THE SHOW FESTIVAL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 73, 4 March 1913, Page 2

THE SHOW FESTIVAL.

MOST SUCCESSFUL YET HELD GREAT EXHIBITION OF HEAVY STOCK. A RECORD ATTENDANCE.

J be twenty-eighth show vf the [ Franklin A. and F. Society was held | at I'ukekohe or; Friday and Saturday iast. The festival was pre- _:ninently saccc sful. The display uf hortea ar.l oattl.; wa j the finest evtr seen | on the ground 3, and the attervdance was the liisjgest that has ever been attracted to Pukekohe. The weather was very drubtfol on Friday morning, but before the exhibitois got pmp ily to woii; tne rai i el-ared off ai.J the cli'i atic conditions thereafter were sati.-iactory throughout. On Saturday great crowds came iiy train from Auckland and 'Jpper Waikato, and Ik vehicles of every description from all parts of this district, the g" te takings were £l6 3s 6d on Friday and 4s (.1 j on Saturday, L.i-i .g a t tul . f £2-16 8s fo" the two day.-:, as against £216 ds last year. He-ui:S t is £d'J 5s extia at the gat.-s '.reorpscntirg (500 adults) there are 2'JO more members of. the Society this year than last, so that it is estimated tint the number of people on tlie around exceeded that of last year by about one thousand persons. Which is an excellent iosult indeed, On Saturday afterneon there were between seven and eight thou and people en the giouiid. The scene was \ery animated, and the music by the PukeI;'::.-. I own Hand turtner enlivened the proceedings. It would ue invidious to select any members of the Committee tor. sp.cial commendation. I he President (Mr J. VVylie) and the Vice-President (Mr D. R. llarnilto.il willingly took their share oi the hard work alongside the er.tr/ttic committeemen, and the reward for ail must ne the s-Jtisfac-ti ;n ihat their energetic t (forts were crown, d with such conspicuous success. Seme accidents occurred, but Leyoi:d a few cuts and bruises there is fortu ately nothing of a serious nature ;o report. Morses. hioih in numbers and quality the tdi.iw if horses vv.s easily th? best th.t visitors to th- local Show have i die qipnrtu'-.ity of ceeing, s d both judges a!■.j pressmen adirmcd «::-.t i'i some respect or an dher it i ;icell d any o* the North Island Shows iitld tins se iren. For i::r f.rre, !he ju i.*e of dr. lights, Mr J. ■?. 9u .h'nn, declared that for farming purposes—i» breed mares nod ii lies --'he sho.v was better th n ~t icklard, aitrougii at the YietropoM"i exhibiti-?;. the sections for iiO:ses for city work were naturally I tt. r. Mr Ou>jhton expressed himself as deligoteu and surprised at the cjuality of the draught horses sh.wn, some of the prize winneis would be l.ard 11 beat anywhere. Su h pr. i-e from Mr Oughton is praisa indeed. Not only ii he acknowle 'ccd a:-, a cat able judse, but i: e is a I-o ,i e f New Z:aland's rn st successful bree ers. At Okaiawa, in Taraiaki, Mr Oughton has bind p ize-wioning stock on the <ne farm eontmuoesly for :J2 years, and at last -vovk's New Plymouth :-.how he to k fir t i : a tig lield ot two-year-old colts wish Headier ijrae (later g iii in.; tt e ctiainpio.ship awn' a big h Id of ;ged ..orsis which contained numeious champions). At the Haw-era Show Mr Ouhoi alio got 1 ard reserve el nmpion with his 'to .1 m'ire Koyal Queen, and -' ow .d i'i seco'd best ard e s.i.o;d nest three-y-ar filly. All these horses wer. bred by the exhibitor himself, so that, as ha* been said, word) of praise from Mr 'iuehten must carry preat weight. Sir ii. H Nolan, or Haweia, 'i'aroooKi, Was a so enthusiastic about ti;e improvement in the light ida-K-s. ii pointed out, however,

