NORTHERN SHOW.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 436, 5 November 1875, Page 3

NORTHERN SHOW.

President—Mr John McFarlane. VicePresidents—Messrs J. B. Brown, M.H.R, ; B. L. Higgins, M.P.C. ; H. Blackett, Capt Parsons. Working committee —Messrs J. C. Boys, Wm Bramley, W. Burt, Geo Cone, S. Coleman, M. Duncan, M. Dalziell, J. Guild, J. Horse, H. Hinge, M. Jones, C. G. King, G. H. Lee, John Lilly, J. Luxton, C. Merton, W. McGregor, E. Mulcock, F. M. Hickman, J. Stevenson, J. Skirington, P. C. Threlkeld, L. C. Williams, J. Wheeler, J. Walls, C. Young. Hon Secretary and Treasurer—Mr W. Buss.

Thursday, in spite of the unfavorable State of the weather, the second exhibition of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, held on its grounds at Rangiora, was an entire success. On having reached the second year since the association has been established on a sounder basis, it must be with no slight feelings of pride that the public of the Northern district looked over the catalogue of 386 entries, and remarked the addition of 119 on the entries of last year. A glance at the statement at the end of this report will show the increase in the various departments. No doubt a very keen interest is beginning to be felt in its welfare, and the support thereof is becoming yearly further extended. On the list of its council will be perceived BCTeral of the leading men who have recently been pushing its claims to notice in their respective neighborhoods. The result is that had Thursday only been preceded by a few clear days, and itself been favored with sonny weather, there would have been an assemblage of over 2000 persons on the show ground, and one of the best country exhibitions ever held in the province. From the central position of the ground it is an excellent trysting place. The Bhow ground has already been referred to as perfect in every way, and the arrangement of the exhibits was not to be found fault with, in regard to the difficulty of finding out the exhibits for the number ot private prizes, which it would be well if the ground committee could obviate in future. The class stewards deserve a word pf praise for the manner in which they discharged their onerous duties, but in future they might, if possible, send in the list of awards to the secretary's office more ! promptly ; this having been neglected in one class caused some amount of inconvenience. The pens for cattle appeared all filled ; the sheep pens showed a few vacancies. The stands for horses were all taken up, the implements occupying a fair portion of the ground. In the centre of the paddock was the secretary's office, at which Mr Buss, ever courteous and ready, was kept going in attending to the various questions or wants. Next was a tent in which was displayed a number of sewing machines by Mr Charles Turner; Mr Gee's confection booth; a tent

for manufactures; the publican's and luncheon booth, both under the charge of Mr Conway, While Crane Hotel, who from hid popularity was well patronised. Between the booths were stands for the brass band of Herr Bunz. and the drummers and fifers of No 5 C.H.C, which alternately played selections of rcu ic.

The attendance of visitors was very good considering the unfavorable state of the weather. The amount taken at the gate was £55 12a 6d.

The entries of sheep this year as catalogued were thirty-two in excess of last year, and so far as the Leicester, Lincoln, and Koraney Marsh classes were concerned showed a corresponding improvement in quality, the two latter especially so. In the first named class Mr P. C. Threlkeld was the largest prize taker, showing some rare specimens of the Leicester, his ram by Jock 2nd, above eighteen months old, taking the first prize in his class, and also Mr Marcroft's special prize for the best Leicester ram on the ground. He is certainly a splendid sheep all over, showing any amount of quality. There were many persons present who pitted Mr Marcroft's Standard Bearer against the prizetaker for this special prize, but the judges seemed to get over the difficulty very easily, many believing that though the latter animal is a young elephant in frame, even throughout, and a perfect wool bale, those gentlemen must have believed that he possessed plainly at least one characteristic of the Lincoln type. Here it may be mentioned that the classification in the Leicesters showed very indifferent judgment, and where one exhibitor had tiro or three pens to sort from, the neglect (for it can have been little less with such steep to work on) was more to be wondered at. It was remarked that many of the exhibits in this class seemed to droop in the neck, but the late heavy rains experienced would no doubt, in many cases, cause the wool to "sagg," and thus in heavy fleeced sheep give somewhat this appearance. The champion prize for the best eight longwoolled sheep was taken by Mr Threlkeld. In the Lincoln class Mr H. B. Gresson and Mr Macfarlane were successful exhibitors, while six imported ewes, above eighteen months, show by the latter gentleman were perfect pictures, the first prize pen in the class especially so. In Komney Marsh's the Messrs Boys showed some excellent animals, and were the most successsful prize takers in this class, Messrs lee Bros also taking a first prize with a magnificent sheep. It is to be regretted that the late rains prevented Mr H. Revell sending in his entries of Romneys. The Merino class was also unrepresented, as Messrs Mathias and Ensor were unable to cross the Ashley with their exhibits, owing to its present slightly flooded state. The show of Downs was very poor, but the fat sheep were exceedingly good, and a lot of lambs shown by Mr Buss were not only really good of themselves, but in comparison with the exhibits of lambs at Lincoln were a magnificent lot.

