MIDWINTER SHOW.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 341, 16 July 1875, Page 2

MIDWINTER SHOW.

The usual annual midwinter show, under the auspices of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, took place in the Drill shed on Thurrday. The show comprised seeds and roots and fat stock, the former with dairy produce, bacon, &c, being exhibited in the Drill shed itself, while the parade ground, which had been kindly placed at the disposal of the Association by Lieut.-Colonel Packe, was occupied by pens for the fat cattle, sheep, pigs, &c. The selection of the spot for holding the show was one of the best that could be made, the site being central, and the shed and grounds admirably adapted for the purposes of the show. The weather, as on the occasion of the last show, was most unfavorable, particularly during the early part of the day, the heavy showers of rain which fell thinning the number of visitors considerably. Later on the weather improved somewhat, and the number paying at the gates must be considered, under the circumstances, very satisfactory, a sum of £lB Is having been received.

The arrangements made by the ground committee of the association were very complete, the exhibits being displayed to the best advantage, if we except the fact that as regarded the cattle the pens did not allow of a thorough inspection, as the judges could not do so because the cattle were unable to be taken out of the pens, thus preventing them from inspecting the exhibits as closely as they might perhaps have wished. A refreshment booth, under the management of Mr Kirkwood, was established under the verandah of the shed, flanked by a confectioner’s booth in charge of Mr H. 0. West. The wines of the latter, however tempting, did not meet with that amount of public patronage to which their merits entitled them, the proclivities of the bucolic element, which was predominant, evidently being more in favor of the liquids dispensed by Mr Kirkwood. Generally speaking, the quality of the exhibits at the show was first class, although in many of the departments, the number of exhibits was very limited. In the cattle classes, the competition lay almost exclusively between Messrs Garforth and Ferguson, and when there is so limited a number competing, the show, as a whole, necessarily suffers. In the classes’ for sheep, the exhibits were both numerically and proportionally smaller. It is hard toj discover the reason for this paucity of entries; if the mid-winter show is to be continued, clearly owners of stock must come forward in larger numbers to assist the association in promoting a show which might be made a most useful one.

First on the premium catalogue, we come to fat cattle. In class 1, steer under two years old, there were four exhibits; Messrs Henderson and Mcßeth securing first prize with a remarkably fine exhibit. Mr Garforth took second prize with a fine fleshy steer. Mr Ferguson’s two exhibits were remarkably good, one of them being commended. This animal, by a decision of the committee on a protest entered by Mr Ferguson, ultimately took second prize. In class 2, steer under three years old, the whole of the exhibits were well worthy commendation. The first and second prizes in this class fell to Mr John Ferguson’s exhibits, both of which showed great quality and good condition. Mr Garforth’s three exhibits, all by Lord Brouncker, were good beasts, but lacked the quality of the first prize animals, although they displayed evidences of grand constitution. Mr Rossiter’s exhibit was a nice quality steer, with rather a plain head. In class 3, bullock over three years old, the judges awarded first prize to Mr S. Garforth’s exhibit, which was a fine weighty beast. Mr Ferguson’s exhibits were also remarkably good, one of them taking second honors, the other being highly commended. Mr E. Garland also secured commendation from the judges for a useful butcher’s beast, whose condition and quality was not far behind the prizetakers. Mr John Mann’s exhibit was a large framed beast, but his condition was somewhat deficient. In class 4, heifer under two years old, the first prize fell to Mr S. Garforth, with a beautiful black heifer of remarkable quality. Mr John Ferguson’s exhibits in this class were also exceedingly good, one taking second prize and the other being highly commended. In this case Mr Ferguson entered a protest against Mr Garforth’s animal (particulars of which appear lower down), whereby Mr Garforth was disqualified. In class 5, heifer under three years old, Mr Garforth and Mr Ferguson were the sole exhibitors, the former taking first prize with a very promising animal; Mr John Ferguson took second prize with a very nice beast, and also received a highly commended for his second exhib ; t, which it undoubtedly deserved. In class 6, cow or heifer over three years old, Mr Ferguson took first and second priztes with two animals of extra quality and condition. Mr Marcroft secured a highly commended for a well furnished beast, and a beautiful handler. Mr John Mann’s exhibit in this class was exceedingly good, and at first sight perhaps more taking to the eye than the last-named one. The prize for the best fat beast on the ground deservedly fell to Mr S. Garforth, while the same gentleman and Mr Ferguson took first and second prizes respectively in the extra exhibits. We now come to the exhibits of fat sheep. In class 3, Messrs Mann and Rossiter divided the honors with capital pens of sheep. In class 6, Mr H. B. Lane was the only exhibitor, received first prize for a nice useful pen of butchers’ sheep. In class 7, Mr Kossiter exhibited a very fine pen, which, in addition to the first prize in the class, also received the prize for best pen of fat sheep on the ground. In class 8, Mr Mann was the only exhibitor, and took a well deserved first prize with a very nice pen of Leicesters. In class 9, there were three exhibits, and in this the judges must have experienced a great deal of trouble, the competition being very close. Mr W. B. Andrew took first prize, the sheep being bred out of some ewes originally imported from the Duke of Buccleuch’a flock. The Hon E. Gray’s Lincoln Leicesters fan the first prize takers very close, there being only one faulty sheep in the pen ; but as a whole both pens were good. In extra stock, Mr Mann was the only exhibitor, with •a pen which was an exceptionally fine one. As regards fat pigs we must express our surprise that with so laige a bacon industry growing up amongst us, as was evidenced by the splendid show in the other department of the exhibition of yesterday, that so few exhibits should have been made. As it was, those shown were so good as to make it a matter of regret that the duties of the judges were so light. In class 1, Messrs John Mann and Henderson and Mcßeth tQO^