Sheep. The cattle in this district, are displacing t*ie shesp to such an extent that the displacement is reflected at the Show by the great improvement in the cows and the lessening exhibits inthesheep classes. Those breeder?, however, who remain still maintain a very high-class quality in their stock. In Lincoln?, C. I. Barriball scooped the pool; W. 'aylordid the hame in Border Lticesters. In Romney Marsh, A. D. Bell toA mist prizes, including the ewe championship, but J. F. Kellv showed the champion ram In tne fat classes the Karaka Land Co. Wilkinson's Blossom, which was champion in the dairy class last year, had to be content with a C this season when shown as a grade. C. A. Willis and the Wilkinso s were the principal prize-takers, ihe grade Aryshires were a good lot, W. K. Lawton.of Pukeoware, taking 2 firsts a d 3 second*. The fat classes were not very well-fllea, but perhaps the biggest framed bullock ever seen on tha grounds was shown by Rouhton Hros. were the most successful exhibitors, the moral of their fine display being to point to the productive future of the once despised Karaka country. Pigs "Yes, I can see slill further improvement in the quality," said the judge. W. Adams' fine Berkshire boar Victor was beaten for the championship by E. J. Rogers' exhibit—a magnificent animal. But a six-months-old boar hy Victor beat Rogers' entry in its own class. In Yorkshires and Tamworths E. J. Rogers took both championships. A. C. Gribbl-: had some splendid stuff penned, and amongst his Honours was the championship for the Berkshire sow. Produce Shed COOKERY. The cookery, fruit and vegetable display was an excellent one, and gave a fair idea of the possibilities of this district. The cookery section was far superior to last year's, and the ju.!ge, Miss Renwick, passed many complimentary remarks regarding the uitferent exhibits; as thi3 lady is in charge ot the domestic departmtr;t of the Technical College in the Auckland provice, and was brought out from Scotland especially for th° work, her judgment and ability cannot be questioned. The bread of those securing places was pronounced excellent. The plat J ol six scones (eleven entries) took careful judging, for all were so good that it was really difficult to separate them. Miss Batty's collection of biscuits was easily placed first, and was pronounced a very fine collection and tastefully selected. A collection of (Ome-made biead, cakes and paairy, won by Miss Nellie Ballard, received a special mention the twelve varieties being all carefully and tastefully prepared. Pickles and sauces prepared by Mr T. H. Ashford, made a collection of to fewer than 15 different bottles and were prot'ounced superior to anything ever seen in this line. In tha cookery section a special prize was donated by the Kev. S. Nixon and was won by Mis.i Nellie Ballard with 31 points. Mrs W. J. Sharp coming second with 27 points, and Miss S. Batty third with 22 points.

FLOWERS. The flower ieetioi, which is always an attraction at I'ukekohe, r\as well up to the standard, and Mr F. Ballard's collection of cut iluwers was a special feature. Several exhibits by Mr G. B. Simpson, especially the dahlias, deserve a line of praise as they were brought from Cambridge and had to be cut on Thursday morning so as to reach PuKokohe in time. F4 RLE UECOKAIIONS. A pretty etFect was produced by the table decorations, and Mrs Sharp, r>ho gained first place, had worked out an effective design with lavender-coljured alters tastefully arranged in a silver epargne with smaller vases surrounding. Mrs E;iancison, who was placed second in this class, secured a fine elfec* with .-itnple and effectively displayed miniature sunflowers and giallardias. SCHOOLS.

,i ';n timer of horses wer t: entered in t::cii wrung classes-- gig hor.-es aa horses, heavy hacks as light r..°ck~. and 'u on. ponies, too, varied so much in size unci in other r«>*i;eets that it n.adv judgim* very ■ iiiifult. I i' light burse clashes ( iit <-.u. ti-g :h-j ii;u: and tuurna--151 ::t event ; ) th.ro sere 305 entries. A. .-.i;g-st ti'o rno;e successful wtre i;. .J (Jion ' J.o' jlv who took •.« 11 o hack, as csml v remount; and as host walking hack Kit' same owner's Iw-.iwng wa.i focoi.-fi in the last;i?.■! Oilier io. >riic!ioU3 .j.'Wi'.rs were u; MakgiU's i'ateh, V, . J. Tax k.r's £cr.r..p and J. 0. I'.vdo" s Nrararo. W. J Taylor's V: in w h silccUd the champion •iuc*.. T' ore wj« • st'i.ndl: and

