THE A. & P. SHOW.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2218, 23 October 1907, Page 3

THE A. & P. SHOW.

POVERTY BAY SCORES A BIG SUCCESS. A Magnificent Display awaits the Public Verdict.

All roads lead to the Show grounds to-day, and visitors from far and near will assemble there for the purpose of participating in the big annual gathering organised by the Poverty Bay A. and P. Association. Provided the weather holds line, the crowds will bo larger than can lie found at any other function that can he named, liven the excitement of a football match that appeals so strongly to the younger section of the community, or the alluring at-

OFFICIALS

• Following are the officers of the Association President: Mr. 1. Dmden. Vice-President: Mr. 1? PBarker. General Committee: Messrs \v. R. Barker, AV. Bell, A. J. Cameron C A. Fenwick, C. (.ray, D. Kirkpatrick, VT-D. S. Macdonald, J. It. Murphy. C J. Parker, A\. (;• Shorratt, AV. IV. Smith, H. <-• Tucker, H. H. Wall, Geo AYitters A. S. "Waclismaun. Hon. Auditpis. \\ . F. J. Anderson and A. F- Kenned a . Hon Treasurer: Mr. D. Morice. Secretary, Mr. H. M. Porter.

tractions of a horse race meeting and the totalizator, have not tlio power to draw like an agricultural and pastoral association s exhibition.

HORSES

And no wonder! Peep in the heart of almost every human being is a keen love and admiration of animals, and the sight of spirited horses, bred to the highest ideal of symmetry in physique and gracefulness in action, avail alavays attract a gratified throng. As with the veiiest child, too, if is still an instinct with most of us to wish “to see the wheels go round/’ ami the operations of machinery can always he depended upon to demand tlio attention of tho crowds. Last, but not least, comes tho most potent factor of all —the essentially human interest. After all, tho greatest study ill mankind is man, and to the large majority to-day’s big attraction will appeal most strongly, because it gives an opportunity of meeting one’s friends and of mingling with a hustling, bustling, good-humored mass of humanity.

It is certainly a “great’’ Shew, and though it is a moral certainty that tho bulk of those who attend will do so for the sole purpose of being amused, it is equally contain that they will all, to a greater or less extent, receive a very valuable day’s education. They will see there 'assembled in convenient compass exhibits that will demonstrate the resources of Poverty Bay. Judges of stock will note with enthusiasm the ■marked advances that have been made on the best efforts of former years, and will also view with interest tho result of competitions between the residents of the Bays and those who have come from other parts of the Dominion. Those who are intimately connected with the agricultural and pastoral industries will thus receive invaluable opportunities for acquiring knowledge that will he useful to them in their daily occupations.

■Coming to the details of that section of the exhibits which were on view yesterday, it can ho promised for to-day’s patrons that they will see one of the finest collections of light horses and ponies that could be got together anywhere in the Dominion. The nature of the country here demands that horse-back riding shall remain the popular form of locomotion, and under the circumstances it is not surprising that residents of the Bays are well set up in the matter of horseflesh. The jumping yesterday afternoon was exceptionally good, a rousing the spectators to great 'enthusiasm, and to-day’s competitions are likely to be equally satisfying. In a district that boasts of nearly 2,000,000 sheep, it is natural that the mutton, and lamb producer shall bulk prominently, and this moat certainly is the case with the Show of 1907. Pastoralists may lean over the sheep pens all day, and with .profit study the points of the various breeds and the different strains ot those breeds. Romneys and Lincolns, as might ho expected, take pride of place both as regards numbers and quality, but there aie other breeds that may well repay some attention. There are come ivlio contend that, like the South laland breeders, our farmers must some day come to the Down breeds to keep the quality of our lambs at the standard demanded bv the fasi'idious Londoner, and in this connection tho excellent- Shropshire's shown by Mr. Joteon are well worth investigating. fcouthdouns me small, but the nice quality of the ivuggety little carcases will appeal to those who appreciate a thoroughly luscious quarter, of lamb. The Ln, - lisli Leicester, too, the first of the “improved” breeds upon wlucli Britain has raised her supremacy as the source of the worlds best stud stock, and which meets with, git at favor in the South Island, can also bo studied with advantage. W walking round the sheep l>en» those interested in sucli matters may well note the difference between those animals which have been thoroughly prepared for. show and those which have been simply “run m off the <rnss ” The result of such observations'will come as a revelation to jnn'nv and incidentally the hope mav'iie expressed that some mdiibit.- , V UI note the remark ot Jin. "n son. namely. that to be a successful exhibitor “you must make a hooby of it.”

