THE STRATFORD SHOW

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 205, 8 December 1910, Page 8

THE STRATFORD SHOW

A SPLENDID SUCCESS. A birth is always an interesting event, and the Stratford Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Show which saw the light yesterday was no exception to the rule. From early morn until kiewjy! eve for weeks —aye, months —past, the officials have worked like Trojans, and yesterday the arrangements throughout were such as to call forth high expressions of approval from all sides. It wa3 in February last that Mr. J. D. Healy made known his opinion that Stratford stood out among all other towns as the best centre for an agricultural show. The movement was taken up heartily by the then Mayor of Stratford, Mr. G. Sangster, who convened a meeting of residents to discuss the proposition. The show yesterday was the result of the discussion which followed, and it is safe to say that there are no regrets now lingering in the minds of the promoters. The president, Mr. E. Dingle, had a strong and enthusiastic committee at his back, and with Mr. E. Jackson (who has occupied the post of secretary since the inception of the association) at the helm, the show went like well-oiled machinery. The only jar, and it was an unpleasant one, too, was the treatment meted out to the infant by Jupiter Pluvius. That august personage might easily have been better-mannered, and should know by this time that a deluge of water is not required for a christening! However, that may be, there is every promise that his intentions l for to-day are kinder, and in this hope a large attendance and an interesting outing can be predicted. There was an attendance yesterday estimated at about 2000.

In the train on the down journey, the talk was all of the show, mostly of cow. One individual was not mealy-mouthed in his opinion of the cow of our day. "They are not the same as we had 25 years ago," he said; "they are deterioatimg, at they must do with all their breeds. As to pedigree, phew! I don't care a. tinker's dash about it!" What he referred to, probably, was constitution and the beneficial effect on milk results of feeding on virgin country, but to beat the winners of the competition at Stratford, which he had an opportunity of seeing later, would be a tall order, indeed. For the quality, as well as the number of entries, was equal to the best that many old-established societies have'to manage. One lady who was at Palmerston North show said ai the luncheon table that "Stratford beat it out vof sight," and her opinion must stand, as the slight breach of gallantry by a denial of the statement would surely not deter any gentleman agreeing with her.

The substantial arrangements made were boldly in evidence in the serviceable cattle pens, the convenient and, to the porkers, the comfortable styes, the clean and roomy kennels of the dogs, and last but not least the commodious grandstand and buildings and the wellfenced ring. The avenue from the gate was flanked on the left by a host of side shows, which are an indispensable adjunct of every such .gathering, and at the bottom' of a gentle slope on the right hand lies the ring, backed by pena of aleek cows, contented pigs, and nondisputant sheep. There is no question of it,, the Association has a well-arrang-ed and picturesque ground, and the executive is deserving of every success for their work. OFFICIAL CEREMONY.

At an interval after lunch, there was a gathering of officials in the grandstand, when the official opening took place. The president (Mr. R. Dingle) said he had a pleasing duty to perform on behalf of the Association, in calling upon Mr. Hine, member for the district, to open the show.' Mr. Hine, M.P., on stepping forward, was greeted with applause. He assured the gathering that he felt it an honor and a pleasure to be asked to take part in the opening ceremony. His pleasure was only marred by the fact that His Excellency the Governor had found it impossible to be present. Lord Islington was an enthusiast in matters affecting the welfare of the country, foremost, in faet, in the ranks of enthusiasts, and all would regret his absence. Sir. J. G.Ward also was unable to be present, as he had determined on having a fortnight's rest at Rotorua after a strenuous session. Mr. Hine trusted Sir Joseph would return recuperated after the; change. (Applause.) If, the speaker] contined, he was as good a judge of( stock as he was proficient in picking defects in his political opponents, then there was no doubt that had he been present that day he would have been able to pick the winners. Coming to the event of the hour, Mr. Hine said he sympathised with the president and his executive in the shortcomings of the weather. Although Taranaki was well supplied with moisture, there were other parts throughout the Domkiion languishing for rain, and he only hoped that soon it would be provided where it was more necessary than in their own district. It was remarkable that the Association, which had only been inaugurated for six months, should be able to provide such a show, where the people could use the up-to-date buildings and show grounds and admire the picturesque spots in the surroundings. "Mr. President," he said, "you have my sincerest and heartiest congratulations on the progress and growth of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The necessity for such an institution is amply demonstrated, and in the end I hope the success the committee deserves' will be manifested to the full." Mr.' Hine congratulated the prize-owners,! and counselled the beaten competitors; not to lose heart but come -forward i next year or in the following year and attain their desires in securing the! prizes. (Applause.) Such a gathering 1 at the Association's show was bound to : redound to the credit of Taranaki. In* conclusion, he declared the show open,! and wished for it every success, which he I was sure was' well merited. (Loud applause.) On the call of the president, three hearty cheers were given for Mr. Hine. CATTLE. The fat cattle class was Represented I by three splendid animals, the property of W.< Birdling, Waitara, which were so much admired at the New Plymouth show last week. Pedigree Shorthorns