ex naive display or poi.ie:. <>..rt >»•.»>. ■- • onty draughts t;i, t'.-.t u".d s i.-ving gra d s-üb->-i:h'ic . i>. I!, ilitus' I'liiice Hubert acntir; aid a U'.ree-y ar-;>l i tiliy hy Frinco Robirt ji led i' in: ■-:ss ilarthla.nJ, a..d shown I y vviifred Juimatone, was the champion Hi ire. 1m th: ri!;u ■ nts the fun was i.i i : furious. Indeed, tr.cre was t. i:ili of a goo-i tiling, tor by «hs 'ii;, the la-t u f some int r s.lrg >■ in.: t.n only a few tireu |Ko;;ie \vi:i'v s-catteied about the ring. .*'!:e estc!l n e ;,nd piciuresiiuencsa Hi th; military e-.'eats that a hii* field dav, devoted entirely to this class of sa;rt, could le sn"c ssfnlly organised in Fekekohe ij'iiU- apart 'rem the show. Cottle. i no cattl" inlges were also •ji nerai! : in iluir prais; of the im-j-i'OViii qu.dit. of the stock Som: rf the tiest p-.digrve .Shorthorns in New Zeal iti 'vcre on t e ground, i'h * H Istei: s wert especially fine, ami the ft'!si y- included A. Morei :nd's cnampion bull, Brighton Tvvy!i:h a five year-oH t'aat has never be-:m i.eaten in a show rirg. i I; • yea lo.y ball of a local breeder, K Wilkinson's Snowd-m, wa« .•tiei-tt.i for icoi'rve caampion Mr More'and a ho showed the champion (emaie. ilk- uv \<-ar <>lil Majesty] Eileen. In prad? >-arMe 'he Jersey a j made the best showing. A. E.

i An unusual competition was wit- ! nesial with iha numerous children's ixhibits and some excellent work was displayed The judge was of opinio, that the writing oi the Younger children was a far better average lot than thdt of the elder one?. | DAIRY, FARM AND GARDEN. The butter exhibit was a very I shhll one, hik! an absence of competition resulted in some easy wins iOl Air George Stephenson. Dressed poultry, eggs, h.m.y, etc., were in fair supply and of mood quality. Some !i:.e fruit exhibits by Messrs Reynolds Brothers, John Collins and Son ami others gave e.idence of tne skill and attention of these orchardists. Garden produce section was well patronised and some superior stulT exhibited. Messrs Reynolds Brothers' exhibits were of great assistance as they had entered 17 classes out of 25 of a total in the section. Mr F. Ballard's collection of potatoes came in for soma complimentary references from the judge, as also did the numerous exhibits of onions. In a district like Pukekohe one would expect a much larger show of farm produce; the maj.irity of the entries were from ha!f-a-doz :ii people. The produce sh;;wn was of excellent quality notwithstanding the j dry spell. j Mr !•;. Klton's dressed poultry was j a perfect exhibit, three LonJo.i I styles were showu—boiling, roasting

and larding— :<nl nil vers faujjiegs. Mr E. Allan's display of pot plji.ts, fer.is, ei made showy corner. lar«e ticket an"ncunc:d that all were grown from Allan's "good seeds " The exhibit was certainly goo 1 and should be conclusive proof of Mr Allan's ski 1] and care as seedsman and grower. A corcer had b:en secured by Mr J. Henry to exhibit some samples of the now famous W(st>rn Wolths grass. This grass should commend itself tj c'airy farmers and others on account of its rapid growth and vigorous nature. A printed handbill anr.runced the principal points and got into the hands of many hundred of farmers.

