MESSRS. GOLDSBROUGH’S WOOL EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5302, 23 March 1878, Page 2 (Supplement)

MESSRS. GOLDSBROUGH’S WOOL EXHIBITION.

The Melbourne Argus of the 16th ultimo says:—“The exhibition is the most remarkable of its kind that has been held in Victoria, and the lesson it teaches will be laid to heart by every practical sheep-farmer who has the opportunity of visiting it. The fist impression on the visitor who enters the spacious sample-room in the upper floor of Messrs. Goldsbrough’s stores in which the show is held, is one of astonishment that, after a two years' drought, such a splendid show of wool was possible. The piles of unwashed wool, looking rich and mellow, occupy the greater portion of the room, while the row of washed samples fairly glisten in the light like heaps of snow. On examining the samples, most people, not thinking of the plan on which the prizes have been awarded, are surprised that some samples of beautiful wool are not noticed, or at best commended, while wool decidedly inferior in quality has taken the prize of a gold cup ; and it would perhaps be advisable for Messrs. Goldsbrough to have placards posted in the room announcing the terms on which the judges gave their verdicts. Pine quality of wool has so long been held to be the chief point of excellence, that when the competition is brought to the crucial test of weight of fleece and value per pound combined, sheepowners are hardly prepared for the results. There can be no doubt that in instructing the judges to award the prizes to those samples which show the greatest profit to the grower, Messrs. Goldsbrough have adopted the only sound method on which judgment should be given. The encouragement given to sheepfarmers by this exhibition is such that on the next occasion when this firm offers prizes the number of competitors will be doubled, if not trebled. Owing to a very narrow-minded prejudice, several of the exhibitors decided not to have their names made public unless they took prizes. Consequently Messrs. Goldsbrough have not affixed the names of any of the exhibitors to their lots, except where permission has been given. Yesterday the names of some of the exhibitors were placed on the lots, and when they have time to consider the matter no doubt the other exhibitors will follow their example. In the class for washed wool Victoria carries off first honors, Mr. E. G. Greaves, of Borriyalloak, winning the gold cup, with a bale of wool valued at £25 os. Sid. Mr. J. L. Currie was next, his wool being valued at £24 2s. 7Ad., with twenty-seven days’ less growth, and only 1411 b. in weight below the winning bale. The wool shown by Mr. W. A. Kermode, of Monavale, was greatly admired for its high quality and beautiful condition. This wool was valued at 2s. lOd. per lb., a higher rate than any other wool in the class; but the weight was so light—only 88 jib.—that it had no chance of taking a prize. Mr. P. Bussell, of Camgham, exhibited a very fine sample of high quality wool in beautiful condition, which was valued at 2s. 7d. per lb., the total value of the 50 fleeces being £2O 4s. 11-jtl. Iu class 2, for greasy wool, the greatest surprise was manifested at the position taken up by the other colonies. The gold cup.was most deservedly won by Mr. E. W, Pitts, of The Levels, South Australia. This gentleman has purchased the celebrated flock of pure merinos formerly owned by Mr. C. B. Eisher. They have not yet figured at Melbourne shows or sales, but their sterling qualities as highly profitable sheep have long been acknowledged by practical men. The 50 fleeces weighed 55711 b. net, and was valued at £29 Os. Bjd., the highest valuation of any bale in the show. The wool is of long staple, sound, and useful; the *' "alnation is at the rate of Is. Old. per lb. ’’-'This lot was surrounded by visitors during the day, who examined it with the greatest interest. Second on the list was the lot shown by Mr. Lachlan Mcßeun, of Woorooma, Kiverina, whose bale was valued at £2B lls. 6d., but had fifteen days’ more growth than the winning bale. This wool had splendid staple, and was of very good quality. It was estimated at Is. lid. per lb. Mr. J. L. Currie came next, with a beautiful sample of wool, which was very much admired by everyone. It was valued at Is. 01 d. per lb., the total value being £2(l 18s. 7ld. Mr. L. Mcßean was fourth, with a bale valued at £26 4s. 9d.; and Mr. E. G. Greeves came next, with a bale valued at

£25 9s. 41d. Mr. John C'rozier, jun., of the Ana Branch, Wentworth, New South Wales, followed with two bales, one valued at £25 Bs. 2gd., and one at £24 18s. 7.jd. That one of the seven highest values in this class the first should be from South Australia, and the second from Biverina, and only two Victorian flocks get placed, certainly surprised every one. The wool sent in by Mr. James Gibson, of Bellevue, Tasmania, is a very beautiful sample, which has been valued at Is. 3£d., but it is so light that the total value is only £lB 13s. lljd. In this class the liiverina wools have stood the test remarkably well., The wools in class 4 are much better than was expected from such a . hot climate as Queensland and northern New South Wales, and a great improvement may be looked for in the future in wools from this part of Australia, if we are to judge by what has taken place in Eiverina. In answer to the invitation of Messrs, B. Goldsbrough and Co., a good many of the exhibitors have decided to have their exhibits forwarded to the International Exhibition, to be held at Baris, Hay 1,1878. It will be interesting to know if the estimate of value made by the judges in Melbourne will be upheld in Baris.”