LINCOLN PLOUGHING MATCH.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 29, 3 July 1874, Page 2

LINCOLN PLOUGHING MATCH.

Committee :—Messrs W. Tod, A. P. O’Callaghan, J. Wills. D. Dunn, H. White, J. Duke, James Beaumont, B. Curry, 0. F. Pyne, W. Miles, J. Taylor, D. O’Callaghan, R. Wright, W. Wright, W. B. Andrew, Jas. Blair, T. H. Ranger, R. Wright, C. Malthus, W. Pearson, W. Laury, F. Wright, 0. Dudley, G. Dalton, F. Laury, J. Silvester, T. Shand, R. Morrish, T. A. Pannett, Thomas Paunctt, W. Craighead, John Craighead, 11. Pannett, H. Trott, F. 0. Murray, John Tosswill, E. Prebble, W. Prebblc, R. Prebble, John Murray, John Overton, G, Marsh, John Marshall, S. Bailey, B. W. Trent, R. M. Bovey, A. C. Knight, J. Haydou, White Bros., J. Leadley, W. Ladbrooke, J. Sharp, J. Shaw, D. M‘Kenzie, B. Towushcnd, James Koskruge, J. Moffat, G. Schafer, R, Mackey, W, Miuchcu, R. Davies, W. H. Peryman, W. Goodwin, J. J. Herrick, 11. Kjmber, Delieu, H. Moffat, B. Callaghan, James Blythe, C. M‘Phorson, Maskrcy, W. Jackson, W. Paterson, Carey, Carpenter, P. Henley, ' G. Smith, and F. March ant. Ground , Committee ;—Messrs W. Tod, D. Dunn, J; Wills, R. Wright,, H. White. Judges : —Messrs James Guild, D. Gebbie, James Birnie. Hon Secretary and Treasurer : W, A. Murray. The dawn of this, the first match of the season, broke very ominously, and as the day advanced, the showers all round showed that it would be great luck indeed if anybody escaped without a wetting, aud later on there were some decided showers that damped everything but the ardour of the

pl«»ghmau. Towards evening there was a glimpse of sunshine, but, taken as a whole, it was by iio means a pleasant day either for spectators or ploughmen. This is the twelfth match that has been contested in this district, and of late years there has been a notable falling off in the number of entries, and the general interest felt. This is owing to a variety of causes, the principal one being no doubt the grazing tendency which, since the advance in the price of wool, has manifested itself no strongly. Year by year the districts near Christchurch are growing less corn, but of course in the outlying districts newly bought there is a large increase, as the land must be broken up before it can be laid down, and it is in these places that ploughing matches are best supported. This year also the dry weather lias prevented the necessary work on the farms being carried out, as the ground has been too hard to plough, and nearly everybody is behind hand in getting in their wheat, and there are many who cannot spare their teams for a single day to compete at the match. Again, the ploughmen are so well known now, that many object Jto compete from feeling certain that they will be distanced in the race. , At Lincoln there are only two classes for men, a first and second, and there are many capital ploughmen who object to competing in the second class as derogatory, and yet will not enter against the men who year after year have gained for Lincoln the laurels of the Champion Match. It will be a matter for next year’s committee to consider whether it will not be advisable to make a champion class, confined to those who have won first prizes. By doing this, it would make the g6od men who are not quite up to champion standard more ready to compete. Another thing is, that the district might, conveniently be enlarged. Why might not Riccarton, Spreydon, Templeton, and Halswell Road Board districts be added. This would have the effect of producing more competition, and in such a large district there might be one capital match instead of a number of petty ones. There were eighteen teams on the ground. Ninatoen entered but one did not compete as his horses fell lame. Last year there were twenty-two entries,’ 'and the year before twenty-eight, so it will be seen there has been a steady diminution; but there was as great energy and rivalry displayeckyes.terday as though there were double the entries, as all classes were fairly represented. The committee had between d 650 and £6O at their disposal, and iriore than £SO was given in prizes, besides many gifts from private individuals, which rendered it nearly ' a certainty that everyone would- gain something who deserved it. The ground was in a paddock belonging to Mr -W. ' Tod, and is situated close to the Lincoln township, bounding the turning Jedding ■ to Mr Moffat’s mill; it was in a good-central position, being about equal distances from Prebbleton, Springstori, 1 Tai Tapu and Broadfields, the principal centres in the district. It had 1 been laid down‘for five years, and' was ifather hard. The soil is a loam, with a sandy bottomland had a tendency to break, Which made the ploughing appear rougher than it really was, no doubt it-would not have been so brittle later on in the season, with more rain. The