THE ELLESMERE SHOW.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 739, 1 November 1876, Page 2

THE ELLESMERE SHOW.

President, Mr Thomas D, Acland; vicepresidents, Messrs O. A, Fitzroy, R. GiUett, W. D. Laurence, and G. B. Woodman ; hou treasurer, Mr D, Marshall; secretary, Mr James Lewis.

What we may call the agricultural show season has set in this year with more than ordinary severity, there being no less than four of these fixtures in the present week preceding the Metropolitan Show. The Ellesmere district, and we think very fitly so, opened the ball yesterday with the annual show of the District Association, held at Leeston. We say we think it right that to the Ellesmere district should be conceded the post of honor, if it be one, for the reason that it is par excellence the finest agricultural and, in some descriptions of stock, pastoral district in the province. It is satisfactory to notice, as on these occasions one must do, the rapid growth of this and kindred associations which have sprung up of late years. The country shows are now fast assuming an importance alike from the number and quality of the exhibits, which bids fair in a few years to land them very close to the premier show of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. This augurs well for the future of the province as regards its two staple products, as with the growth of these associations comes, as a matter of course, keener rivalry and consequent improvement of stock and introduction of the latest and best machinery for tillage. We may here say that we are glad to notice that the practice which prevailed in former years of the country associations holding their exhibitions after the Metropolitan Show has been discontinued. It was wrong in theory, because so soon a* the Metropolitan was over the interest, both of the public and the exhibitors, fell off, and the result was a small attendance and little or no increase in the number of entries catalogued. But now the pick of the country shows can come forward at the grand convincing ground, and try their mettle, not alone against competitors from their own district, but also against those of the whole of our own and adjoining provinces. As increased facilities are afforded for railway transit, which should be made as easy and as cheap as possible, the competition will become keener between different districts, and so an increased incentive will be given to stockowners and farmers to improve to the utmost the breed of their flocks and the quality of their crops. We hope, therefore, that the day is far distant when the nearsighted and narrow policy of confining exhibits to the particular district will be adopted as regards our shows. But to return to the subject more immediately under discussion, viz, the Leeston Show. The Ellesmere folk, contrary to their usual luck, were favored with a splendid day a trifle hot and windy perhaps, but even this was better than the rain of last year. In the morning it threatened, but fortunately kept off, after a few heat drops. The greater majority of the Christchurch visitors patronised the railway, a special train in the morning having been put on by the Department. There were, however, still a few who remained faithful to their old love, and, notwithstanding the somewhat alarming rapidity with which they can be now conveyed along the Southbridge line, preferred driving out behind a spanking team in the cool of early morning. The road presents many features of interest in the signs qf improvement and progress which are visible on every recurrence of this annual visit to the Ellesmere, A larger extent of land under rich cultivation, the erection of homes of a more pre*

tentious character than the modest sod whare of the pioneers of the district, and the springing up of buildings of a public kind, are all indications of the prosperity of the district. These, to the observant traveller, are to be seen on all sides as the well known road is traversed. In Leeston itself, we notice that a Town Hall, which is bejng built by shares, is going up, and also a library Arrived on the show grounds many familiar faces are recognised, who, year after year an to the fore in helping forward the interests: of the association, but one who was always prominent in promoting the welfare of the district is missed from amongst the gathering. In comparing the number of entries in all classes this year with that of last, we find an increase, but, as will be seen by the annexed table, there is a falling off in some items. The following is the number of entries in the various classes for the years 1875 and 1876 1876. 1876. Sheep, all classes ... 78 64 Cattle, do 61 49 Horses, do 81 89 Pigs, do II 28 Poultry, do 0 15 Implements do ... 15 31 Dairy Produce, do ... 38 30 Totals 277 306 The falling off in sheep is rather surprising at first glance, when we consider that the district is a large pastoral one, but it is to be partly accounted for by the Timaru show taking place on the next day, and the consequent inability of owners who wished to compete at both shows doing so. It is to be regretted that this should have occurred, the more so when the Ellesmere association fixed their date after consultation by letter and telegram with the Timaru association, who give their date as the last Wednesday in October, which would have allowed ample time for exhibits to appear at both shows. Subsequently and after the schedules of the Ellesmere Association was issued, the date of the Timaru show was altered to November Ist, By this means Mr H. J. Hall, a large and successful exhibitor of sheep at the former, was precluded from showing, and there was thus a loss of thirty-nine entries to the