MARLBOROUGH AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 114, 23 April 1880, Page 3

MARLBOROUGH AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

ANUAL SHOW.

The Anuual Show of the above Association was held at the Society’s grounds, Maxwell Road, on Wednesday last, and was undoubt edly a great success. Both in the number of exhibits and of visitors to the grounds, it far exceeded the Show of 1879, and this, notwithstanding, the fact that the amount of money to be awarded iii prizes was lass than at the the previous times. Indeed, at a meeting held about a fortnight -before the Show it appeared doubtful whether it would take place at all, owing to the lack of support it was receiving from the hands of the country settlers. It was felt, however, that it would be a great mistake to let it drop altogether, and it was resolved that a show should be held, Air Paul, who was iu favor of not having a show this year, consenting to become the Honorary Secretary on condition that Air Ward should be President, and proving a most active and energetic officer, to whom in a great measure is due the success of this annual meeffhg which it is hoped will be the forerunner of a long succession of similar, and even better, exhibitions of the products of this highly favored district. The show of sheep was remarkably good, and better exhibits under this head it would be difficult to find anywhere. The £lO Cup given by the Loan and Mercantile Company for the best merinos fell to the lot of Air Josepn Ward, the President of the Association, who was congratulated on all hands on gaining the what may he termed the “ blue ribbon of the Show.” There was a good display of horses, - although this is not perhaps the best time of the year to exhibit them, and in cattle the exhibits were numerous and excellent. Domestic produce, grain, and poultry were all well represented, an addition to the exhibits enumerated in the prize schedule, Air E. Stratford sent in, for exhibition only, a collection of imported bulbs, garden seeds, and samples of the golden Autumn peach in fino condition, which attracted much attention. Air J. It. W. Cook, who was a large exhibitor in several classes, r. 3 will be seen from tbe list, sent in some fino specimens of golden gauge tomatoes, woll worthy of notice, and an immense pumpkin shown by Mr E. Gos-

ling, would convince anybody that Marlborough cannot easily be beaten in this direction. Mr Fredk. Adams' prize potatoes were highly spoken of by experts in that line, and Mr Harding’s cheese was pronounced equal, if not superior to anything of the kind that ever came from Canterbur. Mr McAllister’s exhibits in the carriage building line were deservedly admired and as it would be almost impossible for us to bring within the limits of our space a separate notice of each and all the various exhibits, a list of those which obtained prizes will be found below. The following gentlemen discharged the onerous duty of judges to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, there not being a single complaint made as to the awards as far as we are aware :—For merinos—Messrs'J. R. W. Cook, Rayner, and Bay ley. For other sheep and pigs—Messrs Bell, Parker, and Draper; for horses— Messrs H. Westmacott, T. Harding, and T. Redwood ; for cattle—Messrs Lambert, Chaytor, and Graham. For poultry, grain and other produce—Messrs Allen, T. Redwood, and H. Dodson. For bread, butter, cheese, jams, and Colonial wines—Messrs W. Litchfield, Welford, and G. Henderson. Stewards of horses —Messrs J. Redwood and P. Rush ; cattle— P. O’Dwyer ; sheep and pigs—Messrs C. Elliott and S. Gane. Poultry, grain, and produce —Mr Higgs ; bread, butter, jams, &c.—Mr Gillespie. Ground Committee, Messrs Cook, Redwood, and Gonlter. At the close of Show Mr P. Lawrence officiated gratuitously as auctioneer, handing over his commission for the benefit of the Association, but unfortunately there was little sold, the only transaction that we are aware of being the sale of a bull of Mr P. Mcßae's to Mr C. o‘Dwyer. The amount taken at the gates, exclusive of those admitted by ticket, was upwards of £l2. Refreshments were provided on the ground by Mr Barry, of the South Star Hotel, and Mr Scott, confectioner. The utmost good order prevailed throughout the day, and nothing occurred to interrupt the harmony of the meeting. The weather was delightful, and all on the ground, amongst whom was a fair sprinkling of ladies, appeared pleased with the Show.