thoroughbred. lii tho majority of bloodstock classes the entries were as regards quality well up. to previous standards" although in point ot numbers they were slightly behind list year s entries. In several of the classes competition was extremely- keen, and on more than one occasion the judge (Mr Baird) apparently had someddliculty in making his final selection. .General satisfaction, however, was expressed at tho decisions although of course there were —and always will be —a few exhibitors who “ought to have won.” In class 17, blood marcs With foal, Mr Baird remarked that the two prizewinners were as good types of their class as lie had seen, "and reflected great credit on tlieir exhibitor. Mr G. B. Oman carried off tho honors in tho yearling class with his San Remo colt which although rather backward in condition, was easily the best- of a poolentry. In the class for 2 year olds the judge (Mr Baird) having bred one of the entries, asked Mr Freeman of AA’iainiakerere to officiate in his stead. Mr Freeman kindly consented to do bo with the result that Dr Morrison's mare (bred by Mr. Baird) was awarded tlio palm, with Mr. Arnaboldi’s mare as runner-up. The latter is a nice shapely filly and gives great promise, but at present is hardly up to show standard, being very low in condition. Air Gallic Carrington received high praise for his two bay marcs with ■foals at foot, Ladybird and Yogozo, who were respectively awarded the red and the blue ticket in their class. In-tlie champion entires, Mr. Carrington was . again successful with San llemo ; this fine horse is too well-known in the district to need any description, and yesterday’s success leaves him still undefeated ill tho show ring. Cavalier, tlio onlyother aspirant for Championship honors is a fine upstanding brown horse, showing plenty of breeding, ami should be capable of siring excellent horses o-f a heavier stamp such as eoacliers, etc. He, however, in the judge’s opinion, was slightlylacking in the quality necessary for a Champion, it is a matter for great regret that the entries in this class were so few, as this district contains —this year especially—many fine specimens of the thoroughbred <?nt ire.

11l the hackney- yearling class a faillot were shown and Air T. McConnell's Sabretache colt- was successful after a close contest with Mr Tuoliy’s Merrythought. These, as was the ease with the yearlings, were rather backward, owing, no doubt, to the,'bad season which lias been experienced by breeders generally. The progeny of Mars, the Welsh pony stallion next came under the eye of the judge, and the owner. Mr Gray, was to the fore showing a nice pair of yearlings,, filly and colt, which were placed l>y the judge, hut owing to a clause in this class whereby it is provided that in the event of the donor being tlie winner, the prize money is to go to the next exhibitor. Mr F. J. King's oreioncolt was declared the recipient o-f the prize-money with Southern Cross second.

AH P. J. Parker repented his success of two seasons ago with his black mare Thelma, in tlie class foi mares to produce weight • carrying hunters, with Air Priestly’s Kirikiriroa second.

Cavalier, the runner up in the Champion class, asserted liis superiority in the class for entires to improve the breed of carriage and coaching horses, it being remarked that he was a horse perfectly typical of that order. Air Field, with tho samo horse, also appropriated the prize for entire to improve the breed of weight-carrying hacks, with Afr Parson’s Dexter next on tlie list of honors.. Taken all round the various entries in the different classes showed a decided improvement in quality as com-, pared with previous seasons, the. judges remarking that the had season which was also in evidence at other shows, was no doubt responsible for the low condition of some of the exhibits. HARNESS.

