THE WESTERN DISTIRCT GRAIN SHOW.

Southland Times, Issue 1593, 18 June 1872, Page 3

THE WESTERN DISTIRCT GRAIN SHOW.

The annual show of grain and farm produce, under the auspices of the "Western District Farmers' Club, was held at Eiverton, in the Oddfellows' Hall, on Friday Jaßt. There was not a very large attendance, and the number of exhibits was unusually small, although the samples shown were, without exception, of excellent quality. The extreme severity of the weather, and the consequently almost impassable state of the country roads, deterred a large number of settlers, who had prepared specimens

of their produce for exhibition, fron incurring the expenditure and trouble o bringing them to town ; and the opinioi was very generally expressed that thos< who had thus been prevented, fron competing had shown great good sense in cot making th© attempt. The show therefore could hardly be pronounced i success, although the goodness of tin produce shown effectually redeemed ii from the character of a failure. This was further evinced by the fact, that ir. several instances when there was onlj one exhibit of a particular kind, the judges considered that they were justified in awarding a prize ; and it is worthy o1 remark, as a proof of the ability with whicl these gentlemen performed their duties and of the good feeling which generally prevails in the district, that in no single instance was there the slightest dissatisfaction expressed with regard to any of their decisions. The following is a list of the prizes awarded : — GHAUT. Chevalier Barley, one exhibit — prize, W. A Lyon. Provincial Barley, one exhibit — prize, W. A Lyon. Potato Oats, 3 exhibits — Ist prize, Gteorge Howell ; 2nd prize, James Hay. Sandy Oats, 1 exhibit — prize, W. A. Lyon. Providence Oats, 1 exhibit — prize, W. A Lyon. BOOTS. Derwent Potatoes, 2 exhibits — prize, H. H Powell. Lapstone Kidney Potatoes, 2 exhibits — prize Bath and Hopcroft. Short Horn Carrots, 1 exhibit — prize, D Murchie. Swedish Turnips, 1 exhibit — prize, Bath and Hopcroft. Aberdeen Yellow Turnips, 2 exhibits — prize, W. A. Lyon. DAIBY PBODTXOE. Fresh Butter, 2 exhibits — prize, 0. L. Thystrup. Potted Butter, 2 exhibits — prize, O. L. Thystrup. HAMS AND BACON. Hams, 1 exhibit — prize, Bath and Hopcroft. Bacon, 1 exhibit — prize, Bath and Koperoft. G-AEDEN FBODITCE. Cabbages, 1 exhibit — prize, H. H. Powell. FBTTIT. Apples, 3 exhibits — Ist prize, Bath and Hopcroft ; 2nd prize, H. H. Powell. A bag of Tartarian Black Oats, exhibited by Mr James Hay, attracted a good deal of attention, as an unusually fine sample. This hardy variety is highly esteemed for horse feed. Of the variety known as Providence Oats, it is stated that over 20,000 bushels were harvested this season in the district, the produce of a parcel of four ounces, imported from Scotland through the post-office a few years ago. A superior thrashing and cleaning machine was imported from the old country, some time ago, by several members of the club, on the joint-stock principle, and has proved a great success. Its performances have given universal satisfaction, and besides the great indirect benefit to the district which it has produced, we are informed that it has afforded the shareholders the very j substantial return of twenty -five per cent, on their capital. This is a practical exemplication of the results which may be obtained from well directed combined effort, which we trust will not be lost sight of. The annual Club dinner took place in the evening, at the Commercial Hotel, and most agreeably wound up the pro ceedings of the day. About fifty gentlemen were present. Mr Instone officiated as chairman, ably supported by Mr Basstian, M.P.C, as vice. Of the material portion of the entertainment, aB provided by Mr Longford, the caterer, it is impossible to speak too highly. We wish to be understood as avoiding the usual stereotyped and unmeaning compliments, when we say that it was regarded by all present aa a model of what such a dinner should be. The bill of fare was sufficiently elegant and varied, without unnecessary pretension ; the [ wine was good, and the comfort of the guests was studied in the minutest particular. Under such circumstances, it is not surprising that the most uninterrupted good humor and enjoyment prevailed, without the slightest exception, during the whole evening. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were of course ; drunk, the health of the Queen being received with special enthusiasm. Other sentiments, appropriate to the occasion, were proposed and responded to by the ! various gentlemen called upon, in the I happiest manner, and the intervals of Bpeechifying were enlivened by songs and recitations. A very handsome silver cup, the gift of Mr Basstian, which is to be competed for at the ploughing match, was handed round, amidst general admiration, and much good-humored banter and speculation as to its destination was indulged in amongst the would be winners who happened to be present. About ten o'clock the company broke up.