LEESTON SHOW.

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

LEESTON SHOW.

Committee —Messrs C. J. Bridge, H. P. Hill, W. Bishop, 0. Browne, W. G. Lunn, J. Cunningham, D. Moorhead, M. S. Campbell, J. Dilloway R. Lockhead, G. Sandrey, J. Boag, W. Graham, J. Stevens, J. Smithson, G. B. Woodman, D. Marshall, J. Osborne, J. Barnett, J. J. Loe; secretary, Mr J. Lewis. The annual show under the auspices of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association, took place on Thursday at Leeston, and notwithstanding the facility afforded for reaching the grounds by means of the railway, the attendance of visitors was by no means as numerous as might have been expected. This result was due no doubt in a great measure to the northern show being fixed for the same day at Rangiora, a clashing which it is to be hoped will not again occur. The weather on Wed» nesday night and early on the morning of the show was the reverse of promising, but as the day wore on it improved, and the weather from 10 o'clock was beautiful. Mr Button's band was on the ground and played a variety of selections during the day. Of the show itself taken throughout, though not exhibiting that advance on last year that might reasonably be looked for, it may be said that it was a fair success in the various departments, the horses especially being well up to the mark. We cannot compliment the Leeston farmers on their show of pigs, which was anything but creditable. This is the more remarkable when we consider that the export of hams and bacon is rapidly becoming one of the staple industries of the province. The private prizes, of which there was a goodly show, with one or two exceptions, were not awarded, on account of the paucity of entries, Mr H. J. Hall secured the prize given by the Lyttelton limes for the greatest number of points, the struggle lying between him and Mr Bluett. Mr Hall's victory was a welldeserved one, as he has been a careful and spirited breeder, introducing the best strains of blood, and therefore all will agree in cordially congratulating him on his success. The dairy produce, though bringing out a large number of entries in the fresh butter class, was not remarkable for excellence, comparing unfavorably in point of merit with the Lincoln show of the other day. The cheese exhibits, though small in number, were good in quality; one exhibit, that shown by Mr Marshall, being fully equal in point of quality to the best samples at the metropolitan show. The implement class was very meagre, as, by the way, has come to be the fashion at country shows. The committee and officials generally, especially Mr Lewis, the very able secretary, worked well during the day, and the arrangements made by them were very satisfactory. Mr A. Gee catered for the luncheon, and discharged his onerous duties to the satisfaction of all. We append remarks on the various classes of the show. SHEEP. The exhibition of sheep was certainly in some respects superior to that of last year, but the quality, as a rule, was not very first class. Taking the catalogue for a guide, we come first to the Leicesters, which, on the whole, were scarcely so well represented as could be wished. In class 2, rams over eighteen months, the first prize fell to Mr J. Rennie, who also secured a commend for his other exhibit, Mr E. J. Lee taking second prize. In class 3, ram under eighteen months there were three exhibits, but of so indifferent a character that they were passed over by the judges. In class 4, Mr Rennie took the first prize, for a pen of five ewes over eighteen months old. His exhibit was a very nice pen of sheep, but a little uneven. Mr E. J. Lee secured a second prize and a commend with his two pens, which were fair useful sheep. In class 5, for pen of five ewes under eighteen months old, Mr E. J. Lee was again to the fore, securing first and second prizes and a commend. The Cotswold's were conspicuous by their absence. We now come to the Lincoln sheep, which in point of quality were much superior to the Leicesters. In class 8, imported Lincoln ram, Mr H. J. Hall took first and second honors with two

really beautiful rams. Mr Bluett was the only other exhibitor, and one of his animals secured a commend. Mr Lysaght's name appeared in the catalogue as an exhibitor, but we regret that his stock did not put in an appearance. In class 9, ram above eighteen months, there were eleven entries, and taken a 3 a whole the exhibits were very useful lots. Mr Withall secured first prize with an extremely symmetrical animal, bred by the Messrs Sutton, of Southland. Mr H. J. Hall secured a second prize, and highly commended, as did also Mr T. Howe's exhibit, This latter animal, we regret to say, broke its leg while being taken to the pen. Class 10, ram under eighteen mouths old: Messrs Hall and Bluett were the only exhibitors, the former gentleman carrying off all toe honors. His exhibits in this class were particularly good. In classes 11 and 12, for pens of five ewes above and under eighteen months respectively, Mr Hall again carried off all the honors, and in both classes