ground was ploughed with the lands. The refreshment booth was yndcr the charge of Ittc J. H.fcSluis, of • .the :iplrtfishire Arms Hotel, who appeared to dp a good trade, both at his hotel ancf dui’ing the day, Spirits were popular, owing to the cold, but there was nothing approaching a disturbance during the day, and the two policemen appeared thoroughly wretched, owing to having nothing to do. Mr .W. Tod provided (with his usual hospitality) a' capital luncheon for the judges and the'ploughmen, about noon. ■ • ■ Considering the weather the attendance was capital, several ladies braving the inclement weather to see those they were interested in compete. It is a matter of great regret that only three boys were found to compete after the handsome offer of a silver cup from Mr A. 0. Knight should six aspirants be found, hut those who were there worked hard and well. In the first class the work as a whole was good, although' hardly on the average equal to that done on some former occasions. There were only five entries, and all came up to the scratch. In the second class there was some excellent work and some rather inferior. Eight competed; there were nine entries, but one had to retire, his horse being lame. The double furrow class only brought two to the field, but they were watched with great interest, as nearly everybody looks upon them as the ploughs of the future ; the work done by them was quite equal to some of the second class work, but has been surpassed on former occasions. The boys did their best, and that best was a very creditable one, all the three were above the average, and worthy of encouragement. Lots were drawnfor places at 9.30 a.m., and a punctual start effected by the hoisting of a flag at 10 a.m. We now proceed to give a list of the entries with an account of the work-done. FIRST CLASS (MEN.) Open to the district only. Entrance fee, 10s. "di Owner of : ’ Maker of Ploughmen. Team< . Ploflgh< H. Ladbrooke Ladbrooke Bros Blyth R. Finlay H. White Blyth W. Grooves H. Moffatt > Blyth John JDunn D. Dunn Blyth S. Brown Brown Blyth Ladbrooke made a capital feering—the best in the field ; his work was clean cut, level, straight, well set up, and solid throughout. His finish was straight and even and nearly as good as Brown’s in the same class, who, in our opinion, made the best. R. Finlay made a bad start; his feering being by no moans straight, but this was in a great measure owing to his horses being frightened by a gentleman taking off his coat suddenly in front of them. As he went on he improved greatly. His plough had not so much cut on it as Ladbrookc’s, and his work generally, though solid and good, was not clean cut. Ho made an excellent finish, though his last green furrow was rather high. Greeves started with a low and crowded feering, but his furrow subsequently was not bad, though rather shaky in parts. He made a fair finish but was if anything rather too deep. John Dunn had a novelty fixed to his plough, in the shape of a knife, made fast to the back part of the sole plate of his plough. This instrument cut off the edge of the solid ground as he ploughed his furrow, the part cut lying loqsc in the furrow, and being packed up by the next. Of course this was done with the idea of rendering the work more solid, and no doubt it had that effect, but it caused his work to appear rather rough. His feering was rather cramped, but tery level. His work throughout was straight, even, aud honest, although it hu^

not quqh a nice appearance as Ladbrooke’s. His last heavy furrow was rather light, but his finish was fairly straight ami good. Brown had a bad cramped fecring. and his work was rough throughout. It was solid, however, and improved towards the close, and he made a nice straight even finish, as good, if not better, than any on the field. . SECOND CLASS (MEN;, Open to district only, for all men who have not taken a first prize in the second class. Entrance fee, 10s. „ , Owner of Maker of Ploughmen. team. Plough. J. Dalton G. Dalton Watson James Tod . , W. Tod Barrowman •' ! ' ! (swing) M.Roskrudgo J. Roskrugc Blyth J. McMeckan D. McKenzio Duncan J, Brown Brown Blyth C. R. Leadley- f.eadley Duncan J. Hawtiu J. Wells Blyth P. Tod W. Tod Barrowman (with wheel) *J. Rickcby ; J. Rosferiidge Blyth. * Did not compete through horse falling lame. J. Dalton made a capital ridge. lie had a .good lino.' His feering Was straight though rather crowded, and his work was level, clean cut, and firm, being fully equal to some of the first-class work. His fecring was decidedly the'best in his class. His finish was rather deep but was exceedingly straight. He thoroughly deserved the Ist prize that he obtained. J. Tod had the only swing plough on the ground—:a Barrowman—and in consequence liis work looked rather rough compared, with that of the wheel ploughs, but his seed furrow was good though rather broad, his feering level but crowded, and, in spite of laboring under great disadvantage, his fihish was straight and even. 