AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 439, 10 November 1875, Page 2

AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

METROPOLITAN SHOW, 1875,

Patron—His Honor William Rolleston, Superintendent of Canterbury. President — Mr H. P. Murray-Aynsley. Vice-president —Sir J. Cracroft Wilson, 0.8., K.C.S.I. Hon secretary—Mr J. T. Ford, Hon treasurer—Mr David Craig. The great bucolic holiday of the year, the day on which town and country fraternise to a greater extent than any other during the year, has once more come round, and though ushered in with storms of wind and rain sufficient to damp the ardour of the most sanguine believer in fine weather for the show day, has, so far as weather is concerned, been most successful. The marked improvement in the quality of the exhibits, especially in the sheep and cattle classes, shows the good work which is being done by our breeders under the fostering auspices of the association. Year by year it is our pleasing task to record the advances made in the matter of the importation of thebestblood procurable both in; sheep and cattle, and for this result —a most important one as affecting deeply the vital prosperity of the province—we are indebted largely to the association whose exhibition we this day record. Through bad times and many difficulties the members of the association have persevered until they have placed it at the head of kindred associations in New Zealand, pot

alone as regards the amount of prizes, but more from the quality and high pedigree of the stock shown at its exhibitions, beyond this also it has stimulated the formation of other associations within the province which have done credit to the parent stock, alike by the number of exhibits and their quality. The shows at Rangiora, Leeston, and Lincoln during the past week are evidences of what can be done towards the development of the undeniably great resources of this province, both pastoral and agricultural, by the operations of associations of this character. We hope and look for a still larger measure of success attendant upon the work of the metropolitan association, and creditable as yesterday’s show was, not only to the association, but also to the province generally, it is to be hoped that breeders and exhibitors generally will not remain contented with what has already been achieved, but will strive still more to introduce amongst ns the best blood of the old country. We have the climate and the soil, all that is wanted is the animals of undeniably good breed to make Canterbury what nature evidently intended her to be, the great pastoral and agricultural province (if we may still use the prohibited word) of the colony. With these preliminary remarks we proceed to note generally the proceedings of the day —or more properly speaking, the two days. Unfortunately for the exhibitors of sheep and cattle, the day set apart for judging this department was more like a winter than a midsummer day, torrents of rain, accompanied by a good old-fashioned sou’ wester, having a very detrimental effect upon the show condition of the sheep and cattle. Despite this, however, they would be hard to beat anywhere, though of course they would have appeared to still greater advantage had the weather proved more seasonable. Probably the same cause deterred many exhibitors in other classes from coming forward, as in many cases, reference to which is made in proper sequence, there was not that amount of competition which ought reasonably to have been looker for, considering that during the year there have been many additions to our local industries, and also that, owing to the pushing forward and completion, to some extent at least, of our system of railways, the country has been opened up and developed very largely. But still, despite the little drawbacks we have noticed in some of the classes, the show was one well worth a visit, and one the inspection of which showed what can be accomplished in a country which now only numbers some twenty-five years of existence.

The weather which, during the preceding evening, had been exceedingly inclement, towards morning gave signs of a clear up, and a brisk breeze, though damaging to a great extent the tents and marquees erected on the ground, yet had the effect of drying up the traces of the rain so far as the streets were concerned. The trains from north and south, and Lyttelton, were crowded with passengers, and by ten o’clock the city presented a .lively appearance, the side walks being thronged with well dressed people, evidently from the country, all seemingly bent upon enjoying themselves. The stream soon began to set in towards the Show Grounds, and the hansom cabs and ’busses drove a thriving trade. Compared with last year we may note that the number availing themselves of the early admission was much smaller, the great body of visitors reserving themselves until the shilling time. The ground, from the rain, was exceedingly wet, rendering locomotion a matter of some difficulty. The arrangements made by the ground committee were as usual exceedingly complete, the various exhibits being easily accessible, and placed so ais to afford the greatest possible facility for their examination. The arrangement of the pens, &c, was the same as last year, the implements, carriages, kc, being placed on the eastern side, the cattle and sheep on the western, and the horses on the southern, the dairy produce, New Zealand manufactures, and wool being staged in tents, occupying the centre of the ground. The Christchurch Horticultural Society had its exhibition in a large tent close to the secretary’s office. The telegraph was not so extensively used as on former occasions, though- one or two jokists disbursed sundry coins of the realm in advertising for missing friends. One enthusiastic sportsman, who has evidently a heavy book on the forthcoming Metropolitan, appealed to the assembled multitude in the shape of a query as to the winner of the Derby, but up to the date of latest advices he had not been successful in obtaining the straight tip. The musical arrangements were similar to last year, Mr Button’s band and one attached to Messrs Toomer’s factory, which has recently been formed, contributing some well played selections during the day. The latter, which made its first appearance in public yesterday, deserves credit for the progress made in the short tipje it has been in existence.

His Excellency the Governor, with Captains Maling and La Patourel and Lord Hervey Phipps, and accompanied by his Honor the Superintendent and Sir Cracroft Wilson, drove on to the ground shortly after eleven o’clock, and was received by the President of the Association and several members of the committee, the band playing the National Anthem. His Excellency, who was heartily greeted by the visitors present on the ground, proceeded to visit the various departments of the show, and expressed himself as highly pleased with what he saw, especially at the sheep and cattle exhibits. During his governorship of Queensland his Excellency took great interest in associations of a kindred nature, and had ajnple opportunities of seeing the premier shows of that colony, hence his opinion as to the merits of the show yesterday is of value as showing the comparison between this and the older colonies of Australasia.

We are glad to notice that the suggestion made by us last year as regards the New Zealand manufactures and dairy produce—viz, that an early start should be made by the judges, was this year acted upon, these gentlemen being promptly on the ground, and getting through their work with commendable speed. Had it not been for the very great difficulty experienced by the judges in the fresh butter class, owing to the keen competition and the evenly balanced merits of the exhibits in this department, they would have completed their task before the rush set in. As on former occasions, this tent was the centre of attraction, and long before the judges had finished, the expectant faces of the ladies whose handiwork was undergoing the critical ordeal of tasting were to be seen peering anxiously through the tent door, reinforced in considerable numbers by those who seem to consider that they have not properly “done” the

