A Great Success.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 January 1915, Page 2

A Great Success.

Horowhenua A. and P. Society's Ninth Annual Show.

Opened By The Prime Minister.

The Horowhenua Agricultural and Pastoral Society's Ninth Annual Show was held yesterday on the Levin racecourse and prove.d a pronounced success. Early in the morning the sky was overcast and threatened rain, but about 10 o'clock the clouds started to clear and a little alter 12 o'clock tho sun shone out and the afternoon was very warm. Despite tho threatening morning, people were on the move towards the racecourse at an early hour. Tho rush started in earnest at midday audi there was a large attendance after lunch. Tho Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister accompanied by Mrs Massey and Miss Massey and Mr W. H. Field, M.P. for Otaki, arrived by the Napier express. They, wcro welcomed a't the station by tho president and officials of the Society and driven to the ground in motor cars. The period previous to the opening ceremony was spent by the Prime Minister in examining the exhibits. Tho exhibits were, without exception, a fine lot. There were some splendid exhibits in the cattle class. Mr E. S. Lancaster was very successful and was awarded throe first prizes. The prizes for fat bullocks were divided between Messrs J. It. McDonald and P. A. Gillies, and Mr J. Kebbell was first and second with fat cows. The butter fat competition was won by Mr E. M. Herriek, with Mr G. J. Stratton second. Tho exhibition, of sheep was a first-class one; the judges considered that it was the best seen in Levin for years. In this class Mr D. Gardner must have put up a record. He entered 18 exhibits and'was awarded nine first prizes, six second and three third, and also Messrs Weggery Bros.' silver medal for the champion ewe on the groiund. Mr J. Kebbell. Obau, secured Messrs Weggery Bros.' silver medal for the champion ram on tho ground. He also secured three first prizes. Mr J. Davies (Koputaloa) did exceptionally well and his exhibits carried off seven first prizes. Another exhibitor who did very well was Mr G. J. Stratton, who took four first prizes. The horses were a splendid lot. and this district has no need to be afraid of its reputation in this direction. Tin l prizes in this section wevc well distributed and the competition was so closo and keen that no exhibitor ha:i a monopoly of the prizes. The various competitions throughout the afternoon werv got off promptly and excitea keen interest, especially the pony races and jumping. The pig classes were good, the bul.-. of the prizes going to the Porirun Mental Hospital, while the Boys Training Kami scoured' two first prizes, Mr J. C. Neill two first prizes and Mr N. HoiTobin one. First prizes won in competition against the well-known exhibits from the Mental Hospital means an exceptional degree oi merit. The Experimental Farm sent along some of its best in horses, cows and sheep. They were on exhibition only and attracted a large amount of attention. The total number oi exhibits was * little ovor 530, a substantial increase on the highest figures obtained at i previous show—sl9. The attendance also must have been better, or -u least equal, to that at any other Show previously held-~in Levin. At an> rate last year's Show was easily c sed in all respects. One feature yes torday that augurs well for the She —and for the business people the: selves —was the stands set up I oral of the business people of the town. The first and most striking was th. 1 fine display of goods made by Messr. Stiles and Matheson. Next to it w furniture, etc., shown "by Messrs Harvey audi Co., and close by Mr Ken. Aitken, bookseller, hda se tup a stall. Messrs J. C. Milncs and N. C. Holdaway exhibited several different makes of motor cars and Mr Hold a way also had several well-made and finely-finish-ed dog-carts on view, one or two of which were sold on the ground. From the first things went smoothly and the various committees and officials of the Society and the secretary worked hard to ensure the success of the show and the comfort of everyone and deserve credit in full measure for their success.

The two bands from the Boys' Training Farm, the brass and pipe bands, played selections on the lawn during the afternoon.

THE OPENING. The president of the Society (Mr J. Davies) in introducing the Prime Minister said it was Mr Massey's first visit to Levin in his capacity as Prime Minister. In Levin they had two fine institutions in the Boys' Training Farm and the Woraroa Experimental Farm, anil were proud of them. He hoped that the Government would recognise that Levin was tho best site for the Agricultural College if it was intended that the college be built. He asked Mr Massey to declare the Show open. Oji rising, Mr Massey was greeted with applause. He said that he was glad to havo the opportunity of opening such a fine show. He congratulated the management on having fine weather for it and for its tine prospects. He was quite certain it would be a success financially and otherwise. In his stroll round during the morning he had seen worthy exhibits and was glad to see that the farmers of the district were able to make such ». fine show and they deserved a deal :if credit. Every exhibit was a lesson in itself and everyone could learn something from the show. Regarding the present agricultural outlook it was good. Though some parts had been seriously affected by drought other parts of the country had a very good season. Ho believed that the exports for the year, both in quality and quan-

