MECCA OF DAIRYMEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 203, 16 November 1927, Page 13

MECCA OF DAIRYMEN

Waikato's Big Show is Index of Potentialities of Province SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM (SUy'S Special Reporter.) HAMILTON, To-day. Hamilton was the Mecca of Waikato dairymen to-day and its annual show, particularly in the milking sections, is regarded as one of the most successful fixtures of the year, and the thirty-sixth annual exhibition, opened at Claudelands to-day, proved no exception to the general rule.

rpHERE is a splendid exhibition ol stock, proving a tine index to the potentialities of what is, undoubtedly the most productive section of the dairying industry in New Zealand. Heavy rain fell on the preceding daj and did not augur well for the sue cess of to-day’s fixture, but the wea ther, although remaining somewhal showery, improved this morning, anc on well-drained ground little discom fort is experienced. The weather, however, was not per mitted to damp the ardour of first-daj patrons, who were, for the most part members of the farming community and who were of opinion that, rain would do considerable good, bringing along feed, which at present is soft. NOTE OF OPTIMISM With the butter and wool seasor opening so promisingly a strong note of optimism is apparent on all sides. “It looks as if the Wat kato is in for a good season,” stated Mr. W. J. McKee president of the Waikato A. and P Association. “With butter priceE : soaring, ample feed following a mile winter, the prospects look exceeding!} bright.” Visitors from outside districts alsc supported this contention. Indeed, the most pessimistic could hardly fail tc be impressed by the striking evidence of the potentialities of the rich Waikato Valley confronting visitors today. There was a splendid yarding of Jerseys, which, as usual, constituted the bulk of the cattle exhibited, and the entries in this section were slightly stronger, numerically, than the previous year and increasing care is shown in the milk producers’ herds. Management and selection were evident in the excellent all-round Quality, not only of pedigree stock, but also in the grade classes. With butterfat back to Is 6d a pound for the first time in the Waikato for several years dairymen to-day are confident of a highly productive year. The increasing popularity of the hardier Ayrshire breeds, particularly in the higher country where a more rigorous climate is experienced, was indicated by a number of pens taken by this class, which claims the second largest entries of the section. That Priesians and Shorthorns are also still strongly favoured by many dairymen is apparent by the quality and quantity of the entries which have come forward, particularly in the former class. FINE LAMB CLASSES An encouraging feature of the show is the number of entries received in the fat lamb classes, which will be one of the biggest displays seen in the : Waikato. For one class of crossbred < lambs most suitable for freezing, over ' 100 entries w r ere received. The de- ' mand from the Home markets for lorver-weight carcases was reflected in the strong penning of Down breeds. The quality all round was of good standard and proved a significant indication of the growing importance of the Waikato fat lamb and sheep export trade. Farm tractors and horses in the heavier classes showed a slight fail-ing-off, with the exception of useful sorts, which are always indispensable on a farm. JUMPING COMPETITION In the hunting classes there are largely increased entries. In the Dominion jumping competition, with prize money totalling £IOO, the best offering in New Zealand has been attracted. There are 27 entries, in which fresh blood largely predominates. The appearance of many new competitors is investing the section with added interest. Pigs, particularly Berkshires and Tamworths, are well represented, the section making a good show of quality. Home industries also, are once again an interesting feature of the show. From preparation in hand it is expected the tradesmen’s exhibition will be strongly represented to-morrow, when, given fine weather, a big attendance of the public is anticipated. The attendance to-day is up to the previous year's. An interesting feature of the show is the arrangements made in regard to daylight saving time. Farmers for the most part are adhering to the old time and as a compromise the show time for judging and yarding purposes is fixed hailfway between summertime and

winter. As a result the times are half an hour behind the schedule. Under the capable direction of Mr. W. J. McKee, president, Mr. J. Baxter, secretary, and a strong committee, arrangements are being efficiently carried out. PRIZE LIST CATTLE Pedigree Milking Shorthorn.— Cow, 4 years md over: G. D. Hall, 1; estate John Fisher, 2; Ranstead Bros., 3. Cow or heifer, 3 years: G. D. Hall, 1; Ranstead Bros., 2. Heifer, 2 years: G. D. Hall, 1 and 2; R. D. Duxfield, 3. Bull, 3 years: Ranstead Bros., 1; estate John Fisher, 2. Heifer. 2 years: Ranstead Bros., 1. Heifer, 1 year: Ranstead Bros., 1 and 2; G. D. Hall, 3. I-leifer calf: Estate J. Fisher, 1 and 2. SHEEP Lincoln.—Ram, 18 months: W. G. Park. Under IS months: W. G. Park. Ewe, any age: W. G. Park. Ewe, under IS months: W. G. Park. English Leicester. —Ram, IS months: T. Martin, 1,2 and ch.; D. B. Livingstone, 3. Ram, under IS months: Martin, 1 and 2; Livingstone, 3. Ram, under IS months, shorn: Livingstone, 1 and 2. Ewe, any age; Martin, 1, 2, 3 and eh. Ewe, under 18 months; Martin 1 and 2, Livingstone o. Border Leicester. —Ram, IS months and over: Blackett Bros., 1 and ch. Ram, under 18 months: Blackett Bros., 1. Ewe, any age: Blackett Bros., 1 and ch. Ewe, under IS months: Blackett Bros. Romney Marsh.—Ram, 30 months: F. R. Seddon, 1; J. J. Ryburn, 2. Ram, IS months: Seddon, 1 and 2 and ch.; Blackett Bros., 3. Ram, under 18 months: J. W. Bensemen, 1 and 2; Seddon, 3. Ram, under IS months, shorn: Seddon. 1 and 3; Ryburn, 2. Ewe, any age: Seddon, 1; Ryburn, 2 and 3. Two ewes, under IS months: Seddon, 1; Ryburn, 2. HORSES Light Harness. —Thoroughbred: Miss E. Strange, 1; R. Hinton, 2; H. Townsend, Colts.—-Filly or gelding, 2 years: R. H. Townsend, 1. 1 year: I. Vercoe, 1; P. G. Vercoe, 2. Best yearling, sired by Archiestown or Day Comet: I. Vercoe, 1; P. G. Vercoe, 2; A. H. Storey, 3.