first and second prizes respectively, both pens being exceptionally good. In class 5, Mr D. Maydwell was the only exhibitor, and received first and second prizes with two very nice pigs. Taking the exhibits in the order of the catalogue, we next come to bacon, cured pork, and beef. In this class, the firstnamed was represented by some of the finest bacon and hams ever shown in Canterbury, but the second article, which used to very fairly represented, was conspicuous yesterday from its absence. _ In beef there was only one exhibit, but it was of very superior quality, and well deserved the first prize awarded to it. The bacon and ham classes throughout were contested only by Messrs Gilmour and Green, but though this was the case, the competition was remarkably keen, and the exhibits, in the opinion of the judges, the best that have been shewn in Canterbury. In class 49, two flitches, unsmoked, Mr Green secured first honors, though the judges must have had considerable difficulty in deciding. The only perceptible difference in the exhibits, was that Mr Green’s was better fed and the meat more evenly fed on than Mr Gilmour’s. Both exhibits, however, were very good. The next exhibit was class 2, smoked bacon, and here Mr Gilmour took both first and second prize, with a very fine lot, well shaped, good firm meat, of good colour and flavour. Mr Green’s lot was well got up, and should, we think, have received a highly commended ticket from the judges, as there certainly was not so very great amount of difference between the quality of the two exhibits as to disqualify Mr Green’s lot altogether. In class 3, two green hams; Mr Gilmour again took first prize with a well cut and good shaped lot, Mr Green coming second. The same result occurred in class 4, two smoked hams ; Mr Green’s exhibit in this class being well worthy notice. The prize for three hundredweight of bacon brought out some of the finest bacon we have seen here. If only exporters continue to send out such goods as these, the name of Canterbury bacon will rank as high, and deservedly so, as that of Port Cooper cheese did in days gone by. Both lots exhibited by Mr Gilmour and Mr Green were excellent, the meat being good, and excellently got up. The same may be said of the hams, in which Mr Green again came second, Mr Gilmour taking first. The lot upon which the prize ticket was placed, exhibited by Mr Green, was certainly not the best of his two exhibits. In salt beef, Mr Mann was the only exhibitor, with a very fine lot, the meat, which had only been cured some five weeks, being excellent in quality, well corned and pickled. The fat poultry exhibited call for no remark, except one pen of geese exhibited bj Mr Toon, and a pen of ducks shown by Mi W. Wilson. With these two exceptions the poultry was very inferior. The class for fresh butter brought only four competitors, Mr Herrick, an old victor at shows in this class, again taking first prize. Though the exhibits were limited in number the quality was very good. Mr Herrick’s butter was well tasted, full flavored and well worked, and the same may be said of Mr Reid’s exhibit, which took second prize, although it was somewhat defi cient in flavor. Mr Campion had a very nice exhibit, which was highly commended, but it was deficient in color. In the cheese classes the competition lay principally between Mr Crow and Mr Candy. Some very good cheese was exhibited by the latter, especially in the class for over 251bs weight, which was full flavored and thoroughly ripe. Mr Crow’s cheese, though notjquite so rich in flavour as that of Mr Candy, was yet very creditable. Some Stilton cheese shewn by Mr Campion wanted age to make it anything like what is represented. The next class calling for notice is that of grain, seeds, and roots. It is somewhat to be regretted that the entries in the first of these classes were so limited in number, as Canterbury grain has made for itself a very high name. For the first-class three bushels of winter wheat, white, Mr Newton was the only exhibitor, with a very nice sample grown by Mr Sheppard, of Cashel street east, on manured land. The grain was plump, well colored and of good weight. There were no entries in the class for red winter wheat. In that for spring wheat, there was one entry by Mr Walls, but the judges disqualified it as not being a spring wheat. In the classes for oats there were no entries. In the barley class Mr Newton was the only exhibitor with a sample of golden melon grown by Mr W, J. G. Bluett, but the quality was far from superior, and we wonder at the judges awarding a second prize to it. In class 8, three bushels of rye, Mr Newton was again the only exhibitor, with a very fine sample of capitally grown seed, which ought to have got a prize. It was grown by Mr John Grigg, of Longbeach. Mr Newton was also the only exhibitor in field peas, showing a fair sample grown by Mr Marsh, Papanui. For rye grass seed Mr Wilkin deservedly took first prize with a well cleaned, nicely grown, sample of seed grown at Irwell. Mr W. Wilson took second prize in this class. In class 13, 1 cwt linseed, Mr Newton took first prize with a very nice lot grown by Mr W. J. G, Bluett, Mr Wm. Wilson taking the second prize. In class 14, 1 cwt rape seed, Mr Newton and Mr Wilkin were the only exhibitors. That exhibited by Mr Wilkin was grown by Mr Tolmie, of Balclutha, Otago, and was a very good sample. Mr Newton’s exhibit was not so good, the seed being deficient in quality. In class 15, for cocksfoot, Mr Newton took first prize with a very good sample of clean, well grown seed, grown at Pigeon Bay; Mr Wilkin took second prize, his lot having also been grown at Pigeon Bay. In the roots there was very keen competition, and this department of the show seemed to create a great deal of interest, the part of the drill shed allotted to the exhibits of roots being crowded with appreciative agriculturists. In class 19, twelve white turnips, Mr W. B. Tosswill took the prize, and deservedly too, with a capital sound exhibit; Mr Washbourn, who was the other exhibitor, had some very large turnips, but when cut, owing to being an early feeding variety they were found to be hollow, hence the judges could only award them a second prize, though much larger than the first prize lot. In class 20, twelve red carrots, Mr Mann had a very nice lot, and should, we think, have taken prize, on account of the first prize lot being trimmed up. Both lots, however, were very well grown. In class 22, twelve carrots for culinary purposes, Mr Mason was the only exhibitor with a good lot, Mr Garforth’s long mangolds, in the next class, were deserving of all commendation, being the finest roots we have seen for many a day. Mr Maun, . who took second prize, had a very good lot. la class 24, globe mangolds, Mr Mann again