were pronounced tip-top, G. A. Turner, Eltham road, getting first in every class he competed in. In grades, the same gentleman's name was prominent pn the pens. Newton King and H. Street divided the honors in pedigree Holsteins, the balance being easily in favour ol Mr. King. In pedigree Ayrshires W. Hall (Lepperton), P. W. Wilkie (Hawera), Thos. Webb (Stratford), ana Olson Bros. (Egmont Village) were the first prizetakeis. The grade Ayrshire prize for pen of two heifers wen to G. Marsh, of Egmont Village. Pedigree Jerseys were a very mixed lot from the point of view of exhibitors, but they were wonderfully good all over. For bull, P. J. Petersen's Simon King was champion, and A. A. Ward with Starbright secured reserve champion honors. For two-year-olds, John Shotter (Midfhirst) May's Glory, led the field, while I in a strong class of yearlings A. Gampbell, of Toko, with Cherry's Last, beat the lot. P. H. E. Surrey, Huirangi, scored with Golden Gem in the cowclass, beating C. Clarke's Queen Magnet and R. J. Linn's Reta for the premier place. A. A. Ward's three-year-old iheifer Up-to-Date beat H. Stratford's Gentle Eileen in a fair sized ring. P. I H. E. Surrey was again successful in | two-year-old heifers, this time with j Nightshade, H. J. Richmond (Stratford) I with Dolce being second among ten comi petitors. The first prize yearling heifer jwas sown, by C. Clarke, his Rosetree beating J. D. Healy's (Stratford) Bridal | Bouquet and several others ia a ring of . promising animals. W. V. Harkness I was first and second with his exhibits in [the class for pen of two heifers. In , grade Jerseys, D. Watkin was first for i cow or heifer, and H. Kenny, jun., Ngaere, caught the judge's fancy with his pen of two heifers. i I The crossbred section produced a host of new names, the various classes being , won by the following: Cow, H. Kenny, jun., (Ngaere); three-year-old, R. D. IHarkness (Ngaere); two-year-old and I yearling, Geo. Petrie (Stratford); pen of 'two heifers, Tichbon Bros. (Midhirst); yearling juvenile class, T. E. Smart , (Stratford); pen of five heifer calves, I Thos. Orr (Ngaere); pen of three two-year-olds, J. F. Body (Stratford).

Polled Durhams were all J. H. Sellars' (Okaiawa), and were the same lot as exhibited at New Plymouth. BUTTER-EAT COMPETITIONS.

Twenty-three \were (received for the butter-fat competition, but there were six absentees when the animals were delivered to the secretary nine days previously, the test being made on the last four days. The winner, J. Hucker's Maggie, is a four-year-ola Shorthorn cross, and made her first appearance at a show. The fact that Maggie was beating on everyday results the winners at Hawera induced Mr. Hucker to "give her a fly." The Hawera second prizewinner, 0. Harkness's, was again second, being 12 points behind Maggie. The following show the results of the first fie cows:—

J. Hucker (Tariki) Maggie, 18iy 2 lbs. milk, 4.8 test, 8.7121b5. fat, fat points 217.8, milk points 18.15, total points 235.95; D. Harkness (Ngaere) 162% lbs milk,, 5.1 test, 8.28751bs fat, fat points 207,1875, milk points 16.25, total points 223,4375; T. Reader (Stratfard) Top3y, 148y 2 lbs. milk, 5.6 test, 8.3161b5. fat, fat points 207.90, milk points 14.85, total points 222.75; J. F. Body, 2161b5. milk, 3J test, 7.9921bs fat, fat points 199.800, milk points 21.6, total points 221.4; R. MeK. Morrison, Cherry, 153% lbs milk, 5.2 test, 7.892 lbs fat, fat points 199.550, milk points 15.35, total points 214.9, . _ ■' ':■ HORSES.