show unless they taste the whole of the exhibits of butter and cheese, thereby laying the foundation of unlimited bilious- attacks. Unfortunately for the connoisseurs in malt liquors the exhibits in this class were very limited, hence there was not that scope for the exercise of tasting proclivities which prevailed in former years, besides the quality of the beer was not such as to induce any great rush to tasce prize samples. A sample of jelly which a confiding exhibitor had placed on view, notwithstanding the printed requests distributed about requesting visitors not to touch exhibits, vanished with;magical celerity ; indeed we doubt whether Heller could have matched its disappearance by any sleight of hand trick in his repertoire. The favorite rendezvous of the fairer portion of the visitors was the tents of Mr J. M,Thompson (agent for Wheeler and Wilson) and Mr Turner, where sewing machines of all kinds and prices were displayed in tempting profusion. Here might have been seen matrons and lasses deep in the mysteries of lock and chain stitch, shuttle and spool, obligingly explained by the courteous proprietors of the establishments, and many a confiding husband, either present or expectant, was beguiled into making rash promises—which we hope will be fulfilled—of purchasing one or other of the various makes of these labor-saving inventions. Here also might be seen the candidates for the sweet voices of the electors at the forthcoming elections, with wreathed smiles cordially foregathering with the “’orny’anded son of toil,” and combining business with pleasure, in the shape of a little quiet canvassing. What to say as to the police—who of course were there with Mr Inspector Buckley —one does not well know. The threadbare phrase “ that beyond, icc," is now worked out, but the fact is that Canterbury out for a holiday is so remarkably well conducted, that our police force, on occasions like this, is in a similar predicament to the gentleman from Tipperary or some other portion of Italy, who at Donnybrook Fair remarked that “he was getting bluemoulded for want of a batin.” The only thing we, as veracious chroniclers, can say on this point is, that the police generally seemed to have nothing to do but to walk about and enjoy themselves thoroughly. Sucfc a state of things certainly speaks highly for the orderliness of our population, the recent lai 5Q additions to our numbers from England notwithstanding. In the matter of amusements there was no dearth, though many of the “ little games ” were fortunately conspicuous by their absence, the committee having wisely set their face against all gambling games—a resolution which we hope to see carried out on other occasions as well. There, however, in great force was our old friend the electrical machine, with its surrounding crowd, who seemed heartily to enjoy the contortions of the unhappy wights who in a moment of misplaced confidence had invested in a shillingsworth of torture. The lady in charge of the machine should at any rate be a good judge of facial contortions, as she must have had a good deal of experience in this line. Wheels of fortune, where one invested a shilling and became the fortunate possessor of a box of hair pins or a packet of violet powder, which in the case of a modest youth were decidedly productive of embarrassing results, were plentiful, and all seemed to be doing a roaring trade. The swings and merry-go-rounds also had plenty of constituents, and generally the itinerant purveyors of amusement for the public had no cause to complain of lack of patronage. Coming to the show proper, we may first remark' on the implements. Last year this department was very meagrely represented, but on this occasion there was a very fine collection, and amongst them some new to the province. This is a class which we should think ought every year to grow alike in number and variety, because it is on occasions such as these that farmers come for the purpose of inspecting any new inventions in machinery connected with their special pursuit ; hence it is manifestly to the interest, both of manufacturers and importers, to exhibit as largely as possible. Without trenching here upon the detailed description of the various exhibits, we may remaik that imported implements were largely represented, some very good exhibits being shown. In the matter of carts and carriages, there was not such a display as might have been expected, when we consider that this branch of industry is very largely represented in the city. Though this was the case, those exhibited were really splendid articles, and would have borne favorable comparison alike in workmanship and general get up to any that could be brought against them. The extra exhibit class in this department brought out quite a host of competitors, amongst others a very good lot of imported reapers and mowers, and a novelty in the shape of a patent hedge-clipper, patented and manufactured |in the province. This machine, which attracted a great deal of attention duringtheday,is remarked upon more fully under its proper class. The carriages and buggies exhibited by Moor’and Son also attracted attention from their excellent workmanship and general finish, one of these, a landau, was inspected by his Excellency, who expressed very high approval of it as a specimen of colonial workmanship. The cooking ranges exhibited by Messrs H. D. Manning and Thos. Atkinson had a numerous circle of visitors during the day, principally ladies, who dilated learnedly upon the merits and demerits of the various exhibits. Passing from the implements the visitor first meets with a tent in which Mr Thomas Wilson exhibited a very fine collection of leather and wool mats of various colors. The excellence of these exhibits shows the marked progress made in this industry, and they were one of the features of the show.

Still pressing onward, the stream of visitors pouring into a large tent proclaims that we have arrived at the manufactures and New Zealand produce always for reasons spoken of above —one of the most popular resorts during the show. Here we cannot but notice a great falling off in the number of exhibits of New Zealand manufactures apd products, a result for which it is difficult to account. In almost every direction we see new industries springing up, and yet on an occasion like t his, when one would expect to see the results placed before the public as a tangible evidence of what progress had been made, almost every department is unrepresented. We have heard almost ad nauseam of the mineral wealth of the Malvern Hills, and the great things to come when the railway was opened. The latter is an accomplished fact, but not so much as a piece of coal or a sample of fire clay was to be seen. Again, the boot trade has assumed very large pro-

portions here, numbers of hands are profitably employed in it, but yesterday two exhibits only were shown ; nor were there any saddlery and harness, though there are a number of establishments. In bacon [and hams again, which has now become a very large staple of export, there was but slight competition, nothing like what there ought to be. And so one might go through a long list of articles which should have been represented, but were not. It is not that we have not got them, the industries are here, but either from apathy or some other cause, exhibitors will not come forward. This is the more to be regretted, because visitors from other provinces look to this show to give them an idea of the progress made here, and it is no guide at all to them to say that we possess such and such a manufactory when there is not before them the articles themselves. We hope, for the credit of Canterbury, that next year there will be no room for complaint on this score, but that exhibitors will come forward and back up the association in their endeavour to put before the province such evidences of our material prosperity as will convince every one that we are really carrying out the great end and aim of colonisation—viz, the utilisation of our native products. Theassociation has done its share, it now remains for exhibitors to do theirs.

In dairy produce, especially fresh butter, we are glad to be able to note a markecl improvement both in the quality and of exhibits. The show yesterday was as fine a one as one would wish to see. The cheese classes still show a meagre amount of entries, but the quality was all there. In hams and bacon there was but little competition, not nearly so much as might have been expected, and the preserved meats were conspicuous by their absence. Last year the exhibits of the two companies were a feature in the show, and we regret that they were absent yesterday. Corned beef was represented by two excellent exhibits, both possessing great merit. The beer classes were very small in the matter of entries, and the quality of that exhibited was not such as to raise the character of colonial beer very much. The pottery goods exhibited were exceedingly creditable, and the competition in the matter of malt was kqen. One of the most interesting features in this part of the show was the exhibits sent by the Canterbury Spinning and Weaving Company, comprising blankets, flannels, and plaiding. These deservedly attracted a great deal of attention, the exhibits being well got up, and reflecting great credit on the company, particularly at so early a stage of their career. The wool exhibits, though not numerous, were good. The poultry, though a marked improvement on the preceding years, was not up tq the mark, and we again suggest to the committee the desirability of excising this from their prize list. The pens presented the usual heterogeneous assortment of packing canes, interspersed here and there with a properly constructed pen, and the result was that in the majority of cases the birds were seen to great disadvantage. The sheep dogs were few in number, but there were some very good ones amongst them.