The cattle shown were a decided improvement on those of last year, Mr P. C. Threlkeld's first prize bull being a splendid animal, and a bull calf shown by the same gentleman commanding ■ considerable attention. For a grazing district, the exhibits in the milch class must be considered a disappointment, if only on account of the low condition of the cows. In the fat class, <Mr J. Hurse had two monster carcased bullocks, looking as big as the side of a house, but their size was their best recommendation. Mr Hurse exhibited two splendid heifers for butcher quality and good breeding, one especially looking a picture. The following are the detailed notices of the various classes : SHEEP.

The Merinoes as before mentioned were unrepresented. In class 8, Leicester ram, above eighteen months, Mr P. C. Threlkeld took first prize with his ram by Jock 2nd, a fine' even framed sheep, wool close, and of splendid quality, but not long in the staple, the ram showing his breeding all over. Mr Threlkeld also took Mr Marcroft's prize of £3, open to allcomers, for the best Leicester ram on the ground, with this exhibit. The second prize in this class was also taken by Mr Threlkeld with a square framed, close and heavy woolled sheep. Mr Macfarlane received commendation for a nice sheep, a good wool carrier, but not so good in the neck or head as the second prize taker. In class 9, ram under eighteen months, he took first and second prizes ; the first by Scotland being a large sheep for bis age, even framed, with heavy fleece, of good quality and long staple, and showing his breeding all over. The second prize taker, also by Scotland, though a good framed sheep for his age, with heavy fleece of good quality drooped slightly in the fore-quarters. In class 10, three ewes above eighteen months, with lamb at foot, the first prize again fell to Mr Threlkeld for a very even pen of sheep, big frames, showing good breeding, and heavy wool carriers. Mr Threlkeld also gained second prize for a pen of big framed and heavily fleeced ewes, one especially being perfect all over. Mr Macfarlane received high commendation for an uneven pen of sheep, though large framed and heavily fleeced. There was, however, one really good ewe in this pen. A very uneven pen in the same class, shown by Mr Threlkeld, contained one really splendid ewe, a large framed heavy fleeced sheep, with wool of excellent quality, her head, however, being a trifle off, but had she been well matched, must certainly have taken first honors. In class 11, three ewes under eighteen months, Mr Threlkeld again took first and second prizes, the first with three beautiful sheep, having good frames, but unevenly classed, both in wool and frame, a mistake that throughout | had occurred with this gentleman's exhibits. The second prize takers were well framed sheep, good wool carriers, but unevenly classed. The prize of £3 in class 12, for the best Leicester ram on the ground, was taken by Mr Threlkeld's ram by Jock IL In this class Mr Marcroft showed Standard Bearer and Grand Duke, two rams too well known to require description. In class 13, Lincoln breed, Mr J. Macfarlane took first and second prizes, the first with a fine framed magnificently fleeced sheep of good I quality, showing true Lincoln characteristics, but a trifle slack in the forequarters, and drooping slightly in the neck. The second prize taker, though not so large framed, w»b

