COURTENAY AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2110, 27 November 1880, Page 3

COURTENAY AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

President—T. H. Anson, Esq. Vice-president —H. Mathias, Ksq. General committee — Messrs O. G. Parker, J. Gough, N. S. Kingdon, L. Contts, G. Seaton, J. Bobertson, G, Henderson, son.. W. McLennan, W. Fairbairn, T. Smith, J. Lord, W. McCausland. Bon. treasurer—Mr A.. McNae. Secretary—B.Northey Hopkins. The third annual show in connection with the Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held yesterday in Mr Fairbairn's paddock, a short distance from the Kirwee Hotel. In 1879 the show was held at a distance of about three miles from the railway station, which was felt to be a great inconvenience by many who had to attend, so that the] association may be congratulated on the chango of site which they were enabled to effect in the year now drawing to a close. For many reasons that must be sufficiently obvious without particularisation, it is desirable to have such gatherings asnear some terminal point of railway communication as possible, and to those who remember the discomfort of a previous experience at Courtenay on the " great day" of the year, the arrangements of yesterday presented a pleasant contrast, and one which was, no doubt, fully appreciated. The weather was < all that could bedesired, notwithstanding certain gloomy forebodings caused by the appearance of dark clouds which swept ominously overhead during the early morning. It turned out pleasantly cool, which was regarded as an exceptional favor by visitors, seeing that the experience of high days and holidays at this time of the year is generally of the sultry or baking sort. Speaking of the show itself, it may be considered to have been an improvement on that of last year in a general sense, although there were deficiencies noticeable in one or two minor matters, and a change in one respect made which militated against complete success. This, by the way, reminds one that absolute perfection is seldom, if ever, attained, and we are forced to admit that very little fault could in reason be found with the "arrangements of yesterday. The change referred to was in the omission of the flower Bhow. This iB by some persons, by many in faot, considered to be a very undesirable alteration, and one calculated to lessen the attractions of the show, since it has been made a special feature of the Courtenay exhibition from the time of its inauguration. Last year the floral exhibits commanded a great deal of attention, and the fact of the attendance this year being considerably less than it was at the show of 1879, is attributed in some measure to the absence from the programme of the flower show. No very good reason seems to have been advanced for the change, and it is difficult, therefore, to see why it should nave been made. It is proposed to hold the flower Bhow separately, a fortnight hence. Some little details of management, due principally to the neglect of the mon employed by the committee, were the only other drawbacks. But on the whole the show was a pronounced success, gave general satisfaction, and the committee and secretary may be congratulated on the result of their labors The catalogue of exhibits showed a considerable increase in sheep and cattle and horses, whilst the other classes were fairly represented. With regard to the first named, it should be mentioned that the association would do well to encourage a better system of classification. In fact, there was, in respect to the sheep, very little attempt to properly classify, the animals not being entered for competition in classes by themselves, as is generally done (and obviously necessary), but Lincolns were shown as against Leicesters, and so on with other breeds, there being evidence of crossing in almost all the exhibits in this class. Nevertheless, a very good account of this year's sheep were given by the judges, and the increase in the number of exhibitors under this head, as well as in cattle and horses, gives fair promise of progress in the future for the important district of Courtenay. The general arrangements on the ground were creditable, and appeared to give every satisfaction. The jndges and marshals in the different classes were as follows : —Sheep—Judges, Messrs Elder, Withell, and Mann ; marshal, Mr Robertson. Cattle—Jndges, Messrs Elder, "Withell, and Mann ; marshal, Mr McLennan. Light Horses Judges, Messrs - Delamain, Tancred and Templar; marshal, Mr R* Templar. Draught Horses—Judges, Messrs Boag, Hampton, and Scott; marshal, Mr G. Henderson, sen, Pigs—Judges, Messrs Sheate, Ladbrooke, and Campbell; marshal, Mr Croskell. Poultry—Messrs bheate, Ladbrooke, and Campbell; marshal, Mr Brackler. Sheep DogsSheep judges acted; marshal. Mr McGregor. Implements—Jndges, Messrs Baily, McCrostio, and J. Franks; marshal, Mr N. S. Kingdom. Farm Produce—Judges, Messrs Baily, MoCrostie, and J. Franks; marshal, Mr Kingdom. As intimated the judges performed their duties in a manner which gave general satisfaction. Appended is a description of the various classes of exhibits :

