NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1783, 7 November 1879, Page 3

NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Patron, Hon. H. B. G-rtsson; President, Mr J. McFarlane ; Vice-presidents, Messrs Threlkeld, Btowd, Higgins, Parsons, and Blaokett; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr Buss. The tenth show in connection with this association, established in North Canterbury, was held on the grounds of the society at Bangiora, yesterday, and was- in every way a success. The aggregate number of entries exhibited was in excess* of last year. There was an improvement in the cattle section, and though there was better quality in the horse section, the number was nob so large as ought to be reasonably expected from- such a district. The sheep pens showed a deficit, which could be provided for by offering prizes for the blade faced and downs sheep. There was a splendid exhibition of dairy produce, manu/faotures, and implements. Mr P. O.Threlkeld was the largest exhibitor in sheep and cattle, having upwards of forty ontries in the yards. The arrangements of the committee werevery perfect, except in one or two minor matters which want attention, and one of the more important is in reference to the horse department, in whioh it wbb exceedingly difficult to find a particular exhibit for want of the numbers which should have been attached to the heads of each. It was quite impossible to identify the light horses with the descriptions in the catalogue, and it is hoped this will he seen to. The courtesy of the committee was exceptional, and the notice of the show would be incomplete without reference to Mr Buss, hon. sec, whose skill as a manager enables him to direct the day's proceedings with remarkable precision and smoothness. The weather during the morning was all that could be wiahed, but about half-past two a wind squall from the B.W. threatened to mar the pleasure of visitors. This, however, cleared away, and there was an unusually large concourse of persons, estimated at one time at 2000, on the ground. Every provision had been made in the way of sweating and the arrangement of exhibits so as to be easily inspected. The implements were placed alongside the fences on entering, the cattle pens in the north corner, the sheep pens_ along the north side, and the horses at stations round the remainder of the grounds. In the centre was placed the secretary's office, the luncheon tent and refreshment booth (well managed by Mr Roberts, Club Hotel, RaDgiora), confectioner's tent (conducted by Mr George of that town), a marquee for the dairy produce, and manufacturer's special tent for the Eaiapoi woollen goods, sundry private booths, shooting gallery, lottery tables, and merry-go-round, behind which were ranged the pens containing the pcultry. Ever and anon the local brass band played a variety cf popular tunes, while a Highland piper added airs particularly Scotch, and the hurdy gurdy man. with his bird whistle, w<- s to the fore. We subjoin our remarks on each Bection : SIIKBP. The exhibits in sheep of all classes were numerically below those of fortner years, and about on a par with them in point of merit. All the favorite breeds were represented — merino, English and Border Leicesters, Lincolns and Romney Marshes—numbering altogether 111 entries. Taking them in their order in the catalogue, the merino sheep were classed first, the entries, twenty-ono in all—rather a meagre show—being confined to four exhibitors, Messrs Chapman, Eusor, Pearson, and McFarlane. In class 1, for rams over eighteen months old, imported or otherwise, Mr R. Chapman was a warded first and second prize; the champion animal was a fine proportioned, symmetrical animal, well grown and well woolled all over, but scarcely as even as the ram that took the second priza, the latter being a well-framed sheep of equal quality all over. One of Mr Pearson's exhibits in the same clsss was highly commended. In class 2, for colonial- bred rams over eighteen months old, Mr J. Macfarlane gained the first and second award. They were both, well-bred animals, the one that took the second prizs being a shade coarser than his rival. Mr Pearaon exhibited in diss 3, for ewes over eighteen months, imported or otherwise, a beautiful animal, undoubtedly the best sheep on the ground, wtll clothed all all over, and of very cquul quality. Mr Chapman's exhibit in the second clasp, which took the second priz,', was a vrry noticeable animal, but not so fine in quality hb she nruht have