To-il.iv the cattle classes are to be iucl ir « (]’. "as well as the draught horses and these are likely to provide ample interest, up to forenoon. Then will come the grand parade of all tho stock on the grounds, and under favorable weather conditions this will furnish a spectacle that lull amply repay the trouble and expense gone' to by the most distant ue*blnr to attend the Show.

And tlion there are the side shows. Snrelv such an array of talent or various kinds has never before been not together in the Bays! ‘The visitor will be invited to exercise hu muscles by punching at a lcatl u target till lie rings the bell, 01 by trying to earn 30s trying to keep a noted wrestler from pinning, both shoulders to the .ground within the .space of seven minutes. He a 'll in given the opportunity to take part in various displays of skill, and :if any pocket money is available after these experiences he can see tin snake-charmer and the little lacl> who shoots unerringly with many rides. If in doubt as to the locality of -the latter show, lie may loos for a gorgeous painting whereby t'lie subject of the entertainment is indie* ted by the representation of a Singe and hideous crocodile that k> depicted as in full chase or 'a screaming coon who can barely keep out of the gaping jaws long enough for the lady to settle the. pretension-, of the monster with a timely bullet from her trusty rifle. AVhen lus last shilling lias vanished the visitor may still receive ample amusement listening to the amusing clamoring* of those magnificent lunged and persuasive individuals who solicit patronage " for their respective shows. One will tell of some marvellous freaks on view, whilst Ins neighbor, with a nice sense of professional rivalry, explains that has twelve-legged sheep with only one •eye is alive, and that there is nothing stuffed or dead in liis show. 'Then there is the merry-go-round for -tho children, and all the noise of blaring trumpets that assist in the glamor that the painted horses have for' every healthy-minded child, tn short, it is a show for all classes, for -the highest and the lowest, for the youngest and the oldest, and these are some of tho reasons that make “People’s Day at tho Show” one of the most niemorablo events of the year,

Harness horses claimed great attention from tile ring-side beholders, I and tho judge of tho No. 3 ring had no easy task to place the honors in tho several classes. The class, which was well represented, was, on the whole, not up to previous standards. Tho exhibits with few exceptions, were a fair, average lot, and, in the opinion of experts, would not compare favorably with Southern shows: in fact, a number shown were in no respect show stock. In his judging Mr. Mcßae gave every satisfaction, and he was complimented on all sides on the despatch with which lie adjudicated on tho numerous entries that passed through his hands. He was quick to grasp a fault, / dnd to recognise merit. In Class 31, walking horses, out of fifteen entries tho .judge promptly selected four, and from these soon picked out his first and second. The fault of most entries in this class was that they wore not walkers, merely amblers and .runners. Supplejack (ridden by Miss Reynolds) had a nice pace, while Mrs. Sherratt’s Waioma ran her close. R. J. Reynolds also scored in the coaching class with liis grey Gavland —a horse fit for any prize ring. Mr. V. Barker’s fine pair ol greys, Mazeppa and Psysho carried off the coveted red for pair of buggy horses, but had to lower to blue in the tandem team, wherein Darkio and Lulu, Mrs. Lysuar’s splendid blacks, scored the honored decoration. Mr. 13. M. Hutchinson’s Snip and Snap, a w'dl-paced ' pair of chestnuts were awarded the place of honor for buggy ponies; this class gave the Ridge some work of allotment, flic single harness pony class required careliti iud'dng, honors being oventtully awarded to C. A. Shcrriff s Cockle, 'fhe winner is a notable prizo winner having been placed first at the International live stock Show, held ill Christchurch, last year, during the currency of tho Exhibition. Lp to tho present time- lie has an unbeaten record. He also appropriated the class for cob 14 hands and under 14.4. R. E. Jefferson’s grey gelding second. Some well-made single buggy horses w>3r e shown, and out of five entries (over 15.2) A. S. Waclismann with his brown mare Gipsy secured first place Dr Scott carried the judge s favor in the class for buggy horses of 14 hands and under, with Dolly, while his well-known piebald, Daisy Bell defeated W. D. Dysrtar s Darkio in tho class of 14.3 to 1 0.2. . For troop horse class judging had to b‘o done from a different standpoint to other classes, the entrants being required to he able to carry Ui stone, to lead freely on either hand, to stand quietly for mounting and dismounting, and for paces, and general appearance. In this class G. Wit--1 tors’ Bugler again carried off the honors, with IV. Witters’ Starlight . second. Bugler has won this contest ‘ time and again, and is a horse con-

