2 ; S. E. Poyatz, highly commended; John Garter, Alderney, commended For the best fat cow —J.: Tasker, I HORSES. (Imported or otherwise.) DRAUGHT HORSES. Judges—Messrs W. B. Campbell and John Wells. Marshals in attendance—Messrs K. Mayo, A. Leatham and C. T. Dudley. Dr Ross gives L2 2s for the best entire horse

horse of any age. # L: White’s King of the Vanquishers, imported, I ; B. W. Pocock’s Prince Victor, 2| Edwin Thomas’s Commander, highly commended ; J. Gilmour’s Kelvin, commended. For the best entire horse foaled since tst July, 1881—L. White’s Pride of the Bankers, imported, i. For the best mare in foal or with foal at foot—L. White’s Maggie Brown, I} W. Jameson’s Maggie, 2 ; J. Gilmonr,’s fean, highly commended. For the best dry mare of any age—J. Small 3 Fanny, 1 ; J. Small’s Darnell, 2. Messrs McLeod and Small give L2 2s for the best mare to be shown with two of her progeny—J. Gilmour’s grey mare Jean, 1. For the best mare or gelling suitable for carrier’s cart (up to 30 cwt)—S. Elliott’s Spo f , I ; Muir and Reid’s F anny, 2. . . For the best filly foaled since Ist July 1880' —J. Grigg’s Tilly, I;B. W. Mawson, 2, J. Brown gives Li is for the best filly foaled since Ist July, 1881—James Cochrane, filly by Glenroy, 1; J. Gilmour, Jenny Lind, 2 Miles and Co give L 3 3s for the best yearling colt or filly—J. Small, Prince, by Com* ; mander, 1; J. Gilmour, Glasgow Geordie, 2 ; W. Steddart, filly by Prince Royal, highly commended

Edwin Thomas gives L2 2s for the best yearling colt or filly by Commander—J. Small, 1 For the.best gelding of any age—R. Miller, Duke, by Iton Duke, 1; H. Rosendale, Tom, ' 2j J. Gilmour, Glen, highly commended-; W, 1 Angrove, Sam, commended • For the best colt foaled since'lst July, 188 l ; —W. Stoddart, by Victor, I; J. Gilmoor’s Bob, 2 - For the best team of two horses (either mares •, or geldings) of any age, in regular work, the , bond fide property of exhibitor, to be shown in ; harness—W. Jameson, 1; F. Bennison, 2", ■ . For the best team of 3 horses (same conditions)—J. Grigg’s Countess, Beauty and Bess,

1 .. : ■ '.-U- :■ -iidn John Gilmour gives L2 2s for the best pair | of draught mares in regular work, ths battd fid* • - property of the exhibitor—John Grigg, i BLOOD STOCK# Judges—Messrs J. Page and J- Hurse. Marshal—Mr J. Raine. For the best entire horse of any age—S. Mawson’s Dan O’Rou ke, by Sledmere, 1;

Wilkin, and Carter’s Quatnby, by Castle HiT imported, 2, For the best brood mare in foal, or with foal at'foot—J. Gilmour’s Florrie, 1; Dudley and Northey’s Giprey, 2 For the best buggy horse—C. G. Hawdon’s Marmion, 1; T. Taylor’s Te Kooli, 2 ; Hon. John McLean’s Ludicrous, 3 HACKNEYS.

For the best entire horse of any age—Lowcliff Estate Co.’s The Waif, by Castaway, I ; John Carter’s Liberal, by Messenger, 2 For the best mare or gelding suitable for a farmer’s Whitechapel cart (the bond fide property op a farmer) —H. Milner’s Polly, 1 For the best roadster or hack (mare or gelding) tip to I4st weight—J. Grigg’s brown gelding, 1; J. H. Raine’s bay gelding, Syrs, 2; J. Scales’ bay gelding Isonomy, Syrs, by Forester,. highly commended tCj G.Hawdon (president) gives a cup, value Lss;ss for the best roadster or hack (mare or gelding) up to 14*t weight, bred in the County of Ashburton—-J Grigg, 1 # iFpr tbe.best roadster or hack (mare or gelding) fit to cany not less thaniost weight.—W. Dixdnls Paragon, 1; H. W.Strouts’ b g Peter, 2 j'J." Heseltine’s Black Bess, highly commended;' " '