The sheep classes were well represented from a numerical point of view, but the exhibits were not remarkable for quality in the concrete, although some of the pens gave evidence of excellent breeding and condition. In Leicester rams, over eighteen months old, Messrs Maxwell and Mathias took first and second prizes. A prize was offered for best ram under eighteen months of the same breed, but "no entry" was marked in this class and class 3 for merino rams of any age. In cross-bred ewes a very good pen of five, with lambs at foot commanded attention. The sheep had good points, whilst the general condition and the appearance of the lambs gave evidence of their suitability for the district. Mr T. H. Anson carried off the first prize. Ho also took second prize in long woolled lines, Mr G. Seaton taking first prize in the same class, and Messrs Maxwoll and Mathias were highly commended. Three exhibits of ewe hoggetts, in pens of five each, were exhibited; two by Mr McLennan and the third by Maxwell and Mathias. An exhibit by the former appeared to Bhow better breeding and symmetry, but the sheep of Messrs Maxwell and Mathias had the advantage in the quality and evenness of the wool. To the latter a first prize was awarded, Mr McLennan receiving a second prize and high commendation. In class 7, long-woolled ewe hoggetts, there were four entries, and here the judges had very little difficulty in determining upon whom the chief honor should be conferred, the pen exhibited by Mr W. MoLennan being unquestionably the best. The sheep were an even lot, showing careful breeding and good constitution, with wool on them of an excellent texture, staple, and lußtre. Mr Seaton got second prize for a pen of sheep showing fair quality, ;Mr! T. H. Anson highly commended, and Messrs Maxwell and Mathias commended. The merino ewes, with crossbred lambs at foot, were, on the other hand, a poor lot, having no condition, and being very dirty. A first and second prize were nevertheless awarded, Mr Maxwell and Mathias, and Mr J. Lord, taking the honors named respectively. The fat wethers were on the whole a satisfactory class, Mr W. McLennan being the largest prize winner. For wethers under eighteen months, any age, he got first prize in each class, also for best pen of five fat lambs. In the same olass Mr G. Seaton was highly commended, and Mr T. H. Anson took second prize. Of the cattle, we have already said that the exhibition, numerically, would bear favorable comparison with the shows of previous years in the district, the number of entries being considerably in excess of last year. It may also be said that the quality of the beasts was highly creditable to an up-country district, especially when the dry weather is taken into consideration, The show of dairy oows was really good, and elicited favorable comment from competent judges. We cannot say so much for the fat cattle exhibited, but the exhibition in this olass generally was such as the district may fairly take some credit for. The Conrtenay Company were awarded first prize for a roan bull in the olass "best bull of any age," Mr L. Coutts received a like honor for best yearling bull calved since July, 1877, and Mr George Aldington's Beauty was pronounoed the best cow for dairy purposes of any ago, whilst Mr Charles Storey had the honor of carrying off the special prize for the best bred cow on the ground. In the heifer class, Mr L. Coutts' Baisy and another exhibited by Mr O. G. Parker, were awarded the only first prizes, Mr Tweedie and Mr A. Faterson being second prize-takers. Mr G. Seaton showed the best bull calf in its olass, and Mr P. Bull the best fat beast for butchering purposes. In this class it should be mentioned Mr Parker exhibited a fat cow, and the judges deeming that there should have been a class for such, re-classified it, so to speak, and awarded Mr Parker a first prize on the merits of bis exhibit. The horses were a good lot all round, and formed, as usual, a principal feature iu the show. In light horses Mr J. Creswell took first prize with Sorcerer, and Mr Marr second with Castro, Mr Pocock's Bouser being highly commended. There were four entries in the draught horse class. Clydesdale Hero (Mr G. Pranks') carrying off first honors, the Hero being a fine upstanding horse, Bhowing a deal of breed and large bone. Mr G. Pocock|s Prince Victor, a horse exhibiting good constitution and grand snbstance, took a well deserved second prize. Mr Marr's Bantin Bobin was awarded third place. He has hitherto been a first prize horse, but declining years necessarily tell against a horse in competition with yonng blood. For the best thoroughbred mare Messrs Maxwell and Mathias got first prize with a splendid animal showing fine points of breeding and careful handling; Mr Macara obtaining second prize. Mr Seaton showed a brood mare, the only entry in its class, a nice useful little animal, well deserving the first prize awarded to her owners For the best pair of horses for agricultural purposes there were three entries, Mr Coutts' Nancy and Beauty being first in favour, and Mr O. G. Parker's geldings, Dick and Charlie, second. The first prize for best three-year-old draught filly or gelding was taken by Mr G. Seaton, in competition with four other exhibitors, Mr E. Smith taking second place, and Mr J. Barr commended. All theße horses were good, of

