Local Intelligence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 612, 18 September 1858, Page 4

Local Intelligence.

PLOUGHING MATCH,

We have much pleasure in recording the successful carrying out of the ploughing match which took place on* Wednesday last under the auspices of the newly constituted Farmers' Club. The ground selected for the scene of competition was a part of that in occupation of Mr. Mcßratney, beyond Riccarton and Fendall Town, some five miles from Christchurch. Theday was fine though not warm, and the attendance of spectators was more numerous than might have been expected. The ground was an uncultivated piece, comparatively clean, but;, though partially burnt, having on it some tussock grass which a little spoiled the ixiish of the work. It was perhaps also a little dry. As will be seen by the list below, the entries were numerous, especially in the class for horse teams with reins, marking the interest felt generally by our farmers in the subject, in spite of the attention which is due at the present time to ordinary farm-work.

The judges selected by the committee were,— Mr. Curlett of Kicearton, Mr. Meldrum of Double Corner, and Mr. Douglas of Mount Grey. The ploughs were off the ground by about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when the judges arrived and entered upon their work of investigation, concluding with the following decisions :—

Class I. Pair horse teams; 16 entries, 14 of whom appeared on the field. First prize: Mr. Douglas Graham, Biccarton; plough held by David Dunn. Second: Mr. Wm. Todd, Biccarton; held by Joseph. Carlisle. Third: Mr. J. Me Laughlin, Biccarton; held by himself. . - • Fourth: Mr. B. Wyatt, Papanui; held by J. Lloyd. Fifth: Mr. A. Mcßratney; held by himself. Sixth: Mr. Wm. Chisnall; held by W. Dobbs. Class H. 4 bullock teams, in yokes. The following was the only entry; highly recommended. Mr. Johnson's team, held by J. Jackson. This will no doubt receive the first prize from the committee. Class IDL Pair bullocks in reins. Five entries, four starting. - First prize: Mr. Wm. Rogers, plough held by Jas. Bogers. Second: Mr. Jason Davis, held by himself. Third: Mr. J. Hill, held by himself. Class IV. for lads. First prize: Mr! G. Greengoe, held by G. Piper. Second: Mr. Wm. Parish, held by Wm. Parish, junr.

It is worthy of note that out of the whole number of ploughs oa the ground, 16 were of Bnrrowman's make, and that all the prizes were gained by these. Of the five others, three were with wheels, being the only wheeled ploughs on the ground. The ploughmen using these were in every case skilled workmen, and their nonsuccess was evidently attributable simply to tho construction of the implement used. In consequence of this fact, we understand that the committee have determined for the future upon classing the ploughs. As to the quality of the work performed, the judges report that they had some difficulty m making their award in the first class, owing to the general goodness of the performance. And it is incontestable that a very great advance in the quality of ploughing has taken place si"cc the last match two years ago. The-decision arrived at appears to have given general satisfaction. We are happy to add that the business of the day was conducted without the smallest fliS' agreement or disturbance in any quarter; an" we. wish success; toI•'the club whose'energy ffllt no doubt" in syears to" come give us many nwr* opportunities of-witnessing the development of practical farming in Canterbury.

Nmsokt.—By the Harp we have papers to the 11th instant. We have not room to-day for full extracts, but the chief items of news we observe in the files received are, the establishment of a fire brigade in the town, apparently Justin time to assist in putting out;' dangerous conflagration on the morning or t« 15th instant, which destroyed one bouse ana nearly spread to the whole town. Also fci promising condition of the wheat crop, with t exception of some instances where a g»'«b n' attacked it. ■, By the last Australian mail we have received tho first number of anew monthly periodic*1' called the " Farm and Garden," published W Mr. William Hallows Hillier, and edited by tiw

Proprietor, Mr. Edward William Andrews. Its •object is fully explained by the title; and the Prospectus promises a prominent adherence to the diffusion of useful information for the encouragement and advancement of Agricultural and Horticultural Science. The number before us contains twelve quarto pages of general intelligence, including statistics, markets, reports, correspondence, &c. in reference to the above subject, besides four additional pages of advertisements; and both the matter and arrangement are very creditable to those concerned in its publication. Observing it in a pecuniary point of view .the success of the infant periodical may, to us, appear problematical, but that is a sub ject on which we must allow the proprietor to be the best judge. As a new vehicle of useful information, however, on very important subjects, we heartily wish the utmost success may crown Mr. Andrews' enterprise.

Sydney.—-By the Harp we have advices to the 20th ult. There is little general news, and no change in the markets. The Spray and Francis were to sail immediately for Nelson and this port. Mr. Coleman, Manager in New Zealand of the new Company's steamers, arrived per European and went on to Auckland soon afterwards.