HORSES. Best Thoroughbred Entire for Stud purposes. Ist prize, Association Certificate and LI, 2nd prize 10s. —Mr Freeth’s Treason, *1; Redwood’s Ramarama, 2. Best Draught Entire-for Stud purposes. Ist price, Association Certificate and LI; 2nd prize, 10s. —Mr Mcßae, 1 ;Mr Bisliell, 2. Best Draught Gelding, any age. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize ss. —Five entries. Mr Fulton, 1 ; Mr Stace, 2. Best Draught Mare, any age. Ist prize, Association Certificate and LI, 2nd prize, 10s. —Seven entries, Mr McColl, 1 ; Mr A. McCalluni, 2. Best Draught Gelding, 3 years old. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize ss. —One entry. Mr C. Redwood, 1. . Best Draught Colt or Gelding, two yrs old. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Four entries. Mr G. Redwood, 1 ; Mr Atwood, 2. Best Draught Filly, three years old, Ist prize, Association Certificate and 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —One entry. Mr Thompson, 1. Best Draught Filly, tw) years old. Ist prize, 10s; 2ud prize, ss. —Three entries. Mr A. McCalluni, 1; Mr G. Storey, 2. Best Yearling Filly, Ist prize, 10s; 2nd ss. —Three entries. Mr G. Storey, 1; Mr C. Redwood, 2. Draught Yearling Colt or Gelding. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —One entry. C. Redwood, 1. Best Draught Foal, foaled since July, 1879. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Six entries. Mr C. Jordan, 1; Mr Gomez, 2. Best Bred Mare for hack purposes. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s ; 2nd prize, ss. Y" —Five entries. Mr Mcßae, 1; Mr Freeth, 2.

Private Prizes. Best Lady’s Hack, ridden in skirt. Ist prize, 20s; 2nd 10s. —Six entries. Mr Blick, I;Mr T. Redwood, 2. Best Gentleman’s Hack. Ist prize 20 ; Henderson, 2. 2nd 103. —Seven entries. Mr J. Barry, 1 ; Mr D. By the President — Best Pair of Draught Horses in harness. Ist prize 30s; 2nd prize, 10s. —Three entries. Mr Fulton, 1; Mr MeColl, 2. By Mr Rayner — Best Hack for general purposes, under four years of age, broken or unbroken. Prize, LI. —Four entries. Mr Gcnti’y, 1; Mr W. Parker, 2. By Mr H. Redwood — Best Brood Mare for weight carrying purposes. Ist prize, Certificate and LI; 2nd prize 10s. —Four entries. Mr Mcßae, 1 ; Mr R. F. Bayley, 2. By Mr T. RedwoodBest Thoroughbred Colt, from one year to three years old. l3t prize, 20s; 2nd prize, 10s. Four entries. Mr H. Redwood, 1 ; Mr C. Redwood, 2. By Mr T. RedwoodBest Thoroughbred Filly, from one year old to three years old. Ist prize, Certificate and 20s; 2nd prize, 10s. —Four entries. Mr H. Redwood, 1 and 2. By Mr Freetli— Best Foal by Treason. Prize, L2 2s. —Five entries. Mr Muirhead, 1. By Mr McVean — Best Foal by Lord Clyde. Prize L2 2s. —Three entries. Mr Thompson 1. By Mr Murphy — Best Foal by Nobleman. Prize, L2 2s. —Two entries. Mr C. Redwood, 1. , By Mr Gomez— Best Foal by Sir Colin. Prize, L2 2s. —Three Entries. Mr C. Jordon, 1. By Mr Kennington— Best Foal by General Havelock. Prize Prize, L2 2s. —No entry-

SHEEP. Best Pen of Five Merino Wethers. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Two entries. G. Goulter, 1 and 2. Best Pen of Five Wethers, any other breed. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Four entries. Mr Paul, 1; Mr H. Redwood, 2. Best Pen of Five Leicester Ewes. Ist prize, 103; 2nd prizo, ss. —One entry. Mr 11. Redwood, 1. Best Pen of Five Leicester Ewe Lamb 3. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —No entry. Best Pen of Southdown Ewes. Ist prizo, 10a; 2nd prizo, ss.

—Two entries. Mr H. Redwood, 1 ; Mr Kelly, 2. Best Pen of Southdown Ewe Lamb 3. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —No entry. Be3t Pen of Lincoln Ewes. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —One entry. Mr 11. Redwood, 1. Best Pen of Lincoln Ewe Lambs. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —One entry. Mr H. Redwood, 1. Best Pen of Romney Marsh Ewes. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —No entry. Best Pen Romney Marsh Ewe Lambs. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —No entry. Best Pen of Cross-bred Ewes. Ist prize 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Three entries. Mr E. Paul, 1 and 2. Best Pen of Cross-bred Lambs. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —No entry. Best Leicester Ram. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Two entries. Mr H. Redwood, 1 and 2.

