THE NEW EIVER PLOUGHING MATCH.

Southland Times, Issue 551, 31 August 1866, Page 3

THE NEW EIVER PLOUGHING MATCH.

In our notice of tbe New Eiver | Ploughing Match, we wero unable, owing to the early hour our reporter had to leave, to give an account of tbe dinner. We now supply tbe deficiency. A correspandent writes : — the bi>~>*e:r. Tbe Society's annual dinner was held men were present. An abundant and at Pelling's Hotel, and about thirty gentleexcellent repast was provided for the sustenance of sinking nature. T. Grieve, Esq., Hon. Sec. to the association occupied the chair. Tbe Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir G. Grey, and his Honor the Superintendent of Southland, were given by the chair, and drank with rapturous applause. The chairman then intimated that after the health of the authorities of mother-land and m coming to the Antipodes, the Governor of New Zealand and the Superintendent of Soutbland, now be thought he coald not do better than propose the health of tbe governor of the district, Mr Armstrong. Some discussions arose as to whether it should be Mr Armstrong or Mr Pearson, but it w^as drank all tbe same with musical honors. The Chairman then proposed the toast of the night, " Success to tbe New Eiver Ploughing Association, coupled with the names of the Judges." Mr Lyons returned thanks for the hearty manner iv which the toast had been drunk, stated the pleasure he had in acting as one of the judges, his disappointment at finding so few Ploughs competing, contrasting it with the recent Eiverton Match, at which there was a much greater number of Ploughs ; he reminded the meeting that our own progress in this respect since last year, had been of a backward nature, and concluded by expressing the hope that by another year the settlers would shew " they appreciated the objects of the association sufficiently to send their teams t© the contest. The health of successful competitors was the next toast, which was responded to by Mr Sutton, who stated that he could sympathize with the unsuccessful competitors, as he had often been without position himself ; but that he had never lost heart, but persevered in trying, and he was much elated at the success that had at length crowned his labors. He regretted that the prize was not a medal or cup, as it was tbe honor not the money he wished, whatever sum fell to his lot, he would pay into the funds of the association. Mr Morton replied for the unsuccessful competitors. He said that though he had gained no honors, he was not going to fold his arms and succumb to the triumphant party, even if he should guide the plough himself, he would persevere in trying, as he was persuaded that some day he would come in with flying colors, bearing off tbe first honors as meekly, and yet as proudly as Mr Sutton had just done. Tbe gatherling was kept up till a late hour, several speeches were delivered, singing, and the like, enjoyed by all present.