association from this gentleman alone. We hope next year that this will not occur again. A slight decrease is also noticeable in cattle, probably from the same reason. The number of horses, in which the district is strong, shows an increase, and this is also particularly noticeable in pigs, which are double in number this year to what they were last. We are glad to notice that the district is beginning to develop this portion of farming, as the export trade in bacon, «kc, will in time prove to be a very large and lucrative trade. A new item on the prize list of the Association were the entries for poultry. Although there is great room for improvement in this respect, still for a commencement it was by no means bad. If, however, this is retained we hope to see the Association steadily setting their face against the exhibition of a mixture of breeds, such as some of the pens exhibited contained yesterday. The implement classes also mustered very strong, there being thirty-one exhibits this year against fifteen last. One remarks we have to make upon this class, and it is this—We should like to see a larger number of colonial manufactured implements shown than was the case. The majority were imported, and some of rather antiquated type. The district, and indeed the province, contains a large number of implement makers who have won honors elsewhere, and it is particularly essential that they should be well represented at the country shows. At these farmers more carefully and in larger numbers examine implements than at the metropolitan, where there is such a vast quantity of exhibits that it is almost impossible to give more than a superficial glance at any particular branch of manufacture represented. Were our colonial manufacturers to send their products, farmers could then see that they have amongst them men capable of turning out implements equal to those of home manufacture, and thus local industry would be encouraged and stimulated. The dairy produce, except in one or two cases, was not such as we should have expected to have seen from a district such as Ellesmere. The general show in this product was far below that of last year, which should not be the case. In this, as well as in all other branches, progress should be the order of the day, and we trust that next year will show a different result. In these remarks we must except the cheese,which was excellent in the highest degree, though the number of exhibits was rather limited. The bacon was very good, bnt here again we should like to have seen keener competition.

Altogether, however, the show was a success, both pecuniarily and otherwise. The attendance was larger than last year, over 1200 persons paying for admission at the gates. The success of the show was mainly due to the exertions of Mr Acland, the president of the association, and he was ably assisted by the secretary and members of committee and other office bearers. The Southbridge brass band played on the ground during the day, and afforded a pleasing contrast to many of our town bands, inasmuch as they were by no means niggard of their music. They played excellently throughout the day. The large assemblage was most orderly, and Sergeant Barlow and his coadjutors had what ha®, we believe, been remarked before on several occasions, a perfect sinecure. We append a detailed account of the various classes : SHEEP, The show of sheep was very fair ; numerically at least up to the average of former years ; and there was not much to complain of on the score of quality. Mr Hall, who is usually well to the front in the long-wool classes, was prevented from exhibiting, having entered for Timaru before the date of that show was altered. It would seem that four agricultural shows in one week cannot but clash, and next season it would be as well if the different associations made arrangements to let their exhibitions be held inside a fortnight instead of a week. The Romney Marsh and Southdown classes failed to produce any entries, and the show vvas therefore limited to Leicester and Lincoln, Taking the catalogue for a guide, we come first to class 1, for rams above eighteen months old. This produced nine entries. A very beautifully fleeced sheep, imported by Mr E. J, Lee, took first honors, and the same gentleman also secured a second prize with an animal, which for symmetry and constitution we rather preferred to the other. Messrs JTitzroy and Acland, and Mr Cunningham, were the other competitors, and their exhibits nearly all nice useful (beep, but they were not up to the mark of

the prizetakers. In class 2, for rams under eighteen months, Mr Lee was the only exhibitor. He took a first prize with one very shapely sheep, but his other exhibit was below par. In class 3, for ewes above eighteen months, Mr Lee was again to the front, taking first and second prizes with two very high class ewes. Mr Rennie was also highly commended for a very nice animal. The same two gentlemen were the only two competitors in the next class, for ewes under eighteen months old, Mr Lee taking both prizes. Mr Rennie’s exhibit was not in show condition, and was a little deficient in quality. In class 6, for three ewes above eighteen months, Mr Lee showed two pens, getting first and second prizes. The first pen was very good, but the second was uneven, though generally the sheep were above the medium. Mr Lee was the only exhibitor in class 6, for three ewe hoggets, and secured two prizes and a commend. Passing on to the Lincolns, in class 7, for rams above eighteen months, Mr Withell took a well deserved first prize with a well fleeced Sutton ram, whose drooping quarters were his only fault. Mr Bluett came in for a second prize with a nice quality