THE LINCOLN SHOW.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 742, 4 November 1876, Page 2

THE LINCOLN SHOW.

President, Mr A. C. Knight; vice-president, Rev A. P. O'Callaghan; hon secretary and treasurer, Mr W. A. Murray. Coming as it did at the conclusion of a week of shows, the exhibition of the Lincoln Pastoral Association could not but suffer somewhat in the matter of entries. From the fact that shows in various parts of the country were held each day for the preceding three days, it was hardly to be expected either that owners couJd bring their exhibits after having competed elsewhere, or that if they did strain a point to do so f that the stock should be in condition. It is much to be regretted that all the shows in the various district* representing the north, south, and centre of the province, should have clashed in this way. Such a result might have easily been avoided, without inconvenience to any one, and stock would not only have been enabled to put in an appearance at the majority of them, but would also have had time to recover from the effect of travelling long distances by rail. In order that next year the evils which are so patsnt in this may be remedied, we would suggest that prior to issuing of catalogues or fixing of dates for shows a convention of representatives from the various country associations should be held. At this, like the one held by secretaries of cricket clubs before commencing the season, the dates of all shows might be fixed, care being taken to allow sufficient time to elapse between them for owners to bring their stock from one to the other, if they so desired. By this means all would be benefitted, and having the dates before them exhibitors could make their arrangements with certainty. This or some analagous plan will have to be adopted, as it is pretty clear that the present haphazard way of fixing dates is productive of bad results to all the associations. We commend the hint to the serious consideration of the committees, in the hope that next year we shall not have to record a partial failure at least in the number of entries from this cause.

The attendance yesterday was not so good as might have been expected, but otherwise the show was successful. The arrangements made by the managing committee, with one or two exceptions to which we will refer presently, were very good. We must especially notice the commendable promptitude with which the awards were affixed to the pens, and also the smartness displayed by the various judges in getting their work done. An improvement which we think might be copied with advantage at the Metropolitan show, has been made in reference to the number of the exhibits affixed to each. Formerly this was on card, which after a while from constant handling disappeared altogether, rendering it impossible to identify the particular exhibit by reference to the catalogue. Now, however, the association have substituted tin number plates, which besides being far neater and more legible are also infinitely more durable. We might suggest to the committee the advisability of placing the ring for the display of the horses in another part of the ground, and also making it circular instead of square. The C.Y.O. band, under the leadership of Mr Button, was present during the day, and played a number of selections. Wheels of fortune were numerous—too numerous to do a large stroke of business—and there was also several sporting games, to which, although urged by eloquent appeals from the proprietors, the Lincoln public did not seriously incline. The one refreshment booth, owing, doubtless, to the heat of the weather, did a roaring trade, and the itinerant vendors of refreshment also did well, though it was, we confess, somewhat puzzling to know what induced a shrimp merchant to travel so far in search of trade. Taking the entries in order of the catalogue, we first come to the sheep, in which classes, though the numbers were not so great as we should like to have seen, there were some very fine exhibits, the quality throughout being good. The horses were fairiy numerous, and were also well worth locking at as a whole, though there were some decidedly out o? place on a show ground. The young stock, we were glad to note, showed signs of great qui lity, auguring well for the future. The cattle were decidedly the gem of the show, as it would have been hard to have got a better lot together, taking them all round. This was perhaps to be expected when the exhibitors comprised among-t others, the names of Messrs Fantham and Gebbie, in whose herds are some of the best strains of blood in the province. The pig classes were not remarkable either for quality or number of exhibits, which is somewhat strange. We should have thought that the Lincoln district would have turned out a very excellent show of this useful adjunct to the farm. The implement classes, though not large, were creditable in the highest degree, the mere so from the fact that they were, with one or two exceptions, of local manufacture. We hope to see the example set by Mr Blyth followed

by other makers at our country shows, as we feel sure that from the style in which work is turned out here, there is no need for importation in this direction. The exhibits were also well got up, and contrasted in this respect most favorably with those shown at Leeston the other day. Id dairy produce the butter exhibits were by f=>r tb« rest we have Been at any of the show 9 this year. The competition, more especially in the fresh butter, was exceedingly keen, and the judges had great difficulty in awarding the prize. The show of cheese was poor so far as the number of exhibits went, and this is to be wondered at, as the district possesses some very good dairies. The bacon exhibits call for no mention, being very few, and those not remarkable for quality. Poultry was only represented by two pens of fair Brahmas, which were rewarded by a first prize, mainly, we should imagine, as an inducement to others to come forward next year.