came to the fore with a splendid lot of roots, Mr Kerr taking second prize. For sugar beet, Mr Marcroft and Mr Mann were the only exhibitors, Mr Marcroft receiving first prize. Class 26, for round potatoes, brought out quite a host of competitors, and the competition was exceedingly keen. The judges awarded the prize to Messrs Bishop Brothers, though the second prize-taker entered a protest against this decision on the ground of unsoundness and general want of quality. In the class for kidney potatoes, Mr Greenaway took the prize with the produce of the imported seed which he has received recently from England. They were a very fine sample of potatoes, well and cleanly grown, and should prove a good sort, Mr John Mann exhibited some monster field cabbages, and some excellent kohlrabi, to which the judges awarded the honor of a first prize in each case. In class 37, clover hay, Messrs Henderson and Mcßeth were the only exhibitors with a very good truss, but it was somewhat too highly dried and open. Had it been closer it would have been a really splendid sample of hay. The extra exhibits in this class comprised wheat, shown by Mr Thos. Dowling, and and seeds of various kinds, exhibited by Messrs R. Wilkin and J, Newton. The first of these exhibits was three bushels of Ballarat white wheat, imported from Tasmania. This wheat, which was by far the finest yet exhibited in Canterbury, took the first prize at the Hobart Town and Launceston shows and Mr Dowling has presented the sample t« Mr Grigg, of Long Beach, through Messrs H. Matson and Co. Mr Wilkin exhibited some very nice clover seed, grown at Courtenay, and Mr Joseph Newton’s exhibits received special commendation from the judges. We append the PRIZE list; FAT CATTLE. Prizes—First prize, £2 ; second do, £l. Class I—Steer1 —Steer under two years old. Four entries. Ist prize, Henderson and Mcßeth ; 2nd, S. Garforth ; commended, John Ferguson. Class 2—Steer under three years old. Six entries, Ist piize, John Ferguson; 2nd, John Ferguson ; highly commended, S. Garforth ; commended, S. Garforth. Class 3—Bullock over three years old. Six entries. Ist prize, S. Garforth ; 2nd, John Ferguson; highly commended, John Ferguson ; commended, E. Garland. Class 4—Heifer under two years old. Four entries. Ist prize, John Ferguson ; 2nd, John Ferguson. Class s—Heifer under three years old. Four entries. Ist prize, S. Garforth; 2nd, S. Garforth ; highly commended, John Ferguson. Class 6—Cow or Heifer over three years old-—lst prize, John Ferguson ; 2nd, John Ferguson ; highly commended, W. Marcroft. Class 7—Yeal Calf under eight weeks old —No entry. A prize of £2 for the best Fat Beast on the ground was awarded to Mr S. Garforth’s heifer over three years. EXTRA EXHIBITS, Ist prize, S. Garforth, one bullock, over three years; 2nd, John Ferguson, one bullock, , FAT SHEEP. Prizes—First prize, £2 ; second do, £l. Class I—Pen of ten Merino Wethers. No entry. Class 2 —Pen of five two-toothed halfbred Merino Wethers, by a down ram. No entry. Class 3—Pen of five four-tooth and upwards half-bred Merino Wethers, by a Down ram. Two entries. Ist prize, John Mann ; 2nd, Wm. Rossiter. Class 4—Pen of five tw o-toothed half-bred Merino Wethers, by any long-wOolled ram. No entry. Class 6—Pen of 'five four-toothed or upwards half-bred Merino Wethers, by any long woolled ram. No entry. Class 6—Pen of five two-toothed Down Wethers. One entry. Ist prize, H. B. Lane. Class 7—Pen of five four-toothed and upwards Down Wethers. One entry, Ist prize, Wm, Rossiter. Class B—Pen of five two-toothed Wethers, of any long-woolled breed. One entry. Ist prize, John Mann. Class 9—Pen of five Wethers, four-toothed and upwards, of any long-woolled breed. Three entries. Ist prize, W. B. [Andrew ; 2nd, Hon Ernest Gray; highly commended, Hon Ernest Gray. A prize of £2 for pen of five best Fat Sheep on the ground, irrespective of breed, was awarded to W. Rossiter, for pen of five four-toothed and upwards Down Wethers. EXTRA STOCK. Ist prize, John Mann. FAT PIGS. Entrance Fees—Each entry, 2s 6d. First prize, £2; second do, £l. Class I—Pen of five Porkers, under nine months old. Two entries. Ist prize, Henderson and Mcßeth; 2nd, John Mann. Class 2—Pen of five Porkers, over nine months old. No entry. Class 3—Pen of five Bacon Pigs, under twelve months old. No entry. Class 4—Pen of five Bacon Pigs, over twelve months old. No entry. Class s—For5 —For the best Bacon Pig of any age or breed on the ground. Two entries. Ist prize, D. Maydwell; 2nd, D, Maydwell.