a good wool carrier, with fleece of excellent quality. Mr Patchett was highly commended for a large framed well woolled sheep in this class. Mr H. B. Gresson's sheep shown was a good sheep of true Lincoln type, but rather open fleece. The first prize in class 14—ram under eighteen months, was taken by Mr H. B. Gresson, with a large framed sheep, even all over, carrying a magnificent fleece, of great length, nearly touching the ground. He is a grand sheep, well deserved hid place, and must have given the judges little difficulty in arriving at their decision. Mr Threlkeld took second prize in this class with a good woolled sheep, close and fine woolled, with long staple, but drooped slightly at the neck, leaving an impression that he did not have a strong constitution. Another ram exhibited by Mr Gresson was commended. In class 15, three ewes above eighteen months, with lamb at foot, Mr J. Macfarlane took first and second prize, with two pens of imported ewes, the first three splendid large framed sheep, heavily fleeced, with wool of good quality, a really grand peD. The second was also a splendid pen, but not well classed, two of the ewes being really magnificent sheep. Mr Threlkeld had a pen in this class highly commended, three even sheep, not large framed, but carrying heavy fleeces of good wool. A second pen of Mr Threlkeld's, though well fleeced sheep, were unevenly classed. In class 16, three ewes under eighteen months old, the first prize fell to Mr H. B. Gresscn, for an even pen of rather small framed ewes, heavily fleeced, but had the appearance of slightly drooping at the neck. This might have probably been caused by the late wet weather, if so, age will no doubt remedy the defect mentioned. The second prize was taken by Mr Threlkeld with a pen of well-framed and well-fleeced sheep for their age. In class 18, Romney Marsh sheep, Messrs Lee Bros took first prize with a long-framed, heavy sheep, carrying a splendid fleece of good quality and of long staple for his breed. MessrsD. and D.Cameron took second prize for along, fairly framed, and heavy woolled sheep, but looking a trifle narrow. A second pen shown by the same gentlemen, were a fine even framed lot of sheep, but the staple of the wool was not of the same length as the other pen. Mr Parsons was highly commended for a pen in this class. In class 19, ram under eighteen months old, the first prize fell to Mr J. C. Boys, for a pen of large framed heavily woolled sheep, showing breeding all over, the second prize also being taken by Mr Boys for a fairly framed sheep for his age, heavily woolled ; an entry by Mr J. Lilly was commended. In class 20, three ewes above eighteen months, Mr Boys took first and second prizes, the first being an even pen of square framed sheep, heavily fleeced, the wool nearly touching the ground. The second >pen were larger framed sheep, but not\ quite so even. In class 21, three ewes under eighteen months, Mr Boys was awarded first prize for beautiful evenly matched sheep, in fact the best classed pen on the ground ; well-framed sheep, even throughout, and heavily fleeced with good quality wool. Mr Boys also took second prize with a pen of even framed heavily woolled sheep, showing plenty of breeding. Messrs Lee Brothers received high commendation for a pen of fair sheep, showing good breeding. The prize of £3, best ram of any age, also fell to Mr Boys for a heavy square-framed sheep, close fleece, of long staple, and showing plenty of breeding. The Downs were not well represented, Mr J. Hurse being the only exhibitor, and taking three first and one second prize. In class 27, best pen of five long wool ewes, originally bred from merino ewes, Mr J. C. Boys took first prize in the old class for a pen of very good sheep, Mr J. Hurse taking second prize in the same class ; the first and second prize for young sheep in the same class falling to Messrs Lee Bros. In class 28, five half-bred ewes, progeny of merino ewes and longwooled sheep, Mr Hurse took first prize, and Mr J. Seaton second. The first pen was not very well matched, but showed most merino in their wool, while the second showed more of the long wool cross. In class 29, best pen of five half bred ewe hoggets, Mr Hurse took first and second prize, within the first a pen of nice even, well-woolled sheep, the second pen being rather small framed, and not evenly matched. The fat class was fairly represented, Mr J. Macfarlane taking first prize for ten merino wethers ; Mr J. Hurse second in that class, and first and second for the five Down wethers, taking another first prize in the pen of five wethers first cross from merino, and a special prize given by Mr Wheeler. A pen of ten lambs, shown by Mr W. Buss, gained a first prize, and deservedly so. Mr Threlkeld took the prize of £lO for the best eight long-woolled sheep on the ground.

CATTLE, la class 1, bull of any age, Mr P. G. Threlkeld carried of first honors with Prince Imperial, a large bodied beast, splendid quarters and shoulders, good girth, good head, color, and handler, in fact good all over and a credit to the district, Mr G. Kilgour took second prize with Cantab, a good square bull, rather small and dropping a little behind the hips. Space will not permit us to describe the cattle further, but we may say there were a few good cows in the milch class, though some had evidently been wrongly entered ; that Mr Hurse's two exhibits in the fat class were tremendous carcased bullocks, but somewhat slack in the fore quarters, and evidently old workers; that Mr Hurse showed a very nice steer, which took a first prize in its class and Mr Ferguson's prize of £2 ; and that the heifers exhibited by Messrs Cone and Wheeler and Mr J. Hurse were perfect pictures, and deserved their prizes. BLOOD HORSES, &C. In this portion of the exhibition the classes were well represented. Class 1 produced Mr Holley's Marmion, which was in fine order, and carried off the blue ribbon —viz, first honors in that class. In the class for best blood entires, and standing first up for Mr Eurse's special prize, Mr Vallance's Defamer was second, and a good horse too, but a trifle lighter than his rivals. Mr Collier's Sorcerer was entered, but, coming late on the ground, was not seen by the judges in the ring. He was not looking quite so well as usual, being just recovering from a spell of three weeks