corning which no two opinion? can be expressed. Though a little fiery ho is a splendid specimen of a troophorse In this class directions wero given bv Lieutenant lleiliei* Evans. HACKS. A strong entry- was forthcoming for the class weight-carrying hacks, 14.2 to 15 hands, with the exception of three that wero not up to tlio standard. 'Mr. C. Chapman’s baygelding Dandy stood out above the others, and is said to have an unbeaten record elsewhere. Mr. Coop’s Motokia deserved second place. Ponies 14.2, suitable for polo, were a fair lot, and the points awarded for ability to turn quickly led to some exhilarating riding. One rider and horse came a sharp spill, but escaped injury. Air. R. K. Murphy's Jackie AVhareroa landed honors with •a slight margin from Air. Reynolds’ Pink ’Un. For the best girl's hack two ponies were given the preference over the other competitor, a nice hay gelding, the difficulty of judging these distinctive types leading the judge to remark that there should he proper classification. Ponies were up to the average, and the snuili-statured winners were good. Class 41, for cobs 14 hands and under 14.2, was fair in the judge’s opinion, though the winner, Air. C. A. Sherri ft's Coekie, a nic-e----actioned animal, was rather low set. Polo ponies 14.1 and under saw a former prize-winner in Minnehaha, owned by- Mr. E. Murphy, again successful. Some of the entrants for class 40, between 13 and 14 hands, were passed over as being more suited to tlio cob or lOst hackney class.

SHEEP,

40scc with one stick down. Tlio class for the best girl rider under 13 years of ago brought, forth an entry ol <, the majority showing a capital stylo in horsemanship. Alter u very careful test tho judges gave the premier award to littlo Eileen Collins, who redo lier pony with the grace and (vise of a rough rider. 11l the class for the best boy rider under 13 years there were eleven entries, and here again the judges had a difficulty ill soloct in ,T from a mimbor of first-class riders. Eventually tho chief prize went, to R . Hansen, who sat lus steed like a veritable jockey. No less than fifteen performers took part in tlio maiden hunters’ contest, llie obstacles consisted of a rail fence, brush ,aml two wire fences. Some decidedly good and some slipshod jumping vas witnessed, one horse carrying away the wires. After tlie initial weeding out the course was taken the second time by S. AVilliainsoiis Reality, J. Rivers’ Trumpet. R. Slienatt sJ ho Gift AV. S. Phillips’ Dressmaker, G. Macdonald's Grey King, andl J • *• Spence’s Ngongotalia. The Grift made a capital showing throughout, and deservedly secured honors, "itli Dressmaker as next best.

TRADE EXHIBITS

AIURR'AY ROBERTS AND GO. Aiessr); Alurray Roberts aiidCo.oceupy , a largo space with agricultural am ,dements of all descriptions One of tlio specialities displayed is But ■tor’s fencing. It is a system ca - ned out entirely by iron, and a special conitrivaiico has been devised to lock tlio wires on the posts and standards. Tho fence is recommended in view of tlio scarcity ot timber, it being claimed that 'Jibs of tins fencing stands for 301bs of timber iencnig. Another new lino shown by tho hrmi is Congo roofing, for which jt he chief claim is its lightness, dho “Modern” lamb-tailing machine is a novelty, being designed, by heated cutting blades, to stop all bleeding It is further stated in tho machines favor that it is easily operated, tlrat it will cut to any desired length, and that snecial skill is not needed to work it, Of interest to many is an exhibit of Hales’ patent ceiling and floor era mi) and the same inventors scaffold bracket, Tho firms show Oi agricultural implements is complete, and they have one of the hoot aosor.t'inents of seeds on tlie ground. Tn addition they have a useful collection of various sundries. In loverty Bav there are over a hundred miles of the Butter’s patent fencing. W. O’AIE AR A AND CO.

