THE HUTT AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5201, 22 November 1877, Page 2

THE HUTT AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL SHOW. The second annual show of the Hutt Agricultural and Pastoral Association commenced yesterday, and was attended with no little measure of success as compared with its predecessor. Is still wants much, however, to make it what it should be—the principal show in the Wellington provincial district. What it wants will he explained a little further on. At present, however, it may be remarked that as a mere ordinary show it suffered much from the fact that the Wairarapa Association’s exhibition will be held to-day, and consequently the stock which might'have been combined for exhibition in each locality is now confined st ictly to its own place. In justice to the Hutt people it may be pointed out that this position of affairs has arisen through no fault of theirs, as they had fixed the days for their show long before that for the Wairarapa was decided on, and that their subsequent communications to the Wairarapa Association, sent with the object of preventing the two exhibitions clashing, have remained unanswered. It is most unfortunate that this should have been the case, for the effect has been undoubtedly to deprive each exhibition of a large quantity of valuable stock, which, under more favorable circumstances, would have been seen at both. But as has been previously hinted, the Hutt annual show, owing to its position in the neighborhood of the capital of the colony might, and should withoutentering into rivalry with other exhibitions in the provincial district, become a great event like those of Christchurch and Oamaru. The fact is that the matter ought to be taken up by the Wellington business men and citizens in the same manner as our annual race meeting and regatta, and prizes of large value im the shape of handsome cups or trophies worth £25, £SO, or £IOO should be offered for stock. This would induce breeders from others parts of the colony to exhibit, and would compel farmers and others at a very long distance from Wellington to attend in their own interests. As Wellington people this thing should be gone into in a Wellington spirit, and then it would be found that whilst the out-district shows, such as those in the Wairarapa, Manawatu, Bangitikei, Wanganui, and Patea, were not injured, the Wellington display would become the great agricultural and pastoral event of the year for all the places named, and in respect to the colony would rank only after Canterbury and North Otago. The idea so far is only indicated, but the details are not difficult to be apprehended, and all that is required is for the Hutt Association to

embrace in its constitution the le iding men of Wellington in order to make its show what is known amongst the Yankees as “ a big thing.” The completion of the railway to Featherston, too, tapping the Wairarapa Valley and affording easy transit for stock, will help on this work—accelerated by the communication by means of steam of which Wellington is the centre. Without in the least detracting from the racecourse too, it may be suggested that if a strong and pretty wealthy association were formed it would easily be iu a position to lease or purchase paddocks close to a railway station, which would not only be convenient from an exhibition point of view but would insure all Wellington turning out at show time. If they had been picking for a day the association could not have been more fortunate than they were yesterday, it being in truth the first real summer’s day which hr.s shone this season. Frequent trains ran during the day, and conveyed a very fair number of passengers, amongst them being several of the M.H.R.’s at present attending their Parliamentary duties. His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby and suite arrived ou the ground early in the afternoon, and the Governor then showed that his was not a visit of mere formality, for he personally inspected the whele of the exhibits and took as lively an interest in them as if he were himself a settler and a permanent colonist of New Zealand. It will be remembered that last year his Excellency made some strictures on the more than indifferent quality of some of the produce, and it is gratifying to know that so great an improvement has been made this year, that where the Governor formerly criticised he now freely praised. In quality the stock shown was excellent, but in point of numbers the same satisfactory remarks cannot be applied; indeed, were it not for Mr. Hunter (iu especial) and Messrs. Braithwaite, Dick, and Beetham, there would have been no show, and as it was the two former had the majority of the classes to themselves. Mr. Hunter’s Leicester and Lincoln sheep fully sustained that gentleman’s reputation as a breeder and impmter, and Mr. Braithwaite’s Eomuey Marsh would have deserved prizes everywhere. In the cattle, Mr. Hunter was again prominent, and in pigs Messrs. Gear and J. H. Barber had some very fine exhibits. The judging had not concluded at a late hour of the afternoon, and as it is better that