District Bays. This was quite a new departure for t';e Franklin Show and an excellent start has been made. The idea was suggested by Mr J. Roulston, and lit was the inspiring force in all the hard work that was done. This year only three districts took up ih. fchtmj-Piktk .he, Mauko and iuakau but a< the idea was not generally know i till rather lute in the day this ran be considered good, arc! rert yea' there is io doubt some vigorous competition a ill he found, and irnnv .iistricts mil be anxious to paiticipate in such'a splendid advertis ment. The three courts a g eat attraction and were sur;oui.ded by admiring crowds from mo'r.ing till night on each day of the Show, the complimentary referencea made by all beirg a source of sat sfaction to those who had worked so haru to make these bays a credit to their district and a general assistance tu the Sh':w.

PUKEKOHE COURT. Pukeknh? secured first place with 93* iOl at-, ar.d had a splendid col- *>-. lectio,i artistically arranged. Ihe J court oecupi.d a c.ntral position aflkH had the name "Pukekohe" by two handsome panelled piMnsters. The pannelling had been neatly arranged with seeds of mane, beans, etc, glued tu the ground work and set out in differed patterns. Vegetables of ;vcry des c.iption, fruils t«o numerous to mention, nratiy arratged bags of seeds, bread, cakes, N.Z. Dairy Association butur, honey, grain, etc., all siiowid up prominently and were intersperced with ferns and evergreens, making in all , a showy and comprehensive dinplay. The deenrative pansls were designed by Miss Penman and getieral assistance was given bjL a number of ladies and gentlemen* f MAUKU. Mauku eecured second place with 60 points. The name waa neatly designed in wool and formed an arch over the cou t. An enormous i pumpkin made a promineit centrepiece, and tiers of fruit aod vegetables of every description showed the variety of produce raised in this fertile district, bottled fruit, honey and pickles, hay, eggs and grain again showed to advantage. Neatly arratged bunches of wheat and oats aiorned the sides, and skilfully entwined evergreens interspersed the produce. The district lifing some distance away was at a disadvantage as ugainst Puktkohe and the idernot beirg geuerally acted upon lost much Rood material. The work of

collecting, designing and arranging th 3 court was practically all done by Mr and Mis Ashford, and they deserve full credit for taking on such a large order practically single-handed. TUAKAU. luakau was also at m disadvantage owing to shurt r.otice and distance, hut nevertheless a highly creditable show was made, and Messrs Dynes Fulton and Free deserve commending for their attempt to uphold the reputation of their district, uoods similar to those described in the other courts were carefully selected—flax, fibre, ensilage, fruit trees and tinned fruits showed to advantage. A special future was the txhibit of fincywork, Irish crochet, stencilled curtaine, hand-painter; cushions, worked table centres', cushions, etc., theße showing the unusual skill and taleit of the Tuakau ladies. Poultry.

1 Poultry was another lne that needs t a complete revision if any increase is . to be expected in the number of - entries. An entrance fte that is 40 ■ per cent; of the prize is not cont ducive to progress, and a* most of t the competitors are not out for i advertisement in a show like this some little more encouragement is needed to get a decent display. There are t-everal classes in the catalogue that could well be wiped out, no birds in some particular i classes ever being shown in Pukekohe. Mr J. J. McKinney deserves special mention for his unwavering support of the poultry section, hia Indian Runner pain meeting with marktd approval from the judge. Dogs. A noticeable improvement was very evident among the canines and also in the number of entrit-9, the judge, Mr A. A. White, being well pleased with tne whole section. Mr John Harrows' rough coat sheep dog was declared to be a distinctiv good animal and was by far the best dog in the section. The greyhounds were a good lot, but the best (Mr B. Houlston's Bowler) was disqualified on account of not being sound, a broken toe being ihe trouble. In tho other classes good competition resulted, a id many fine animals were to bt se.n. People with savage dogs would be well advised to notify the stewards so as to have a notice placed for the benefit of the public. One savage brute bit the judge's hard. It also caused many people tu make hasty retreats, several children narrowly escaping damage durin* the dav. Trade Exhibits. There was not a very extensile . lot of trade exhibits. This, of course, has been a general experience at the Shows sire; the implement makers combined agairidt country exhibitions. COOPER AND CURD. Une ot the largest exhibits on the ground was that of Messrs Cooper ami Curd, of I'ukekohe. Nine vehicles, 5 gigs, a 30 cwt. waggon, a ton milk cart, a double-seated buggy with patent folding scaled single seated buggy exhibit. All the vehicles splendidly finished and fine specimens of the coachbuiider's trade,