The show of sheep was on the whole an excellent one, that is in regard to those breeds which are favored by tho pastoralists in this part of tho Dominion, namely Lincolns and Romneys. These two varieties, as every Poverty Bay farmer knows, give excellent results when crossed in tlio shape of the big-framed meaty earcase and ail exceptionally weighty fleece.

'.Hie popular Lincolns are relied upon chiefly to keep up tlie quality of the wool, and tlie stud stock exhibited on the present occasion appeared fully capable of maintaining past standards in that important respect. The entries were fairly numerous, and the quality, generally speaking, good, although some of the entries were decidedly backward in condition. This was so marked in one or two instances that the judge refused to make an award" on this account. As in former years Air. D. Kirkpatrick was a chief exhibitor, and although some of his entries might have been better shown there was no denying tlio excellence of the type, and this breeder almost monopolised tho awards, and secured tlio championship both for ram and ewe. His principal opponent was Mr. J. Tombleson, but the sheep penned by this exhibitor wore much below show condition, and consequently did not appear to advantage. This was noticeably- the case in the class for ram over 18 months, in which there was littlo to choose as regards quality between Air. Tombleson’s second prize' ram and that of Air. Kirkpatrick’s, which was given the premier award, the question of condition turning the scales against the former exhibitor. Air. G. J. Black sent forward two very fine rams. They were of exceptional size, well shaped, and with plenty of wool, but the judge presumably preferred the type shown by Air. Kirkpatrick. Romneys were tlio chief feature of the sheep pens, and tlio display both as regards quantity and quality- would have done credit to any Show in the Dominion. Tlie grand constitution of tho Romney was strikingly instanced in the fine appearance and ripe condition of those entered, for many had had no special preparation, yet they had come through the recent prolonged wet winter in tho best ol health. Competition was so 'keen that the judge, Air. It. Gray, was kept until 4 o’,clock before ho had finally disposed of the last class of this breed. As a matter of fact-, Afr. Gray found his task so exceedingly difficult that towards the close of the afternoon ho sought assistance, and was fortunate in being able to secure the co-opera-tion of Air. Frank File, a visitor to the Show, who is the son of tlie famous English Romney breeder, Air. Charles File, of Ke>*.. Air. J. Cl. Field, tlie Alakauri pastoralist, who, by careful selection, is getting together one of the finest Romney flocks in the Dominion, and who practically had matters his own way last year, had on the present occasion to meet opposition from the noted Manawatu breeder, Air. Ernest Short, whose Romney flock has for years been justly celebrated. The visitor signalised his first entry- into competition at Gisborne by securing three lust prizes, a second, and two thirds w ] u* ten sheep. Besides this tho first prize Give hogget as well as the winning champion under 30 months were animals of his breeding, so that the results must have been eminently satisfactory to him. The most noticable feature in Air. Short’s sheep is tho texture of the wool—remarkably fine for Romney—its density, and the great size and fine carriage of the rams. Tho executors of the liite Air. A. McKenzie shared with Messrs Short and Field the honor of gaining the principal awards. Alessrs J. L. Berry and F. Hutchinson were also represented by some very creditable specimens, and the former attained the proud distinction of securing the rani championship. In this connection the representatives of Mr. Short regretted that his hoggets were debarred by the aged limit from being eligible to compete, and the opinion was freely expressed by breeders present that had the hoggets and older rams been competing together tlio prize hogget would have received tho preference. Taking the class as a whole, it was certainly the best that has been seen locally, and was the subject of very favorable comment on tlie part of all who visited the sheep pens. English Leicesters are not a popular breed with local sheepmen, and apparently the climatic conditions are not particularly suitable for its proper. development. Air. AV. D. Lysnar was tho sole exhibitor, and gained the maximum awards offered. His sheep were of good quality but bad not the sizo and generally “classy” appearance that is found in Southern show rings where English Leicesters thrive so well that they are made a cliief factor in the production of “prime Canterbury.” The aged ram shown by Air. Lysnar, which took tho first prize, was a very good representative of the breed. Border Leicesters were confined to the entries of Messrs ,T. Brunton, Caesar, and I’oynter, the first-men-tioned. monopolism!) the premier awards. The exhibits were only moderate, though an exception must he made of the rams in tho aged class, which were of fine size and thoiiuighly typical. The Down breeds have made little headway in this district, and Shropshire* provided no competition. Air. AV. Jobson being the only exhibitor. He was given the maximum awards with a very creditable -lot. His aged rain, bred by the well-known Shropshire specialist, Rupert Parry, of Timaru, is an animal that would command attention in any show ring in the Dominion. ... There was some competition _ in Soutlidowns, but tlie quality generally was not of a high standard. The sheep had apparently, wintered well, and were in fair condition, but many were undersized even for a breed that is more noticeable for quality than size. Air. Charles Matthews was the most successful exhibitor, and took first prize in each of the four classes.