been. Numbers 16 akd 18, both trhown by Mr Pearson and each highly commended, were of average merit. The fist prize-taker in class 4, for colonial-bred ewes under eighteen months old, shown by Mr M'Farlane, was well grown vith a heavy fl-ore of good length and very fair quality. Mr Pearson took second honours with awry i:ieo little ewe hogget that exhibited gcod and cateful breeding. It may bo remarked with regard to the Leicester breed of sheep, of which there were a goodly numbs* of txhibits, it is a great pity that they are not divided into two classes —tho English and the Border varieties. It. places the judges at a great disadvantage, having to decide upon the merits in one class of two descriptions of sheep so dissimilarin many respects as to justify them in being \ placed in two distinct ol&ssee. The Leicesters shown yesterday were really very superior animals, the English breed particularly so, many that obtained first exhibiting all the essential points that go to make up a ' Stjl-clms animal, If anything should serve

as an incentive to improve the breed of these valuable woollei sleep it would be the quotations at the recent wool sales in Melbourne. a l , which exceptionally high rates ruled. In el isses 5 to 10 for rams and ewes the only two exhibitors were Messrs J. McFsrlane and P. 0. Threlkeld, the former gentleman obtaining: six first and two second prizes, and the lattertwo first and four seoond prizes. Pen 39, of three owes and four lambs exhibited by Mr Threlkeld, was a very ohoice lot of English Leicesters, but the judges must hare been somewhat embarrassed in adjudicating on the rival merits of class 10j for the reasons we have pointed out in not separating the English f»om the Border varieties. The Hon. H. B. Gresson was the chief exhibitor of Lincoln shoop, taking a groat many prizes. Taking them throughout, they were a very grand lot of sheep. An exhibit of Mr T. Pashby's. which obtained first honors, was a particularly good animal, the fleece being long, lustrous, and of great density. Exhibits 52 and 53, the property of Judge Gresson and Mr P. C. Threlkeld, are deserving of mention as very superior animals, the first being awarded a first prize, and tho second highly commended. There were eleven entries in class 13j which were a very useful lot of sheep, tho wool of a fine staple, and exhibiting the true type of the Lincoln breed. Classes 14 and 15, the first for owes of any age, imported or otherwise, and the second for ewes under eighteen months old, colonial' bred, did not show particularly prominent, but two p9ns of the Hon. H. B. Gresson's, in class 16; wero remarkably fine hoggets, and a credit to their breeder. They obtained first and second prizes respectively. Three exhibits of Mr Threlkeld's in the latter class were also a vory choice lot. In tho Bomney Marsh breed Mr J. Boys had it all his own way, tho only other competitor being Mr M. Duncan, with two exhibits. This-well-known breed was worthily represented by Mr Boys, who carried off fire first and two second prizes. Tho Hon..H. B. Gresson also exhibited two pens of very useful so-called long-woolled, but more properly speaking cross-bred sheep, which were awarded first . and second honors. In class 25, for ewe hoggets, Mr W. Pearson obtained a first and Messrs Luxton Brothers a second place, and Mr Joseph Dixon's exhibit was highly commended. Lot 102; in fat sheep, was a very superior pen of long-woolled wethers, Mr James Hurso taking a first prize for them. Mr Hurse was run very close by Hon. H. - Bi Gresson's next pen, which was so good as to occasion the judges some difficulty in deciding on their merits. They carried off second honors. The fat lambs were no better in quality than what may constantly be seen in the market. To summarise, the longwoolled sheep were excellent in quality, and formed an exhibition in themselves, but tho display of merinos was very meagre. There was only one entry for the best butchers' pen of fat sheep, and the judges considered the exhibit far too fat to award a prize to, being more adapted for boiling down for tallow than killing fer consumption. The judges were greatly disappointed that there were not more entries in this class, and it would be aa well if for the future exhibitors were allowed to enter as fat sheep, all kinds of breeds at certain ages to bo specified in the catalogues. CATTLE. In this section there was an excellent show of cattle, many- of which did not appear for the. first time, but have been presented on many