BACON, CURED PORK, AND BEEF. First prize, £2; second do, £l. Class I—Two Flitches Bacon. Four entries. Ist prize, T, H. Green; 2nd, John Gilmour. Class 2—Two Flitches Smoked Bacon Four entries. Ist prize, John Gilmour; 2nd, John Gilmour. Class 3—Two Hams. Four entries. Ist prize, John Gilmour; 2nd, T. H. Green, Class i Two Smoked Hams. Four entries. Ist prize, John Gilmour; 2nd, T. H. Green. Class s—Three cwt Bacon. Three entries. Ist prize, John Gilmour; 2nd, T. H. Green. Class 6—One cwt Hams. Three entries. Ist prize, John Gilmour; 2nd, T. H. Green. Class 7—Barrel of Mess Pork, not less than one cwt. No entry. Class B—Barrel of Mess Beef, not less than one cwt. One entry. Ist prize, John Mann. Glass 9—Rolled Spiced Beef, not less than 201 bs weight. No entry. Class 10—Preserved Beef, in two, four, and six lb tins. No entry. Class 11—Preserved Mutton, in two, four, and six lb tins. No entry. Class 12—Preserved Sheep’s Tongues in two lb tins. No entry. FAT POULTRY. The Judges will consider quality, combined with weight. Exhibitors must find their own pens. Entrance fees —Ea*h entry, 2s 6d: Prizes—lst prize, *sl; 2nd, 10s;