Alessrs AV. A. O’Meara and Co., iiavo a very good booth showing in excellent stylo all tho different goods they stock. The show of cartridges of all kinds is excellent, and a good range in sheep shears is shown, ino wire-strainers'of novel make are also on view. The display of spraj : ■ machines is also good and a specal feature is made of Cooper s I* hurt Sheep Dip. The rest of tlio exhibit is made up of displays of Seller s washing. Price’s timber jack. Oliver’s ploughs and Planet Junior implements. OKITU DAIRY CO.

The show of the Okjtu Dairy Factory makes a good display. The exhibit of bacon and hams is good as is also the display of Strasbourg sa.usagos, manufactured by tho firm. The proprietors display the certificate' showing that for two hams .and two sides of bacon they won first prize from thirteen of the best bacon factories in the North Island at the Alanaiwatu Show. A good show is also made of the lard turned out by the factory, which is of a particularly good . quality. The butter shown "by the company is of extra quality, 'being aH sterilised, and it is claimed for it that it- lias keeping qualities .far above the ordinary. This butter lias taken first- and second prizes at the Show for the past two years. It "is prepared in exactly the same way as the Danish butter, which always tops the English market. At tlie bacon factory there is always a shortage, and tho factory could put through -three times as many nigs ns are received ; .and the plant is tlie most.up-to-date one in the district. PRIAIROSE AND LESLIE BROS. Alessrs. Primrose «nd Leslie Bros have an excellent show of Englisli and colonial harness and general saddlery. Included in their display is a speci al white hard saddle for station riding. Another featuro of the exhibit is the firm’s own packsaddles, .specially designed for the needs of the district, with special strappings and with a special arrangement to make tho saddle easy on the horse’s back. The firm also show leggings, portmanteaux and leather goods of all kinds, having recently made an importation from England of all kinds of saddlery and leather goods.

D. BELL

Mr. D. Bell, Alakauri, has not a largo exhibit, but what lie shows is of excellent quality. Among a number of serviceable vehicles shown Air. Bell has two tray gigs, which are coming into great favor owing to their special adaptability to farmers’ needs. EVANS NIELD AND 00.

Alessrs Evans Nield and Coy made ■a creditable exhibit of kauri, totara and rimn timber, tlie kauri and totara being chiefly from Taupo.Shacklock ranges and register grates, wero ■also strongly in evidence. A special feature of the display was a fine show of pressed cornice moulds, dado moulds and picture moulds. A sample of Polawmain coal land house-blocks and strainers also found a place in the firm’s well-filled space.