with the fever. In class 2, two year-old entires, there were no entries. For the class 3, brood mares, four entered, but only two were exhibited—viz, Mr Cooe's Phoebe and Mr McFarlane's Kate, the latter with foal, carried off the first prize easily. In class 4, two-year-old fillies, Mr Cone exhibited a compact chestnut, with good action and breeding which carried away the chief prize. Mr Day's exhibit received deserved high commendation. Class 15, hackney entire horses, brought out Messrs Hill and Brown's Prickwillow to the fore, looking in excellent condition, seconded by Mr Evans' Mungo Park. Young Diomedes appeared to have been wrongly entered in this class. The roadsters hacks were Mr Blunden's Mailman, an old first prize horse of sterling merit, and Mr Burrows' grey mare Duchess second, although several considered Mr Hurse's bay gelding should have stood in the place higher than highly com- j mended. Class 17, for ladies' horses, brought seven entriep, Hiawatha, a good good style of lady's hack, and carrying a pretty side saddle, passed the first prize to Mr Macfarlane. Mr Gresson's Lightfoot, a neat horse, but seemingly faulty in one pin, being placed second ; the rest in the class being average animals, Kate excepted as a screw. In class 18, hackney brood mare, Mr Hurse's Peeress, to which the judges' attention was directed, was considered a mare worthy of a prize ; three other entries did not appear. The best pony. entire, under fourteen hands, was certainly the favorite Duke of Edinburgh, the property of Mr Watson ; Tommy Dodd, two years, twelve and a half hands, belonging to Mr Turner, being a natty little animal. The cob mares or geldings, not exceeding fourteen and a half hands, were headed by Mr Buss's bay cob Supplejack, a real useful animal ; Mr Chapman's mare coming in second, In class 21, boy's pony, not thirteen hands. Mr Watson's Nancy was placed first, Mr Rickman's Kitty second, but both it and Captain Parson's Mouse were to several minds better worthy of the prize. The leaping match attracted a fair amount of notice. Instead of having to go over several flights of hurdles, the horses were simply put over a padded bar. The entries were Messrs Weston, Wood, and Murfifc, the horse ridden by the former clearing the bar in the best style. Mr Blackett's prize, for which there were seven entries, was carried of by Hanna and Co with a pair of greys, one of Mr Burt's horses possessing several good points. The exhibit of Mr Faulkner, for Mr Vallance's prize, was fully deserving of the same. DRAUGHT HORSES. The show of draught horses was particularly noteworthy, the main class being class 6 for entires, brought out nine entries. The first on the list and first prize taker, as well as victor among five others, for Mr McFarlane's prize of* £lO, was Sir Walter Scott, owned by Mr Walls, this horse presents a noble fore end, and looks really well after his somewhat unfortunate season last year. The second was Mr Bowie's Lord Ravenswood, which did not seem to be too full of flesh, but in such a condition as to be fairly judged. Mr Holly's Noble, showing more substance than last year, was highly commended. Mr Cone's Rob Roy, a beautiful black imported horse, but a trifle light |in the gaskins, was commended. The other exhibits were Prince Arthur, Young Dan O'Connell, Conqueror, Bonapart, and Rob Roy ; the latter a horse possessed of qualities which ought to bring him into more notice. In class 7, for two-year-old entires, competition was anticipated, but the only entry, Mr Ellis's Heather Jock, on his first exhibition, well merited the first prize awarded. He resembles Lord Glasgow, only a little light in the arm, but well formed below the knee, and a well topped horse. For three-year-old entires, Mr Smith's Glengarry distanced his rivals, there being no necessity to look for the prize ticket, as it was certain it must fall to his lot. This horse is an importation from Victoria, and promises to turn out a serviceable horse to this country. Mr Duffell's Pretender took second, but he has not grown much since last year. In this class Mr Wilson's Scotch Jock arrived after the judges had made the awards. In class 8, for mares with foal, there were six or seven splendid mares entered, but three were not present. Mr Wall's Jean, although not to a cursory appearance so well bred as one of the others, took first prize, Mr Ellis's Nina second, the contest between these and Mr Tibbot's exhibit being very close. There was a sharp run in class 9, resulting in favor of Mr Pashby's filly, by Sir Colin ; Mr Peach's exhibit second. The grey colt shown by Mr Bassingthwaite were useful,but not likely tn be prize takers. In class 10, Mr Peach's exhibit came to the front, Mr Stevenson's colt second: Mr Bowie's Duchess highly commended, Mr Wall's Blossom being in too good company to be a prize taker, and Flora, his best entry, having met with an accidental kick, could not be present. Class 11, with eight entries, was represented first by Mr J. Stevenson's colt by Lord Lome, Mr Fawcett's colt by Black Prince, second; Mr Garland's exhibit highly commended, and Mr Scoone's exhibits, both grand colts, commended; Mr McFarlan's filly by Rob Roy gaining the honors of Mr Cone's prize. The pairs of mares and geldings, shown in harness, drew a great number of spectators, the honors falling to Mr Ellis, for Charley and Tom, Mr Walls second, with Prince and Captain; Charley taking second place in the class 15. This latter class elicited more attention than any other, for in it were the etars. Mr Walls' mare, Maggie Craig, about the best that ever crossed the equator, even and well formed throughout, was speedily dismissed with the pink first prize card. The other entries were Mr Williams's grey gelding Farmer, a really useful mare. Mr Stevenson's Blossom a chestnut mare, but a trifle lighter than the others, received the commendation ticket. Mr Wall's Dasb, a roomy mare, was highly commended. In class 14 Mr Walls had it all his own way with Pride of Scotland, which walked into the ring with a step which meant " Here I come;" he is a real model of the Clydesdale, and for his enterprise his owner, who ran all the risk of not having him insured on the voyage from Scotland, deserves well of the public. Pride received the highesthonors without a demur. Mr Walls' entries of Scotland's Pride, Sir Walter Scott, Maggie Craig, and Jean, the pinks of the draughts, carried off Messrs Threlkeld and Guild's prize of £lO Two protests were lodged and considered by