his exhibits were quite above the ordinary. The Romney Marsh were next in order upon the catalogue. In class 14, for ram above eighteen months old, there were six exhibits from the flocks of Mr W. D. Lawrence and the Broadlands station. The first and second prizes and the commend all fell to Mr Lawrence, whose exhibits—No 47 particularly—were all nice useful eheep. In class 15, for pens of five ewes over eightceu months old, there were eight exhibits. In this class the Broadlands station took first and second honors,thus turning thetableson MrLawrence in the previous class, who had to content himself with a commend The Southdown class produced no entries. In the crossbreds, Messrs Osborne and Ronnie took first and second prizes respectively, for pens of five ewes above eighteen months old. In class 24, five ewes undtr eighteen months, Mr Rennie's two pens were the sole exhibits, and secured a well deserved first and second prize respectively. The fat sheep were not so numerous as might have been expected, the main feature in this portion of the show being Mr J. J. Loe's two pens of fat longwoolled wethers. These sheep would be a credit to any show, and we hope Mr Loe will see his way to try conclusions with some of our other purveyors of fat stock at our forthcoming metropolitan exhibition. In class 27, ten fat long woolled ewes, Messrs Fitzroy and Acland secured a prize. Class 29, for ten fat hoggetts, produced a very close competition between Messrs Rennie and Osborne. The judges must have had considerable trouble in awarding the first prize, which tell eventually to Mr Osborne. Both pens were exceedingly profitable sheep of their sort. In class 25, ten fat longwoolled lambs, Mr Osborne again took first honors, Mr H. J. Hall securing a second prize and a high commend. All three exhibits were exceedingly good. For the private prizes, which were, in some cases, very fairly contested, we beg to refer bur readers to the prize list below. CATTLE. The show of cattle was in every respect far superior, both in quantity and quality to that of last year, though many of the exhibits were very deficient in condition. In class 1, for bull of any age, imported or otherwise, there were four exhibits, first prze falling to Mr Bluett's Second Earl of Darlington. This animal also took Mr Jollie's prize, for the best bull on the ground, and we think deservedly so, it being an imported bull and really a promising animal and a beautiful handler. Secoud prize fell to Mr Cunningham's John o'Groat. In class 2, for bulls calved since July, 187;S ; first prize fell to Mr H. J. Hall's Statesman, aud the second to Mr Bluett's Wizard. It was thought by many that the pos tions of the prizetakera should have been reversed, but talc ng into consideration every particular, -we think the judges were right in their decision, although the second prize taker was iu many points very far superior to the 'first priza bull, but was very deficient in the shoulders and chine. In class 3 there was only one exhibit—Mr Dockers roan—which the judges considered deserving of a first prize, Class 4, for cows, imported or otherwise, was a very good one, first prize falling to Mr H J. Hall's Dorcas, which also took Mr Claik's prize for best cow on the ground, second to Mr Bluett's Mince Pie. Mr Bluett's Seraphim was highly commended. On this numerous comments were heard during the day with regard to the judges' decision ; it was generally considered that the second ought to have taken first prize. The first prize animal was inclined to be patchy, and rather mean about the rump, though a fine cow. The second prize acimal was much larger, a better ribbed beast out and out, a better handler, and she showed a deal of quality, but, like most of Mr Bluett's, sadly wanting in condition. The highly commended animal was an exceedingly nice heifer, but, considering her age, had scarcely growth enough, was rather shallow in the flanks, and light about the thighs. In class 5 there were eleven exhibits, some of which possessed great merit had they been brought out properly, whilst others would have been better at home under a flax bush. Mr Bluett's Dahlia took first honors, and Mr H. J. Hall's Jessie second. Mr H. J. Hall's roan heifer by Statesman was highly commended, and Mr Bluett's Fairy commended. In this class we must differ with the judges, as we think Mr Bluett's Fairy should have taken second prize, being much evener and a far better handler, having also much better quarters and thighs, and she showed more quality throughout : while the second-prize beast was plain and mean in the top, inclined to be leggy and by no means a good handler. Class 6 produced eleven exhibits. In this lot there were animals of considerable merit. First prize fell to Mr Bluett's Grand Duchess of Holcombe, second to Mr Bluett's Wild Hose, and Mr Hall's Dorcas the Second was highly commended. The first and second prize animals were in miserable condition, but notwithstanding their poverty they were, in point of quality, far ahead of the rest of the class. Class 7, for milch cows, produced seven