CLINTON PLOUGHING MATCH

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 156, 6 July 1877, Page 3

CLINTON PLOUGHING MATCH

The Clinton annual ploughing match was held in a paddock on Mr Brooks' farm, Waiwera, on Friday last. The weather for some days previous had been wet, and the morning of the match looked very unpropitious. This we believe considerably prevented the success of the match, as many were thus hindered from being present who otherwise would have joined in the competition. The state of the weather and the roads also operated against a large attendance. The match, however, came off, and proved a keen competition. The ploughing was almost all very good, and the equality of the work gave some trouble to the judges, while amongst the settlers and others present there was a considerable diversity of opinion. The ground was in the very best condition. There is one point in connection with the prize-list which we merely mention, so that it may be considered by committees at future matches. We refer to the prize for the first finished prise taker.. This was secured by R. M'Donald, a junior. His work before lunch was very fair. Upon again starting, he evidently made a rush for the prize referred to, without the slightest regard to the manner in which the ground was turned over. He managed to be first finished, and being the only competitor in the junior class, he also got the prize for best ploughing. We do not mention this in a spirit of fault finding, but merely to draw the attention of committees to the matter so as to prevent abuses for the future.

The men were liberally supplied with luncheon by Mr Brooks, who also entertained the judges and others at his house. Mr Stewart, of the Waiwera Hotel, had a refreshment booth upon the ground, which seemed to receive fair patronage.

The judges were — Messrs Waddell (Gore), Geo. Black Jock (Waiwera), and James Bruce (Te Houka), and we did not hear even a whisper of dissent from their decisions.

The following is the prize-list : — Class A. — Double Fukkow. A. Rutherford (A. Rutherford, owner), Ist prize, LCS. Win. Moffatt (J. Moffat, owner), 2nd I prize, L 4. Class? B. — Swing. John Taylor (self, owner), Ist prize, L 6. R. Farquhar (self, ovmer), 2nd, L 4, D. Peat (self, owner), 3rd, L 3. Alex. On* (self, owner), 4th, L 2. Class C. — Junioes. Ronald M'Donald (self, owner)* Ist prize, L 2. Special Prizes. Best Finish in Class A. — Box Tea, the gift of Messrs Scobie Bros. A. Rutherford. Best Feering, Class B. — 1 pair watertight hoots, gift of Messrs Garden and Young. John Taylor. Firat prize-taker, Class B. — 1 two-foot-thvougli roller, gift of Messrs Morrow and Graham. John Taylor. Straightest Ploughing.— Two gate-posts, gift of Messrs Redpath and Co. John Taylor. Boat Inns-and-Oufcs. — 1 hag Oats, gift of Mr A. Cameron. R. Farquhar. Best 3-horse Team.— Ll ls, gift of Mr John Low. Wm. Moffatt. Best 2-horse Team. — Ll ss, the gift of Mr P. Allen. Alex. Gaw. Best Groomed Horses.— A Pair of Leggings, gift of Mr Simon Corbett. Alex. Gaw. First-finished Prize-taker.— Ll, the gift ■■ of Mr James Black, Waipahi; Ronald M'Donald.

After the labours 'of the field Were over, the Committee, ploughmen, and visitors, numbering about 'twenty-five, adjourned to the Royal Mail : Hotel, where, at 8 o'clock, 'they Vat down to an excellent supper— Mr Barlow in the chair, Mr David Murray in 'the vicechair.

After the good things provided by Host M'Donald Were (lone ample justice to, the cloth was removed-, when the chairman, as is usual on such occasions, proposed the " Queen," which was drunk standing.

Song, " Many Happy Returns Of the Day," by Mr Heffernan. The next toast, proposed by Mr Scobie, was " The Successful Candidates," coupled with the names 'of Messrs Rutherford and Taylor, whicli was received with cheers. Song, " Hearts of Oak," by Mr Charlton. The toast was responded tb by the gentlemen named. As there were no unsuccessful candidates, the next toast, proposed 'by Mi* Waddell, was " The Commercial Interests of the Town of Clinton." Song by Mr William Brooks. Messrs Scobie and Garden responded, remarking, in the course of their speeches, that they agreed with Mr Waddell, that although Clinton. was not much at present, they believed there was a good future for it. Song, "Scotland Yet," by MfDavid Murray. Mr Moffat next proposed '"The Health of the Judges." Song, "Let 'Me Like a Soldier Fall," by Mr Barlow.

Mr Waddell, in responding 'to 'the toast, stated, amongst other things-*, that although he could not congratulate the district on the number of teams in the field, he certainly could congratulate them on the superior work displayed. The fact was the judges had great difficulty in deciding the prizes, so keen was the competition. Song, " Ring the Bell, Watchman/* by Mr Barlow.

The Chairman next proposed 'the health of Mr William Brooks, Who so kindly gave his grounds for the plough*-* ing match, and liberally gave luncheon during the day.

Song, by Mr William Pollock. Mr Brooks responded. Song, " A Riding in a Rail-road Car," by Mr Heffernan. The Chairman proposed the health of the ladies, coupled with the taame of Mr Alexander Gaw.

Song by Mr M'Cullocb. Mr Gaw responded in a very lame manner.

The Vice-Chairman proposed " The Pastoral and Agricultural Interests,'* coupled with the names of Messrs Moffat and Rutherford.

Song, " March Away/ by Mr Chas. Cooper.

Messrs Moffat and Rutherford responded.

The Chairman next proposed tho toast of " The Press," coupled with the name of Mr MWey. In proposing the toast, the Chairman said he was sorry the Press was not so well represented this time as last year, as then we had two representatives.

Song, " Scottish Emigrant's Farewell," 'by Mr M'Cullocb.

Mr M'Vey responded on behalf of the Clutha Leader, remarking that he had not the remotest idea of being called on for a speech, and was totally unprepared. He was merely taking a few notes for that paper in the absence of Mr Fleming, who, he was sorry to say, was unable to be presenc, although he was on the field. He might say he knew that the Leader, and he believed the Press generally, was most anxious to do the utmost for the welfare of the entire community.

Mr Brooks next proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Barlow, the worthy secretary.

Song, " Annie Laurie*" sung by Mr Brooks.

Mr Barlow responded in a lengthy speech.

Song, "A Love Song," by Mr M'Culloch.

After a cursory discussion on the mode of awarding prizes to juniorsj especially in the double furrows, The Chairman proposed the health of the Host and Hostess, which was well received. Song, " Molly Ming," Mr Heffer= nan. Mr M'Donald responded, Mr John Taylor next proposed th^ health of the local blacksmith) Ut Charlton. Song, " Ripe an' Ready ah' a*," by Mr Rutherford. Mr Charlton responded* remarking that he was always happy to further the agricultural interests ol the district. Song, " We Met," by Mr Brooks. The Vice- Chairman proposed "The Strangers and Visitors," coupled With the name of Mr William Pollock. Song, " Pulling hard against the 1 Stream," by Mr Charlton-, , Mr Pollock responded. Song, " Hard Times Come again ho More," by Mr Gaw. Song, " My Nannie's awa'*" by Mr 3 M'Donald, which was encored. Mrs M'Donald also gave, " We'd better bide" a wee*" and " Maggie's by my Side,'* with much taste and feeling; A number of other songs were suftgl. when the company separated after enjoying a very pleasant evening* " Audj Lang Syne" being sung as a eoniclUoioH to the affair.