THE TIMARU SHOW.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2716, 31 October 1871, Page 2

THE TIMARU SHOW.

{From the Gazette.) This, the sixth show of the Association, was no exception to the rule in regard to former ones, as the sheep were the centre of attraction. The exhibit rs were the same as on previous occasions—viz., Messrs Tolinie, Rich, Campbell and Low, Elwortby, Studholme Brothers, and the Otago and Canterbury Association, and from the number of exhibits, showed an increase on for* mer years. The number of exhibits this year, as compared to those at the last shew, is a convincing proof that the shows of the Association are highly appreciated throughout the Colony, the total number this year being 397, as against 242 at the last show. The coveted Cup of the Association, valued at L 25, which is a most handsome one, was on this occasion carried off by Mr Tolmie, being however hardly contested by Mr i\icl>, who had carried it off on three former occasious. The number of points scored for the Cup in the merino class were as follows: Mr Tolmie, 37; Canterbury and Otago Assc| ciation, 32; the former gentleman thcrefoie carried off the cup, fn the loug-woolled class, Mr G. G. Russell scored 23 points, taking the silver cup, valued at LIS, which was handed over to Mr Melville Giay. At the dinner, Mr Tolmie, in responding to the toast of his health, said he had en. deavored for the last two years to obtain tie Timarn Cup; he had now won it, and would hand it down to his posterity. Ha had had great difficulties to contend with, having only a small army. He had this yesf brought twenty-five sheep—one was disquaf lilied, and the other twenty-four had tan» n prizes. He -wished to state the nature of his sheep. He had been asked outside, but had given evasive answers. Now he would tell them that he was possessor of a foreign sheep, which had beeu greatly admired, fig breeder was Mr Currie, of Lara. He bought it from a fri-nd of his two years ago in Victoria, and had paid a very stiff price for it. Its brother was the celebrated Skipton champion. Mr Rich, in the course of his remarks, said he would have liked to see the judging of the merino sheep conducted in the following manner, viz.—after the judges had examined class 1, for instance, and taken notes of the respective merits of the different pens, it would be their duty to note any objectional features the different exhibits may have as stud animals, which would condemn them irrespective of weight of fleece. Then the}' should proceed through the whole series of classes in the same manner, shearers should then follow, and shear the sheep. A prize might also be awarded for the best shearing, with the quickest dispatch. A declaration as to time of birth and last shearing to bo attached to each exhibit. The fleece should then be weighed and placed by the side of the pen, and a gentleman should come and value the wool at per lb. jTiie judges should then return to class \. when they would have the advantage of seeing the sheep out of fleece, aud further, of ascertaining the exact money value per hea l, which the sheep had yielded, and would be a great chock upon their judgment being unduly influenced by the simply beautiful condition of the fleece. Although he was defeated, he was quite willing to make a sweepstakes of, say L 25 each, if the other breeders would join and have a certain number of that day’s exhibits shorn, the wool to he scut home and tested at its market value. By this means they

would arrive at what they were most anxious to do, viz—the sheep that would give the most money value per her.d.