'Rbskrudge'- had a rough, Crooked, uneven feering, and his work throughout by no means straight, though firmer than that of some of the others. His finish was, however, crooked. J. McMeckan had a feering far too light and close, and his furrows were very flat, but he improved as he progressed, and his finish was,better‘ than his ploughing.. J. Brown’s work was too high cut, and his feering throughout crooked and cramped. His finish was however, splendid, being neat, even, and straight throughout, decidedly the best ip hip.class, and thought by many to be the best in the field. Leadley made a bad feering, it being too narrow and light. He started with a very flat furrow, but improved as he went on, His work was clean cut. His finish was rather wide, but otherwise good, Hawtin’s ridge was high and close, and his work generally : %fc, and rather rough. Hia finish was wide and rough, Peter Tod’s feering wasqhjghj and close, and his work rather rough ; but he left a good seed bed, and his. work, though not pretty, looked as if it would grow a crop. His finish was rather too wide, but neat. , . ~ ; ''' ' Bd>TS’ CLASS (BOYS "UNDER 17)i • j Open to district only. Entrance, ss. ; I ,-, Owner of 'j Maker of; Ploughboy. team. plough, j J. Taylor,: juiir; ' -t./J. Taylor ... Blyth J, Wills, jun, ... J. Wills ... Duncan J.- A. Ladbrooke ... Ladbrooke ... Blyth TayTor’'s "feeling was " r'ather close, but straight pad, gqod, and. , his ploughing ’ throughout firmer'and better than much of that in the second class. His finish was hardly so good as his work, the last green' furrow being rather too heavy. Wills’ feering ' was and crowded, his plough having more cut on it than those of the other boys, and hi^'furrows were shakey in places. His finish was good, though rather shallow and wide., Ladbrooke’s feering was too open, and his work rather rough. His finish was uneven, but straight. DOUBLE FURROW CLASS. Open to all comers. Entrance fee, 10s t Owner of Maker of Ploughmen. Team . Plough. J. Johnson ' ■ H. White Blyth M. Marshall J. Gammack Blyth Johnson started with a close but level fecring. His work was solid, his furrows being strong and even throughout. Though rather rough owing to the brittle nature of the soil, his work was honester than much that has "a more' " showy appearance. His finish was hardly so straight as Marshall’s, but his work as a whole was better packed, Marshall made rather rough work. ■His'feering was"fair, but be had more cut on his plough than Johnson. His finish was, however, better than Johnson’s. ; THE TEAMS, There were a few excellent horses on the ground, that would have been a credit to any district, Mr William Tod’s .chestnut mares being particularly noticeable, as they were a ,splendid match,, and did their work steadily J and well. Mr Moffat’s geldings (winners c-f the Ist prize at the late Christchurch show) were much admired. , Mr Wills had a fine margin his team, but she was badly matched, " and the same remark applies to most of the teams on the field. The judges were on the ground during the greater portion. of the day, and performed their unpleasant (cbhsidering the weather) and arduous duties to the general satisfaction of those concerned. We need hardly say • that 1 the - ground committee were indefatigable in their endeavours to make everything go smoothly throughout the day, and we must say that their efforts were crowned with success, as no hitch occurred throughout. The hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr W. A. Murray, fulfilled his duties with , energy and discretion, to the satisfaction of all. It was past four o’clock before the judges arrived at a final decision, and there was considerable excitement when the hon sec mounted a cart to announce the awards, which‘were as follows : , FIRST CLASS (MEN). Fitst prize, H. Ladbrooke ; second prize, J. Dunn ; third prize, S. Brown. • ;o " SECOND CLASS (MEN). * First prize, J. Dalton ; second prize, J. Brown ; third prizej C. R. Leadley; fourth prize, J. Tod ; fifth prize, M. Roskruge. , : . J BOYS’ CLASS. First prize, J. Taylor ; second prize, J. Wills; third prize, J. A. Ladbrooke. , . 'DOUBLE FURROW CLASS. , First prize, J. Johnson ; second prize, W, Marshall. The following extra and private prizes were also given, the judges for these being Messrs Frank Murray, ;W. Dewar, and J. Sharp. . FOR THE BEST FINISH. Prize, 10s, given by Mr J. Blyth, Prebblcton—John Brown. BEST GROOMED HORSES. First prize, £l, given by the committee, and 10s by J. Sharp, Peter Tod ; second prize, 15s, given by committee, W. Greaves ; third prize, 10s, also given by committee, J. Wills. BEST INS AND OUTS. Prize, £l, by committee, J, Dalton.