entries, first priz■> going to Mr Docker's Mab, second to Messrs Fitroy and Acland's exhibit. The two prize animals were very fine representatives of their class. In class 9, for milch cows, bred in the district, there were four exhibits, first prize being obtained by Mr Moorhead 'a Verbena, second Mr Docker's Lilian. The fat cattle were scarcely so numerous, nor generally of so good a quality as might have been anticipated from a great giaziug district like Leeston. A fat bullock under three years old, and a roan heifer, the properties of Messrs Smithson and Moorhend respectively, both took first prizes in their several classes. HORSES.The show of horses, as-far as -the draught stock was concerned, was a most creditable one. The imported entires were all goad and Well brought out, and the draught mares aud

young draught stock were perhaps the most successful feature in the whole show. The blood stock was but indiffereutly represented in point of numbers. For some inexplicable reason or another owners of thoroughbred stock appear somewhat chary of exhibiting their animals at our annual exhibitions. Still adhering to the order of the catalogue we come first to the thoroughbred entire class. Here Mr Markov's Messenger was the sole exhibit. Presto being, we regret to say, absent through an accident. Old Me°sengcr was looking better than ever, aud Mr Markey well deserved the first' prizn that the judges bestowed upon him. )n the class for thoroughbred mares, Mr Bluett's Termigant and Polly were the only exhibits. The judges awarded Polly a first prize. We were not particularly impressed with Termigant. In the class for the best draught entire, imported or otherwise, five imported horses p ! it in an appearance ; Rantin' Robin. Glen Hoy, Buronetto, and Young Watty, and Lord Glasgow fignred on the card. One and all were line useful horses, and would not disgrace a show ground anywhere ; but good as they all were the judges must have experienced but little difficulty in selecting the first prize, Glen Roy being far and away the pick of the team. He is certainly a magnificent horse, and the more seen the better liked,and Mr McKellar must be congratulated on the fact that among the prize takers in the young draught stock, several were the progeny of Glen Roy, Rantin' Robin was in good show coudition ; Young Watty secured well deserved second honors in this class, and will be a favorite wherever he goes, while the handsome Lord Glasgow, who secured a high commendation, looked as well as ever. In the class for the colonial bred entires of any age, King David alone put in an appearance. The judges awarded him a second prize. He 13 a useful horse, but appeared rather to a disadvantage after having just left such animals as Glen Roy and the rest. In class 5, for the best colouial bred three-year-olden-tire, Mr Biuett's Young Led Kglington was sole exhibit, and obtained second prize. In the class for colonial bred two-year-old entires there were three exhibits, Messrs Moorhead and J. White taking first and second honors respectively, but the class as a whole failed to impress us very favorably. Class 7, for the best colt or filly foaled since July, 1872, producer! seven entries, and most creditable they were. Mr George Moffat took first prize with Glasgow Maggy, Mr Moorhead taking second honors with Blossom, a very neat filly by Old Lofty, aud Mr W. Gebbie's bay filly by Lofty was highly commended. The other exhibits were all good, more particularly Mr Boag's Jean, which was certainly deserving of a commend. The two-year old colt and filly class was also a fair lot, though not nearly so good as the foregoing. Mr Marshall and Mr Stevens took first and second prizes, with two neat fillies, both by Baronette. Mr Taylor secured a high commend for a Young Watty filly. In class 9, for the best yearling colt, the lot were exceeding good, Mr Euddock's bay colt, by Glen Roy, securing first prize, aud a rare good colt he is. Mr J. Boag exhibited two very nice bay colts by Young Watty, one of which secured the second pr:ze, and the other was certainly deserviug of a commend. The yearling filly exhibits, eight in number, were also very good. Messrs Graham's and Mr H. White's youngsters, both by Ghn Roy, taking first and second honors respectively. The first prize taker is a most beautiful filly, full of quality, and a great advertisement for Mr McKellar's horse. Class 11, for the best draught mare, imported or otherwise, brought seven entries, the ma jority of which were really first-class animals. The judges were a long time debating, and had at length to call in the assistance of Mr Moffatt, when first honors fell to Mr Boag's well known mare Marchioness, Mr Dixon's imported mare Nora taking second prize, and Miss Brodie, another well known exhibit of Mr Boag's, was highly commended. In the opiniou of many Mi"s Brodie should have taken second honors; and though Nora is a remarkably nice mare, we are almost inclined to endorse public opinion, Glass 12 brought together five pairs of working horses, and a capital lot they were. Mr Lenon secured first