~ Best Lincoln Ram. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s; 2nd prize. ss. —Two entries. Mr £L Keel wood, 1; Mr T. Redwood, 2. Best Southdown Ram. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —One entry. Mr H. Redwood, 1. Best Romney Marsh Ram. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Three entries. Mr E. Paul 1 ; Mr J. R. W. Cook,. 2. Private Prizes. By Mr C. Redwood — Best Pen of Five Merino Ewes. Ist prize Certificate and 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Eight entries. Mr J. Ward, 1 ; Mr C. Goulter, 2. By Mr Coulter— Best Merino Ram, any age. Ist prize, Certificate and 20s; 2nd prize, 10s. —Five entries. Mr Jno. Watson, 1 and 2. By Mr H. J. Stace, Best Pen of Three Provincial Bred Merino Rams. Ist prize, Certificate and 20s; 2nd prize, 10s. —Oue entry. Mr C. Goulter, 1. Best Pen of Five Merino Ewe Lambs. Ist prize. 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Five entries. Mr J. Ward, 1; Mr C. Goulter, 2, Best Pen of three Merino Lamb Rams. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s; 2nd ss. —Five entries. Mr J. Ward, 1; Mr C. Goulter, 2. A Silver Cup, valued at LlO, will be awarded by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, to the exhibitor of Meino Sheep, who shall score the greatest number of points, based upon the following scale—lst prizes to count five points, 2nd prizes to count two points. —Mr Jos. Ward.

CATTLE. Best Bull, any breed but Shorthorn. Ist prize, Association Certificate and LI; 2nd prize, 10s. —Three entries. Mr Paul, 1 ; Mr Mcßae 2. Best Dairy Cow in Milk. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Three entries. Mr C. Redwood, 1; Mr Rogers, 2. . Best Heifer under three years old. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —Three entries. Mr Mcßae, 1; Mr Har« ding, 2. Best Heifer, under two years old. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —No entry. Private Prizes. By Mr Harding— Beat Shorthorn Bull, any age. Ist prize, Association Certificate and 20s; 2nd prize, 10s, Association. —Two entries. Mr Harding, 1; Mr Stace 2. By Mr Paul— Best Shorthorn Bull under 3 years old. Ist prize, Association Certificate and 20s; 2nd prize, 10s, Association. —Oue entry. Mr Stace, 1. By Mr C. Redwood — Best Shorthorn Cow. Ist prize, Association Certificate and 10s ; 2nd prize, ss, Association. —Two entries. Mr Harding, 1; Mr C. Redwood, 2. By Mr 0. Redwood — Best Shorthorn Heifer, ovor two years and under three years old. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s; 2nd prize, 5s Association. —Three entries. Mr Harding, 1; Mr Mcßae, 2. By Mr C. Redwood — Best Shorthorn Heifer, under 2 years old. Ist prize, Association Certificate and 10s ; 2nd prize, ss, Association. —Four entries. Mr C. Redwood, 1 and 2. By Mr Seymour— Best Cow for dairy purposes in milk. Ist prize, Certificate and 20s; 2nd prize, 10s. —Four entries., Mr Harding, 1; Mr Rayner, 2.

PIGS. Best Boar, any age or breed. Ist prize, Certificate and 20s; 2nd prize, 10s. —One entry. Mr Parker, 1. Best Breeding Sow, any age or breed. Ist prize, 20s; 2nd prize, 10s. —Two entries. Mr Parker, 1 and 2. Best Breeding Sow with Pigs, not less than five. Ist prize, LI, 2nd prize, 10s. —One entry. Mr Kelly, 1. Best Boar under six months old. Ist prize 10s; 2nd prize, ss. —One entry. Mr Geo. Sutherley, 1.

POULTRY. Best Coop of Dorking Fowls, 2 hens and a cock,. Ist prize, a special prize given by Mr Smith, tinsmith; 2nd prize, ss, Association. —Two entries. Mr Jas. Hodson, 1 and ‘X Best Coop of Game Fowls, 2 hens and a cock. Ist prize, 7s (id ; 2nd prize, 2s Gd—given by Mr McDowell. —One entry. Mr C. Goulter, 1. Best Cooi) of Spanish Fowls, 2 hens and a cock. Ist prize, 7s Gd ; 2nd prize, 2s Gd—given by Mr W. Clark. —No entry. Best Coop, any other breed of Fowls, for table use, 2 hens and a cock. Ist prize, 7s Gd ; 2nd prize, 2s Gd —by Mr W. Clark. —Two entries. Mr Penney, 1 ; Mr Rose 2. Best Coop of Ducks, 2 ducks and a drake Prize, six months subscription to the Marlborough Times. —Seven entries. Mr J. R. W. Cook, 1. Best Coop of Geese, 2 geese and a gander. Six months subscription to the Marlborough Express. —Four entries. Mrs Paul, 1. Best Coop of Turkeys, 2 hens and a cock. Ist prize, 7s Gd; 2nd prize, 2s Gd—given by Mr Mackliu. —One entry, Mrs Muirhead, 1,