BEST KEPT HARNESS. First prize, £l, given by committee, and comb ;iikl brush given by Mr R. Mitchell, saddler, W. .Marshall; second prize, 15s, by committee, Peter Todd ; third piize, 10s, by committee, J. Mills. BEST HARNESS. Prize, riding bridle given by Mr E. Mitchell, saddler, James Hawtiu. The judges were of opinion that some “grand work” had been done in the first class, and they had great difficulty in deciding, owing to the variety of stylo. They considered that the, work in the second class was fair. In the double furrow class, the judges gave great praise, stating that the work would be a credit to any district, and in their opinion the ploughing of the boys was excellent—far surpassing a considerable portion of the work in the second class. Taken altogether the match may bj considered a great success and a credit to everyone concerned, though we have seen better ploughing, but then it was later in the season.

THE DINNER. About fifty people sat down to a very abundant dinner, provided by host Sluis. It was a capital spread, and was done ample justice to by the hungry people, for, after the cold .day, appetites were good. Mr J. N. Tosswill occupied the chair, and the vice-chairs were occupied respectively by Messrs W. Tod and A, P. O’Callaghan. After the cloth was removed, the chairman proposed “ The Queen,” “ The Royal Family,” “ The Governor,” and “ The General Assembly.” Mr Guild then rose to propose the health of “ The Provincial Council.” He regretted his inefficiency, but would do his best. It was the best Provincial Council in New Zealand. [A voice: “Gammon.”] Still they sometimes made mistakes. They had passed a rather extraordinary measure lately. [Laughter and cries of “ Free passes on the railway.”] Some people thought that Provincial Councils were passing away, but he thought their death would be gradual. Of one thing he was sure, and that was, that they had done a great deal of good. [Cheers.] They had a good deal of fresh blood in the Council now, and their worthy chairman was one of the new ones. He called upon them to drink their healths with all the honors. Drank with musical honors. Mr J. Tosswill rose to reply. He regretted Mr Knight’s absence, and read a letter stating that illness prevented Mr Knight’s presence. Mr Tosswill said that they had worked hard lately. As had been mentioned at the Executive dinner, the Council had never sat so late as last session, so they were fatigued. A Bill bad been brought before the Council to amend the powers of the Superintendent. This Bill had been so distorted by amendments that hewas glad it had not passed, though he had at first supported it. The Bill to give municipal bodies certain taxes had been defeated,, and he was glad of it, at the same time they ought to share in the general prosperity, but he thought the revenues should not be alienated as they might want them some day to pay their way. [Hear, hear.] The Width of Tires Bill was a useful one, but had beeu withdrawn till next session, as there was a difficulty in arranging about the width, &c. The Council had voted £IOO,OOO for bridges this session, and he thought they all agreed that that was the most useful purpose in which it could be expended, as it opened up the country. [Hear, hear.] Again, over £IOO,OOO had been voted for Road Boards. Road Boards had never been so well represented in the Council before, and they had consequently come off well, and a good proportion had come to these two (the Lincoln and Springs district) ; £50,000 had been voted for irrigation, so that more than a quarter of a million was to be expended on roads, bridges, and irrigation. The Council had voted over a million this session, and that showed the prosperous state of the country. People said that this prosperity would soon pass away, but he saw no signs of it. With regard to free passes he must say a few words In defence. The flooring of the Rakaia bridge was rotten, and it would cost £6OOO to replace it. Members thought that it was a pity hon members had not more opportunity to travel arid avoid such mistakes in future. The motion had been passed without much thought, To’jtest the opinion of the House they had placed a sum on the estimates for the purpose, and it had passed again because the Council could not consistently rescind a motion so recently passed. He did not intend to use his free pass, nor did be believe Mr Knight would use his, and ho thought next session they would be done away with. [Cheers.] Mr F. East then sang, “ Paddle my own canoe,” Mr W. A. Murray then rose to make the financial statement, and read the list of prizes. He said the state of the finances was not satisfactory, The whole amount in hand was £54 Is Id. The prizes amounted to £46 10s, and the expenses altogether to £67 6s, therefore there was a deficit of £l3 ss. The boys’ prizes had not been paid, as a protest had been laid against the first prize taken, on the ground that he was over age, and this would be decided to-morrow. He then read the prize list, which was received with cheers.