occasions, and with different judges each year it is- interesting to watch how the judgment of some critics differs from those of others. Though all have the same object in view in pointing out the best animals, opinions - do not always agree, and this probably is one of the reasons which induce some men to ; advocate an adoption of the point system of judging. However much diversity of opinion moy exist anent- the particular type of the i ideal animal, all must agree that our show yards-and sale yards too bear witness to the fact that the class of cattle in the country in the , present day is- nob all so- good as it might i be, and'it is a general verdict that the introduction of' new*, strains is a matter of ex- ■ pedienoy in order to maintain a reputation for a well-framed as well as a well-bred and strong constitutioned class of stock. The sires of any. age in the yards were confined to ' Mr Threlkeld's Commander-in-Chief, by Boyal Gwynne, and Hon. H. B. Gresson's Charming Duke (imported). Both have been previously described, and the former particularly so by a writer in the " Weekly Press," December 23th. The judges had much difficulty in coming to a decision, for though the first presented himself in good show condition, the Duke had the best of it in heads and measured well in several points, but the back of his shoulders gave a unanimous verdict in favor of Commander, who also took first in the next class for colonial bulls only. Mr Threlkeld's Duke of Waterloo, by Charming Duke, with a good neck and shoulders, fine hair, as well as plenty cf sterling quality, scored a win in class for two-year old bulls, and his Prince Amadens, by Alphonso, a neat animal with level back and loin, full chine, and even twists, took first out of fire yearlingß. Mr Garforth's Commodore, by Commander-in-chief, a passable animal, but with a somewhat hard look, was put second. Hon. H. B. Gresson's Brilliant, by "Victor, a pure white, in capital show condition, was placed next, and Mr Threlkeld's Addas Duke receired commendation, for, though the smallest in its company, it eridently possessed some noticeable points. The shorthorns, cows or heifers, were all, without exception, such as proved creditable to the yard. In the class for female shorthorns of any age, Mr Thrclkold sent a trio, viz., Countess 111., Daisy IV., and Lady, from which tho first was at once set aside for the premier place. All of them exhibited traits of careful breeding for dairy purposes. Hon. H. B. Gresson's Maid of Athens, bred by Mr Bluett, with a splendid neck and flank, was placed second, and Buttercup, from the same gentleman's stud, receired high commendation. The class of thirteen cows or heifers of any age, colonial bro 3, contained a grand selection from the borine harem; but surely tho catalogue was in error in naming two, "Dairyman" and "Milkman " respectively, as it is certain a dairymaid would never attach such a name to one of her pet animals. After a careful scrutiny, Mr Bowie's exhibit, showing somewhat the typo of the Townsend herd, received the coveted first, she possessing a broad loin, level back, fine head and neck, and well filled bosom, being besides tolerably fat, and skin pleasant to handle. Mr Threlkeld's Mademoiselle IV, by Prince Imperial, having prime style and contour, was justly awarded second ; and Dairymaid, by Oomet, from Inglewood Farm, received the highly commended card. Mademoiselle, with a charming head and neck and fine legs, being commended. Messrs Stark, Topp, Irory, Tcdd, and Gresson were the other exhibitors in the class. Seren two-year-old heifers were entered, and without much ado Hon. H. B. Gresson's Buttercup 11, bred by exhibitor, by Charming Duke, was put first. This lady is a picture, has a small even head, straight top, true underline, and a gaiety about her which speedily earned the best position. Mr Threlkeld here competed with Mayflower 111., Cream 111. and Kathleen O'More 111., of which the former had the preference decidedly, and Cream was highly commended, while Mr Maurice Jones' exhibit, younger than the others, was properly commended. Mr Todd showed a neat heifer in this class. In yearling hoifers, Mr Threlkeld held his own with Prima Donna VI., well ribbed and possessing stylish character, first; Milkmaid IV, a handsome animal, second; and Kathleen O'More, with splendid loin and twists, highly oommended. The Hon. H. B. Graeson's Cowslip was quite up to tho others. Mr W. A. Burt's exhibit, with a capital head and back, was commended. Mr Boss' exhibits