A CHANCE FOR SOUTHLAND FARMERS.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 27, 30 September 1893, Page 9

A CHANCE FOR SOUTHLAND FARMERS.

We are in receipt of a handbill from Dunedin, to the effect that Sir John Bennett' Lawes, Baronet, L.L.D., F.R.S., has generously offered two vahiuble challenge cups or shields to be competed lor annually; one to be given for the best managed farm of from 100 to 400 acres —the other for the best managed farm of from 400 to 1000 acres- 1 — in the present provincial district of Otago (including Southland). Both prizes are of equal value and must be won three times (not necessary consecutively) before coming the absolute property of the winner. The Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society will engrave the name of the winner each year on the cup or shield, which shall remain in his possession till. Ist May 1895, when it must be returned to the secretary of the Society. The Society will present each year in addition a gold medal suitably engraved, to be retained by the winner. The terms of the competition are that those entering must be members of the Otago and A. and P. Society,. and must have paid their subscription for the current fihancial year. The prize will be awarded for the best managed farm, irrespective of the size of holding or quality of soil. Any farmer on any class of land has thus a chance of winning the prize, which does not necessarily go to the heaviest crop. The points to be considered are :—(1) Cleanliness of land, freedom from weeds, gorse, &c.; (2) State of pastures, suitable grass, clovers, &c.; (3) Buildings and fences Kept in good repair; gates, culverts, &c, all in order; (4) Implements well kept and suitable for work; (5) Stock good of their kind and well looked after; (6) Economy shown in utilising all waste products, manures, &c., and generally in the management of the farm. Mr Thomas Brydone, superintendent of the N.Z. and Australian Land Co., will act as judge, and may select associates if he '< desires. Entries have to be made by the 25th *of November —fee, 10s, and the judge’s decision will be made known at the winter show of the society at Dunedin early in June next.