The pigs were very good taken throughout, and the various exhibits, particularly those of Mr Maydwell, showed great quality. We append detailed remarks upon the various classes. SHEEP. The show of sheep was numerically far in advance of any previous year, and in most of the classes a considerable improvement was manifest. The merinos were good, but they might have been better. It was remarked by many good judges that some of our leading breeders had been lately sacrificing density of wool for length. Whether this be the fact or not, the merinos were, taken as a lot, very good, but as we remarked above they are susceptible of improvement, In class I, for rams above eighteen months old, Mr G. W. H. Lee took the first honors with a pair of perhaps the most profitable sheep ever exhibited in the colony. Mr R. Chapman’s exhibits secured respectively second prize and a high commend, with two pens of first class sheep. One of Mr Chapman’s sheep also deservedly secured Mr Murray-Aynsley’s prize for the best merino ram, under three years old. Of the rest of the exhibits in this class, Mr Murray-Aynsley’s exhibits were nice woolled Sheep, but lacking in quality. Mr Aynsley deserves great credit for his pluck in bringing his sheep such a long distance, and though failing to obtain a prize, the sheep were deserving of more than a passing notice. Mr Caverhill’s pen were useful sheep, buttoocoarse. In class 2,for rams under eighteen months old, density of wool was wanting, and consequently the judges only assigned a second prize to Mr R. Chapman’s best exhibit. The same gentleman secured a high commend for his other-pen. Mr Pearson’s pen were very useful sheep, but wanted quality. In class 3, for rams above eighteen months old, Mr Lee was again to the fore, taking first honors with a most symmetrical high class ram, which, for length of staple, density, and lustre would be hard to beat in a Skipton show. The same animal secured the Association’s silver medal for the best merino of any age. Messrs Dalgety, Nichols, and Go’s exhibit was a fine framed sheep, but having been recently dipped, was unfit for exhibition. As in the former class, Mr Murray-Aynsley’s exhibits were good useful animals, and Mr W. S. Peter was, we regret to remark, an absentee. In class 4, for ram under 18 months, Mr R. Chapman secured first and second honors, the* first prizetaker being one of the finest hoggets ever shown upon the grounds' of the association. The second prize-taker had plenty of length in wool, but was a trifle wanting in density!' In class 5, for five ewes above 18 months old, Mr G. W. H. Lea took first honors with a very nice even pen of sheep, Mr R. Chapman securing a second prize and a commend. We were not particularly prepossessed with Mr McAlpine’s exhibits, though their age might perhaps have placed them at a disadvantage, and Mr Pearson’s pea, though certainly good sheep, were a trifle too coarse to compare favorably with the prizetakers. In class 6, for five ewes under eighteen months old, the results were very similar to the foregoing, Mr Lee taking first honors with a very superb pen of hoggets. Mr Chapman took second honors with a pen of very good payable sheep, but perhaps a little wanting in density of wool. Mr Pearson’s pen was certainly deserving of a commend. In class 7, Hr Chapman secured first and second honors with two excellent ewes, the first prize taker being particularly symmetrical, and possessing great quality and lustre. This animal also took the Association’s silver medal for best merino ewe of any age. In class 8, for ewe under 18 months, Mr Joseph Pearson took a well-deserved first prize with a really

first-class sheep, and one which f..p quality and density of wnM wns a credit to the breeder. Mr B Chapman took second honors with a vary nice e we and was certainly deserving 0 f a commend for his second exhibit. In class 9 the two pens scarcely seemed to find favor with the judges, for they only awarded a second prize to Mr R. Chapman, and Messrs Dalgety, Nichols and Go’s pen was, owing to their recent dip, unfit for exhibition. In class 10, Mr Re® deservedly gained first honors with a really first-class pen of ewes under eighteen months old. Mr R. Chapman took second prize with an equally good pen. though somewhat wanting in density. In the extra class Mr Chapman exhibited one merino ewe with lamb at foot. This ewe was disqualified last year as being barren, and we presume that by this time last year’s judges have reversed their decision. Coming to the longwools, in the Leicester classes some exceedingly fine -sheep were shown. No newly imported sheep were exhibited, but the quality throughout was exceedingly good. In class 11, for ram above eighteen months old, there was a very large entry. Mr Marcroft’s well-known Standard Bearer—whose prize tickets by this time ought to be sufficient to paper a room—took first honours. He always was a grand sheep, and is so still. Mr Threlkeld took second prize with a very beautiful sheep, but which, with all due deference to the Eanfiora judges, is certainly not so good as tandard Bearer. The latter named animal also took the association’s medal for the best Leicester ram of any age on the ground. The Hon Ernest Gray exhibited some exceedingly nice sheep in this class, and secured a third prize and a high commend. The rest of the exhibits were mostly above the average. In class 12 there were also a goodly number of entries, but the competition was not over keen, for Mr Marcroft had it all his own way, taking first, second, and third prizes with Lord of the Isle, Statesman, and Duke the 3rd respectively. Lord of the Isle also took Mr Murray-Aynsley’s special prize for the best Leicester ram on the ground under three years old. Of these, the first prize-taker, a heavy fleeced grand quality sheep, was certainly far and away the best. The other two were nice even sheep, good types of what they represented themselves to be, and we thought Duke the 3rd nearly if not quite as good as Statesman. Mr Threlkeld was commended for his exhibit, and the Hon Ernest Gray’s sheep were as in the preced ing class, very good. Class 13, for three ewes above eighteen months, was well represented for quality, Mr Threlkeld taking first honors with a really beautiful pen of sheep. Mr Marcroft’s pen, which took second honors, was a very good one, and we were glad to notice that Mr Corlett took a third prize with three nice even ewes, and we hope to see him breed many more like them. We had almost forgotten to mention that a ewe of Mr Threlkeld’s took the first prize for the best Leicester ewe on the ground, and deservedly so too. Class 14, five ewes under eighteen months, brought out an exceptionally good lot of exhibits. Mr Gray’s pen, which took first honors, was a treat to look at, and the same gentleman also secured a high commend for his other exhibit. MrThrelkeld’spenswerebothgood, one securing second prize, and the other a commend. Judging from this gentleman’s sheep shown yesterday, we should say he would be very hard to beat next year. In class 15 for ewes above eighteen months old with lamb at foot, the Messrs Corlett came again to the front, taking Hie first prize with one pen, and a high commend with the other. Both exhibits were exceedingly good, and Mr Marcroft’s, which took second prize was quite up to that gentleman’s usual standard of excellence. The other ewes in this class were all fair useful sheep. In class 16, for ewes above eighteen months, the Messrs Corlett were again successful with a good even fine quality sheep, though the Hon Ernest Grey ran very close with Jj'pth his exhibits, for which he took second prize, and a high commend respectively. In the’ opinion of some Mr Grey should have taken first honors, an opinion with which we are disposed to agree. Mr Marcroft was commended for one of his exhibits, a decision which was thoroughly deserved. Class 17 for ewe under eighteen months’ old, produced a large field of competitors, the majority of whom were quite up to the acknowledged standard. Mr H. F. Grey took first honors with a high class symmetrical animal, while Mr Pi rclkcld secured second prize, and Mr Maydwell two well-deserved commends. We now come to the Lincolns, which, so far as longwools are concerned, were certainly the feature of the show. Numerically, the Lincoln breeders were very strong, and there was perhaps more individual excellence among the sheep than we have noticed at any of the preceding exhibitions of the association. At the same time it must be confessed that the young sheep were, taken as a whole, not comparatively up to the standard of the old ones. We wei e glad to see exhibitors from Hawke’s Bay and Invercargill among the prizetakers, and the sheep shown by both Messrs Nelson and Williams, and Sutton were really first class. In class 18, for ram above eighteen months old, Messrs Nelson and Williams, of Hawke’s Bay, secured first prize with their magnificent sheep Buckland, to which was also awarded the silver medal for the best Lincoln ram on the ground. This sheep, for symmetry, lustre, and density of wool was far and away the best on the ground. If we chose to be hypercritical, a little exception might be taken to his bead, but taken altogether a grander animal we tave seldom seen. Mr Lysaght obtained second and third prizes and a high commend with three splendid sheep, the second prizetaker being nearly as good as Buckland. Messrs Withell and Sutton both secured commends for their exhibits, both symmetrical sheep, and who had plenty of admirers. In class 19, for ram under eighteen months, Mr Sutton deservedly secured all the honors, taking in fact all the prizes and all the commends. The first prizetaker (No 137) was one of the best sheep ever shown in New Zealand. We always expect something good from the Messrs Sutton, and these exhibits were certainly no exception. In class 20, for three ewes above eighteen months old with lambs at foot, Mr Lysaght Was to the fore, securing first honors with a yery even pen. Mr R. H. Campbell took second prize with a superb pen, and