were also good. Por milch cow, of any age, Mr Threlkeld Btood to win with Daisy 111. and Rebecca, the former bringing him the honors of the class. This animal has a fair width of back, nice- chest and jowl and the prominent points of a deep milker. Mr J. Barker's exhibit, a well-framed animid, with ekin of silky texturo, straight back, and characteristics of n profitable dairy cow, was placed second. Mr R. BTanna's Surprise, also a grand milker, sleek in csat.wilhdo.'p flanks and strong top, was highly commended. Mr A. Parson's exhibit wi'h a good proportion of fle3h and splendid forearm, neck, and shoulders was commended. Mr P. Duncan showed a cow which exhibited quulity in miiny points, chiefly over the back and loins. There wero nine entries of fat cattle. Mr Hurso headed the list with a bullock of any age, which seemed to look over the high yard with disdain on its companions. He was certainly a huge animal in every way, having evidently wintered well. Hon. H. B. Gresson Bent two in the same class, which prcsonted some points of qua)ity,"one taking second and the other third honors. For three-year-old steers, Mr J. Smart's exhibit was certainly the best entitled to the prizs for a well-proportioned animal. Mr Jones' throo-year-old heifer in its class deserved the honors of the first prize awarded to it. The awards for private

prizes will bo seen on reference to the prizefiat. LIGHT HOUSES; Four additional entries in the horse section would have brought the number up to that of last year. In blood entires Guy Faux, Papapa, and Daniel O'Rorke were nominatod, ■ but the latter only came into the ring, and took the first prize for the entire horse of any age imported and also colonial bred. He was in high oondition and active as a kitten. The absentees came on- the ground later in the day. The two-year-old class for light stock found one representative in Mr Smith's Lord of Erin, who is rather a smart looking youngster, with neat head and neck, well rounded barrel, and clean lege, to whom was awarded a firßt prize. The brood marrs, with foal or foal at foot, imparted or otherwise, did not mußter'so strongly as expected. The prize here wont to Mr Huree's bay, Mr Duncan's Caststeel; by Traducer, second. In the colonial brood mares, Mr W. Btark's Ladybird, by Messenger, foal by St. G-owans, took the prize, a mare with plenty of muscle and notion, Caßtoteel again scoring second. In class for two-year-old fillies or geldings, Uiero was only Mr McFarlane's exhibit, which was not in show condition, and the prize was not given out. The hao'knoy entries were represented by Mungo Park, brought from Leithfi Id in grand fettle to take the first prize, and Lord of the Vale, of Arab extraction, an active and popular stallion, who was placed second. The roadsters shown in saddle excited a fair amount of attention. Here the prize went to Mr G* H. Lee's Jack, a useful and good stylo of horse for road work and across country. Mr Chapman's Charlie, put second, was considered a compli-te representative in his class, albeit a trifle slack in coupling. Mr Seaton's Badger, a taking grey, was commended. The remaining exhibit was Mr Bcott,'s Cid. The ladies' horses wore Mr Scott's Supplejack, a good upstanding chesnut, who has dono service in his time on tho flat and over rails, placed first, and Mr Brown's Pippin, which has gone through local racing performances with credit, second, .out of a quartette, the other members of which were Mr Holloy's Peter and Hon. H. B. Gresson's Lightfoot. Five hackney brood mares wero brought out, from which Mr Buss' Silver-thread, with foal by Presto, was ranked highest, and Mr Stark's bay Polly second. The olass for single buggy mare or gelding, was represented by eleven, of which several might have well gone into a separato class as carriage horses. Mr Noble's grey mare was put first, Hon. H. B. Gresson's pretty bay Ruby second, and Mr G.Edward's Minnie; by Old Knottingly, highly commended, deserved to have been placed higher. Mr Dailey exhibited a nice stamp of a mare. The show of harness was very good here. In cobs and ponies there was sufficient to attract those who take an especial interest in that department. Mr Threlkold's Exmoor Allspice was first, Mr Torrons' King of the King second, and a neat grey pony sent by Mr F. Holder, by Towton, commended. Mr Beeves' Bob was placed first in cob horses or geldings, but disqualified, as being over 14£ hands ; tho prize then went to a well set chesnut, the property of Mr Noble, Mr Scott's