animal, but rather wanting in size. Mr Rowe’s exhibit was highly commended, and but for his want of condition would have given the prizetakers a closer run for it. In class 8, for rams under eighteen months old, the judges, as we think very rightly, passed over the two exhibits as undeserving a prize. Messrs Bruce and Co took first and second prizes in the class for ewes above eighteen months. Both animals showed a lot of quality, but handled very dry. Indeed, this remark applies more or leas to nearly every sheep on the ground. This is owing to the rubbing which makes the tips of the wool so light or fussy, and it becomes a question if owners of long wools would not do better to dip their sheep in the autumn to prevent them being attacked by vermin. Mr Barker showed a neat compact sheep, whose worse fault was want of condition. In the class for ewes under eighteen months old, there were seven exhibitors. Mr Withell (first and second prize) was far ahead ot the rest, being both for wool and size, grand hoggets, and we must compliment that gentleman upon the evident care he has taken in his breeding. His exhibits yesterday were nearly all very good. In cla‘s 11, for three ewes above eighteen months old, Messrs Bruce and Coe showed three pens, taking first and second honors and a high commend. All three pens were most creditable exhibits. The other sheep in this class call for no special comments. In the class for three ewes under eighteen months old. Mr Withell took first prize, and Mr Baker was awarded second and a high commend. The latter gentleman’s were really very good sheep, but lacked condition. The show of fat sheep was most creditable to the district, though we should have been glad to see a greater number of exhibits. In class 23, for ten fat merino wethers of any age, there were two competitors, first honors falling to Mr Smithson and second to Mr Rowe, both pens being good useful butchers’ sheep. In class 24, for ten fat long-woolled wethers of any age, three pens were shown. Mr Loe took first honors with a pen of perhaps the fattest sheep we have ever seen, and was highly commended for his other pen. Mr Lee took a well deserved second prize for ten beautiful sheep. In the class for ten fat hoggets, Mr Withell, the only exhibitor, was awarded first prize for a pen, which, both for wool and mutton, would be very hard to beat. The same gentleman was disqualified in class 29, the judges not thinking some of his exhibits as “ fit for butchers’ purposes,” the prize, therefore, went to Mr Smithson, whose pen was a very good one. The special prizes, of which there were plenty, produced in many cases good competition, and will be found in the prize list below. CATTLE. The f xhibition of cattle hardly struck us as being so good as it might be. The bulls were certainly a very capital lot, and were the feature of this part of the show, but the milch cows were neither so numerous or so good as we might have expected from the Leeston district, and we must also take exception to the very bad condition in which a large number of the exhibits were sent on the ground. Condition is not everything we know; but if a beast is good enough to exhibit at all, it is surely worth while to show him as favorably as possible. Class 1, for bulls of any age, brought out seven competitors, first honors falling to Mr Bluett’s 11. Earl of Darlington, a most symmetrical animal, and a beautiful handler. He was suffering from fever in the feet, and was evidently not looking his best; but there is no doubt the prize went to the right beast. Mr Bluett also secured, second honors wHh Wizard, a very useful, good constitutioned animal. John O’Groat was deservedly highly commended, but we liked Mr Washbourne’s Jackdaw as well, if not better. His condition was much against him, but with a little more age he will furnish into a grand animal. Mr Hall’s handsome Statesman II has improved since we saw him last, and was deservedly much admired. Mr Dudley’s exhibit was a useful animal, but was figuring in rather too good company. In Class 2, for bulla calved since July Ist, 1874, Mr Docker’s Dairyman was the only exhibit. He was not the beat of handlers, but was not a badly shaped one, however the judges only awarded him a second prize. In the class for yearling bulls Mr Bluett's Duke of Holcombe, a very neat and promising youngster, was awarded first prize. In the class for bull calves Mr C. T. Dudley scored a couple of wins with the Marquis of Normanby and Favorite. The former is a very nice calf, showing a lot of quality, and the latter, though not of nearly so high a class, promises to make a useful beast. Mr Docker’s Merlin impressed us rather favorably, but his condition was very bad. In the class for cows, Mr Bluett took a first prize with Mince Pie, a most beautiful cow, showing quality all over, and with which it is indeed difficult to pick a fault. Mr Bluett took the second prize with Jessamine X2£., a very nice even animal, though showing [perhaps a little coarseness about the head. Mr H, J. Hall had two exhibits in this class. Of these Jessie was a fairly useful cow, and Dorcas, a veteran prize taker, begins to show that age is telling on her. She was commended, and we almost think the judges might have awarded her a prize, even for the sake of old times. In class 6, for heifers calved since July Ist, 1874, Mr Bluett’s Wild Rose gave the judges very little trouble about their avyard of pride of place. Wild Bose was indeed the flower of the class, and is one of the best animals we saw upon the ground. Mr Bluett’s other exhibit, Favorite 11, was commended, being beaten for second honors by Mr Washbourne’s Coral, a very neat heifer, and showing a lot of quality.