Best Pair of Trussed Fowls. Prize 203given by Mr Rogers. Exhibit to go 1 to the donor. —Two entries. Mi’s Hodson, 1 and 2. GRAIN. Best Sack Barley. Ist prize, 20s; 2nd do, 10s.—By Mr Evans r _ , —Five entries. C. Redwood, 1; T. Redwood, 2. Best sack of Wheat. Ist prize, 20s; 2nd 10s —By Messrs Redwood Bros. Four entries. Fell Bros., 1; Mr Kelly 2. Best sack of Oats, Ist prize, 20s; 2nd, 10s.—By Fell Bros, and Co. > —Three entries. Mr C. Redwood, 1; Mr E. Paul, 2. Best sack Rye Grass Seed. Ist prize 20s; 2nd, 10s. —Two entries. Fell Bros., 1; Mr Evans ROOTS. Best sack Brown River Potatoes. Ist prize, a set of swingle trees; 2nd do, ss.—By Mr McAllister. —Eight entries. F. Adams, 1; J. Rose -. Best sack of any other kind of Potatoes. Ist prize, 103; 2nd, os.—By Mr Cook. Two entries. Mr G. Redwood, 1; Mr Muirhead, 2. Best 6 Mangold Wurzles. Ist prize, 5s ; 2nd, 2s fid. Four entries. Mr C. Redwood, 1 and Best 6 Sweeds. Ist prize, ss; 2nd, 2s Gd. Two entries. Mr K. Matthews, 1 5 Mr R. Allan, 2. Best sack Carrots. Ist prize, os ; 2nd, 2s —Turn entries. Mr C. Redwood, 1; M D. Laurence, 2. r Best 201bs Seed Onions. Ist prize, 7s Gd ; 2nd, 2s Gd. , r m „ , —Nine entries Mr E. Paul, 1; Mr T. Haddock, sen., 2. Best 2 Pumpkins. Ist prize, ss; 2nd, 2s —Two entries. Mr W . Crook, 1; Mi C, Redwood, 2. Best 2 Vegetable Marrows Ist prize, ss; 2nd, 2s Gd. —Seven entries. Mr H. Dodson, 1; Mr C. Goulter, 2. Best Collection of Vegetables. Ist prize, 15s; 2nd, ss—By Mr W. Sinclair —Five entries. Mr C. Redwood, 1; Mr H. Dodson, 2. Extra first prizo for Grapes—Mr Gibson, sen., Kaitnna.

DOMESTIC PRODUCE—LOCAL PRODUCTION ONLY.

By Mr T. O'Sullivan— Best Loaf of Home-made Bread, made from wheat grown and ground in the Province. Ist prize, box of tea; 2nd, No. 1 churn. —Twelve entries. Mrs Litchfield, sen. 1 ; Mrs H. Dodson, 2. Best Ham, not less that 141bs weight. Ist prize, 10s; 2nd. ss. —2 entries. Mr Harding 1. By Mr IT. Dodson— . Best Flitch Bacon, Marlborough Curing. Ist prize, 15s; 2nd, ss. —No entry. By Mr J. M. Hutcheson — Best 3lbs Fresh Butter, guaranteed made at least four day 3 prior to day of Show. Ist prize, Certificate and 10s; 2nd, 7s Gd; 3rd, ss. —Ten entries. Mrs H. Dodson, 1; Mrs Muirhead, 2 ; Mrs C. Goulter, 3. By Mr Litchfield — Best keg of Salt Butter, of not less than 501bs, to be accompanied w'ith a writ ten guarantee of its having been potted at least two months prior to day of Show. Ist prize, Certificate and 15s; 2nd, 10s. —Three entries. Mrs Muirhead, 1; Mr T. Harding, 2. By Mr Lawrence — Best Cheese of not less than 12lbs weight. Ist prize, Certificate and double crown soap; 2nd, 7s Gd. —Six entries, Mr T. Harding, 1 ; Mrs J. Rose, 2. By Mrs Lawrence — Best Collection of Jams, made in the district. Ist prize double crown soap; 2nd, ss, Association. —Three entries. Mrs 11. Dodson, 1 ; Mrs J. It. W. Cook, 2. By Mrs CookBest Collection of Jellies. Ist prize, 10s; ' 2nd, ss, Association. Two entries. Mrs Litchfield, sen., 1; Mrs T. Davies, 2. By Mr Penney— Best Collection of Home-made H lues. Ist prize, 15s; 2nd, ss. —Two entries. Mrs Litchfield, sen., 1.

