WAIRARAPA PASTORAL ASSOCIATION SHOW.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4282, 10 December 1874, Page 2

WAIRARAPA PASTORAL ASSOCIATION SHOW.

(From oca own Reporter.) The fourth show under the auspices of the Wairarapa and East Coast Pastoral Association, which took place on Tuesday on the Tauherenikau racecourse may fairly be said to have eclipsed any of its predecessors; indeed, the settlers themselves were scarcely prepared to find that their individual efforts to improve the stock of the district had resulted in such marked success. Of course, it will not be supposed by the people of the Wairai-apa or by readers outside the district that the show was equal in point of merit to that of Canterbury, the great agricultural centre of the colony; but it is keeping within the bounds of actual reality to say that the enterprise and energy of our stock breeders is fast lessening the distance between this province and her formidable rival of the South. And this is being done at no sluggard pace. Let any observant person contrast the class of stock produced in the Wairarapa at the present day with that of two or three years ago, and the change will be found remarkable, not alone for the improved quality of the stock, but also for the rapidity of the change. The causes of these welcome signs of the times are multiform, the two which chiefly contribute being the present prosperity and the introduction into the district of a now class of men—exemplifying in another way the advantages of an infusion of new blood. The result is honorable emulation, but one idea being paramount in the minds of the settlers, and that idea the advancement of the district. The show of Tuesday was one of which they may well feel proud, individually and collectively. It speaks of a grand future for the Wairarapa and the whole of the Bast Coast, There were, of course, cavillers present, who spoke lightly of some of the exhibits in the respective classes, and compared the exhibition as a whole, to its disparagement, with those of older colonies, and more advanced provinces. But it should be remembered that though we are the oldest province the district is yet young, and the society is still younger. To introduce the commonplace axiom, there must be small beginnings. Time was when the Victorian Society’s show could not produce its Blacklegs and its Rambouillet rams, and the period is not by any means distant when the Cantei’bnry exhibition could not boast of equal excellence to that of Tuesday. As a matter of fact there were present as many imported animals amongst the cattle and horses as would probably be found at any colonial show, the sheep especially being an exceptionally fine lot. Mr. Geo. Hunter was the principal exhibitor in this section of the show, and he was also the chief prize-taker, a position well deserved, for no one but a person feeling a deep interest in the society’s welfare would care to risk so many valuable animals (27) on a double journey over the Rimutaka, the sheep having been forwarded from his farm at Island Bay. There was also an unusually strong muster of draught entires, several having taken up their quarters iu the district since the last show, and the attractions of the exhibition were added to by the appearance of an extremely handsome carriage entire (Bryan O’Lynn) imported from Melbourne by Mr. Richard Barton. Southern Chief was the only thoroughbred ou the ground, but he and Bryan O’Lynu gave the finishing touch to the exhibition, and left nothing to be desired. The Tauherenikau racecourse is the most convenient, and perhaps the finest piece of ground for the purposes of such an exhibition to be found within a radius of fifteen miles. Added to this the arrangements of the stewards were perfect, so that complete success was certain, but the weather never is to be depended ou. The morning was calm and close and portentous, and people who understand the weather in those parts “ saw it coming;” and sine enough it did come. From ton to twelve o’clock the rain came down in torrents. But the show went on all the same. It only comes once a year, and men, women, and children went to it although it rained relentlessly. They went to it ou horseback, they went to it iu dog-carts, spring-carts, expresses, drays, and waggons; they went to it anyhow, as long as they could get there —but not ou foot. They are au enthusiastic people, these Wairarapians, but they don't walk. And so they came, until there were exactly 550 persons on the ground, calculated by the money taken at the gate. Not au insignificant gathering for such a scattered district and in such weather. But their patient persistency was rewarded, for about two o’clock the weather cleared up, and the afternoon was remarkable for nndiiuined sunshine and a refreshing atmosphere. Then there was occasion for thankfulness that it did rain in the earlier part of the day, but, nevertheless, these steady outpourings from Aquarius’ watering