Mr H. J. Hall’s two exhibits were nice useful animals, and fair types of their class. Mr Docker’s heifer Maud was the only exhibit for yearling heifers, and the judges awarded her a first prize. She is a very evenly-made animal, and a sweet handler. The class for heifer calves produced three entries, and must have given the judges some trouble, Mr Bluett’s Tottie Qwynn ;carried off the first prize, and Mr Hall’s Dorcas the Fourth the second prize, Mr Bluett’s Bridal Flower was commended. In class IX., for milch cows of any age or breed, the exhibits were as a lot scarcely up to tne mark. The first prize taker, Mr Bluett’s Lurline, was a fairly useful animal, and Mr Washbourne’a Cinderella, who took second honors, was a serviceable beast, The other exhibits were Mr Bluett’s Mab, an old prize taker, Mr Hall’s roau cow Lilly, and Mr Osborne’s roan cow. In class 10, for the best district milch cow, of any age or breed, Mr Moorhead took the first honors, and Messrs Bruce and Coe second. Both were fair milch cows, but we were very favorably impressed with Mr Docker’s Minnehaha, a three-yeai-old, of most undeniable quality, and showing aristocratic lineage in almost every point. The fat cattle were not very numerously represented, and, taken as a lot, were hardly up to the mark. In class 11, for bullocks of any age, Mr Loe secured first and second honors with two excellent butchers’ animals; and of class 12, for two-year-old steers, the less said the better; fit for the butcher they certainly were not. The three exhibits might, or might not, have appeared to advantage as stores, but were of a certainty completely out of their latitude aa fat cattle. In class 13, for fat cows, Mr Moorhead’s Lilly fully deserved the first prize which was awarded her, for she really was a good butchers’ beast. Mr Smithson’s exhibit, which took second prize, showed plenty of quality, but was rather wanting in condition ; and Mr Dudley’s animal which was highly commended was good but old. As in the case of the sheep, the particulars of the special prizes will be found in the list hereunder. HORSES. The show of horses was numerically far in excess of that of last year, and in some respects the quality of the stock shown was really excellent, notably class 3 in the entire draught horses, and the classes for the two and three year old draught fillies were exceedingly creditable. The hacks, particularly the ladies, ware very moderate; and Judging from those we see even at the Metropolitan show, it would appear that this class of breeding is almost entirely neglected. Coming to the catalogue, in class 1, for thoroughbred entires, the first and second prizes fell respectively to Admiral and Messenger, while the handsome Presto had to be contented with a high commend. Messenger is too well known to require comment, but Admiral has wonderfully improved, and is now certainly one of the most even horses in the colony. In class 2, for thoroughbred mares, Mr Bluett took first prize with Wing, Mr Luna's Katterina coming in for second prize. We like the latter quite as well as the former; but the class on the whole was a poor one. Class 3, for draught entires, imported or otherwise, brought out Ghnroy, Prince Royal (Mr McKellar’s recent importation) Young Wattie, Rantin Robin, and Lord Glasgow, and it would indeed be hard to find a finer lot upon any show ground. The judges appeared to be a good deal exercised in their minds in selecting between Mr McKellar’s pair for the first prize, but at last decided in favour of the colt, Mr Frank’s Young Wattie being awarded a third prize. The whole five are thoroughly well known to breeders. In the class for New Zealand bred entires of any age, our old friend Prince of Denmark and King David were the only two exhibits. They were awarded first and second prizes respectively. In class 6, for entire horses foaled since July, 1874, the live exhibits were most of them above the average. The first prize fell to Dick Turpin, a very well grown symmetrical colt. Ben Lomond and Crown Prince, both by Young Wattie, out of Mr Boag’s well known mares Miss Brodie and Marchioness, came next for honor, both, particularly Ben Lomond, being very fine colts. Class 7, for the best gelding or filly foaled since July, 1873, was a credit to the district, and produced an exceedingly close competition. Mr Marshall’s Darling, the first prize taker, was a magnificent filly, and Mr Matthew’s second prize and Mr Moorhead’s highly commended were all beautiful animals. The whole