Magician second. There wer«two boys' ponies, Mr G. Parsons' Paddy first, and Master W..Parsons' Mouse second, both excellent ponies. DEATICHIT HOESKS. The show of draught entires was limited to five, which was a small number compared with the long string which put in an appearance at the parade. Mr Walls' Pride- of Scotland headed tho list, and rightly bo, as he is a horse which strikes the eye of _ the judgewherever he-goes. This season he is-well furnished and comes out in beautiful condition. Sir Walter- Scott, the Pride's Btable companion, whom the outsiders expected to see placed second, had to give way to Mr Torrens' Governor. The former was not in his usual form, but the decision of the judges was nevertheless the subject of some discussion. Governor was in grand order, and Muir Lad was highly commended. In the class- for colonial bred entires, Governor-was placed first, Messrs Craig and Wyllie's Sir JR. Napier second, and Mr Beattie'a Ben Lomond highly commended ; Young Dan O'Connell was commended. The three-year-old class, for entires only, brought one entry, to whioh only a second prise was given. Mr H. Vale's Pride O' the Hills, two years, received the-first honors in his class, and from his general outline and superior qualities promises to come out a fine horse. There were four brood mares in class-for imported or otherwise, Mr Peach's Bonny, a grand roomy mare, with rare symmetry, taking the premier place. Mr Walls' Heather Belle, a mare which has held its own in every show ring, and is of fine build, and an attractive bay, was second, London Maggie 111., her Btable companion, receiving highly commended, Mr Burton's good mare, Patch, comiDg fourth. Five brood mares, colonial bred, wero entered in the next class. Here Bonny was again first, Patch second, and Mr Smith's Kate third. The best two of tho three-year-old fillies were Mr Wall's Jeanie Deans, by Pride of Scotland, and Mr- Jones' Lady Scott, by Sir Walter Scott, which were put first and second respectively. Ten two-year-olds came into the ring, and the judges had to spend Bomo time in their inspection, selecting Mr Power's filly, by Muir Lad, and Mr Tibbott's, by Pride of Scotland. The former is a compact, well-set animal, and the latter a grand up-standing filly. Mr Scoon's filly, by Lord of Clyde, was greatly admired, and several pinned their faith upon her. Mr Sansom's filly, by Sir Colin Campbell, was a superior exhibit, and deserved the commend. Mr Skovington in this class showed a wellboned colt, which promises well for next year. The colts foaled since 1878 wero represented by five entries, of which Mr Peach's was the best, and received an extra prize also. The yearling filly prizs was taken by Mr . J. Wyllie's exhibit by Governor, and also took an extra prize. Mr Stevenson's entries in this class appeared to have been overlooked, and Mr McFarlane's was placed second. Mr Burgeßs' Duke took the honors in mare or gelding of any age, and Mr Walls'Dash and Prince were also prizewinners. A number of extra prizes wore awarded to tho exhibits already noticed. i>iaa. With reference to this portion of tho show, the judges were of opinion that the North far surpassed the south districts of the province in the breeding of porkers, as several exhibits of better quality than has been brought before the public for some time were presented. The two exhibits in boar of any age were very good, Mr Skevington's animal possessing all the points of a high class pig. The young boars were well represented by Mr Duncan's two, while Mr Morton took the prize for sow and Mr Croft for young sow with useful animals. Mr Cameron's litter wero a V6ry fine lot of pigs, and Mr Croft's porkers showed true breeding. POUT.TBY. The entries of poultry wero as much out of place as ueual. Several classes were unrepresented. Messrs Fraser, Todd, Lilly, Donaldson and Merton were the successful exhibitors. SHEEP DOGS. As in previous years, the faithful canines were judged by appearances, and in thorough hairs Mr King's Bob again won, Mr Dixon's scoring in the smooth hair. As stated in reference to former shows, the dogs ought to be submitted to trial. IMPLEMENTS. A number of imported implements were exhibited by Mr Blackett, which formed quite a show. Reid and Gray, Dunedin, also sent a large entry. Mr J. Little, Woodend, secured prizes for heavy and light harrows, chain harrows, and horse hoes and potato lifter of superior make and finish. A useful gate, granted first prize, made by Boyd and Keir, attracted notice. There was