would probably have taken the first prize but from the fact that one sheep in the pen was wrongly classed. S ; r Cracroft Wilson tiok third prize, Mr R, M. Morten’s exhibit was highly commended, and Mr H. J. Hall’s ewes were commended. The class as a whole was particularly good In class 21, for five ewes under eighteen months, Mr Sutton was the first pr zetak r, Mr H J Mail taking second and third honors, while Mr Threlkeld was deservedly commended with a good Panton pen. In class 22, ewe above eighteen months with lamb at foot, Mr H. J. Hall took first and second prizes. The second prize sheep was nearly as good as the first, and both animals were first class. Mr R. Wilkin took the third prize with a beautiful even animal, and Mr Threlkeld’s Little Wonder was highly commended. Its only fault was slight deficiency in length of staple. In class 23, for ewe above eighteen months old, with no conditions except that she must not be barren, Mr R. M. Morten took first prize, and the silver medal for the best Lincoln ewe upon the ground. This ewe lamb was particularly perfect. Mr Lysaght took second honors with a right good sheep, somewhat wanting however in lustre. Mr R. M. Morten took third prize with an animal scarcely inferior to the foregoing, but rather short of wool. Mr R, H. Campbell was highly commended for an excellent ewe with three lambs at foot, while Mr R. Wilkin was commended for another grand imported ewe. Class 24 produced six exhibits. Mr H. J. Hall obtained first prize with a very pretty sheep, especially well woolled, and undeniable symmetry. Mr Threlkeld was second with an animal little inferior to the former but for a slight openness in the wool. Messrs Marcroft and Threlkeld secured third prize for a nice Panton sheep', and rather deficient in weight of fleece. Mr R. R. Campbell took the special prize for an extra exhibit, being a splendid pen of ewes, though perhaps a little uneven. The Romneys were mostly very high class sheep. In class 25, ram above eighteen months, Messrs Palmer and Peter secured first prize, the same sheep also taking the medal for the best Romney ram of any age. Mr O’Callaghan took second prize with a very good sheep, but the fleece on the back was a little light, Mr J. C. Boys was highly commended for a very superior animal. In class 26, for ram under eighteen months, Mr A. P. O’Callaghan took first prize with a very fair sheep, but not equal to another exhibited by the same gentleman, whi°h was disqualified, Mr J. C. Roys took second prize with a fair sheep enough, which, however.looked as if ithad been partially washed or dipped in carbolic acid. In class 27, the Hon E. W. Stafford was first with a grand pen, and Mr Boys took second honors. In class 28, the Rev A. P. O’Callaghan took first prize with a pen of good quality hoggets, the Hon E. W. Stafford being second with a nice even pen, but a little low in condition. The commend in this class was also deservedly awarded. In class 29, Mr Boys was the only exhibitor, and he was awarded a second prize. In class 30, the Hon E. W. Stafford was first, with a very fine ewe, Messrs Palmer and Peter being second, the Rev A. P. O’Callaghan, the other exhibitor in this class, would most assuredly have obtained first honors, but from the fact that the ewe was barren. In class 31 the Rev A. P. O’Callaghan obtained first prize and the Silver Medal, with a magnificent sheep, the Hon E. W. Stafford being second with a good ewe, but slightly deficient in fleece. Mr J. C. Boys was highly commended for a very clean ewe, but rather small and light woolled. The Cotswold produced no entries, and the Southdown classes were poorly filled, in most of them a want of size being very noticeable. Colonel Packe, as usual, carried off everything, and some of his sheep, particularly number 239, showed great quality. In the half-bred classes, Messrs Henderson andj Mcßeth car ried off all the honors. Their pen, No 245, was very first class. The fat sheep were really excellent, and in some of the classes the judges’ office could have been no sinecure. Mr Chapman’s merino wethers were certainly the best ever shown in Christchurch. Messrs Eossiter and Mann shewed some excellent Down wethers. Mr JMann’s exhibit, No 256, was a superb pen. In the other classes Messrs Henderson and Mcßeth and Mr Mann were as usual to the fore, and the lambs of the latter exhibitor and Colonel Packe were particularly admired, in fact as we heard one enthusiastic butcher remark “it made a man hungry to look at them.” CATTLE. The exhibition of cattle was in every way very superior to that of last year, particularly in point of quality, Mr Grigg’s recent importations naturally attracted a great deal of attention, and very good they were. It was also pleasing to note that many of the young stock were more than promising. In class 1, bull of any age, Mr A. Pantham took first honors with Royal Gwynne, a most symmetrical and evenly-built animal, with a good color. In the opinion of many he should have had the special prize for the best bull upon the ground, an opinion in which we are very much disposed to agree. This, bs it stated, is about our only dissent from the decision of the judges throughout the cattle classes. Mr J. F. Kitchen took second prize with King of the Butterflies, an Otago bred bull, which was not in quite such condition as Mr Fantham’s, and which handled a little harshly, but which was, nevertheless, a rare backed good stamp of a bull, Mr S. Garforth’s Plutus is a very fair quality animal, and well deserved his third prize. In class 2, for three-year-old bulls, Mr Bluett’s Leeston prize taker was, as we anticipated, awarded first honors; He is a bull of very great quality, and would take beating anywhere. Mr Dean’s Prince of Canterbury, who took second honors, is perhaps a more evenly fleshed animal, though rather deficient in the back ribs. He was, however, well deserving of a second prize. Mr D. Gebbie’s Charming Prince was highly commended. He is a very nice evenly made bull, drooping rather too much in the r rmp, but with a very well put on shoulder. Mr Threlkeld’s exhibit was a good flanked lengthy animal, though not quite fashionable enough in color. John O’Groatwas a useful animal, though rather deficient in condition. Class 3, for two-year-old bulls, was the one in which the greatest amount of interest was centred, containing as it did Mr John Grigg’s recent importations. That gentleman’s