Extra Exhibits. Mr Seymour gave a prize of 20s for the best local made Buggy. Two entries. Mr McAllister, I;Mr C. Goulter, 2. Mr Parker gave a prize of 20s for the be3t Spring Cart, local made. —Two entries. Mr Bishell, 1. Messrs Parker and Matthews gave a prize of 20s for the best Tip Dray, local made. —Three entries. Mr A. McColl, 1. Mr Adams gave a prize of 20s for the best shod Hackney. Judges, two retired blacksmiths. —Three entries. J. Mitchell, 1. Mr Dillon gave a prize of 20s for the best and simplest Gate-fastener. —No entry. Express Carriage, no prize—Mr McAllister, highly commended.

The Dinner,

In the evening about 60 persons sat down to an excellent dinner at Penney’s Hotel, Mr Joseph Ward, the President of the Association, in the chair. Full justice having been done to the good things provided, the Chairman gave the usual loyal toasts of “ The Queen.” “ The Prince of Wales,” and the rest of the Royal Family, which were heartily drunk. Mr Henry Redwood then rose to propose the next toast —“ The Governor,” saying it was a treat to go into a farmyard with his Excellency, and see the interest he took, and the knowledge lie displayed in stock of all kinds, from a pig up to a racehorse. He (Mr R.) believed there never had been a Governor here who took such an interest in Agriculture. On the racecourse it was just the same with him as in the farmyard. Ho examined the points of every horse and was a capital judge of them. He (Mr R.) could only say that if the Governor was as good a politician as he was a judge of horses, New Zealand had got a clever man at the head of affairs. (Cheers.) Song, (Mr Ward) —“ The fine old English Gentleman.” Mr C. Rcdwocd proposed “ Tkc Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” for whom Mr Macklin briefly responded. Recitation —Mr Holmes. The Chairman then gave “The Marlborough Agricultural and Pastoral Association,” saying he was very glad that tliero had booii such a well attended meeting, especially as it had been got together at so

short a notice, and he was pleased to see such a large gathering here this evening •which was altogether gratifying. Such Institutions must be good or tney would not be found in all parts of the Colony, and their chief object was to teach young men. When a boy went to school and learnt to write he had to be taught how to hold his pen and to imitate the copy set before him as closely as he could, and so with a student of Art who was sent to Rome to see the best models, so that he might imitate them and reproduce as nearly as he could the best pieces o' the country : so, at these Shows the young men could see what the Judges considered were the best pieces in the several classes. Whilst he was glad to see so many here to-night, he regretted the absence of some old faces. }J e trusted that the slight feuds and differences of opinion which had some time ago prevailed to some extent would be forgotten, and that all would unite in advancing the interests of the Association, by stimulating competition one with another. Song—Mr C. Redwood. Mr Paul returned thanks, and congratulated the Society on the success of the day. At a meeting held about a fortnight ago, when it was discussed whether they should have a show or not, he was one of those who had said no, for at that time things were at Buck a low ebb with the Society that he thought it must die out; but he was glad now that lie had been overruled. He had been solicited to become Honorary Secretary, and had consented on condition that Mr Ward should he President. The result showed what can be done when a few willing hands worked together, but it was hard that the duty should devolve upon a few when it ought to be borne by many. What had been done proved that there was in Marlborough the material for a really good local show." If everybody would bring what ever he had to exhibit to compete with his neighbors, the result would be attained. Had himself brought down a lot of things, so as to help in making up the Show this year, and amongst these things were two geese and a gander, and he might have taken 20 orders to-day for geese in consequence. Competition was the sole of business, and it was the object of the Society to stimulate and foster competition. Every farmer should place his produce, of whatever kind it was, in competition witn his neighbors. He believed that a new era of the Association had been started to-day, and that in future it would be still more successful. Song—Mr McNab.