a koon competition among seed drills, in whioh Andrews and Beaven and Mr G. Miln were tho successful competitors. Tho former showed a very complete chaff-cutter. Mr Burt, agent for Ruiton, Proctor, and_ Co., exhibited a threshing machine and engine of improved make. Mr J. Johnston showed a collection o£ implements of various kinds. DAIBY PBODTJCE. In his class tho principal exhibits, both in quality and quantity, consisted of butter. There were thirteon entries of fresh butter, the first prize being awarded to Mr G. Milne. This was a nice, sweet, well flavored exhibit, perhaps a trifle salt. The second prize was awarded to Mr M. Poach. A deliciously flavored fresh bulter was sent by Mrs S. Moderate. Tho other sarcples were all of good quality. For salt butter in kegs Mr M. Peach was awardod a first and second prize, and deservedly ; for general consumption his buttor could scarcely be surpassed. Mr Peach has exhibited eleven times in Christchurch and Bangiora, and obtained ten first prizes, besides prizes of a secondary value. There were only two entries for choosa, neither very first class, but the exhibit that took the first i prize, that of W. Pearson, was vastly superior i to the other, Very UUle ca,a he said in favor

of the bacon, of whioh there were three ex* hibits, neither of which were of sufficient merit to be adjudged a first prize. R. Kennedy received a second prize- for two flitches. Messrs Luxton Bros, were awarded a first prize for two hams of fair- size and quality. The unsmoked hams presented a very indifferent appearance, and ought not to have been exhibited. Oh this occasion Mr Pdach took three private first prizes and one second for butter ; Mr G. Milne, a private first prize for butter; and Mr Kennedy a private prize for hams. Mr John Manning was tho only exhibitor of beer, for which ho was adjudged first prize, though it is difficult to say what guided the judges' decisi n, as the barrel, when we saw it,.was untapped. NEW ZEALAND MANtTF&CTtTEES AND PBODtTCE. Mr James Seed exhibited tome fine samples of assorted cordage of New Zealand manufacture. There were three qualities, at £4O, £36, and £32 per ton. The first quality was quite equal to the best imported rope, and was awarded a first prize. Messrs McDowell exhibited some patent Vesuvian fire kindlers, a very-useful household convenience, especially in summer, and which was judged worthy of < high commendation. Amongst the extra exhibits, very prominent were the show cases of boots and Bhoes shown by W. Bridget and C. Stephens. The first was specially noteworthy for superiority in style, quality, and finish. Mr Stephens' exhibit was also very good. They wero awarded first and second prizes respectively. Mr R. Dunkley exhibited a churn and a washing machine in tinware, but there was notling remarkable about them to warrant more than mention. Messrs Gulliver Bros., of Rangiora, exhibited a lady's toilette table, which was greatly admired. It was niado of New Zealand woods, brightly polished, the workmanship being first class, and chacterised by high finish. Amongst the ;woods used are honeysuckle, kauri, Sydney cedar, English cedar, black pine, white pine, and rimu. All the carving and inlaying whioh is very beautiful and elaborate was dono on the premises of Messrs Gulliver Bros., and tho prico of the toilette table was £l2 12s. The Kaiapoi Woollen Manufactory Company's tent, which was crowded inconveniently with visitors all day, contained a number of sample rolls of tweed of superior make and finish, blanket yarns of different kinds, and well-dyed flannels and shirtings. Two stocking-knitting machines were shown in full work. The Company was generally congratulated on the progress of its manufactures, and special certificates were awarded. Tho Council of the Association kindly provided the tent for the company, but unfortunately it was not large enough, and a display had to be made in the adjoining marquee. l'AEira. Nine entries of farms have been made, but will not be judged till the crops, on them have matured. The entries at the shows of this association, started by Mr James Wylde in 1865," have been:—lß66, 259; 1867, 276 ;. 1868, 228; 1869,196; 1874,267; 1875, 386:j .1876,381; 1877, 451. 1878. 1879. Sheep 132 111 Cattlo 62 77 Horses 123 119 Pigs 11 31 Poultry 34 24 Dogs ... .... ... ... 13 7 Implements 39 75. Dairy Produce ... ... ... 24 46 Manufactures 12 22 Farms 0 9 450 521 The gate takings in 1876. were £B6 4s; 1877, £t>3 2s 3d ; 1878, £9& 15a ; and jesterday, £93,16s Id.