Alphonse secured first honors in his class, and also two other special prizes, one being the medal of the association for the best bull upon the ground. He is a rich roan and a symmetrical animal, and remarkably well furnished for his age; but he did not handle so well as some others in the same class. Mr Grigg’s Mandarin the 10th took second honors, a very nice bull, and of good color, and great quality. He fails a little at the shoulder —a very common fault in shorthorns. The Duke, another of Mr Grigg’s importations, took third prize. He is a very square, evenly made animal with good back and loins. Mr J. T. Matson’s Winterford was highly commended. He possesses good color and has a particularly nice turn of rib, and we feel confident will star by and bye. Mr Matson’s other exhibit was a neat bull enough. Mr Grigg secured a commend for Heir of Darlington, a |big growtby slack-built bull, and. a very nice handler, and we were very much prepossessed with Esau, a very beautiful handler, and who seems to us likely to grow eventually into the best.tmll of the lot, as he has every appearance of furnishing well. Mr H. J. Hall’s Statesman is a great favorite of ours, and it was no disgrace to him to be beaten in such excellent company. In class 4, for yearling bulls, the Messrs Hay’s Young Paul was highly commended, and, we think, was almost deserving of a prize. In class 5, for bull calved since Ist January, 1875, a very nice lot were shown, Mr A, Fantham taking first honors with Horost Tom, a youngster of great promise. His owner has certainly no cause to be ashamed of him, nor has Mr Threlkeld of his exhibit, Commander-io-Chief, a bull of great quality, which secured second honors. Mr Deans was highly commended for Baron, and Mr Fantham’s Royal John, in the same class, was a right good calf. Class 6, for the best shorthorned cow or heifer of any age, produced a good number of competitors, and animals were shown in it which would be a credit to any exhibition in the world. Mr Fantham took first and second prizes with Queen and Moss Rose respectively. The former beautiful cow is almost too well known to require comment, and Moss Rose is a very aristocratic looking dame, and handles as soft aa silk. Mr H. J. Hall’s Dorcas took a well deserved third prize, and as in the former class, it was no discredit to be beaten by such animals as the other prize takers. Mr Gebbie’s two exhibits secured a high commend and a commend, both being particularly nice cows. In class 7, for three-year-old heifers, Mr Fantham again took first and second prizes with Rosebud and Young Dolly. The former also took the special prize. She shows very great quality, and is a really beautiful specimen of the true shorthorn, Young Dolly is also a very neat heifer, but not quite so symmetrical as her companion. Mr D. Gebbie was highly commended for Pretence, a heifer of Mr Page’s breeding, and in every respect a credit to that gentleman. Class 8, two-year-old heifers, produced three entries, Mr Fantham taking first honors with Golden Countess, a very taking looking heifer indeed. Mr J. Dean’s Queen of the May took the second prize. She was a trifle low in condition, but a good constitutioned animal, and will, we think, furnish into a prize taker next season. In class 9, for yearling heifers, Mr Fantham’s name again swelled the prize list, taking first and second honors and a high commend with Belle the Second, Lady Gwynne, and Spreydon Flirt respectively. These were all very high class animals, and do credit to their indefatigable breeder. In class 10, for this year’s heifers, Mr Hill took first honors with a very nice calf, and Mr Fantham’s other two secured respectively a second prize and a high commend. Mr Hill’s exhibit was very good, and Mr Fantbam’s Queen of Trumps showed undeniable quality, and had one of the sweetest heads of any animal on the ground. The class for milch cows, for any age or breed, was a particularly good one, though we should have preferred to see a great number of exhibitors. Mr Dean’s Linda took the first prize, and very deservedly so, being a really good representative of her class. Mr Fantham’s well-known Queen Mab took the second prize, and a very nice beast belonging to Mr Threlkeld secured the third. All the exhibits in this class were good. As to the fat cattle, a finer lot was never exhibited upon the Canterbury Show Ground. It will be seen by a reference to the prize list that Messrs Ferguson and - S. Garforth were, as usual, the main competitors and the chief prizetakers. With the exception of Messrs Henderson and Mcßeth and E, Garland, they swept the board of all the prizes, Mr Ferguson taking the lion’s share. The competition in several of the classes was very close, and, as we have before stated, the animals exhibited were simply perfection. HORSES. The show of horses this year was, as usual, very strong, both in quantity and quality,“in the stallion classes. In many of the classes for mares the exhibits were more than creditable, but the quantity was wanting, and many old prizetakers were prizetakers again. We have imported horses enough of all kinds, and good one too ; but as we impress upon our breeders, year after year, we are sadly deficient in good mares of all classes. We question, whether in the interest of stock, the association would not do well to offer, annually, a handsome special prize for the best mare imported during the season. Taking the catalogue again for a guide, we come first to the blood stack ; Class 1, entire horses. Here Mr Holley’s Marmion, recently £rom Australia, took first prize. He is certainly a very grand horse, with any amount of bone. Several good judges complain of him as being a trifle “ coachy," but, in our opinion, this powerful son of Panic will prove a profitable speculation to Mr Holley. Knottingley took second honors, and, as far as looks go, nothing could beat him on the ground. His stock will soon apeak for themselves, as from one or two foals we have seen, we are convinced that they will prove a credit to the grand old cup winner. Mr J. F. Mitchell’s Spatter the Dew, an imported horse by Lottery, was highly commended. He is a very neat quality horse, of the old Irish hunter stamp, and we confess to preferring Slanderer, who is well bred enough ior anything, and has any amount of size and bone. Castaway looked healthy and well, and we saw more than one “ sport” eyeing him regretfully, aa