three are by Baronet, and they certainly were a good advertisement for him. Class 8, for two-year-old geldings or fillies, produced another capital lot of youngsters, and must have given the judges considerable trouble. The first and third prizes fell to Mr H, White, and the second to Mr Rennie. All three were symmetrical animals, and all claim Glenroy as their sire. In class 9, for yearling colts, Mr Bluett exhibited two fairly useful Prince Charlie colts. They were both very low in condition, but were awarded first and second prizes respectively. In class 10, for yearling fillies, an exhibit of Mr Corbett’s took first honors, and this daughter of Rantin Robin evoked a deal of admiration. Messrs Bruce and Coo’s filly took second prize, and the other two exhibits got cards. The whole class was an exceptionally good one. In class 11, Messrs Cunningham and Bluett received first and second prizes respectively for their barren draught mares. In theclass for thebestpair in regular work, the three exhibits wore all very commendable, butlMr Moorhead’s prize takers, Duchess and Violet, were far and away the best, and were really a treat to look at. Mr Boag’s mares, Marchioness and Miss Brodie, took, aa usual, first and second prizes in class 13. Violet and Dapper were the other two exhibits, and were serviceable animals. In class 16, for district mares of the same class as the above, Glasgow Maggie, Blossom, and Polly were the only three ex hibits, and were awarded prizes in the above order. Pacific, who, by the way, should hare been entered as a hackney, was the only candidate in the class for entires for carriage purposes, and he was awarded a first prize. In the class for brood mares for the same purpose, Pixey, a big powerful mare by Traducer, out of Amuri took first prize, aud Alice Grey, the steeple-chase mare, who is looking quite matronly, the second. Ip class 17, a Golden Grape gelding of Mr Dudley’s, a nice shortlegged useful horse, carried off first honors. The other two in this class call for no special notice. In class 18, for two-year-old fillies or geldings, a very nice even Shales’ filly, showing plenty of bone and power, took first prize. The second prize-taker, a bay filly of Mr Warren’s, was very neat and pretty, but scarcely appeared te, ua aa

“ fitted for carriage purposes." Mr Oradock’a Tam O’Shanter, by Messenger out of old Banshee, was a great improvement on the foregoing. This colt is not yet a year old, but he is remarkably well grown, with rare good legs, powerful quarters, and is altogether a most promising youngster. In the class for hackney entires, Nana, who was looking rather low in condition, easily took first honors from the only other competitor, Touchstone. The roadsters were six in number, and wa were not very particularly impressed with any of them. The class for ladies’ hacks brought out seven exhibits, and not a very gay lot they were. The judges gave first prize to Miss Biddie, a very pretty little Peter Plat mare, with any amount of quality, but only a pony. The second prize fell to a gelding of Mr Blackler’s, but we liked Phantom as well as anything in the class. In class 25, for brood mares, first and second prizes fell respectively to Zuleika and Polly. The former is a neat Arab mare, belonging to Mr Bluett, and the latter may ba numbered among the useful ones. Of the six competitors in the pony class two or three were very good, Miss Mazeppa, the first prize taker, being a really handsome 'pony, and who was exhibited in proper show form. Second honors fell to Mr L, White’s Topsy, also a nice pony, and who was made the most of by the young lady who handled her. There were two exhibits in extra stock, Jessie, a good useful draught mare, and a remarkably nice brown filly, the property of Mr Hill, by Traducer, out of Penseroso. The latter, though rather on the gross side of condition, attracted a good deal of attention. She is very deep in the girth, with rare good legs and back, a very well set on head, and is altogether a young lady of great quality. | PIGS. As we have said the show of pigs was larger in the matter of numbers than last year, and the exhibits were also of excellent quality. In Class 1, boar of any age, Mr Mawson had a very fine pig of the pure Berkshire type. It was somewhat out of condition, and inclined to be short in the hair, but otherwise was a good pig. Mr Bourn’s exhibit in this class, though a much younger pig, will in a year or so fill out to a much larger and better pig than the first