then class. A well-grown animal exhibited by Mr Munro was awarded first prize for a two-year-old draught filly, Mr Contta getting a second prize, and Mr R. Kemp and Mr McLennan _ third and fourth respectively, all exhibitors in this class being thus awarded honors. A brown gelding, for two-year-olds, exhibited by Mr Seaton, was the only one in its class, bat the judges decided to award a prize (first , on the ground that the animal showed a good deal of breeding and character. In the class for two-year-old draught fillies, Mr McLennan's colt, by Banker, took first prize; Mr Seaton, second; and in draught colts, Mr Butler was first prize-taker, Mr Coutts second. The foals in this class were generally very good. The best pony, in class 11, under 13 hands, was acknowledged to be that shown by Mr B. Kemp, and Mr John Cresswell took first place for a trap horse, *' Commotion," in this class. For the beat_ hack to be shown in saddle there was considerable competition, there being no less than sixteen entries. Mr G. Rutherford was awarded first prize, Mr J. Cresswell second, Mr James McLaren Johnstone third, Mr A. Paterson being highly commended, and Messrs Maxwell and Mathias commended. One ot the most interesting and spirited competitions of the show—looking especially to the time it took tha judges to decide—was that in ladies' hack horses, shown in saddle and ridden by ladies, the fair equestriennes showing off their horses to the best possible advantage. Mr L. Markey took the first prize with a pretty, well-bred chesnut gelding, showing fine lines and a beautiful action. The second prize was awarded to Mr McMae, who exhibited a bay mare very little inferior in appearance and pace to the former ; in fact, as stated, the judges found considerable difficulty in coming to a decision as to the respective merits of the exhibits in this class. The third prize was given to Mr Franks, and the fourth to Mr A. Patterson, a bay filly belonging to Mr F. Bobertson being commended. The last class in horses wa9 that for the best cob under 14J hands, in which Mr McLellan was accorded the post of honour, Mr J. Smith being given the second prize. It should be mentioned that all the hack horses were a superior lot and really creditable to the district.

The jumping contest was quite up to the mark, or rather better than usual, if we except that for the association prize, for which only two entries were made, and the performances of the horses were not good, to say the least of it. However, Mr W. Stott teok first prize. An extra prize of £2 for the best jumper on the ground was taken by Mr O. G. Parker, L. Markey second. The exhibition of pigs was quite up to the mark, some well bred animals appearing in the pens. In this dasß Mr A. Paterson was the largest prizetaker. The poultry show was not remarkable, except for its poverty. It has been repeatedly pointed out that to exhibit poultry at this time of the year is ill-advised, and certainly not worth the trouble, and the associations generally would do well to leave the class out of their programme. But stay, there was something remarkable about this part of the show, something abnormal rather, in the shape of a torn cat, a regular night tile veteran, with the scars which told of many feline combats all over bis war-worn, rat and oat-bitten body, especially about the head. This companion _ of—but oftentimes truant from the domestic hearth, was placed in a box, in which he looked excruciatingly miserable, between two turkeys and a couple of barn-yard fowls. On reference to the catalogue, it appeared that Mr Cresswell had offered 5s for the best cat, and he (this cat) took it. having no companion to relieve the monotony of his condition by the excitement of competition. In the poultry classes Messrs Blackler, Paterson, and Parker took first prizes. The sheep dogs were present in good number, and presented a very creditable appearance. Mr Stott's Peg took first prize, Mr (inlander's Boy second, Mr Coward third, and Mr Robinson and Mr Blackler were highly commended and commended respectively for their exhibits. In the implement class there was a fair show, but the exhibits did not present any great variety, nor was the competition particularly keen. Mr McNae exhibited a set of heavy harrows, fonr-leaf, for which he took first prize, the only other exhibits in this class being Mr Paterson, to whom the judges awarded second prize. Mr O. G. Parker, for a combined reaper and binder, the " Osborne," got a first prize, as did R. Wilkin and Co. for an " Osborne " reaper and binder, and Mr O. G. Parker was similarly favored in respect of his Cambridge roller, the only one in its class. Mr McNae, sen., and. Mr Templar were awarded first and second prizes for common rollers, and Messrs Paterson and Parker took first and second for exhibitions of horse rakes. Mr Paterson was the only exhibitor in broadcast sowing machines, and his exhibit got a second prize. Mr Paterson took first prize for a double-furrow plough and three-furrow plough, and the Courtenay Company showed a drill, which the judges pronounced worthy of a first prize. Mr Patman, a large prizetaker in implements, also got first prizes for a set of three-horse whippletreea and a pair of farm gates, his being the only entries in each of these classes. For the best spring trap there were four competitors, Messrs White and McNae and Lilly taking first and second prizes. The farm produce was not largely represented, the district not being largely productive in the particular industry meant by the term. In butter Mr Kossiter took first prize; for the best twelve eggs Mrs Croskell was the first prizetaker, and Mr Bevelley exhibited the best home made loaf of bread. Further first prizes were awarded as follows:—For the beßt pair of table fowls (dressed), Mr O. G. Parker; best sack of three bushels of wheat, to be grown by exhibitor, Mr Sweedie; best sack of three bushels of oats, to be grown by exhibitor, Mr Blackler. For barley and rye grass seed there were no entries. Special prizes for entries not in the body of the catalogue were given to IMr Barr for a foal, Mr John Nelson for a hackney entire, and Mr G. "Wittey for Chevy Chase, by old Chevy Chase, dam Molly. A number of private prizes were given, but the list was not made up yesterday, and they are omitted.

Luncheon was provided during the afternoon at the Kirwee Family Hotel, whose proprietor may be complimented on the excellent spread and attendance he provided on the occasion, by which the comfort of the visitors was fully secured. In the evening the usual dinner was held, mine host of the local hotel before mentioned catering in a manner highly creditable to himself and his establishment. The dinner, which was highly successful, terminated the proceedings of a day which will be looked back upon by all who were there with feelings of no little pleasure.