an absentee from the coming meeting. We hope, for his owner’s sake, that he will be more profitable in the paddock than at the post and we feel sure he will make a useful stud horse. Traitor looked in good case, though perhaps a trifle low in condition. In class 2, for stallions foaled since Ist July, 1872, Mr Bvan’s Diophantus was the only exhibit The judges did not deem him of sufficient merit for a prize, but we think that he deserved a notice. In Class 3, for two-year-old stallions, Mr Caverhill’s Sledmere colt Guy Mannering, took first prize. He is a very neat compact horse, but we liked Mr Webb’s Traducer colt, the second prize-taker, better. In the yearling colt class, Mr Webb’s Traducer Tantrums colt was the only exhibit, and seemed a well deserved first prize. Brood mares were conspicuous by their absence. Class 7, for two-year-old fillies, produced two chesnut Sledmeres, Mr Gammack’s Lady Lea taking first prize, Mr B, Mitchell’s Lady of the Lake the second. Both showed a deal of quality, and were well brought out, Mr Corr’s foal, out of Polly, took Mr Webb’s prize for the best foal colt or filly by Knottingly. Coming now to draught stock, class 9, for entire horse, excited no ordinary amount of interest, and of the eight exhibitors, all were above mediocrity, and the majority were really magnificent horses. Mr Wall’s recent importation, Pride of Scotland, took first prize. For make and shape this we consider could not be beaten anywhere, and as he is only a trifle over three years old, he is still susceptible of improvement, if such a thing is possible. Glen Roy, the property of Mr McKellar, took second prize. He is too well known a horse to require much more comment at our hands, but, as we ob served in our report of the Leeston show, the more we see of him the better we like him. Mr James Walls secured a well deserved third prize with Sir Walter Scott, He is a beautiful horse, and in him and the first prizetaker Mr Walls has two animals that he could well show in any exhibition in the world. Mr Roskruge’s recent importation Black Champion was highly commended, and found numerous admirers during the day, Mr Torrens’ Young Prince of Wales looked well, as did Mr McKellar’s Young Scotchman, the latter a particularly nice horse. Lord Haddo showed in great form, and we understand that he is daily increasing in public favor. Mr Brittan’s Major is too well known to require comment. In class 10, for entire horse foaled since Ist July, 1872, there were four entries. This class was a fairly useful one, but after having interviewed such animals as we have just been describing, they naturally appeared somewhat to a disadvantage. Mr Franks’ Glen Lofty took first prize, and Mr Henry White’s colt second. Both were by Lofty, and were good serviceable horses. Class 11, for two-year-old entires, produced six entries. Like the previous class, they were mostly useful horses, but the majority were not quite first-class. Mr Holley’s colt deservedly took first honors. In class 12, for yearling stallions, Mr J. Boag came first and second, with Ben Lomond and Middlerig, out of Miss Brodie and Marchioness respectively, and both by Young Wattie. Both were very promising youngsters, with plenty of bone and substance, and a capital advertisement for their sire. Class 13 produced two or three good brood mares. Mr Dixon’s Norah took first prize. This is a really grand mare, and will bear a lot of picking to pieces, Mr R. Wilkin's Charlotte—the second prizetaker—a fine roomy brood mare, also impressed us very favorably. In class 14, for filly or gelding, foaled since Ist July, 1872, Mr Holley took first prize, and Messrs Hay Brothers second. Both exhibits were fine muscular fillies, and promised to furnish into thoroughly serviceable mares. Class 15, for two year old fillies or geldings, produced seven entries, the majority of which were far above the average. Mr Holley took first prize. His exhibit, a very nice filly, with exceptionally good arms and gaskins was far and away the best of the lot. Sir Cracroft Wilson’s filly carried off the second prize. She is a most promising youngster, and does Campsie, her sire, very great credit indeed. Mr George Stephens was highly commended for a big serviceable filly, who, with age, will make a great mare. Mr Walls’ Flora took a well deserved third prize. Class 16, for yearling colts oi geldings, only produced three entries. Mr Haskett’s colt, by Major, was a good quality animal, and Mr Torren’s colt, which took second prize, was a promising youngster, but rather on the low side of condition. In class 17, Mr White’s colt, by Glen Roy, an animal of great quality, secured first prize, and Mr Dick’s Red Brian filly second. Class 18, for pairs of working geldings, only produced two entries. It is a wonder that this class did not fill better, for there is no doubt that Canterbury is not deficient in horses of this description. Mr Ross’s pair, and a very good pair too, took first prize, and Mr Ross second honors. In class 19, Mr Beatty was the only exhibitor, and was awarded a first prize, for a very nice pair of mares. Class 20 was not a numerous one, but the quality was excellent, Mr Wall’s imported mare Maggie Craig took first prize. A more beautiful mare was never seen upon the show ground, and she attracted crowds of admiring spectators during the afternoon. We could wish to see a few more like her. Mr Boag’s well-known grand mares Marchioness and Miss Brodie secured second honors and a high commend respectively. In the class for carriers’ horses, Mr Coskerie’s grey mare took deservedly the first prize. She is a very useful, compact mare. Mr Badden took second prize with a very serviceable animal, and Mr Terell’s Jack secured a well-deserved third prize. Mr Holley carried off Mr Brittan’s special prize, for the best yearling, by Major, with &. very promising colt, and Mr Sheiffer took Mr Torrens’s special for the best yearling by Young Prince of Wales, This class was a very tidy one, and the youngsters were a credit to Mr Torrens’ popular horse. The waggon horses were not numerous, but Mr Forbes’ pair well deserved the prize given to them. In the carriage entire horses, Sir , Cracroft Wilson’s well-known Nobleman, who looked remarkably well, took | first prize, and Mungo Park, a very neat horse, but rather on the gross : side of condition, second. In class 23 there were some very good mares, Mr H. F. Gray taking first prize with a very useful