prize taker, In Class 2, under twelve months, Mr Moorhead had a very fine pig, which combined all the good points, but we are inclined to believe that it was over age somewhat, Mr Dudley’s exhibit, which took second prize, though smaller framed showed good quality. In Class 3, Mr Maydwell’s Berkshire sow, bred by exhibitor, was as fine a specimen of the breed as one would wish to see, and one of the best exhibited here, The second prize taker was also exhibited by Mr Maydwell, and was a fine Berkshire ; the judges must have had considerable difficulty in deciding between the relative claims of these two for first honors. Mr Bourn had a very nice pig which took third prize. This was also bred by Mr Maydwell, [but being much younger could not compete with the older exhibits with any chance of success. Mr Mawson’s exhibit also was good. In class 4 Mr Maydwell had a remarkably fine pig for its age. It was out of the first prize sow in class 3, and was well framed, with large hams, and altogether a good type of bacon pig. Mr Osborn had an exhibit of the Chinese breed, which was of fair quality. Mr Bluett exhibited a nice sow in this class ; but they were not in show form by any means. In class 5, an exhibit by Mr J. Smith of a sow and litter, bred by Mr Maydwell, was worthy of notice, the pigs being remarkably even and well formed; they were also as well grown for their age as any we have seen, and the pen deservedly received Mr Saudstein’s special prize. Mr Bluett’s pen in the same class, although an excellent litter, lacked size when compared with that of Mr Mawson. In this class there were two pens which never ought to have been exhibited, as they possessed no merit whatever as show stock, As will be seen, the greater number of prizes were taken by Mr Maydwell’s breeding, who has been very successful as a breeder, POULTRY. This was a new class as regarded this exhibition, and therefore it is hardly fair to criticise closely. The various exhibits were fairly meritorious, but there was little calling for any special mention. The pigeons exhibited were only few in number. IMPLEMENTS. This class was well filled in the matter of exhibits, but as we have before remarked, it is a pity that the local manufacturers were not more numerously represented. Messrs Webster and Cameron had a very well made double-furrowplough and set of swingle trees The harrows exhibited were fairly made, but only one set, that exhibited by Mr Petrie, light grass seed harrows, were considered to be worth mention. In farm carts there was good competition ; Mr Jeffrey’s exhibit was a well made cart, of good workmanship, and strongly put together. The other implements, except a broad cast sowing machine, made by P. and D. Duncan, and exhibited by Mr Job Osborn, were imported articles. While in this class we might venture to suggest to the committee the necessity of placing the implements _in regular order as to numbers, as great difficulty was experienced yesterday in finding several of the exhibits owing to their having been displaced. Mr Berg exhibited a very pretty waggonette, well made, and tastefully upholstered. We should have liked to have seen the judges award this a special prize, both on account of its excellence, and to encourage colonial builders to exhibit. Mr Durant had a very ingenious windmill pump, the sails of which, by having a feather edge, present no obstacle to the wind after passing round. It worked well during the day. Messrs Smith and Metcalf exhibited each a Cambridge roller, DAIRY PRODUCE. The exhibits in this class did not show any improvement whatever on last year, indeed there was a great falling off in the general quality of the fresh butter. In class 1 Mr Withell exhibited a splendid side of bacon and ham (green) ; it was well fed, and splendidly firm and sweet. In this class was an exhibit from a curer supplying the market. We incline to the belief that it would be fairer if the committee had a farmer’s class, and one for curers for export. It is manifestly unfair to class the two together. Mr Withell’s second exhibit should, we think, have received a prize, as it was better quality than the one so honored. The cheese was excellent as a whole. Mr Watson's exhibit of this season’s make was fine full flavoured mellow cheese of good keeping quality. Mr Crowe’s exhibit in the same class was also very good. In the fresh qnd potted better classes there were one or two good exhibits, particularly those of Mrs Russell in the former, and Mr Moore in the latter.