Class I—Pen of three Geese. One entry. Ist prize, John Toon Class 2—Pen of three Turkeys. No award.

Class 3 --Pen of five Ducks. Three entries. Ist prize, Wm. Wilson; 2nd, John Mann. Class 4—Pen of five Fowls. No entry. Class ;6—One Goose dressed ready for cooking. No entry. Class 6—One Turkey dressed ready for cooking. No entry. Class 7—Two Ducks dressed ready for cooking. No entry. Class B—Two Fowls dressed ready for cooking. No entry. DAIRY PRODUCE. 31bs Fresh Butter. First prize,' £1 ; second, 10s. Four entries. Ist prize, A. J. Herrick ; 2nd, William Reed ; highly commended, John Campion. Salt Butter, for exportation, in casks of not less than COlbs, nor exceeding lOOlbs. The date of salting to be affixed to each exhibit, and to be declared at time of entry. First prize, £2 ; second, £l. No entry. Class I—Cheese1 —Cheese under I2lbs weight. First prize, £2 ; second, £l. Two entries. Ist prize, William Crow. Class 2—Cheese over 121bs and under 251bs weight. First prize, £2 ; second, £l. Three entries. No award. Class 3—Cheese over 251bs weight. First prize, £2 ; second, £l. Seven entries. Ist prize, 0, B. Candy ; 2nd, Wm. Crow. Extra Exhibit—Stilton Cheese—Highly commended, John Campion. GRAIN, SEEDS, AND ROOTS, All to be New Zealand Grown, Entrance Pees—Each entry, 2s 6d. First prize, £1; second do, 10s. Class I—Three1 —Three bushels Winter Wheat, White. One exhibit. Ist prize, John Newton, grown by Mr Sheppard, Cashel street east, on manured land. Class 2 —Three bushels Winter Wheat. Red. No entry. Class 3—Three bushels Spring Wheat. One exhibit. James Walls, Hunter’s White, disqualified, not being spring wheat. Class 4—Three bushels Short Oats. No entry. Class s—Three bushels White Tartarian Oats. No entry. Class 6—Three bushels Black Tartarian Oats. No entry. Class 7 —Three Bushels Barley, One entry. 2nd prize, Joseph Newton, Golden Mellon, malting barley, grown from imported seed on fine loam, partly manured, by W. J. G. Bluett, Esq,, Leeston. Class B—Three Bushels Rye. One entry, Joseph Newton, grown by John Grigg, Esq, Ldng Beach, on unmanured loam soil. No award. Class 9—Three Bushels Field Peas. One entry. 2nd prize, Joseph Newton, grown by Mr Marsh, Papanui, on strong loam land without manure.

Class 10—Three Bushels Field Beans. No entry. Class 11—Three Bushels Perennial Ryegrass Seed. Two exhibits. Ist prize, Robt Wilkin, grown by Rev T. R. Fisher, Irwell; 2nd, Wm Wilson. Class 12—Three Bushels Italian Ryegrass Seed. No entry. Class 13—One cwt Linseed. Two entries, Ist prize, Joseph Newton, grown by W. J. G. Bluett, Esq, Leeston, on manured strong loam ; 2nd, Wm Wilson. Class 14—One cwt Rape Seed. Two entries. Ist prize, Robert Wilkin, grown by W. A. Tolmie, Bsq, Balclutha, Otago ; commended, Joseph Newton, grown by E. Aymes, Esq, Broadlands, on strong soil partly manured. Class 15—Half-cwt Cocksfoot Seed. Four entries. Ist prize, Joseph Newton, grown by Miss Christina Marshall, of Pigeon Bay, unmanured ; 2nd, Robert Wilkin, grown by James Hay. Pigeon Bay. Class 16—Half-cwt Timothy Seed. No entry. Class 17 —Twelve Turnips, Swede. No entry. Class 18—Twelve Turnips, yellow. No entry. Class 19—Twelve Turnips, white. Two entries. Ist prize, Wm B. Tosswill; 2nd, H. Wash bourne.