mare, and the Hon Ernest Gray second prize with one nearly as good. Mr Mullins’ Polly, with a remarkably fine foal by Castaway at foot, was deservedly highly commended. In class 93 Sir Cracroft Wilson’s filly was the bnly exhibit. She was a neat two-year-old, but rather light for anything but buggy work. The class buggy horses only produced two entries, Mr Cardale’s first prize and Mr Studholme’s second. Both exhibits were particularly good, showing plenty of fashion and quality, In the class for hackney sires Prickwillow took first honors. This fine horse looked remarkably well, and will prove a great acquisition here. Admiral, a horse who is deservedly getting a great season, took second prize. Touchstone was highly commended ; he is a powerful, big boned horse. Nana was always a favorite of ours, but he was not in show form, In class 32 Mr Wilson’s Selina, a Diomedes filly, was awarded a first prize. She showed plenty of quality, but we were sorry to see a walk over in this class. The hacks were decidedly greatly superior to last year, though this class is still very susceptible of improvement. Mr Gray carried off first prize with a very stylish Traducer, Mr Keith was second, and Mr Grigg third. Both the last were fair hacks. The ladies’ horses were not over fashionable as a lot; old Albatross took first prize and Sir William second, Mystery was highly commended. For style Mystery was the best of the lot, and we think would have taken first honors but for being a trifle lame. In the hackney brood mare class, Mr Knight’s Fairy took the first prize. The rest were fairly useful looking mares. The pony entires were very good indeed. Mr Matson’s Miracle, a most symmetrical, and withal consequential Lilliputian, took the first prize ; and Mr Webb’s Shetland, Donald, second. For bone, the latter would shame many hacks on the ground, and his stock are capital. In class 37, Dick was disqualified for being over height, the first prize in consequence falling to Mrs Seabright’s exhibit, and Mr Clark taking second honors. In class 38, a number of exceedingly good children’s ponies were exhibited, many of them shown in great style by their juvenile riders. Miss Campbell’s Bonny, who was beautifully handled by Miss Ball took first prize, Mr Glories’ pony second, and Mr Cunningham’s Shetland Maggie third. Mr Matson’s Myth was highly commended, and Mr Webb’s Sally was a compact, pretty pony. Altogether the class was very satisfactory, and the competition remarkably close. There were only three entries for the jumping match, and after several unsuccessful attempts to take the bar, the horses no dcubt feeling strange at the large crowd collected, Mr Weston’s horse took the prize, clearing 4ft 6in, PIGS. The pigs, taken throughout, were very good, some of the exhibits particularly so. In class 1, boar of any breed, under the age of six months, Mr Maydwell had three exhibits of very good quality, taking first prize with a nice pig of five months, showing quality and breeding, Mr Haydon coming second with a good exhibit. In class 2, boar of any age or breed, Mr Shaw came first, Mr Nutt second. In the other classes, Mr Maydwell took the lion’s share of prizes. His exhibits were capital pigs, showing capability of producing good bacon-makers, added to purity of breed. POULTRY. The show of poultry, though better than last year, still fell short of what ought to have come forward, especially when we consider that we possess a number of well bred birds in all classes. In class 1, geese, Mr Pepperell and Mr Toon were the only exhibitors; both pens were good, both in size and breeding. The Aylesbury ducks were good, Mr Hill’s pen especially so. There was no entry for common ducks. In class 6, Dorkings, there were only three entries, two being by the same exhibitor. Mr Adkin’s pen had a very good cock bird in it, but the hen was hardly so good, and in Mr Hepworth’s pen the cock would have been good, but his tail was badly set on. In class 7, Spanish fowls, Mr E. Williams had a very good pen. In class 14, Polands, Mr B. Williams exhibited a very good pen, and Mr Parker exhibited a creditable pen of duckwing game, though they were spoilt in appearance by being shown in a bad pen. Mr Parker also exhibited some very good bantams formerly exhibited by Mr Gould, which were in good show condition. In Brahmas Mr Hill had a very nice pen, as also had Mr Parker, the hen in his pen being particularly good. The pigeons were few in number, but good quality, Mr Parker and Mr B. Williams having some very nice pens. The former were some imported by Mr Macquarrie, and were very good birds. In the class for extra exhibits Mr Parker had a pen of nuns, and Mr B. Williams a very fine pair of lop-ear rabbits of great size, though still young. SHEEP DOGS. This class requires but little comment. The exhibits taken as a whole were very fair, and though the number was but small, they gave the judges some trouble to arrive at a decision, IMPLEMENTS. In this class the exhibition was exceedingly creditable alike in number and quality. Mr Newton had a three furrow plough, and also a double and" sub-soiler. In the double furrows there was keen competition, and the whole of the exhibits were very creditable, being handy and of good workmanship. In the singles, Messrs Keetley Bros were the largest exhibitors, and had some very nice, compact well made ploughs with sub-soiler attached. In the class for sub-soilers there were some very good implements, Messrs Keetley, Mewtou, and Bootn competing, For grubbers Mr Newton was the only exhibitor, with a well made implement of reasonable price. Mr Wilkin and Mr Duncan exhibited broadcast sowers, and Mr Newton and Morrow, Bassett and Co. drills. There were a large numbei of harrows of various kinds shown, Mi Little being the principal exhibitor in this class. Mr Newton was the only exhibitor of horse-rakes, and had a patent self-acting one with seat and levers. Keetley Brothers were the only exhibitors of clod-crushers, and had also a very good pair of field gates. For

farm carts and drays, Messrs Duncan and Mr Robertson were the only competitors, their exhibits combining strength and carrying capacity, with lightness. Mr J. A. Bird exhibited a very compact wool press, Speedy’s patent, which, though in a small compass, possesses great strength, and ease in working. Mr Anderson and Keetley Brothers were also exhibitors of wool presses. For class 23, town carrier’s cart, Messrs Duncan were the only exhibitors, with a very well-built, strong made cart, fitted with all necessaries, and evidently of good workmanship. In class 25, Whitechapel cart, of colonial manufacture, Mr Robertson was the only exhibitor. This was a very creditable production, being well balanced and strongly put together. The uext class, that for a single buggy, was one of the most creditable of the whole of this department. In this class Mr Moor, of the firm of Moor and Sons, had two exhibits, one in plain wood varnished, and the other painted. Both were excellently fitted, the furnishing especially being a very good specimen of colonial work. The trimming was most elaborately carried out, and the ornamented b ather work executed in a manner which would have done infinite credit to any imported article. The buggies were fitted with Berg’s patent shaft attachment, and the workmanship throughout was such as to deserve the highest praise. The prize offered by the butchers of Christchurch for the best light delivery cart, brought out three competitors, all possessing in greater or less degree the qualities essential to a vehicle of this description. Mr Robertson took the prize with a well made one, capitally fitted, and the other exhibits were also worthy of commendation. In the extra exhibit class of this department Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co exhibited a very fine collection of reapers and harvesters, most of them being American patents. The main speciality is the width of swathe taken by these reapers, one taking six, and the other five and a half feet. There is also a divider, so that more than one sheaf can be taken on at a time if desired. A speciality in this class was Messrs Andrews and Wright’s patent hedge clipping machine, which for simplicity of construction and effectiveness of working was much admired. It consists of a travelling box, to simplify description, haying in the centre a winding barrel, upon which two coils of rope are placed. This barrel communicates with the knives, which are placed on one side, working on horizontal bevelled cogs. One of the coils of rope being attached to the horse, the machine move® one chain to four chains of rope run out. When the coil on one side is exhausted the horse is ungeared and attached to the other, and at the same time, by the application of a lever at the side, the action of working ont the fresh coil re-winds up that already run out. By application of machinery the knife,, which is set on an arm, is fixed so as to be six feet from the travelling wheels, thus clearing the ditch. The machine is fitted with a steering apparatus, which acts on the front wheels like the brake of a railway van, and also with pins to the rear wheels, by putting in which the machine can be turned in any direction. Altogether the machine is a very ingeniously constructed one, and has been found to work very well. In this class also we may notice a very elegantly appointed landau, with patent moveable head, built by Moor and Sons. The fittings in this exhibit were of the best workmanship, and altogether it was a very handsomely built vehicle, and one which attracted a good deal of attention. Mr Manning had some very well-made patent ranges, which not only were exceedingly moderate in price, but of good workmanship; and the same may be said of Mr Atkinson’s ranges. Messrs Harband, Tankard, and Steele exhibited a very well-built double-seated buggy, which was nicely made and fitted,* Messrs James and Parr had also a very creditable exhibit of a double-seated buggy in this class. Mr Newton exhibited a quantity of tree and grass seeds, and also, pumps, corn-crusher, &c. He also had a photograph of a very fine steam roller, now on the way from England. Mr Thompson, agent for Wheeler and Wilson, exhibited a very fine collection of sewing machines of various kinds, amongst which we may specially note a Wheeler and Wilson, No (3*. which, without alteration, sewed fabrics of different thicknesses from fourfold moleskin to muslin. He had also embroidery for different colors, and other excellent household machines. Mr Turner had also a tent,, where he exhibited a variety of machines, some of them driven by steam, and also a knitting machine. Mr Crompton had a number of cooking ranges, and also some portable washing furnaces ; and Mr Williams exhibited a very powerful windmill pump* for the trial of the capacity of which the fresh breeze blowing afforded every facility. In this class also there were a number of other very useful exhibits, and we must not omit to notice a good collection of timber, sent by Messrs W. Montgomery and Co. DAIRY PRODUCE. In the class for fresh butter under this head, the number and quality of the exhibits was in advance of any previous year, indeed, so close in point of merit were the competitors, that the judges were some considerable time in making their award. There was not a bad exhibit in the class, and the first prize lot was really a magnificent one, being of good flavour and well got up. The judges remarks upon this class were, that the whole of the exhibits were considerably above the average in point of merit, and the competition exceedingly keen. In salt butter there were four entries, the first prize lot being well made, of good colour and not too highly cured. The bacon and hams were good in quality, the first prize especially so, being well cut and cured, and good sound meat. The salt beef exhibited by Messrs Henderson and Mcßeth was a perfect picture, being handsomely packed and good colour. Mr Mann’s exhibit in this class was also very creditable. NEW ZEALAND MANUFACTURES.

