TAIERI AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2766, 29 December 1871, Page 2

TAIERI AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

Yesterday the Taieri Agricultural Show was held at Mosgiel. A great number of persons were present from I'okomairiro and the nc'ghbouring clistri tq and also from Dunedin. We have no", yet to band the prize list. The show of both sheep and cattle was large and the quality excellent The dairy produce exhibited was so large and good that the judges roust have been somewhat puzzled in awarding the prizes. We believe we are correct in saying that in each of the three classes of butter there were at least twenty exhibits and the quality was magnificent. Perhaps not the least advantage to the farmer to be derived from agricultural shows, is the exhibit of machinery and labor-saving implements. Of these there was no lack. Messrs Heed and Gray had the first prize awarded for “ reapers ” and Mr G. F. Reid, on behalf of Mr Mcholson, of Melbourne, the second. Decision between these two was somewhat difficult, the advantage of one being about compensated by workmanship in the other. Nicholson’s self-delivery reapers were highly commended, but there being no competition, no prize was awarded. Perry’s patent double furrow ploughs, exhibited by Mr G. F. Reid as agent, carried off the first prize. Amongst other machines were some for mowing, of simple and effective construction. We believe these were not placed on the prize list, because as yet they have not been brought into use in the Taieri. They are used extensively in Victoria, with great advantage and profit, in securing hay crops. A not singular feature of the agricultural mind is brought out in connection with this Association: the advantages must bj plain to all; it. is equally plain that these advantages cannot be secured without expense, Exhibitors are put to expense that cannot be reimbursed by any prize that a society could offer. There must be much outlay locally. Treated as a cheap means of gaining information, land of securing a day of pleasure combined with profit, one would have supposed each farmer would by inclination and interest support it. But not so ; most think they do something wonderful when they give a shilling or two, instead of the pound or two required; and the cost of this Association fails upon Dunedin, and the few men with brains amongst the farmers. We trust the subscriptions next year will show an increase in their number, or wc fear that the Association will die. We should regret this, and trust that farmers in future will be more wide awake to their own interest.