Owners of thoroughbreds do not appear, from the competition exhibited, to take a great deal of, interest.-in shows. There were but.seven entries in the eight classes. The entires will be judged to-day. For mare in foal or with foal at foot, A. J. Perrot, Waipuku, was first in a class of five, while the best dry mare was A. Fraser's, of Toko. For gelding, four years or over, Alex. Boyd, Toko, was awarded first premium, and J. Christoffel, jun., Ngaere, a similar place in yearling fillies. J. Breen, Stratford, had only one opponent to beat for the beat pair of milk-cart horses.

I Hacks were particularly strong in ; point of quality and number. The first for lady's hack, over 15 hands, ridden , by a lady, went to L. Bremer, Whenua[Jcura, with Mrs. J. L. Fogarty, Eltham, [second. Ponies under 13.1 made a big ring, there being over two dozen ! entries, and the honors went to J. F. Riley (Okaiawa), Miss Sole and Captain Mitchell in that order. In weight-carry- [ ing hacks up to 14 stone (a strong field), A. N. Bewley, New Plymouth, was first, with W. G. Malone and H. Kean Clarke, both of Stratford, second ana third .repectively. The best paced hack •was J. Mourie's (Manaia), N. Bailey, Eltham, and L. Bremer next in that order. Best mounted trooper, A. J. Davey, Stratford. The carriage horses and hacks section splendid for quality, and many of the classes produced keen competition. The best mare or gelding by Young Victor, fell to Miss K. Knox's (Midhirst) Bonny Jean, out of 15 in the ring. The pony classes and hacks were exceptionally strong. Mr. A. T. Moore, New Plymouth, with that dapper little gentleman Major, repeated his previous successes, beating three others in the 13% liands class. Miss Doris Swadling j Kaponga, exhibited, the winning mare with foal at foot for ponies of the same height. COMPETITIONS.

These were well contested, and as usual, created much interest. The Maiden Hunters were a splendid lot, maiden hunters were a splendid- lot, red ticket, and E. L. Malone's bay horse, Captain, being placed second. For the best lady rider, the judge had some; difficulty in making trie award, and Miss E. Abbott, Whangamomona, and Miss Campbell, Wanganui, were eventually placed equal. The pony leaping fell to Captain Mitchell's Princess. Miss Abbott scored for the best lady driver in »n entry of eleven. The harness horses were a bonny lot altogether. The 15 hand class went to A. McCracken, of Eltham. The best 14 hands pony was the property of E. Jackson, Stratford, Miss Sole being second, and P. G. Carthew third. ' I SHEEP. I There were 8G entries in the sheep] section, but all round there was a very]

creditable display. There was not an exhibit in the Jot which the owner was not justified in sending to the show. S. R. Lancaster's champion English Leicester was a wonderfully good conditioned sheep and typical of the breed in all points. Said' the judge (Mr. Perry) on his rounds: "You can say anything you like about that sheep and you will not be wrong." A fine compliment to the breeder. The same owner's ewe, one of the ewes with lamb at foot, had champion honors awarded for her sex. She had better density of wool and was calculated to bred a better lamb than the ewe in the class before. In Lincolns, E. W. Wilkie, Hawera, won both championships, the ram being the same as took honors at New Plymouth. The champion might have been in better condition. The ewe was a true Lincoln. The Hampshires were up to the usual high standard of Frank Salway's sheep, and he had all his own way. The champion Romney ram, the property of H. P. Best, Normanby, was true to type. Shropshires saw Mr.' Sal way again on his own, both the champion ram and ewe being fine framed sheep and well spoken of by experts. The Southdown champion ram, S. R. Lancaster's exhibit, was a beautiful sheep. "I can hardly find a fault in him," said the judge. The ewe came from the same flock, and showed a splendid class of wool. The crossbred section was well supported, and produced the largest sheep entry, there being eight exhibited in one class. T. Lyford, Stratford, exhibited two very fine ewes. Just alongside was a couple of sheep which were considered the worst in the show; yet it speaks volumes for the quality of .the sheep as a whole that they were not particularly inferior,; many times have we seen worse specimens penned up.