J. Carter gives Ll is for the best ladies’ hack (mate or 'gelding) which has been thoroughly broken in as a lady’s hack. To be shown in side-saddle and ridden. W. Anderson gives a ladies’ bridle for the rider of the best ladies’ hack—Mrs C. Dudley’s Arab mare Sultana, by Sultan—dam Banshee, 1 ; Hon J. McLean’s < .Brigantine, 2; Miss F. Cox’s Countess, highly commended. For the best cob mare or gelding not exceeding. 14,hands , high—D. Williamson, Tim, 2 ; John Carter’s exhibit disqualified

. ponies. ’For the best' boy’s pony (mare or gelding) Hot aboVie' 12J4 hands, and thoroughly quiet to ride. ~To be shown in the saddle, and to be ridden by a- boy or girl—C. Dogherty, Princess, I ; J. Gilmour, Marquis ot Lome, 2 •‘it.. ■ PIGS. ' Judges—Messrs J. Skevington, D. Cant, and -A. .Dawson. Marshal in attendance—H. Hunt ; Dr Trevor gives Lz 2s for the best Berkshire boar.of any age—J. H. Raine, 1; John Carter, 2 Fqr the best Berkshire sow over 12 months old—Dudley and Northcy, 1 - F6r thejbest Berkshire sow under 12 months Brake, 1; Dudley and Northey, brtrd by bxhibitors, 2 ■ ■ DOGA Judees-—Messrs E. Manson, H. T. Smith, and Dunford. Marshal in attendance—H. Poole

Boiithe best smooth-coated collie sheep dog or slut—H. W. Strout’s Scamp, i; Thomas HaroldVScot, 2; John Carter’s Roy, highly commended , For the best rough-coated collie sheep dog or slut—A. Jackson’s Rob, i; James Digby’s Ney, 2; j. A. McLean’s Jed, highly commendeef : GREYHOUNDS. Judges —Messrs D. Thomas and J. Burse, in attendance—H. Poole. For the best dog of any age—J. Tail’s Le Loup, I; W. Crooks’s Jack, 2 "For-the- best slut of any age—W. Crooks’s Spy, ? wVb- ; L ; POULTRY. Judges—Mr A. Saunders, sen. Marshal in ‘ t - attendance—W. J. Silcock. 'Pof the best col-ired Dorking fowls—W. J. - ’ .’. V •For the best white Dorking fowls—W. J. Silcock; l ' ■For the best Cochin Jowls—W. J. Silcock, 1 and; 2-; u : - 1 -- ■ ” ■ For the best game fowls of any breed—John Carter, 1 .Fpr lhe best Polish fowls—?. E. Poyntz, 3 ; For the best Bantams of any descr ption— George Parkin, 1 and 2 For the best Hamburg fowls S. E. Poyntz, I- i For the best fowls of any breed, not included in former classes -W. J. Silcock’s pair ofHoudans, 1 : IMPLEMENTS.