Mr Holmes then presented to Mr Ward a silver Cup valued at £lO, awarded by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company to the exhibitor of merino sheep scoring the greatest number of points. Mr Holmes said the duty which devolved upon him was a very pleasant one indeed. It would be a pleasing duty to present the Cup to anyone, but it was especially gratifying when it became his duty to present it to the President of the Association, who, he understood, had not at all expected to be the recipient of it. It was the intention of the Company to present a Cup annually, and he hoped it would tend to stimulate competition amongst the woo l growers and farmers of Marlborough. Pie quoted from a speech of Mr Mundella. M.P., made at the last annual meeting of the Company in London (which has been quoted in a previous issue), to show that in 1579 the Company exported 53,9G2 bales of wool besides other produce, and that they were the largest exporters in the world. The Cup was filled with champagne, and passed round. Song—Mr Hyde. Mr Matthews proposed “The Successful Competitors,” coupling with the toast the name of Mr Henry Redwood, of whom he spoke as a good settler, who had advanced the district with his money, labor and skill and was an excellent neighbor. (Cheers). Song—Mr Harding. Mr 11. Redwood said he thanked them most heartily for the kind manner in which the toast had been received. He always felt proud in winning rather than in losing, and was glad it bad been bis good fortune to be a winner to-day. He felt very much pleased to see a better feeling exhibited in the Show, and trusted that the Association would progress in the future, and that it would tend to improve the breed of stock, which he found in travelling about New Zealand was capable of great improvement. His opinion was that it was the duty of all farmers to make the most of the grass and other food provided by nature in this fine climate, and not let inferior stock feed upon them.

The Honorary Secretary said in reference to the successful exhibitors, he should like to draw attention to the fine sample of Brown river potatoes, exhibited by “ .Farmer Adams,” which it would be difficult to beat anywhere. Mr Adams thanked Mr Paul for having drawn attention to the fact and said he could not easily be rubbed out in potatoes. It took more skill to raise a good potato than to breed a race horse. Recitation—Mr Holmes.

Mr H. Redwood proposed “The Judges” observing that few but those who had experienced it knew what a difficult task the Judges had to discharge. On this occasion there was not a single complaint made against their decisions, and everybody appeared satisfied that the exhibits which had been adjudged the best were the best on the ground. He called upon Mr B. P. Bayley to respond to the toast. Song—Mr Falconer.

Mr Baylcy said lie felt he had oeen rather taken advantage of as a stranger in 1 icing called upon to respond to the toast. He had seen larger Shows, but knowing the difficulties with which they were surrounded he must say that he was more than astonished to see such excellent sheep as had been exhibited to-day. He should be trenching on dangerous ground if he made a long speech on the subject, but he might say that in his experience there was no part of Now Zen’an 1 that could boat Marlborough in climate, or was better suited for stock raising or the growth of grain. Mr Harding gave the “ Unsuccessful Competitors,” recommending them not to be disheartened by their failure on this occasion, but to try again next time. The Secretary proposed “ The Trade and Commerce of Blenheim,” speaking of the enterprise of the merchants in running steamers to Wellington and Nelson, and of the liberality of the tradesmen of the town in subscribing to the Agricultural Association, in which respect they far outstripped their country friends. He also referred to the excellent exhibits in the carriage building line shown by Mr McAlister, which convinced him that they need not send out of the town for anything in that line. He coupled with the toast the name of Mr Fell. Mr Fell said he was rather at a loss to know why his name had been coupled with the toast, now that he was no longer Mayor of the town, unless it was because the present Mayor was not here to-night. He was glad to hear the town complimented on its liberaiity to the Association. As legarded the trade of Blenheim, it was not, as they knew, very brisk just now, and no doubt they would be better pleased if there was a little more competition for barley, and if travellers from Sydney and other places, were driving about in Mr McAllister’s buggiealooking for samples, but although trade

was dull here just now, he believed the future prospects of Blenheim were good. They would soon havea railway made to the Awatere. The surveyor was now on the ground marking out the line, and he believed the Government were sincere in their expressed intention of carrying it through and this would tend to increase settlement, and the prosperity of both town and country. As a representative of the town, he was always glad to have its name associated with the interests of the country districts. The toasts of the “Press,” and the “Ladies,” having been given and responded to, the formal part of the proceedings terminated, but a good many persons remained in the dining-room for some time afterwards and spent a convivial hour before separating.