Class 20—Twelve Carrots, red. Three entries. Ist prize, Bishop Brothers ; 2nd, John Mann, twenty-five loads manure to acre.

Class 21—Twelve Carrots, white or yellow. No entry. Class 22—Twelve Red Carrots for culinary purposes. Ist prize, John Mason. Class 23—Twelve Mangold Wurtzel, long. Six entries. Ist prize, 8. Garforth, horse manure used, land of fair quality ; 2nd, John Mann.

Class 24—Twelve Mangold Wurtzel, globe. Two entries. Ist prize, John Mann, on manured land ; 2nd, Peter Kerr, Class 25—Twelve Sugar Beet, Two entries. Ist prize, W. Marcroft; 2nd, John Mann, on manured land.

Class 26—One Cwt Potatoes, round. Four entries. Ist prize, Bishop Bros ; 2nd, John Toon. Class 27—One Cwt Potatoes, kidney. Two entries. Ist prize, John Greenaway ; 2nd, W, Wilson, Class 28—Six Field Cabbages. One entry. Ist prize, John Mann, with manure. Class 29—Twelve Kohl Rabi. One entry. Ist prize, John Mann. Class 30—1001 b Bag of Flour. No entry. Class 31—501 b Bag of Oatmeal. No entry. Class 32—Sack of Bran. No entry. Class 33—Sack of Sharps. No entry. Class 34—Half-ton Oaten Hay, in trusses. No entry. Class 35 —Half-ton Meadow Hay. No entry. Class 36—One cwt Meadow Hay. No entry. Class 37—One cwt Clover Hay—One entry. Ist prize, Henderson an Mcßeth. EXTRA EXHIBITS. Ist prize,Thomas Dowling,three bushels Ballarat White Wheat, imported from Tasmania. Joseph Newton, 1 sack Scott’s giant Italian rye grass ; 1 cwt prize green top turnip seed; Joseph Newton, 1 cwt prize Norfolk Trefoil ; Joseph Newton, 1 cwt prize Swedish Alsyke clover; Joseph Newton, 1 cwt prize Suffolk cowgrass clover; Joseph Newton, 1 cwt prize Flemish red clover; Joseph Newton, 1 cwt prize Silesian white clover ; Joseph Newton, 1 cwt lamb’s tongue, for hill sowing ; highly commended by the judges as being a very good sample of seeds. Ale —No entry. Malt—Not less than one bushel —No entry Porter—No entry. The following protests were entered during the day, and considered by the committee:— In class 1, fat cattle, Mr Ferguson entered a protest against Mr Garforth’s exhibit on

the ground of over age, the judges having awarded it a second prize. This protest was allowed, and Mr Ferguson therefore takes second prize as the only other exhibitor. In class 3, bullock over three years old, Mr Ferguson entered a protest against Mr Garforth’s exhibit in the same class, which took first prize, on the ground that be had taken a prize at the last Metropolitan Show. This protest, after some discussion, was disallowed.

In class 4, heifer under two years old, Mr Ferguson protested against Mr Garforth’s exhibit, which gained first prize, on the ground of over age. After some discussion, Messrs D. Gebbie, A. A. Fantham, and J. Mcllwraith were appointed a sub-committee to examine the beast, and report to the committee. The result of the examination was that the protest was allowed. In class 26, potatoes (round), Mr J. Toon protested against Messrs Bishop Brothers getting the first prize, on the ground that the exhibit was unsound. The protest was disallowed, as reflecting on the decision of the judges. The following were the judges in the various classes, viz:— Fat Cattle—Messrs J. Thomson, H. J. Washbourne, and James Hay. Fat Sheep—Messrs W. H. Mein, M. Jones, Parnham, Cresswell, and P. Grant. Fat Pigs—Messrs Watt, Gilmour, Duncan. Bacon, Cured Pork and Beef—Messrs Sutherland, J. W, Morton, J. Beharrel, J. A. Eankin.