the committee, the first made by Mr Ooue against Sir Walter Scott, being a horse which was not regularly travelling the disrict. This was disallowed; the second was made by Mr Garland against Mr Stevenson's colt in class 11, on account of not being sound. This was deferred for further consideration by the committee. PIGS. The grunters shewn were all of superior merit ; six hogs competed in class 1, the prize falling to Messrs Cameron's splendid animal of the Berkshire bred ; Mr Skevington second with a fine haired animal shewing plenty of quality ; Mr Fawcett's exhibit commended. For sow of any age Messrs Burt, Fawcett, and Cameron sent exhibits, the latter taking away first and Mr Burt second. For litter of pigs, bacon pig, and 'three porkers there were no eutries. POULTRY. The exhibition in this department was somewhat deficient, but, as a first attempt, deserves encouragement. Mr Aherne's game fowls were not deemed of merit sufficient to take a prize ; Mr Vincent's Dorkings took first prize ; Mr McFarlane's Spanish fowls were not brought on to the ground. In Brahmas there were three entries, Mr Thome's exhibit being placed first; Mr J. Downs highly commended, but would have taken first prize if crie of the hens had been better ; Mr Burt commended ; Mr Todd's was the only entry, and took first prize for barndoors; Mr Nielsen first with Sultan bantams; Mr F. Lilly first .with fine Polands; and Mr Bust first for an excellent pen of five hens and cock of any kind. Cochin China fowls, ducks, geese, and turkeys were not represented. SHEEP DOGS. Eight sagacious canines were entered in the list, but two or three did not come on the ground, and the best one made good his escape. Mr Hurse's Tom was certainly the best, and Mr Burt's Scot second ; but in future it would be well to adopt the plan in the old country, of testing the dogs with a few wild sheep.