In this class we regret to have to record a considerable falling off in the number of exhibitors, though the quality of the goods shown was excellent in the majority of cases. In ale, Messrs Moore and Co took first prize with a fair sample of beer, brewed 18th September, the price being £4 per hhd. It

had good body and very pleasant flavor, but the other exhibits were of very medium quality. Of the porter exhibited the less said the better. Colonial porter at the best is not renowned for quality, and that shown yesterday was not amongst the best samples. In boots. Mr J. Caygill wastheonly exhibitor with a well assorted case, of good workmanship. In the class for mould candles, Messrs King and Horler were the only competitors. The latter gentleman took first and second prize with a well made hard candle, Mr King’s exhibits not being so well finished as Mr Horler’s. In soap, the same gentlemen were again the only competitors, Mr Horler again securing first and second, with a well made exhibit of pale soap, capitally got up. The first and second prize lot was made respectively on Ist November and 28th October, and the selling price affixed was £29 and £2B per ton. Mr Gough had a well made Canterbury-manufactured saddle, with furniture, which was a very creditable piece of work. In leather, Mr Thomas Wilson was the only exhibitor, and he had a capital collection of every description used in the trade, including sheep and goat skins, prepared for shoemakers and bookbinders. He also exhibited a number of wool mats, of various colors. Altogether, these exhibits were exceedingly creditable. Coming to the extra exhibits, Mr Bashford had some well-made calvesfoot jelly, of various kinds. This was of good flavor, and very firm. Mr Lloyd, of St Albans, exhibited _ a collection of New Zealand birds, stuffed and prepared by him, which were much admired, being very artistically mounted and prepared. At the further end of the tent was an exhibit by Mr Beumelburg of very ingeniously constructed bird cages and watch stands carved out of the solid. The judges were highly pleased with these exhibits, and awarded a first prize specially to them. Near this was a case of boot uppers, manufactured by Messrs C. Coombs and Son, These comprised, amongst others, a number of fancy articles, and this also was highly appreciated by the judges as being of excellent workmanship. Mr William Wilson had two samples of limestone from White Rock Quarry, showing the adaptability of this stone to building and other purposes. The exhibits of flannels, blankets, and plaiding sent by the Spinning and Weaving Company, and manufactured by them at their f ctory, Kaiapoi, attracted a good deal of attention, and were well worth inspection. They comprised twilled and plain flannels, both white and colored, and some excellently made blankets. The excellence of the get up of these goods augurs well for the success of the company when their arrangements are perfected. Mr Dawson exhibited a very good sample of lemon syrup, and Mr Dow a well made cask. Mr Sheath sent some very fine specimens of pottery and fire clay goods, and also drain pipes of good workmanship. Messrs Austin and Kirk had a very good exhibit of drain pipes. In malt there was very keen competition, all the samples being good in quality. WOOL. The exhibits in this class were limited in number, but taken generally the quality was very superior. In class 1, hale of scoured wool, Mr P. Thorn had a beautiful exhibit from sheep bred by Mr J. 0. Boys, being a fifth cross from merino ewes and Romney Marsh ram". This was well worth going a long way to sec, alike from excellence of get up and fine staple of the wool itself. The other exhibits iu this class were also exceedingly good.

In closing our notice of the show, we should be wanting iu courtesy if we did not acknowledge the assistance cheerfully rendered in what is a very laborious (ask where there are so many exhibits, by Mr J. T. Ford, the secretary, and the officers of the association. The number of persons on the ground was than last year, though the receipts are less; but this is accounted for by the fact that this year fewer paid the 2s 6d fee, the majority preferring to wait until the shilling time arrived. The amount taken was £490, and last year £'B2, the receipts for 1875 being thus £42 less than 1874.

On his Excellency's arrival on the ground, Mr H, P. Murray-Aynsley presented the following address to his Excellency:—

“To the Most Honorable George Augustus Constantine. Marquis of Normanby, Earl of Mulgrave, Viscount Normanby, and Baron Mulgrave, a member of Her Majesty’s Most Honorable Privy Council, K.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand, &c, &c.

“ Sir, —May it please your Excellency, we, her Majesty’s loyal and dutiful subjects, the members of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, are pleased to welcome your Excellency not only to our province, but to our show ground, and thank you for ■visiting us here this day, “ When we remember that our Most Gracious Sovereign, as well as her Royal son the Prince of Wales, whose birthday we this day commemorate, are exhibitors in Great Britain on occasions similar to the present one, and are frequent prize takers ; knowing also the lively interest youi Excellency takes in those pursuits, and interests which have ever been regarded by Englishmen as the mainstay of a country’s wealth, it affords us special pleasure in giving your Excellency, as the representative of our beloved Queen in this distant portion of her dominions, a most hearty welcome to this our annual exhibition of stock and colonial manufacture. We trust that, making allowance for this being only the twenty-fifth year of the settlement of the Canterbury Province, that your Excellency will be please! with the progress, and may be induced to visit us' in future years at our annual show.”

His Excellency replied, expressing the pleasure he felt at being present that day, and thanking the association for the kindly welcome given him on the occasion. [Owing to pressure on our space wo are compelled to omit the prize list and dinner,]