pot are not compatible with silk-liko flossiuesg, and so, to some extent, the shining coats of the carefully got-up horses and the fleeces of the equally well prepared sheep lost some of their brilliancy. Yet still the show was in all respects au advance upon that of last year, when the exhibits were 116 against 153 this year, the attendance being 409 last year against 550 this year. The attendance would have been greater but for the fact that this is shearing time ; at least so it was said; but the object seems to be to hit upon a time that will suit the greatest number, and that time was the present. No doubt the shearing did cause the absence of many settlers who were greatly missed, amongst them Mr. Eockel, who has up to the present time been one of the most earnest supporters of the society, and one of its chief exhibitors. It would be opposed to the truth to say that the fashions do not receive a due amount of attention from the fair sex, iu the Wairarapa. That information may not be regarded as news by the heathen abroad ; still one cannot help feeling impressed with the fact that feminine gentleness is none the worse for being backed up by a vigorous vitality begat of existence iu bucolic regions. The weaker vessels of the Wairarapa, typified by the attendance on the

grand-stand on the show day, convey to the letter the idea of the picture of health and beauty. But a little of this goes a long way. The back of the stand is the place where the nnder-ancl-over gentlemen most do congregate, andthefraternityhadevenfound their way to the Tauhereuikau, to do a very limited trade however. The sheep and cattle pens wex - e in this direction, and to the large majority of the spectators their occupants possessed a neverfading interest. Round and round they went, in search of new “ points;” in fact, the afternoon was spent in one prolonged gaze, which terminated at four o'clock, when the animals were drafted away. This critical examination revealed the fact, that in a multitude of counsellors there is wisdom. It is needless to mention that in many cases the decision of the judges was dissented from. It is also proper to say that in one or two instances there was room for doubt as to the correctness of the judges’ decision. Notably was this the case with regard to the first prize for fat heifers, which, it is humbly submitted, should' have gone to Mr. Lowes, of Te Ore Ore. Tho judges did their duty conscientiously, no doubt,, but breeders were very much in the majority against them. There were also differences of opinion as to the merits of other animals, but for the sake of convenience of arrangement it will he better to discuss the classes thus : THOROUGHBREDS. (Judges for the horse classes—Mr. Stevens, Wanganui ; Mr. Walter Brown,, Wellington ; Mr. D. Knight, Tauherenikau.) Southern Chief, a bright chesuut, well known in the province, was the only competitor in this class, but the judges were unanimously of opinion that his splendid appearance, his admirable points, and his perfect soundness justified them in awarding Mr. Hayward a first prize. DRAUGHT HORSES. The entries in this class were : Clyde, bred by Messrs. Moore and Currie, Kaiiwi; exhibited by Captain Donald. Dainty Davie, bred by W. Boag, Christchurch; exhibited by Mr. A. Cockburn. Black Douglas, bred by Mr. A. Cockburn, Mastertou ; exhibited by Mr. Morrison. Conquerer, bred by J. D. Canning, Napier ; exhibited by Messrs. C. and A. Hare. Tam O’Shauter, bred by Mr. Stevenson, Canterbury; exhibited by Mr. W. Mitchell. Lord Raglan, exhibited by Mr. J. Martin. Marquis, owned by Mr. J. P. Russell, was entered, but died since the entry was made. The prizes were awarded as follows Dainty Davie ... Ist prize. Tam O’Shanter 2nd prize. Conquerer ... Highly commended. Black Douglas ... Commended. Dainty Davie is a Clydesdale horse, showing excellent quality. He has good round quarters, powerful legs, with plenty of hair,, and is a very clean-built animal in every respect. He measures well below the knee and round the arm. Tam O’Shanter is, technically speaking, a splendidly topped horse, very compact, but lacks the quality possessed by Dainty Davie. Conquerer is also well topped, but is rather light in the bone. Black Douglas showed immense strength in the quarters and body, but he is deficient in quality of bone. Clyde is a horse likely to get good stock for waggon purposes or light plough horses, hut he does not stand close enough to the ground to rank as a first-class Clydesdale. Lord Raglan showed plenty of bone, with a passable head and very fair quarters, but he is very light in the middle. There were other evidences about him which put him out of the competition altogether. Young Lofty, a three-year-old, exhibited by Mr. A. Cochrane, was decidedly the bestdraught horse on the ground, but was not awarded a prize as he was the only competitor in the class, and was therefore precluded from receiving a prize. He is a magnificent colt.