the readers of this paper should have a complete and accurate prize list, such will be published after the second day’s show, which takes place this day. THE LUNCHEON. The luncheon was served at half-past two o’clock in the stewards’ room of the grand stand, and was provided by Mr. Robertson, baker and confectioner, of the Hutt. It was in every respect creditable to the . catering capabilities of that gentleman. The committee of the show themselves selected and furnished the liquors, and the excellence of these was creditable to the judgment of their selectors. The chair was occupied by his Excellency the Governor, having on his right hand Sir William Fitzherbert, M.H.R., President of the Association, and on his left hand J. Dransfield, Esq,, Mayor elect of Wellington. Sutton, M.H.R., G. Crawford, Esq., G. Tolhurst, Esq., Manager Bank of New Zealand, B. W. Mills, Esq., and several visitors from Wellington were also present. Messrs. George Hunter, M.H.R., and Howard Wallace occupied the vice chairs. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been proposed and honored, Sir William Fitzherbert said that the toast of her Majesty’s representative in this colony always commanded attention, but at present was of special interest, his Excellency having presided at the inauguration of the society last year, and having now seen their second year. But not only that, his Excellency was a capital judge of the exhibits, and he, the speak r, could perceive decided improvements in those, departments which his Excellency had criticised last year. He proposed “ The Health of the Governor,” which was received moat enthusiastically. The Marquis of Normanby, in responding, said he had equal pleasure in being present that day to that experienced by him last year, and derived additional pleasure from the marked improvement iu their exhibits. Last year be had made remarks which he feared might bring down ou him censure, but those remarks were most kindly received, and he thought that they had borne fruit today. A year ago it was difficult to obtain good butter in Wellington, but he had tasted some that day which it would be impossible to excel. He had also noticed an improvement iu the Wellington market, of which the Hutt was the natural supplier, the agricultural land in the neighborhood of Wellington being limited, and the people of the Hutt possessing the best land close to the city. But they must be up and stirring, as if they let other places take up their position, they would find it difficult to recover their lost ground. He regretted that another show was being held that d iy, which had an ill effect ou each. That was not their fault, but it would be well if these agricultural societies communicated with each other, and prevented such contretemps. His Excellency dwelt upon the advantages of agricultural societies, and assured those present that whilst he remained in the colony such societies should receive all the assistance he could give them. His Excellency then proposed the toast of “ The Hutt Agricultural and Pastoral Society,” which was responded to by Sir William Fitzkkrbhbt, who equally regretted with -his Excellency that the show bad, to use'au Atne-ricaui-m, collided| with 1 that' at, Masteffon. But he hoped that such ’arrangements ...could be made as would in future .entail a success for both instead of a clashing calculated to damage either. Sir William Fitzherbert concluded by proposing ‘‘The Health of the Secretary of the Association, Mr. Corbett.” Mr. Corbett responded, and expressed the thanks due to his Excellency for his presence and advice, and to Mr. Hunter and other gentlemen who had’ helped them to make the show a success by exhibiting so numerously. “The Successful Competitors” were proposed by Mr. Corbett, and responded to by Mr. Hunter, who regretted that he was at the head of the list as a prize winner; as he would sooner not be allowed, as it were, to walk over the cour-1, but would like spirited competition. The Hutt Association were to be exonerated from any blame in connection with the two shows occurring on the same day. He wag sorry that this happened, because he should have liked to have sent his stock to the Masterton Show, but he was bound by promise to the Hutt. He exhorted the people of the Hutt to prevent their being outstripped iu the growing of produce. They were being outstripped now, as he knew of £l4 worth of rhubarb alone cut in Christchurch in one morning, and forwarded for sale to Wellington. If the Hutt people did not take a lead some new comers would oust them. THIS DAT. To day will be observed as a whole or partial holiday by many of our fellow-citizens, the banks and several other places of business closing in celebration of the second day of the show. The City Ri9e Band will be in attendance, and some sports, not in the programme, will we hear be extemporised on the ground. The contest for the prizes for sheep-shearing will take place to-day, and as there are several entries under this head keen competition may be anticipated. At two o’clock there will be a leaping match, for which entries will be received up to one o’clock.