Pat Poultry and Dairy Produce—Messrs W. Munnings, W. A. Knapman, Jameson. Grain, Seeds, and Roots—Messrs W. Lawry, W. Ross, P. Cunningham, A. Duncan, J. B. Way.

A special committee meeting was held at 2 p.m., to confer with a deputation from the Jockey Club as to the date to be fixed for the Metropolitan show. There was a very large attendance of members, Mr H. P. Murray-Aynsley occupying the chair.

The chairman said that this meeting had been convened in order to allow the deputation from the Jockey Club to bring forward their reasons for asking the association to change the day of the show from Tuesday 9th to Thursday 11th. The Canterbury Jockey Club suggested that his Honor the Superintendent should be requested to proclaim Thursday, 11th November, as a holiday, in honour of the Prince of Wales’ birthday, upon which day the association might hold their show, leaving the club to fix Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for their races.

Mr G. Gould said he thought it would be a mistake for the association to give up the 9th November as their show day.. While he was quite willing to meet the Jockey Club as far as possible in this matter, he thought they must look after their own interests, and retain the original date of their show. The chairman said that the association could not go with any good grace to the Superintendent and ask him to proclaim a public holiday on the Thursday, - because Tuesday would suit the association equally as well.

Mr Wilkin, while quite willing to meet the views of the Jockey Club in every way, would wish to impress upon the meeting that the decision of the day of their show would have a most important bearing on the funds of the association. He did not think that the association should be asked to go to the Government and request them to alter the date of the celebration of the Prince of Wales’ birthday. If the Jockey Club went to the Government and obtained the alteration of the day till Thursday, then the association would be quite willing to take that as their show day. He would therefore move—“ That the deputation from the Jockey Club be informed that if the Jockey Club succeed in obtaining the alteration of the day of celebrating the Prince of Wales’ birthday, the association will take that day as their principal show day.” Mr Peter Cunningham suggested that it would only be courteous to the Jockey Club to allow the deputation to make their views known before coming to any resolution. After some short time had elapsed, the deputation from the Jockey Club, comprising Captain Clogstoun, Colonel Packe, and Messrs Griffith and Digby, were introduced. Captain Clogstoun said that the proposition they had to-day before the meeting was that a joint deputation of the Jockey Club and association should wait upon the Superintendent and ask him to proclaim Thursday, November 11th, as a general holiday. The Jockey Club would then be enabled to race on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving Thursday free for the show day of the association. Mr Wilkin pressed his motion, which was seconded by Mr John Ferguson. Mr G. F. Barker moved as an amendment —“ That the association join with the Jockey Club in obtaining the alteration of the celebration of the Prince of Wales’ birthday from Tuesday, the 9th ; to Thursday, the 11th November.” Mr J. T, Ford seconded the amendment. After some discussion, Mr Barker’s amendment was put and negatived by seventeen to six. Mr Wilkin’s motion was then put and carried; Captain Clogstoun said, on behalf of the Jockey Club, that he declined the responsibility of going to the Superintendent alone, and that therefore matters must remain as they were. The deputation then retired, and the meeting thereupon terminated. THE DINNER. The dinner was held at the White Hart Hotel, at six o’clock. From sixty-five to seventy persons sat down to the dinner, the catering of which by Mr J. Oram Sheppard was unexceptionable, a feature being the excellence of the waiting arrangements. The chair was occupied by Mr MurrayAynsley, president of the Association, with Mr M. Studholme, and Mr M, S. Campbell on his right, and Messrs W. Tosswill| and H. E. Alport on the left. The vice-chairs were filled by Sir Cracroft Wilson, and Mr R. Wilkin, vice-presidents. After the cloth had been cleared, the chairman gave the toasts of “ The Queen, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales and Royal Family,” which were duly honored, the chairman remarking that the Prince of Wales was on the eve of paying a visit to India, after which he might probably visit Australia, and arrive in New Zealand in time probably to be present at the next show of the Association. [Cheers.] The chairman proposed the health of His Excellency the Governor,” whom he learnt had expressed an intention of visiting the