showing excellent quality and strength. A three-year-old draught filly, exhibited by Mr. G. Burnett, was highly commended for her splendid color and perfect soundness. Young Prince Charlie, bred by Mr. Boag, Christchurch, and exhibited by Mr. A. Cockburn, took the first prize for two-year-olds. He showed immense bone and muscle for his age, with beautiful quarters and a capital crest. A colt exhibited by Mr. G. Burnett in this class showed splendid hone, good quarters and excellent color, but was deficient in middle, a fault which will probably leave him with age. Kaiiwi is a good colt with rather drooping quarters and deficient in hair. He also lacks middle, but will probably fill out" as he grows older. A two-year-old filly, exhibited by Mr. J.. Burnett, showed fair quality, though rather bad color, and was commended. A yearling filly, exhibited by Mr. Cockbum, showed immense bone and good shape, and was highly commended. Mr. Cockbum also took a first prize for a pair of plough-horses, Jess and Jean. Chloe took the first prize in the pony class. Bryan O’Lynn, by Panic, a beautiful dark brown carriage horse, imported from Melbourne, was shown by Mr. Barton. He has a splendid head, fine crest, and capital shoulder. He is very round in the barrel, shows immense muscle iu the arms, has good loins, and fine oval quarters. He is very muscular in the gaskin, and although a shade light below the knee, he is the style of horse to produce weightcarriers or ooachers. On the whole, he is a splendid animal and was much admired. SHORTHORN CATTLE. (Judges in this class—D. Buchanan, C .Beetham, and 0. B. Miller.) Butterfly, exhibited by Mr. J. P, Russell,, and Eclipse, exhibited by Mr. McMaster, were the chief exhibits iu this class. The former took the first prize, but the respective merits of the two animals excited a good deal of comment, as, was also the case with the shorthorn cows, Candour (or Charmer II.), and Duchess of Walton, exhibited by D. McMaster and J. P. Russell respectively, the former taking first prize. Sultan, a fine bull owned by Mr. P. Hume, and Conrad, took first prizes as the best bulls in their class, Cosmo coming second. The other prizes in this class are shown in the list which follows. SHEEP. (Judges—H. McMaster, T. Buchanan, J, Morrison, and McCoy.) As already stated, the show of sheep was very fine. In the merino class the main prizes were taken by Mr. Waterhouse for Australian bred sheep, Mr. Barton being the next prizetaker in this class. Mr. Meredith took a second prize for a ram in this class, which was a really good animal. Mr. George Hunter was the only exhibitor of any note iu Leicester.?, Mr. Waterhouse dividing the honors with him in the Cotswolds, which were very good as a whole. The Lincolns excited the keenest competition, Mr. McMaster, Mr. Hunter, and Mrs. Hare of Wanganui being the principal exhibitors. Mr. McMaster exhibited a very fine hogget ewe, and three rams, bred by Sutton Brothers, of Southland. Hr. Hunter took the first and second prizes for Lincoln rams, but Messrs. Beetham, who also competed for these prizes, are to test the weight of the fleeces privately when Mr. Hunter’s and their own rams are shorn. It was strange, too, that the judges overlooked a ram of Messrs. Beetham’s which took a first prize in Canterbury. Mr. Ludlam’s Romney Marsh rams, exhibited by Mr. Bidwell, took the first prize, Mr. C. Pharazyn coming second, with some rams bred by himself from Mr. Ludlam’s stock. Mr. Pharazyn also took a first prize for some hoggett rams bred by himself. Mr. McMaster took first prize for a splendid lot of fat wethers, Mr. Wardcll coming second. IMPLEMENTS. A collection of agricultural implements was shown by Mr. Cudby, of Eeatherston, who being the sole exhibitor, no prize was awarded. The implements attracted a good deal of attention. A good deal of interest will no doubt attach to this section of the show on future occasions, as a greater quantity of land is being put under crop year by year, particularly in the Lower Valley and on the Wharekaka Plains. The production of pure-bred stock will of itself necessitate the breaking up of a greater quantity of land than has hitherto been cultivated iu order to provide supplies for winter feed. Better stock and better tillage go together, and iu both directions the Wairarapa is making considerable advances. Some

