PLOUGHING MATCH AT THE TAITA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4854, 12 October 1876, Page 2

PLOUGHING MATCH AT THE TAITA.

+ ' " Yesterday was a sort of gala day in the Hutt district, the occasion being the first ploughing match held in the neighborhood. An additional attraction was provided in the shape of a good programme of sports, and there was a large attendance of spectators of both sexes. The match was held in Mr. .7, Mabey’s paddock at the Taita, and was for farmers in the district, the sports coming off in an adjacent [field. According to the rules, all the teams had to be on the ground by nine o’clock, and a start was to be have been made by half-past; but as some little difficulty arose in laying off the ground, the ploughing did not commence until ten o’clock; in consequence of which the time for the finish was extended until half-past three in the afternoon, instead of three as advertised. Each competitor had to plough 853 links by 58J links into two lanes, with an equal number of furrows on each side, and not less than five inches deep. There were nine competitors, and lots were drawn for choice of ground. Section 1 fell to Mr. Waterman, who used a double-wheeled plough by Howard. He had a fair team, and his harness was in good condition. IMr. J. Wright took section 2 with a single-wheeled plough, by Mr. Mcllvride, his team and harness looking well. Section 3 was allotted to Mr. Samuel Bussell, who used a singlewheeled plough by Howard, his team and harness deserving commendation. Mr. C. Colson came next on section 4, using a single-wheeled plough by Hornby, and his team being in excellent condition. Section 5 was allotted to Mr. B. Bussell, who used a single-wheeled plough by Howard ; his horses were rather small, but in good fettle, and his harness looked well. Mr. William Phillips took section 6, with a double-wheeled plough by Howard, his team and harness being in fine condition, and altogether the best turn-out in the field. Section 7 fell to Mr. George Pike, who used a swing plough by Mummy, his horses and harness being in fair condition. Mr. B. Apps, who used a single-wheeled plough by Howard, came next in section 8, with a very good turn-out. Section 9 was taken by Mr. C. Stent, who used a double-wheeled plough by Howard, his team and harness being in fair condition. A very fair start was made, each man striking out as he thought best for finishing his two ridges according to the rules. As the ploughing was going on the sports were proceeded with. For the first event, men’s race, 200 yards, there was a very tight contest, Hooper being first and Judd second. In the 100 yards which followed the same competitors took similar places after a good race. Wrenn came first and Parker second in the 200 yards for boys and in the 100 yards Tickett was first and Boulcott second. There were a great many entries for these two events, and the juveniles were greatly excited in the. contest. A-suffi-cient number of ladies on the shady aide of forty could not be obtained to contest for the box of tea offered as a prize, so the restriction as to age was withdrawn; and six competitors put in an appearance, Mrs. Webb coming off the winner.. In the 100 yards for : females Mrs.’ Webb again was first; and Mrs. Peck* made a respectable second.. A great number-

put in an appearance for the girls’ race, which was won by Mass Death, Mias Dew comingsecond. The quoit match excited a great amount of interest, and there was some excel* lent play. After several heats had come off, Mr. Valentine-and Mr. Wm. Cudby were left alone in their glory; the former gentleman winning the first heat and prize, and the latter taking the second; it was however a very close contest, as both men played remarkably well. Perhaps the most exciting part of the day’s proceedings was the baby show, of which Mr. Job Mabey, who is the proud possessor of fourteen olive branches, was appointed judge. It was with some difficulty that ladies could be persuaded to come forward; but the pathetic manner in which the gentleman who officiated as bellman appealed to their feelings, in tolerable Irish, to “roull up thin wid thenlovely offspring; telling one “ Shure, its a beautiful choild, just loike its mother;” and then tracing in-another a “resimblance ” to its father, could not be resisted, and before long six chubby infants were submitted to the scrutiny of the judge. There appeared to be a great similarity in the features of the babies, but the judge was evidently a man of experience, and quickly came to a determination, a little Edwards taking the first prize and a little Evitt the second. The immigration policy is evidently a success at the Hutt, for they were all fine rosy youngsters ; but our reporter is glad that he is not that judge, and is sorry that the judge don’t live short distance away. Dr. Johnson said that if one called a woman ugly the quarrel was for ever; but the judge has “riz” theenmity of four slighted mothers far more than by calling them ugly, and we only hope he won’t have to remove to foreign parts. The following are the times at which each competitor finished ploughing his section : Name. No. of Section. Time. S. Russell .. .. 3 12.26 p.m, R. Russell .. .. 5 12.46 ~. Wright .. ~2 1.18 ~ Waterman .. .. 1 1,19 1( Apps.. .... 8 1.27 „ Phillips .. ..6 1.56 „ Colson 4 1.68 „ Stent 9 2.10 „ Pike .. .. ~ 7 2.44 „ S. Russell taking the fourth prize as having finished first. It should be mentioned that an accident happened to R. Russell’s plough, which delayed him some little time. The judges, Messrs. Bruce, McCulloch, and Blatchford, came on the ground at three, and delivered their verdict at half-past, the first prize being awarded to Phillips, the second to Stent, and the third to S. Russell, who, it will be seen,’completed his half acre in 2 hours 26 : minutes, being splendid time for this half acre. Pike’s work was pronounced excellent by the .judges, but it was not of the prescribed depth, and consequently no prize was awarded, but he was recommended to the consideration of the committee. Wright put the best' edge on, but lacked steadiness. The ground was toodry if anything, and it would have been easier work for the judges if the match had come off on turf. After the verdict of the judges a scratch match was arranged between three of the colonial youth of the neighborhood, Messrs. Dash, Mabey, and Cooper, and was coming off when our reporter left. The question of inaugurating an agricultural society, ploughing matches, and shows has been under discussion in the district forsome time, and the committee deserve every credit for initiating the matter, the chairman (Mr. C. P. Worth) and the secretary (Mr. J. H. Corbett) having been indefatigable in their exertions. , We understand that a meeting, of which due notice will be given, will be held shortly to establish a society,.and we wish the promoters success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the exhibition and amusements during the day, and we hope to record an autumn meeting.