Judges—Messrs T. Pashby, E. G. Wright and A 'Webster. Marshals in attendance iMessrS/J. Tucker, A Leatbam and C. Reid. .For-the best three-furrow plough—Booth, Macdonald and Co., 1; Reid and Gray, 2 For the best double-furrow plough—P. and D,. Duncan, 1; Reid and Gray, 2 ; Booth, Macdonald and Co., highly commended For, the b;st single-furrow plough—P. and D. Duncan, 1; Booth, Macdonald and Co., 2 For the best grubber or scarifier—P. and D. Duncan, t; Booth, Macdonald and Co., 2 For the-best set of heavy harrows—James little; four-leaved diamond with extra tree, 1 ; Janies Little, five leaved diamond with extra tree, .?}- P. and D. Duncan, highly commended. Far the best set of light harrows—James Little, six-leaved diamond with extra tree, 1 : Pi aad D., Duncan, a. For the best disc harrows—Reid and Gray, I and 2; P. and D. Duncan, highly commended For the best broadcast grain or seed sowing machine—Booth, Macdonald and Co, 22ft wide, I; Reid and Gray, for grain and grass, 21 P. and D. Duncan, 18ft wide, highly commended. For the best drill for 'corn or seeds—Andrews and Beaven, 1 ; Reid and Gray, 2. For the best field roller—P. and D. Duncan, t and 2. For the best mowing or reaping machine — Reid and Gray, reaper and mower, 1; Kelsey Bros., per A. Harrison, reaper made by Johnston Harvester Co., 2 For the best stripper for stripping rye grass —P. and D. Duncan, i; Booth, Macdonald and Co., 2. For the best horse rake—Reid and Gray, t ,Foc the best horse hoe—James Little, hoe and moulding plough, 1 ,For the best,potatpe digger—Kelsey Bros., per A. Harrison, highly commended. For the best farm dray—Boo'h, Macdonald and C0.,.1; P. and D. Duncan, 2; P. and D. Duncan, highly commended For the best farm carl—Booth, Macdonald and Cp.,; 1; P. and D. Duncan, 2 Tot the best Whitechapel cart of New Zealand manu r acture—Baker and Brown; I For the best set of whippletrces for three horses—P, and D. Duncan, 1 For the best set; of tackle for four horses — P. and D. Duncan, 1 and 2 For the best chaff-cutter—Andrews and Beaven, No 4, 1 and 2 For the. best, horse-power—Andrews and Beavpn, .Zealandia, 1; Andrews and Beaven, No Canterbury, 2 For the best collection of husbandry tools— S. E. Poyntz, commended For the best cbm screen—F. Ferriraan, 1 PRODUCE.

Judges—Messrs A. Cameron, R. Rennie and A. Harrison. Marshal in attendance—A. Orr For the best 3lbs fresh butter (without salt or prints)—Mrs J. Lloyd, i; Mrs E. Williams, 8 Eot the bast 3lbs powdered butter—Mrs J. Small, i Mr J. Orr’s prize of Ll is, for the best keg of salted butter—John Sm 11, I; G, Gilmour, a. : For the best colonial cheese of not less than Islb-G. Gilmour. For the best side of New Zealand cured bacon, unsmoked —James Croy, I and a For the best two hams, unsmoked—James Croy, i and a For the best twelve hen eggs—G. Gilmour, highly (commended Mr J. Mrachan's prize of Li is, for the best four.bushels of rye gras—W. Jamieson, highly commended For the best four bushels of Cocksfoot —O. Digby, highly commended For the best sack of eating potatoes—John Carter, highly commended For the best sack of beans—Dudley and Northed highly commended For the best sick of linseed—Dudley and Wortbey,' highly commended , N.Z. MANUFACTURES. Jndges—Messrs E. S. Coster, J. Strachan and W/Horrie. Marshal. in attendance—J. Hunt Ashburton i ; and commended For' ffie best five' gallons porter, in all respects same conditions as ale (coloring nutter allowed—Ashburton brewery, I and a For ,the,best collection of New Zealand manufactured woollen goods—Kaiapoi Woollen Co, l> WOOL. Judges and Marshals, same as sheep. For tfie best fivs. fleeces greasy merino—C. ■' ' .SpiTRA EXHIBITS. w )3eeh(yfe—S. E. Poyntz, highly jun. hbtse hoe, plough and cultivator ; -fe 'E. Fpyntz, highly 'commended s. E. Poyntz, and Combine by Rustoo, Proctor

1 and Co—N.Z I. and M.A. Co,, highly commended No. 4 Canterbury chaff cutter, fitted with cover, riddles, elevator and screw—Andrews and Beaven, commended Potato planter—P. and D. Duncan, highly commended Turn wrist plough —P. and D. Duncan, highly commended One dray harrow—Peid and Gray, highly commended Ranges—Thomas Crompton, highly commended Wheelbarrow—Thomas Crompton, highly commended Waterbarrow—Thomas Crompton, highly commended Painted iron—Thomas Crompton, highly commende

incr table will show : — 1879. 1880. 1881. 1S82. 1883. Sheep 75 6i 89 39 89 Cattle 16 23 36 29 25 Horses 76 105 94 130 97 Pigs 11 11 9 19 6 Poultry 17 29 37 34 11 Implements 48 67 75 67 94 Dogs 9 14 12 17 20 Dairy Produce 12 41 44 41 23 Manufactures 12 12 11 IS 5 Extra exhibits 75 32 33 81 58