INTER-COLONIAL SHEEP EXHIBITION.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1718, 27 August 1862, Page 4

INTER-COLONIAL SHEEP EXHIBITION.

The following letter on the subject of instituting champion prizes for Merino sheep has been transmitted from Melbourne for publication. As the topic is one of the utmost interest to our sheep farmers and breeders, we have much pleasure in submitting it to their attention:— To the Editor of the New-Zealander.

Sir, —For some time back- there has been a wish among some of the principal breeders of Merino sheep in Victoria that a champion prize for the best colonial bred Merino sheep should be got up, in order to bring together the best sheep of all the Australian colonics. That the project is desirable, I think, cannot be for one moment disputed. My belief being that most of the slice; -breeders of the respective colonies are not aware of the great steps towards perfection that many breeders have already made. In fact that the Merino sheep in all the Australias have arrived at greater perfection than is generally supposed. I allude, of course, to where ordinary care and attention has been paid. I have been requested to move in this matter. For this proposed champion prize I desire to enlist the support of the sheep-breeders and others interested in New Zealand—Canterbury, Otago, or Auckland. For this purpose I request a space in your columns, with a further request that you will second my efforts towards accomplishing what must be a national, or rather say, an inter-colonial benefit.

The present position of the project is as follows; A Tasmanian gentleman writes: “I have had conversation and correspondence with most of our principal breeders of fme-woolled sheep, and one and all arc anxious that such a plan should be carried out, and wonder that such a project was not mooted long before this, and that we are fur behind our sporting gents, as they have had their champion prizes for nearly everything, so I hope you, Mr. Shaw and others will get the project a footing, and I have ,not the least doubt but it will be supported from all quarters. I know that Tasmania will come forward and give her assistance, and will also send stock for competition. I am of opinion that the most suitable place for holding the show would be at or near Melbourne, being the most central situation for the colonies. I have no doubt but that good effects will be reaped from such a show and that it will turn out an advantage to all the colonies.” Thus so far ns Tasmania is concerned, the project is successful. For Victoria, I may say that several loading wool merchants and slock agents have promised their aid. The Hamilton Pastoral Society have approved the project. Several eminent breeders will compete, and the Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society, to which I have the honor to bo Honorary Secretary—approve the proposal, and have voted £SO for the purpose of carrying out the arrangements. That Society has also suggested a basis for the exhibition, which is as follows:

Champion Prizes,

£2OO for the best six colonial bred Merino rams, and ten colonial bred Merino ewes. £IOO for second best do. £SO for third best do. £2O for fourth beat do. £— for best three two-toothed colonial bred Merino rams. £ — for best five two-toothed colonial-brcd Merino ewes. At the same time it was verbally suggested that a prize should be offered for best Merino sheep, whether imported or colonial. It is proposed that the Exhibition this year should take place in Melbourne on some day to be hereafter fixed, but in December next. That Judges should bo appointed by each of the colonies represented by sheep—but that not less than five Judges be appointed. I appeal to your sheep breeders to assist in this great inter-colonial Champion Exhibition. It is hoped that an exhibition of this kind would give all sheepbreeders a standard of excellence towards which they would strive—a goal to win—a line of breeding clearly and distinctly laid down—that instead of the thousand and one different methods now adopted for the improvement of sheep, one path would bo marked out — cleared and smoothed—on which all shccp-brcodcrs could easily travel towards perfection, and that the wool of,the Australias —already celebrated for its many excellencies, may acquire yet another excellency —uniformity in superior quality. I may state that I apprehend no difficulty in the monetary part of the object. What we chiefly require is that the various colonies should be well and fully represented by their choicest sheep, and that the Exhibition be one well worthy of the position that these colonies hold in the wool market of the world. Yours, obediently, Thomas Shaw, junr. Woo-ri-wyritc, Elephant Bridge, Victoria, July 28th, 1802. P.S. —I shall be very happy to receive communication from individuals who will support the project by exhibiting: sheep or otherwise, .