prize with a very evenly matched powerful pair of horses. Mrs Graham's Maggie and Jess took the second prize, and Mr Graham's pair were commended. Mr Bluett exhibited two very useful working pairs, and the whole class was exceptionally good. The class for draught m res with foal at foot, produced three good competitors, Mr Coe's mare taking first prize, Messrs Mathews Brothers second, Mr Bluett's mare being commended. Class 14, for the best draught mare in foal, or with foal at foot, bred in the district, only produced one entry, Mr Marshall's Joan, to which the judges awarded a second prize. The special prizes in connection with the draught stock will be found in the prize list annexed. Among the carriage and hackney classes a few very useful animals were to be found, but it must be confessed that they were for the most part scantily filled, and the exhibits mostly were very wanting in style. It is surprising that in a district like Leeston there are not more residents to be found who have turned their attention to the breedingof reallygood weight-carrying hacks —a class of breeding which certainly pays. In class 16, for best brood mare for carriage purposes, old Banshee as usual took first prize, Toe old mare looked really well, and had a very nice foal at foot by Messenger. Mr Barnet's Flirt, the only other exhibit, took second prize. Class 17, for best mare or gelding for carriage purposes, brought only four entries, Dr Chapman's Hugh taking first prize. He is a nice horse, but too small for carriage purposes. Mr M. Campbell's Music, a useful chestnut, took second prize. Of the competitors in class 18, we can only say that they are scarcely fitted for a show ground. Mr H. J. Hall, who was the only competitor in class 19, exhibited a very good pair of mares, fairly matched, and with plenty of quality, but hardly big enough for carriage work. In the class for hackney entire horses, Mr Bluett's neat little Nana took the first prize, second honors falling to Billy Button, a horse more calculated to get light harness horses than hackneys. Only two put in an appearance in the hack class, or to speak more correctly only one ; for Kakapo refused to be trotted out for the inspection of the judges. The first prize in this class was awarded to Mr R. Frankish's Silvertail, a very neat brown gelding by the Grape. He was well shown, and is a very pretty mover. The class for ladies' hacks brought out five competitors, and were a very fair lot. The first priz>> went to Mrs - M. Campbell's Mystery, a very stylish movor, with lots of fashion and quality. MiBS Hall's Antidote, a very neat horsey took second honors, and. MissMathewd'

Dick, who was very well ridden by his fair owner, was highly commended. In class 23, Mr Gillett's Ethel and Mr Bishop's Maggie were the only competitors, and took first and second prizes respectively. The pony class was a walk over for Mr J. J. Loe's handsome little Mazeppa, to whom the judges awarded a first prize. PIGS. The pigs taken on the wnoie were rairly represented, Mr Bluett in class 1, boar of any age or breed had a Berkshire rather coarse in the hair, but a good framed pig. In the other classes Mr Bluett was the principal exhibitor, but generally this department of the show does not call for any special mention. IMPLEMENTS. In this class there were but few exhibits, Messrs Keetley Brothers sending a very nice single furrow and one double furrow. Mr Donoghue had a gojd tip cart, and in the extra exhibits there was a good corn drill and grass sower (imported), and a perpendicular churn, the latter being well worthy of inspection. DAIRY PRODUCE. In this department there were a number of eyMbits, showing, in this respect, a marked improvement on last year. In class 1, best side of bacon and ham. Mr Johnson had a nice exhibit of well cured meat, the ham being well cut; Mr Crowe took second place, with a good exhibit of uncured bacon and ham, but the rest of the exhibits were badly cut. In class 2, the exhibits were fairly good, though here again the hams were not at all shapely. In class 3, •cheese, of not less than 201bs. Mr Marshall took the prize with a very nice flavored cheese of good colour. He was the only exhibitor in this class. In class 4, for last season's cheese, Mr Watson had a very good exhibit of fine flavour, and Mr Marshall had also a creditable exhibit. In salt butter there was very keencorapetition,eight entriescoming forward. In the majority of instances however, the makers had used far too much salt, as it was difficult to select a piece, even from the middle of the keg, free from coarse particles of salt. Mr Scott's, exhibit, which took the prize, was free from this objection, and was a very nice 3ample. The fresh butter exhibits, to our miDd, laboured under the disadvantage of being deficient in flavour in many instances, particularly the first three prizetakers, and we are at a loss to understand why, with so excellent an exhibit as that of Mr Bell's, they should have passed it over unnoticed. This was of good flavor, and well worked. The other exhibits were of medium quality.