all;* Iforfby of note was a tig with attached 'o a whip spring. w jJJby the viorption was donr away with, and upholster d with red leather with spring cush ! ons. Both the principals of the firm were kept busy all day and the fact that Be«en out of the nine vehicles were eold on the griund is a proof that tbe public hid recognised the quality of the work dune by this firm. A Warren motor car, for which Messrs Cooper acd Card are the agects, waa also on exhibition. PISRKINS AND CO. Ihe Wfl'.-krcwn fitm of F. Perkins aiid Co. made a special f.ature in their exhibit of S ott's ranges. lent was lined with various of the New Recard ami % ffitbe Atlas, tha latest thing in ranges. - The feature of this range is that it is built in with brickwork flues PL with the corresponding benefit of a deeper oven. It is claimed that it lasts three times as long ss "a porp. • table," has twice the heating j 4 capacity for a hot wa'er high pressure supply The self-acting vacuum washing machine wa? on fy view, and its many advantages were demonstrated to a larse number of :•». enqulrara Outside tbe tent were Deering ploughs and harrows and v ' hillside ploughs a.ul scrubbers. jbV 1 " Throughout the show the exhibit attracted a great deal of attention. ■jL'Ji • J. KNIGHT. ;v Mr J. Knight, of Albany, had a f small exhibit of MacDorald Brothers', of Scotland, iroplements. An ideal manure distributor, which ia claimed to be the simplest anl mcst durable irachine ' on the market, was the subject of great inte est to tbe farmers Two aoMr.? tcoth wheel cultivators, one # especially suitable for orchards and I the other for deep cultivation, were ■T ahown and the advantages point.d to innumerable farmers. Mr wis perfectly satisfied with done. { MAKGILL AND ALBRECHT. Very simple -one ot those things that you wonder someone rid not think of Hefnre—wis the two-way gate fastener shown by Messts Makgill and Albrecht, of Onehunga. it does away with the trouble sn common of a gate over-shcotirg the catch when slammed, and the exhi- . bitqra hal a very busy day giving practical demonstrations of the sdvantagei of their patent. - WOLSIENHULME AND CO. Very appropriate was- the sign "Picture Gallery" which stood over Messrs'-' Wo'.stenholme ar.d Co.'s tent. Inside were very fine steel engravings and coloured pictures, and judging by tbe empty spaces at the end of tne day public fancy must have been pleased with the firm's selec-

-* tlon. One side of the tent was occupied with framed pictures and specimens of picture framing, in which iina firm specialises. TRELOAR MILKING MACHINE. A good deal of interest centred about the Treloar Milking Machine and Continuous Releaser. The rfpreseatitivea present had rival teat capa fitted to as to demonstrate the special points of the Tieloar by comparison. The prii-ciph of the Continuous Releaser, which, tkies not - break Jtha vacuum or check the milk flow, was fully explained by the representatives to interested audiences. HOOVER POTATO DIGGER. Adam Burgess, of Palmerstoi North, had a §i..gle exhibit, the Hcover potato dinger. But in this great potato-growing district the implement naturally excited much attention,. The "Hoo.er" is a "oneman" michine, and it is claimed for it that it excels all its rivals in mechanical perfection. Many who inspected the at the Show endorsed thi-a contention. SMOKK LONCERT. A successful sxoke concert was held on Friday evening in the Oddfellows' Hall. Repott will appear on Friday. For prize list s;e first and fourth pages.