RIVERTON AND APARIMA.

Southland Times, Issue 997, 3 August 1868, Page 3

RIVERTON AND APARIMA.

THIRD ANinJAL PLOUGHING MATCH. (fbom oub owit cobbespondent.) In the midst of a long season of wet and boisterous weather, Wednesday, the 22nd July, proved dry and bracing — a fortunate circumstance for the success of one of our most interesting annual events — the District Ploughing Match. In such a quiet going out-of-the-way locality as this, a Ploughing Match, you may be

sure, forms the principal subject of conversation to the residents for some time before its advent, as also after it is past. In the first instance inducing speculative remarks as io who is to win. In the second, critical observations as to the decision of the judges, &c, &c. On the present occasion the interest felt ia the match was quite as lively as formerly, while a much, larger number of ploughs were expected to turn out than did at either of the previous contests. The scene of operations was situated on the uplands adjoining Mr "Wood's property, very beautifully placed, but certainly not over well adapted for the purpose, being rough in the extreme, which caused loud complaints on the part of the ploughmen. Nearly a score of ploughs turned in to work shortly after eight o'clock, and kept cheerfully at it, with a short respite for lunch, all day, finishing in ample time to allow of the judges coming to a decision by clear day light. Considering the nature of the ground the work was, on the whole, well done, and to the credit of the ploughmen of the district. . Some of the teams were also splendid animals, while all were good, showing a great improvement in horse stock within the last few years. The Judges, Messrs James^MJlntosh. James Wilson7~ana~^V'V r .~3^~X»yons, were most scrupulous in giving their rewards, and consequently succeeded in giving almost universal satisfaction. You will see who were the successful competitors by the annexed : PEIZE LIST. Ist prize, purse containing 5 sovereigns, presented by Christopher Basstian, Esq., James Hay. 2nd prize, £5, John Sutton, Wright's

Bush. 3rd prize, £4, Lachlan [Freezer, Waianiwa. 4th prize, £3, James ; Cumming, Gummy's Bush. sth prize, £2, James Millen. 6th prize, £1, Alex. M'Naughton. - For best break arid finish, one set of , mounted harness, presented by George "Whittinham, John Sutfon. . For best pair horses, £3, Alex. C. M'Clymont. For best groomed horses, £1, John Sutton. For best kept harness, 2 sets hames, presented by Mr G-ellatly, Saddler, Invercargill, David Younger. For best ins and outs, silver mounted bridle, presented by Mr Alfred Olode, Archie G-ilchrist. Tn addition to the common competition a private match also came off between Messrs Potts and M'Naughton for £5 aside, in which M'Naughton proved the conqueror. Of course, as true Britons, those present had to wind up the day's proceedings with a dinner, consequently after the labors of the field were over a very general adjournment to the Oddfellow's Hall took place, where Host Dodds had laid out a superb spread, to which about eighty gentlemen sat down, Mr Instone occupying the seat of honor, and J. L, M'Donald vis-avis. After having paid due attention to. the more substantial good things with which the social board was crowned, and disposed of the usual loyal and appropriate toasts, the room was cleared for dancing, and they tripped it on the light fantastic until a late, or rather an early hour in the morning, when the assembly broke up, expressing themselves as highly pleased with the whole proceedings.