Song—Mr Brown —“ Long Barney.” Mr R, Wright then rose to propose “ The Successful Candidates.” The first prizetaker had taken the first prize as a boy, the the first in the second class last year, and now the first in the first. This showed what perseverance would do, and he hoped all the other young men would emulate his example. He would now propose the toast, coupled with the names of Messrs Ladbrooke, Dunn, and Dalton. The toast was drank with musical honors. Mr Guild sang—” A full bumper more.” Mr Dalton returned thanks for the successful candidates. Mr F. East sang—•“ The organ grinder.” Mr W. Tod then rose and proposed “ The Unsuccessful Competitors.” He advocated swing ploughs. Practical men said that the ploughing done by them was good for a crop. Now he thought that that was the end and aim of all ploughing matches. [Cheers.J He begged to propose the health of the unsuccessful candidates. Drank with musical honors, Mr John Murray sang “ The flowing bowl.” Mr A. P. O’Callaghan then rose to propose the judges. This was the first ploughing match dinner at which he had been present where all the judges had stopped, and they were glad to sec them, They were likewise all bachelors, and he thought they should mend their ways in that respect. (Laughter) He hoped next year the judges would have a better day, and would be able to travel by railway probably with free passes. (Laugh-

ter.) Why should they not have free passes, as they were acting for the public as well as the Council, and why should not Road Board members and school committees too ? There was one thing, they had not the power to vote free passes to themselves, if they had no doubt they would. (Laughter.) He begged to propose their healths. (Cheers.) Song—Mr Burslera, “ Simon the Cellarer.” Mr Guild rose to return thanks. Ho said that Mt O’Callaghan had stated the judges were all old bachelors, and he had to reply as the oldest of the three. Judging was a difficult task, but still they all felt flattered at being chosen. He did not care about judging this district, as the ploughing was so equal. This district had arrived at a great state of perfection owing to long practice, and their having Mr Blyth. the implement maker among them. They had had great difficulty in judging the double furrow class, as the two lots of land were nearly equally well ploughed. Mr D. Gebbie was pleased to come to Lincoln, as be considered it the first plougliingmatch district in Canterbury ; and although the ploughing to-day had not been equal, in his opinion, to what had been done on previous occasions, yet Lincoln still stood first. Lincoln was a pushing district, and bad, besides a capital ploughing match, a good agricultural show, a fair, a farmers’ club, and other useful institutions, and carried them out well. He regretted that there was no Northern agricultural show,';but hoped there would be. [Cheers.J Mr Birnie also replied. He advocated ploughing matches being thrown open. The best men should go to all the matches, to show the 'youngsters how to plough. He thanked them for the manner in which they had drunk his health. (Cheers.) Mr Jacobson sang—“ Down among the dead men.” The Chairman proposed “ The Commercial Interest.” The farmers were depended on the towns for their prosperity. The riches first come from the ground, but could not be utilised without the aid of the towns. He hoped always to see the greatest concord between the commercial and agricultural interests. [Cheers] He proposed the toast, coupled with Mr Moffat’s name, as he was the most successful commercial man in the neighborhood. [Cheers.] Song—Mr Latham, “ The Christchurch policeman.” Mr C. McPherson then rose to propose the “ Agricultural Interest.” It should have been placed in other hands, and was too heavy a subject for him to enlarge upon. Ho would propose the toast coupled with the names of Messrs F. C. Murray, D.Dunn, and A. P. O’Callaghan. Song—Mr Mcllroy, “ Scotland yet.” Mr F, C. Murray returned thanks. It was a most important toast. Mr Tosswill spoke of money being spent in harbor works, but he thought it would be better if the Akaroa harbor were opened, instead of throwing money away, as it would have to be opened up eventually, Mr O’Callaghan also returned thanks. One implement more was wanted in Canterbury and that was a good furrow press, as it would add to the yield. He had tried to induce agricultural implement makers to take it it up, but had hitherto failed. The farmers’ club should take it up and offer a reward for the production of a most efficient one. [Cheers.] Song—Mr "Wills, “The clever fellow.” Mr E. Townsbend proposed the “ Ladies ” coupled with the name of Mr jjD. Gebbie, Song, Mr Osborne, “ Watcrcrcsscs.” Mr F. 0. Murray proposed the “ Visitors” coupled with the names of Messrs McLachlan, D. Gebbie, and Osborne. Mr Mcllroy, song—“ Sunday out,’ 1 ' Mr Osborne thought ploughing matches useful things as they tended to improve both workers and implements. He advocated the use of a furrow press, he had used one and done well with it. Mr R. Wright rose to propose the toast of the “ Press,” coupled with the names of Mr H. C. Jacobson, and Mr W. Murray. Song—Mr Brown, “ Grandfather Bricn,” encored and responded to with “ Erin’s Isle.” Several other toasts were proposed, some songs were sung, and those present thoroughly enjoyed themselves.