HAURAKI PLAINS SHOW.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4529, 19 February 1923, Page 4

HAURAKI PLAINS SHOW.

OFFICIALS ENTERTAINED. The officials of the Hauraki Plains A. and P. Association’s third annual show were entertained in the evening of the show—Thursday, February 15. Vhe function was held in the schoolroom. Mr P. R. Henry, president of the asosciation, occupied the chair, and three judges, about. 20 stewards', and some exhibitors were present. After the toast of “The King” was honoured, the president, in reviewing the show, said he was very pleased that everything went off so well. A one-day show was a great rush, and the best events often came off when people must be leaving. The entries had shown a steady increase, there being 60 pedigree and 60 grade cattle in 1921, 80’ pedigree and 80 grade in 1922, and 105 pedigree and 60 grade this year. It was largely the influence of the A. and P- Show' on the Plains that promoted the interest in pedigree cattle, and the result was shown to-day. PRESENTATION OF CUPS. One of the most, important classes was the Baby Show, for, which Dr. Liggins, of Thames, had presented a cup for-annual competition. The first year it had been won by Baby Jennings, and the second by Baby Murray. This year, however, the honour had Come to Ngatea to Baby Gilbranson, and Mr Gilbranson received the cup o n behalf of, his’ son. In presenting to Mr W. J- Hall a cup presented by Mr V. Bagnall for the champion pedigree Jersey cow, the president, said that this cup was in 1921 wbn by Mr G. W. Keith, and in 1922 by Mr W. J. Hall, who also captured it again this year. He was thankful to have a breeder like M-* Hall in the district, as he had some very good stock, and it did farmers a lot of good to match, their animals against his—they were shown up and learnt a lot. In presenting a medal, annually donated by the president, he said it was to commemorate the occasion when Mr Hall had held the cup, for it might be eight or ten years before the cup was won outright. Mr W. J. Hall, in replying, said, he was very pleased to be present, and especially pleased to win the cup. He had won 17 cups, but this w.as the fifst time one had been presented to him at such a gathering. He would have a good try to win the cup outright, but was very pleased to receive the medal, as' otherwise ne would have nothing to show that he had ever held the cup. H& would wear the medal on his watch, chain, and it would be something in time to come for his ■ sons and daughters' to, be proud of. It was not the value of the prizes but the honour that he appreciated. Nevertheless, a cup was a splendid advertisement when he had stock to sell. He promised that should he ever win the cup outright he would present another f,or similar competition. (He was pleased that the president had beaten him in the bull classes, but. was disappointed that, there was not more competition. In presenting to Mr D. G. McMillan the cup won by Mr S. W. Bagnall for the three best bullocks, Mr Henry said the cup had been presented oy Mr Hallyburton Johnstone, whp had won it for the first two years, and he was glad to see that it was’ still ’or competition. The bullocks exhibited could probably not be beaten- in NewZealand.

Tn presenting Mr L. C. Marchant with the cup donated by Mr H. F. Lough for the best Friesian cow the president said the district was fortunate in having one of the Marchant family, who were such, successful fol-/ lowers of the Black <nd White breed, in the district.

Mr, D. G. McMillan, in proposing the health of the Judges, siaid that all knew ,that the hardest work of the day fell on the judges. Te Association had not helped the judges in.

many respects. The programme - was behind time, and the rules were not enforced strictly enough. The judgeswould take away, a better impression if the Association bad been firmer in

its duty. Though all judges were liable to be criticised, it would be a poor specimen of a man who would Criticise a judge if. he was beaten >n the ring. It was' a real insult, to a judge whom the Association had asked to be present. Such a competitor should be made to apologise and leave the ground. Mr J. H. Sloan, of Pukehuia, N. Wairoa,. one of the judges of the horse events, thanked the Association for the way the judges had been received and the help and treatment accorded them. He had judged- it many shows, but did not think he had received such assistance as at Ngatea. He had heard some criticism of the judging, but would have been pleased to explain anything if asked to do so. He was sure by the way this show was going that in a few years it would be one of the finest in the Auckland province. Mr E. Molay, of Arahulioe, N. Wai- , roa, another of, the horse judges, en- ! dorsed the previous speaker’s remarks, and said he thought that it should be left, to the judges to refrain from awarding prizes if the exhibits were not worthy. Mr W. J. Hall, in propsoing the toast to the stewards, '•aid theirs was ; usually a thankless job, but at, Ngateatheir work could not have been done better. They were enthusiastic and keen, and as long,as they carried out the rules and did their duty they could have nothing, to fear. Mr J. H. Nicholson, in replying, said they were all out to db .their best, and could congratulate themselves that the show was' growing. There was no doubt that it would soo i be a two-day show. Mr L. Rountree said that all the stewards worked very hard,, but. more were needed in the future, and they should be on the ground earlier. Mr W. G. Hayw.ard, the ground steward, said he was- fortunate in having sucfT-a splendid right-hand man as Mr Clare, to whom the thanko of the Association were due f,or the use of his paddock, his time, and his men. s He was also very fortunate in having Mr D. J. O’Carroll, who was as good a man as could be found anywhere. Mr D. G. McMillan, speaking as a canvasser, said he expedted more enthusiasm ,and. interest in the show, and predicted that unless this was forthcoming the show would become a back number. The greatest fault was permitting late entries. Bf peopie were not interested enough their cattle should be left at home. Mr W J. Byrne, of Paeroa, the J steward in charge of. the Amateur Judging competitions, said he was rather disappointed at the lack of competition in the amateur judging, though the competition itself was of greater value than last year, as competitors had a better, idea of how to go about it. He thought the prizes were exceptionally good. In proposing the toast of “The President” Mr, Byrne said that Mr P. RHenry had very capably filled the office, and he hoped he would “carry on.” Mr Henry, in reply, said he would rather see someone else as presidentnext- year, as he could be more useful as an exhibitor and a canvasser than as a president. Next year it mighbe possible to make the shbw a two•day show. The organisation was now working very well,, and each year showed an improvement. All officials had now got experience in running a show. The Association w.as' very fortunate in having such a secretary as Mr Walton, who has- kept the worn going like machinery. • Mr Hayward apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr Walton, and said he was the right man in the right place, and that much of the success of the show was due to him. Mr J. Jenkins endorsed this.

Mn D. J. O’Carroll, in proposing the toast to Mr Clare, said he was the backbone of the whole affair, and that every man knew that the show would not have been such a success if he had not been there. The Association owed a great debt of gratitude to him. Toasts to “The Ladies’’ and “The Press” were honoured in the usual r manner.