November Exhibition of the association. [Applause.] The toast was enthusiastically drank. The “ Army, Navy, and Volunteers ” was the next toast proposed, and duly drank to. Mr W. B. Toaswill was certain those present would drink in a hearty manner the toast placed in his hands, which was the Members of the General Assembly ” coupled with the name of Sir Cracroft Wilson. [Cheers.] He was sure that that name had only to be mentioned to ensure commendation, for it was well known that when Sir Oracroft Wilson put his hand to anything he stuck to it until a successful determination had resulted. [Applause.] He would only add that the name of the gentleman he had coupled with the toast would cause it to be most heartily received. [ Cheers.] The toast was cordially drunk with musical honors.

Sir Cracroft Wilson, who on rising was received with cheers, said that the depressing influences of that day would, he was sure, prevent his making a long speech. The cause which was the result of the depressing influence upon him would, he felt, settle the question of the utility of holding another midwinter show—[Applause]—the holding of which he ought to mention injustice, that he and another vice-president had protested against. Through the reporters the public would be informed of what was done at the show, and said that night, and he would prefer saying nothing more in this respect. He, with others, would soon be leaving to go up to the Assembly, It had been said that the coming session of the Assembly was likely to be a long one, and that the intended action of Sir Geo. Grey, which seemed to have been made aware to some, would tend to the session being other than a quiet one. He, however, had no desire to stand in the position of a prophet, and would go up determined to carry out those measures which would result in universal benefit. [Loud cheers.] He must express his gratification at the manner in which the toast had been received by the company. [Applause.] Mr R. Wilkin said a toast had been assigned to him which he felt assured would be drank most heartily. Before giving the toast he ought to tell them that those gentlemen who had held the position of Superintendent had each of them taken a warm interest in agriculture, and it would be invidious for him to particularise any particular Superintendent, but he should still say that of all that had been done by the other Superintendents, the manner in which our present Superintendent had worked to promote the cause of agriculture throughout the province deserved their warmest recognition —[loud applause]—and had he the opportunity of telling them what had been the immediate and indirect results of his Honor’s efforts, he felt sure they would applaud as long as the time of the evening would have permitted. [Cheers.] His Honor would have been present that evening to respond to the toast, but for a previous engagement to attend with his family a charitable entertainment being held that evening. He felt sure that notwithstanding the unavoidable absence of his Honor, the toast would be drank most heartily. The toast was received with cheers three times three, and “ For he’s a jolly good fellow.”

Mr A. Duncan was called upon to sing a song, but in his absence Mr Alport favored the company with “The brave old oak.” Mr Alport proposed the toast of “ The Provincial Council.” It was generally the rule that politics were eschewed at meetings of that kind, yet he could not agree with transferring the internal management of government to a distance of 200 miles. Under any arrangement the result must be pretty well the same, as he knew that when the income of the province was only £25,000, the expenditure was £25,449 —[laughter]— and if it were a million there would not be any material difference in the result. The Provincial Council had done good woik, and he believed would do good work still. With the toast he would couple the name of Mr W. B. Tosswill.

Mr Tosswill, in responding, thanked them for the hearty manner in which the toast had been received. A great deal had been said and written about the Provincial Council, but he took leave to say that from the work done by that body no one need be ashamed to say he belonged to the Council. It was now about fourteen years since he was first elected a member, and he believed that all the members elected from the first had endeavored to do their duty. He did not intend to make a political speech, but he must express his opinion that before provincial institutions are done away with a general election should take place, so that the electors of this province should have an opportunity of giving their views upon it. Mr Tosswill concluded by referring to the vote granted to the association, the obtaining of which had caused odium being cast on some members, and he hoped that all the votes of the Council would be as well spent for general good as that granted to the association. [Loud and prolonged cheers,] The toasts of the “Judges,” “ The Successful Competitors,” “ Unsuccessful Competitors,” “ Agricultural and Pastoral Association,” “ Kindred Associations,” “ Yard Committee,” “The Secretary (Mr J. T. Ford),” “Treasurer (Mr D. Craig)” “ Strangers,” “ Dinner Committee,” “Ladies,” “ Press,” “ Chairman and Vice-chairman,” were proposed and duly responded to, with musical intervals, and the company separated at an early hour,