tits', would beat those of last year. For the first time in tho history \,f New Zealand they ware faced with a fcerious shortage of wheat ami were compelled to import. He was oi opinioji that they would have to import "sioro this year than last year. fn later years farmers had found that <>tber* branches of farming had paid bettor than wheat growing, consequently this latter had dropped- back. Ho )m>|>c3. that it would soon he back in its former place. Owing to the .ships Being required p or transport purposes there might be a shortage of shipping facilit'ies yet. As head of tho Government he hadt done :il Ihe. possibly could to get ships. The Athenic. Orari, and "Waimani, at present in New Zealand waters, had been arranged for. He had also been able to arrange with the Imperial Government and the Australian Government for the return of several ships. He hoped to be able to keep the export business of the country going as it was the life blood of the country. He was glad to say that there was an improvement in the flax industry, which was of great importance. Tho war had caused a great demand for horses. With the first Expeditionary Force the Governments had sent away 4000 horses, and the loss had) amounted to 1.9 per cent. This had shown that horses could be exported long distances without loss and it was' possible to build up an export trade in horses. Another branch of agriculture was the fruit industry. Last year 70,000 cases of apples had been exported to South America, and 3172 acres had been planted in orchards. In the last •six years 13,362 acres had been planted. The market for fruit was there and he believed that in -a few years they would bo sending away £1,000,000 worth of apples. To the 31st December. 1914, they had exported £26,261,447 -a record. He predicted that the exports this year would beat it. The export of wool was £9,000.000, butter £2,300,000. cheese £2,500,000, beef £1,000.000. lamb £2,500.000, mutton £2, 250,000, sheepskins £856,000, tallow £691.000. oats £166,000 hides £388.000, making a total from the land alone of £22,000.000. These figures proved that ..the prosperity of the country depended on its agrcultural and pastoral industries, and the Government would do all it could to assist them. Tn connection with lan 3 settlement the Government intended within the next two month to flirow open 800,000 acres of land of all classes. The prosperity of the country depended' on successful settlement, scientific farming and intense cultivation. In conclusion he had much pleasure in declaring the show open. Mr Field expressed his pleasure at again appearing before the people of the district as their member. The final returns in connection with the election' would be in in a few weeks and he hoped that the result would be that Mr Massey would be the Prime Minister for the next £hree years (applause). Referring to closer settlement in this district Mr Field said that the land here would hold a much larger population and the Government shoiid not fail to secure any land in this district for settlement. He hoped that the Prime Minister would visit the sand areas and see the position for himself. Most people thought the sand area was a simple problem, but it would have to be dealt with scientifically. In conclusion he called for cheers for Mr and Mrs Massey. These were given heartily. Tn presenting the cup "given by the Levin.Co-operative Dairy Company tho butter-fat competition to Mr E. M. Herriek, of Weraron. tTie winner, Mr Massey took the opportunity of thanking the assemblage for its hearty welcome. Shortly afterwards the Prime Minister and his party paid a visit to, the Experimental Farm. He loFt 17y the Napier mail train for Wellington. THE PRIZE LIST. COMPETITIONS. Best boy rider, under IS years.— Douglas McDonald' 1, I'rank Campbell 2, Stewart Horn 3. Best girl rider, under 15 years.— lieryl Tnlly 1, D. Taylor 2, May Lancaster S. Rest girl rider, under 12 years.— Miriam Lancaster 1, Flora Broadbelt 2 Men's driving competition (single horse).—W. Bcvan 1. M. Winiata 2. G. H. Tnlly 3. Ladies' driving competition (single horse).—Miss Aligns 1. Mrs IT. M. Row 2, Mrs T. Cameron 3. Pony jump (under 15 hand*).'boy or girl rider under 15 yea.■■■>. '\V. Moyoihan's Duchess 1, F. O. Smith.'* Tommy 2, P. McLoavey's Zepn^.V Jumping (stecphx'iMw. style;, riders not less than 11 tiU>n> ) -L. A. McDonald's Kawea 1, D. G. Riddii'urd's Nigger 2, It. Russell's Mahaki Hina 3. Best turnout (horse, trap and harness).—N. Kirkcaldie and Mrs S. Hail 1, T. H. Parata 2. Maiden hunters' competition, riders not less than 11 stone—J. N. Lane's Magnus 1, D. G. Riddiford's Nigger 2, L. A. McDonald's Kawea 3. Pony race (under 14 hands}, boy rider riders under 15 years.—J/. A. McDonald's entry 1, It. T. McDonald's Togo 2. A. McDonald's Canary d. Maiden trot in saddle.— It. Best's entry 1, J. Grant's Kathleen 2, F. Collier's entry 3. Pony race, under 14.3 hands, boy riders under 15 years—Jj. A. McDonald's Togo 2, A. McDonald'6 Canary 3. Horse Walking Competition G. H. Tully's Osama, L. A. McDonald's Kawea 2, F. Collier's entry 3. Pony, mare or gelding, under 13 hands, to be ridden by boy or girl under 12 years.—W. Moynihan's Duchess 1, R. G. Wall's Chummy 2. Pony, mare or gelding, between 13 and 14 hands, boy or girl rider under