IMPLEMENTS. Keetley Brothers, successors of J. Keetley, sent the majority of the exhibits, for double furrow plough, with subsoiler single plough, field gate, plough and subsoiled, and heavy roller receiving first honors. Mr Little was represented in classes for light and heavy harrows with implements which came in for first prize and Mr Skevington's extra prize. Classes for two horse farm dray, best collection husbandry tools, tip cart and reaping machine, were not represented. Mr Brown was awarded first prize for a seed drill, and in extra stock for a hedge trimmer, which has previously been described. An elevator for conveying chaff from a chaff cutter, so as to fill bags, invented by Mr Bell, was awarded a first prize, and from its usefulness, would be likely to come into general use. Mr Johnston's toot cutter received favorable mention as a model; a set of three horse power equalising swingletrees by some oversight not receiving a prize. Mr Moore obta ; ned a first prize for single seated buggy ; a wagonette and light wagon being also entitled to favorable notice, but arriving on the ground after the judges had finished their duties, DAIRY PRODUCE. Without question the quality of the exhibits in the tent were exceptional. Mrs Miln, a previous prize taker, received firßt prize for 31bs fresh butter, Mrs Thompson second, Mrs Skevington highly commended, out of eleven entries. All the butter was firm and free from buttermilk. Hanna and Go's prize also went to Mrs Miln and Mrs Peach, the latter taking prize for salt butter. Mr Wylie's cheese, the only entry, was excellent. The bacon was pronounced by the judges not to be good. Mr Hinge's smoked hams were awarded first, and Mr Croft's second. NEW ZEALAND MANUFACTURES. Mr Truman's case of boots attracted general attention. Mr Sklaark showed a set of trap harness. Mr Thome gained first prize for bale each of scoured merino and long wool, both of which were much admired. No entries were made for beer, leading and shaft harness, or saddles. Mrs H. Banks sent for exhibition a shawl and two scarfs spun and made by exhibitor, which deserved first prize, and Messrs Capil Brothers took first for two tins of hand and machine made biecuits that were pretty well tried by the spectators. THE DINNER. The annual dinner was held at Sinclair's Hotel in the evening when about seventy sat down to an excelleut spread. Mr John McFarlaue, president of the society occupied the ch;Jr. On the cloth being removed, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and dulj honored. The vice chairman proposed " The Superintendent and his Executive," which was responded to by Mr Cunningham. Mr Lee proposed the " General Assembly," which was responded to by Mr J. E. Brown.

Mr Buss proposed " The Kindred Societies," which was responded to by Mr Garforth. Mr Brown proposed the " Successful Competitors," replied to by Mr Hurse. The secretary, Mr Buss, then read out the list of successful competitors in the different classes.

Captain Parsons then proposed the " Unsuccessful Competitors," which was drunk with cheers.

Mr J, E. Brown responded. Mr C. Merton proposed the health of " Mr John Macfarlane, the president of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association."

The toast was drunk with musical honors and three times three.

Mr Macfarlane responded. Mr R. L. .tiiggins, M.P.C., proposed " The Judges," coupled with the names of Messrs Guild and Garforth. Messrs Guild and Garforth replied.

'I he toast of " The Working Committee," was proposed by the vice-chairman. The committee was composed of Messrs Cone. McGregor, W. A. Burt, and C. G. King, who responded.

Mr R. Aherne proposed—" The Health of the .Secretary, Mr W. Buss." He wished to draw attention to the fact that for five years no show was held at Rangiora, and it was through the exertions of Mr Buss that the shows were resuscitated there. A few of his friends had resolved to show their appreciation of his services by giving him a testimonial. Last year he had declined to receive an honorarium for his indefatigable services, but this jear they had decided to offer him something which he could not decline, and he would now hand over to the President for presentation a handsome gold watch and scarf-pin. As they were purchased only last night no inscriptions had been placed on them, but it would be done at first opportunity. The chairman then, with a few remarks, handed the testimonial to Mr Buss, and the toast was drunk amidst the greatest enthusiasm, and deafening cheers.

Mr Buss said that he had not the least idea that they proposed giving him such a handsome testimonial. His sympathies were quite with the officers of the society, and the the members of the committee had all of them been very attentive to the duties of their office, and had worked hard to get the money required to hold the show. Last year there was a good balance in hand after paying for the show, and he thought that the show that day was most successful considering the state of the weather. The north was always much moie appreciated by the people of Christchurch than the South as a place of pleasure. He begged again to thank them for the testimonial he had just received, and he hoped to hold for many years the confidence which he appeared now to have, and would always do what he could to be useful in the district. [Cheers] The toasts of "The Gatekeepers," "The Chairman," •' Vice-Chairman," " The Press," " The Class Stewards," and " The Host and Hostess," were then proposed. During the evening some excellent songs were sung by Messrs Merton, Young, Garforth, Guild, King;, and others.