of the implements on the ground were disposed of at fair prices. THE LUNCHEON 1- . Upon the judges completing their awards, they and the stewards sat down to luncheon, at the conclusion of winch Mr. C. Pharazyn, who occupied the chair, proposed the toast of » The Judges,” upon whose judgment, he said, so much depended, and whom they had to thank for relieving the society from a difficulty on account of some of the judges originally appointed failing to appear. They had endeavored to obtain judges from Wanganui and Napier, to secure the greatest impartiality ; and he hoped next year they would be more successful in carrying out the idea. However, of one thing he was well satisfied, and that was that the show was a great improvement on that of previous years, and he hoped it would improve still further. He had the pleasure to announce that the medals for last year were ready for distribution, and would be handed to those successful competitors who might be present to receive them. The toast was clrnnk with enthusiasm. The medal, which is struck in silver and bronze for first and second-class prizes, shows on one side Ceres with the cornucopia, the Tararua mountains in the distance, and the plough and woolpack ; the obverse containing a chaplet, inclosing an inscription giving the name of the winner and the class in which the prize is awarded. The medal is of exceedingly handsome design. PRIZE LIST. The following is the list of prizes awarded ; TUOrvOUOKBREDS. Best thoroughbred stallion, any age,—lst prize, J. O. Hayward, Southern Chief. DRAUGHT HORSES. Best draught stallion, any age.—lst prize, Mr. A. Cockburn’s Dainty Davie : 2nd prize, Mr, W. Mitchell's Tam o’Shunter: highly commended, Messrs. C. and A. Hare’s Conquerer; commended, Mr. W. Morrison’s Black Douglas. Best draught mare, any age.—lst prize, Mr. R. Yule’s Rowena; 2nd prize, Mr. A. Cockburn’s Grace. Best three-year-old draught filly or colt.—Highly commended, Mr. A. Cockburn's Young Lofty; commended. Mr. G. Burnett’s filly. Best two-year-old draught colt or filly.—lst prize, Mr. Robert Cockburn's Young Prince Charlie ; 2nd prize, Mr. G. Burnett's colt; highly commended, Captain Donald’s ICaiiwi; commended, Mr. G. Burnett’s filly. Best yearling draught colt or filly.—Highly commended. Mr. A. Cockburn’s Polly and Messrs. Beetham’s Young Clyde. Best pair plough horses.—lst prize, Mr. A. Cockburn’s Jess and Jean; 2nd prize, Mr. \V. Morrison’s Flora and Jess. COACUER Mr. Barton’s Bryan O’Lynn was sent in for exhibition only ; no prize was therefore awarded. HACKS. "Wakahi was the only hack on the ground, but was not deemed worthy of a prize. In the pony class Mr. Bidwell’s Chloe took first prize, and Mr. H. S. Warden's pony second. CATTLE. Best shorthorn bull, any age.—lst prize, Mr. J. P. Russell's Butterfly, bred by M. Bell, Esq., Waimea Plains. Mat aura : 2nd j>rizo, Mr. D. McMaster’s Eclipse, bred by J. T. Peacock, Esq., Canterbury. Best two-year-old shorthorn bull.—lst prize. Mr. P. Hume's Sultan, bred by Mr. W. Boag, Canterbury. Best yearling shorthorn bull.—Messrs. Beetliam’s Prince .tames 11. and D. McMaster's Waltapu were shown, bait were not deemed worthy a prize. Best shorthorn cow, any age.- -Ist prize, Mr. D. McMaster’s Candor (or Charmer II.), bred_ by J. Gamble, Shouldhamthorpe. England ; 2nd prize, Mr. J. P. Russell's Duchess of Walton. Best two-year-old shorthorn heifer.—Highly commended, Mr. D. McMaster’s Trio (2D7). Best bull of any breed. —Ist prize, Mr. C. R. Bidwell's Conrad ; 2nd prize, Mr. C. R. Bidwell's Cosmo. Best milch cow, of any breed.—lst prize, Mr. Waterhouse; 2nd prize, Mr. R. Yule. Best cow, of any breed.—lst prize, Mr. D. McMaster (cow bred by Mr. G. Gould, Christchurch); 2nd prize, Mr. Waterhouse. Best yearling heifer, of any breed. —Ist prize, Mr. D. McMaster. Best fat heifer, of any age and breed.- Ist prize, Sir. C. It. Bidweli ; 2nd prize, Sir. Wm. Lowes. Best fat bullock, of any age and breed. —Ist and 2nd prizes, Messrs. Beetham. SHEEP —MERINO (UKSHORX). Best three hogget rams, two-tooth or under. —Ist prize, Mr. R. Barton, for sheep bred by Mr. Lcarmonth, of Victoria. Best hogget ram, two-tooth or under.—lst and 2nd prizes, Mr. E. Barton,Jfor sheep bred by Mr. Learmonth, Victoria. Best three rams, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr, Waterhouse, for rams bred by Mr. J. Murray, South Australia. Best ram. four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr. Waterhouse, for ram bred by Mr. J. Murray, South Australia ; 2nd prize, E. Meredith. EEICE3TER3 (UNSHORN). Best ram, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr. G. Hunter, for ram bred by the Otago Company ; 2nd prize, Mr. G. Hunter, for ram bred by Mr, M. Holmes, Otago. COXSWOLPS (uxshorn). Best hogget ram, two tooth or under,—lst prize, Mr. Waterhouse. Best three rams, four-tooth or over.—Commended, Mr. Waterhouse, for rams imported from England. Best ram, four-tooth, or over.—lst prize, Mr. G. Hunter, for ram imported from England ; 2nd prize, Mr. C. Pharazyn, lor ram bred by Mr. G. Hunter. Highly commended, Mr. G. Hunter. Best hogget ewe, two-tooth or under.—lst prize, Mr. Waterhouse. Best three ewes, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr. Waterhouse : 2nd prize, Mr. G. Hunter; highly commended, Mr. G. Hunter, Best ewe, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr. G, Hunter; 2nd prize, Mr. Waterhouse.