15 years.—"W. MoyniEan's Dandy 1, F. O. Smith's Tommy 2, G. Pickard's Meg 3. Weight-carrying (l4st or over).— G. Tully's Osama 1, F\ Cordiuke's Ohario 2 Light-weight hack (under 12 stone). - P. A. Gillies' Waihopi 1, U. H. Tully'a Odo 2, H. O. Barnott's Waiwetu 3. Cob, between 14 and fi> hands, weight up to 12 stono.—J. Kenrick's Nobby 1, G. .H. Kingdon's tiluo Peter 2, S. F. Ferrett's Ruby 3. Ladies' hack (ridden by a lady).—P. A. Gillios' Waihopi 1, G. H. Tully's Odo 2, H. O. Barnott's Waiwetu 3. Single harness hor.se, over 15 hands, shown in harness.—X. KirkcaEFie's Sultan 1. J. Grant's Kathleen 2, T. H. Virata'.- Hipsv Maid 3. iSiiiiiltt hui'iie.-s horse, between 14 and '<* Wis. V. .1. Oakley's Don 1, T. ;fioonie % Duplicate 2. harness pony uudor 14 hands. • -H. S. G«>orgo'« "D'esprt 1, W. Bevan's Tommy-Burns 2. I*'. O. Smith's entry 3. Spring cart hor-sv half ton class.J. Sigley 1, E. M. Herrick's Barney 2. Tradesmen's sinble light horse and' cart.—J. Gibson 1, T. Broome 2. Troop horse.—N. KirkeaFdie's Sultan 1, N. Kirkcaldie's Gipsy 2, S. F. Perrett's Ruby 3. Gun horse.—T. H. Windley's Earl Kitchener 1, E. M. Heniok's Barney 2, J. Howell's entry 3. Thread-the-noedle Competition (on horseback).—H. 0. Barnctt" 1, R. Russell 2, D. Cameron 3. DRAUGHT HORSES. Marc most suitable for breeding purposes.—J. R. McDonald's 1, J. and R. IVouso 2, 0. O. Higginson 3. Heavy mare or gelding shown in dray up to 2 tons.—o. 0. Higginson 1, J. and R. Prouse 2, J. Davies 3. Marc or gelding suitable for spring cart, shown in cart.—W. Jitsvan. 1. W. Moynihan 2, E. M. Herrick 3. Pair draught horses, shown fn '..illness—P. E. Palmes 1, J. an<J R. Pro~«o 2.' Plough team, three horses shown H harness.—N. Kirkcaldio 1, J. and R. Prouso 2. DAIRY CATTLE. Dairy cow. any breed.—E. M. Herrick 1, R, V. Brown 2, P. E. Palmes 3. Dairy cow in milk, any breed, calved .since July. 1914.-J. Road's 1. S. Roluton 2, R. L. Horn'S, Saxon Bros h.c. Daftly loow in milk, calved since .Inly, 1912—Winiata Pataka's 1, R. L. Horn 2, Saxon Bros. 3, R. A. Rolstou and A. and D. Horn h.c. One crossbred dairy heifers.—R. V. Kolston 1. Two crossbred dairy heifers, between 12 and 20 months.—Saxon Bros 1, A. McLeavey , Patuaka Tauehi 3. One crossbred dairy heifer between 12 and 20 months.—Patuaka Tauehi 1. C. L. Reading 2, Patuaka Tanehi 3. P. E. Palmes, v.h.c, R. L. Horn, h.c. Two dairy heifers, calved between July Ist and October 31st, ltfl-F—E. S. Lancaster 1, W. Hot-robin 2, Saxon Bros 3, N. Horrobiu v.h.c, R. L. Horn h.c. One dairy heifer calvedi between July Ist and October 3lst, 1914.—C. L. Reading 1, C. H. Cottle H, A. Horrobin 3, Saxon Bros, v.h.c, N. Horrobin, h.c. PUREBRED CATTLE I'edigroe Jersey bull, 12 to 20 mouths -P. E. Palmes 1. R. D. Harkness 2. and 3, J. D. Brown h.c. Pedigree Ayrshire bull.—T. H. Golpman's "Highland Lad" 1, Webb and Sons 2 and 3. Pedigree Holstein bull.—W. Bevan's Dominion Woodcrest. Pedigree Jersey bull, any age.—R. L. Horn 1, R. D. Harkness 2, J. Johnson 3. Podigreo Ayrshire bull, any age— Mrs A. S. Wilson's Prince Halloween 1. Pedigree Shorthorn bull.—T. H. Windley's Monarch 11. I'edigroe Jersey hoi'for, 'between 12 and 20 months.—R. D. Harkness i, R. L. Horn 2, E. S. Lancaster 3. Pedigree Ayrshire heTfcr.—Webb and Son 1, T. H. Colpman 2 and 3. Pedigree Holstein heifer.—W. Bovan 1. Pedigree Jersey heifer or cow.—E. 5. Lancaster 1, R. D. Harkness 2. Pedigree Ayrshire heifer or cow.—T. H. Colpman 1, Webb and Son 2 and 3. Pedigree Holstein heifer or cow.—W Baker 1. Pedigree Jersey Cow.— -&. S. Lancaster 1 and 2, R. L. Horn 3. Pedigree Ayrshire cow T. H. Colpman 1, Webb and Son 2 and 3. Pedigree Shorthorn bull J. Davies' Baron Eltham 1.

(T. bo continued