DALGETY AND CO

COMPETITIONS,

Considerable interest was taken in the several competitions in Nos. 1 and 2 lings in front of the stand. M. Welsh showed how to handle tho ribbons in tho driving competition, as lio succeeded in encompassing tho circuit without knocking down a peg. The timo was 30sec. After a tie for second place between F. B. Calcott ,aml O. J Hamilton tho former prevailed, time 411 sec and no sticks down. C. J. Hamilton’s time was

A comprehensive display of farmer’s goods was placed on view by Alessrs Dalgety and Coy, who made <a siiecial feature of Quibell’s Sheep Dip and of Booth and McDonald’s ■agricultural implements. In addition to a useful variety of poultry requisites, the Prairie State incubator given prominence. Other articles conspicuously displayed were the Donald wire-strainer, the Sharpies separator and Bodmin Brothers’ Parositocide.

COAIAION SHELTON AND CO

Messrs Common, Shelton and Co. had a varied trade exhibit appropriate to tho occasion. Tools of all descriptions were shown, including sheep-sihears and other farmers’ requisites. A unique article on' view was a glass churn. The display of seeds was particularly noticeable. All tho seeds are machine dressed and above samples of some of the grass seeds, tlie grass is actually growing. (The firm have for inspection the Zealamlin wool press, and also the Cockatoo press, which is suitable for farmers with smaller clips. Tlio A.B.C. eorn-wlieller finds ■a place ill the miscellaneous section. Something new is shown in the shape of nil improved meat eaf 0 which stands about six feet high. In tho upper compartment a whole sheep can be hung, and a lower compartment is provided for small goods. Cooper’s Sheep Dip and sheep nets are given due prominence.

GISBORNE SHEEPFARMERS CO. Tile Gisborne Shoepfnrmcrs’ Frozen Meat Coy’ lias a particularly inviting exhibit. All kinds of" preserved meats prepared by the Company are displayed in excellent style, and tho whole display is creditable in tho extreme. In addition are shown neatsloot oil, the various manures prepared by the company, anil scoured, slipc and greasy fleeces of wool. Altogether the Company’s samples are tastefully arranged and create a good impression.

J. B. LEYDON.

Vehicles receive ample justice at tho hands of Mr. J. B. Leytlon, who has a good collection of local workmanship. A novel vehicle is a double buggy mado to the order of Mr. J. 13. Clark, Motu. The springs on both sides, and back and front fie coupled, so that tho chance of a ■ nsize is minimised. It is liandso n-dy painted and is upholstered in led Amexican Rexine leather, which- is rather uncommon in these parts. Al- - exhibited is a Bradley, specially

designed to got rid of torso action. Two business carts built for Alessrs Pilcher and AYhitoliond give a good impression of the utility class. They are built for tlio milk trade, and are of a good type for tho work. Tlio exhibit is completed by a tiny gig suitable for a farmer, and a suitable run-about, C. B. DeLAUTOUR.

The Barger ploughs comprise tlie bulk of Air. C. B. Do Lautor’s exhibit, both flat and reversible hillside machines being shown. Both kinds of ploughs will be seen working from to-morrow at tlio farm of Air. Jones, Waiinarie. Farmers will bo interested in the Hick’s lamb tailor, for which Air. DoLautour is tlio agent. SHEEP SHEARING AIACHINES. Considerable interest centred round tlio corner where the sheep-shearing machines were located. llie AA colseley, Cooper and Burger machines being tested in work.

A NEAV SHEEP RACE

Air. Al. Fry, of Port Awnnui, who has recently" indented liis contrivance has for the inspection of sheepfarinors a sheep raco, which is Claimed to be equally useful for handling sheep in dipping, loading flocks on train or steamer, and generally for drafting purposes. There is a device in the raco which prevents sheep from bucking out, and the inventor claims that the patent saves labor as it obviates the necessity of laying hands upon the animals. It is said to bo tlio first patent of this particular kind on the market and is well worthy of insncchion. 'Afe.wrs .1. J. Niven and Go and Alessrs Maelcrelh arid Colley are the Bay . agents.