The worst feature about this section was the provision made for the judge, who had to "handle his sheep in enclosures in which it was difficult for him to turn the animals around. No doubt the Association will alter this state of affairs in the future. DAIRY PRODUCE.

Best box of factory, not less than 561b., Midhirst Co-operative 1, Lepperton 2, Opunake Co-op. 3. The placing was the same for the Association's prize for which separate exhibits were required. Alf. David (Stratford) was awarded first for the best 21b of fresh butter, in rolls. There was only one fancy display, Miss Ellen Perrott's, ot Waipuku. Cheese was disappointing in the matter of exhibits, there being only four on the tables. The Ngaere* Dairy Factory (C. C. Robertson) was placed first in both cases.

Hams and bacon were conned to two exhibits, Mrs. J. Hall (Stratford) in smoked and S. M. Porritt (Stratford) in unsmoked. HOME INDUSTRIES. '

This section was a popular one with the ladies, and the competition was keen. The great majority of the entries (150) came from the Stratford district, thus showing the loyal support the show received from the feminine sex. In the following list of winners (unless otherwise mentioned) the address of the exhibitors is Stratford: Home-made bread, Miss A. J. Moir, Miss M. Glentworth (Eltham), and Miss J. Willis; home-made bread baked by girls under 17 years of age, Miss Hazel Mackay; brown bread, Mrs J. H. Street (Bell Block), Miss J. Willi's; currant bread, Mrs. J. H. Street; six oven scones, Miss May Crowl, Mrs. B. Haikness, Mrs. G. T. James; girdle scones, Mrs, G. T, James, Mr§. J, Bonner; made by girl under 17, Miss E Sangster, Miss J. Bonner; fancy scones, Mrs. C. H. Wade (Eltham), Mrs. S. T. James; six jam tarts, Mrs. C. H. Wade (Eltham), Miss Mildred C. Blewett; collection of cakes and (pastry, Mrs. G. T. James; gingerbread, Mrs. L. A. Nielson, Miss M. Reid; shortbread, Mrs. 0. Thompson, Mrs. G. T. James; sponge sandwich, Mrs. J. Davidson, cream puff, Mrs. L. A. Nielson, Mrs. J. 'T. ~Rowe (Huiakama); cocoanut ice, Miss Sissy Copestake, Mrs. G. Denby; collection of lollies, Mrs. C. H. Wade (Eltham); fruit cake, not iced, Mrs. L. A. Nielson, Mrs. J. T. Rowe, Mrs. Tyrer; pound cake, Mrs. Tyrer, Mrs. H. Chadwick (Hawera), Mrs. G. T. James; Madeira cake, Mrs. B. Harkness, Mrs. C. H. Wade; plum pudding, Mrs. C. Thompson, Mrs. L. A. Nielson.

Honey was good, but there was very little of it, (So. Taylor, Hawera, and T. Webb, Stratford, being the only exhibitors.' - ;..;. , |,ya.j DOGS.

The show of canines compared very favorably with the other shows that have have been held this year. In fact, the winners were practically the same as were seen at Hawera and New Plymouth. The specials were as follows: English setter: dogs, Mr. A. T. Moore, New Plymouth; bitch, Thos. Kirkwood, Stratford. Retriever: dog, James Patterson, Stratford. Rough-coated collie, dog, J. H. Bagley, Fitzroy. Smoothcoated collie, dog, E. G. Broad, Douglas. Spaniels: dog, G. Anderson, Palmerston North. In retrievers, E. Boulton, New Plymouth won the first prize for open dogs, and J. H. Bagley, Fitzroy won the open bitches in rough-coated collies. The North Taranaki Hunt Club had a number of harriers entered for the various classes. The number of dogs on exhibition numbered 150. PIGS. i

In Berkshires, J. H. Sellars won each class he competed in, with the exception of sow .under twelve months, which went to F. Webb, Stratford. F. Webb also had the best litter on exhibition. J. W. Paulger, Stratford and W. V. Hosking showed all the Black Devons. POULTRY. The poultry was very fair all round, nothing extra special in quality. There were 75 exhibits altogether.