LINCOLNS (UNSHORN). Best three hogget rams, two-tooth or under.—lst prize, Mr. C. Pharazyn ; 2nd prize, Mr. D. McMaster. Best hogget ram, two-tooth or under.—lst prize, Mr. D . McMaster. Best three rams, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, ilr. B. McMaster, for rams bred by Messrs. Sutton Bros., of Southland ; 2nd prize, Mr. C. Pharazyn, for rams bred by Mr. G.-Hunter. Best ram, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr. G. Hunter, for ram imported from England ; 2nd prize, do. do.; highly commended, Mr. G. Hunter; highly commended, Messrs. Beeth ;m. Best hogget owe, tvro-tooth or under.—lst prize, Mr. D. McMaster, for ewe bred by Mrs. Hare, V/anganui. Best three ewes, four-tooth or over,—lst prize, Mr G, Hunter, for ewes imported from England; 2nd prize, do. do. Best ewe, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr. _G. Hunter, for ewe imported from England ; 2nd prize, Mr. (}. Hunter, for ewe bred by himself. I'.OMNEY MARSH (UNSHORN). Best three hogget rams, two-tooth or under.—lst prize, Mr. C. Pharazyn, for rarua bred by himself. Best three rams, four-tooth or over,—lst prize, Mr. C. It. Bidwell, for rams bred by Mr. Ludlam, Hutt ; 2nd prize, Mr. C. Pharazyn, for rams bred by Mr. Ludlam, Hutt. Best three ewes, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr. “W. Lowes ; 2nd prize, Mr. U. Knight. Best ewe, four-tooth or over.—lst prize, Mr. W. Lowes. FAT SHEEP (SHOP.;?)Best ten fat sheep, of any age or breed.—lst prize, Mr. I). McMaster ; 2nd prize, Mr, It. S. Warded. IMPLEMENTS. An excellent collection of agricultural implements was exhibited by Mr. Cudby, of Featherston ; but no prizes were awarded, there being no competition. THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW. The horticultural show was held at the back of the grand-stand. It was, of course, completely subsidiary to the cattle show. The exhibits comprised nothing new nor rare, but then there were no great pretensions to horticultural skill. Each settler brought his window pet, not with the idea of startling his neighbour, but with the object of forming a collection to vary the attractions of the day ; and in this object they succeeded. But the exhibition was more notable for its practical character than for its floral wonders. Potatoes and peas predominated, and in this department the exhibits equalled anything seen at the Wcllington show. Some splendid strawberries too were shown, one lot being very fine. This branch of the society’s operations will of course progress with time. It is only just to mention that the stewards were untiring in their efforts to secure a successful show, and the greatest impartiality to exhibitors in all classes. As stated by Mr. C. Pharazyn, endeavors had been made to obtain the services of judges who knew nothing of the animals owned by the various competitors, and although some slight disappointment was experienced on this head, the society should make more strenuous efforts in the same direction next year, as great dissatisfaction was felt at the award, in two or three instances, as will always be the case where judges and competitors reside in the same locality. Excepting in this particular, the show - was an undoubted success, and too much credit cannot be given to the indefatigable secretary of the society, Mr. T. Erethey,