E. AV. BURTON AND CO.

This firm has a display of ironmongery, which for size and comprehensiveness can easily be claimed to bo tho best over seen on tho grounds. Many of the lines are quite new to tho district, and include samples of antique copper ware, from the everyday kettle and saucepan to tho artistic hoi-water jugs, flower-pots, candlesticks, photo frames, etc. These goods are of a character especially suited to Christmas presents. The show of lawn-mowers is especially large. A good display is also made of tennis racquets, the “Driva” brand, which is rapidly coming into favor, being made a particular feature. Another new article exhibited is tho Donio cream separator, the low price of which is its chief featuro. AVILLIAAIS AND KETTLE, LTD. This firm lias, as usual, a largo exhibit of agricultural machinery. A great many small articles of a novel nature are shown. One of tlie most interesting features of the exhibit is a section showing tho process of cleaning grass-seed. Tlie rest of the exhibit is made up of a miscellany of useful and novel devices for the benefit of farmers, and eattlo medicines and fruits and jams canned by the Erimley Company.

J. H. ORMOND.

Air. J. H. Ormond’s show is an attractive one. Two of the buggies shown are specially constructed for use on heavy roads. A large number of other vehicles of excellent design are also shown. Air. Ormond has the honor of being the first person to exhibit motor-cars at a local Show, the two displayed being of British manufacture, and of an especially high class.

SIDE-SHOWS

Side-shows always form an important feature at A. and P. Shows, and the present Show can stand second to none in this respect. Tlio American Aloturama is somewhat of a novelty. By means of stereoscope views the patron of tlio show is shown scenes in many foreign lands, and a number of comic scenes are also depicted. In another tent will be found Hercules, who, as liis nomine de theatre indicates, is a strong man; Various feats of strength are shown, and novelty is added to tlio show by juggling, club swinging, and swordsmanship acts. Across the way Cleopatra and Bonita, who recently appeared in His Alajest.y’s Theatre, go through tlieir respective acts ot snake charming aiul lifle-sliooting. Mr. Harry Pearce, wrestler, is a well-known figure at A. and P. Shows; and lie can bo seen on the ground, where lio gives a sound instructive exhibition of the great art. Also to bo seen is a collection ol marvellous animal freaks exhibited by Mr. Nesbitt, the show including various malformed animals and a variety of strange creatures. In evidence also are a merry-go-round. and a similar contrivance called “The Ocean AVave,” which is guaranteed to give all the pleasures of sea travel with nono of the discomforts.

A LESSON FROM THE SHOW,

AIR. AV. AVIL-SON ON PREPARATION OF SHEEP FOR EXHIBITION.

At the invitation of the president of tho Farmers’ Club at- last night s smoke concert, Mr. Wm. Raison, who judged Lincolns, made a tew remarks on the “getting up” of sheep ■for show.' Mr. Wilson saiu: 1 •hardly came here prepared to act as schoolmaster, hut as there nuay he some to -whom a few hints would he •acceptable, I have pleasure in acceding to the request of the president. At the start —that is Irom the birth of tho lamb —you must make your selection; choose this one and the other as likely to turn out well. Having done this, you must feed them with the best, and must keep ■them going all the time if you hope to show. There must he no neglect, for directly they get a check there is so much deterioration. Having got them to the highest state of perfection you can attain, you must then commence to give them special attention. You must cover them — that is if you hope to win-nowadays. Unless you make it a hobby to look after it thoroughly your failure .in tho show pen is certain. To-day •there were sheep in tlie class 1 was judging that from the time they were dropped had never been properly fed. It was impossible to say liow they might have turned out under more favorable circumstances. I quite appreciate the attitude of the oVners who showed them—they Wanted to help to swell the entries. In preparing the sheen for the show ring you do not require any special kind of feed go long as they are kept going and are never allowed to receive a che.ek- Then again you must be careful to use a dip that you have found out by experience to be thoroughly effective in keeping your slieep clean.”

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME

Judging the draughts, cattle, pigs, poultry, dogs, and produce will be proceeded with this morning, as well as competitions in the three showrings. Tho grand spectacular parade takes place at 2 o’clock, and the afternoon programme includes the maiden junipers and steeplechase competitions and the harness trots.