The Egmont Show

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 118, 9 November 1911, Page 8

The Egmont Show

A iSUOOKSSFUL FIXTURE

Fortunately for the Egmont Agrieulttiral and Pastoral Association the heavy showers were experienced in New Plymouth yesterday morning were confined to North Taranaki. (Such a downpour would have most effectively spoiled any such exhibition. Even at Hawera the early morning was none too promising, and for the greater part of the day the sky was not conducive to sanguine expectations hi regard to the second dayV weather. But the day was fine, and the few early morning showers merely had the effect of freshening the grass on the society's spacious grounds, which presented a beautifully green sward before the trampling of stock, and stock-drivers, and stock-breeders, and holiday makers robbed it of its freshness. The condition of the show grounds was a distinct credit to the executive of the association. Determined to be up .with the times, the association has made several improvements during the year. Some levelling work has been done inside the competition ring. Two proper judging rings have been provided for cattle, and two extra rows of cattle pens .erected. An annexe to the produce shed provides safe ami more comfortable housing for the dogs, 'but here the dog fanciers find fault with the narrowness of the new benches. A distinct improvement lies in the erection of some, forty fine pens for pigs, the "gintleman that pays the rent" having apparently become of more importance to agricultural associations since he has come to be recognised as the basis of a big and promising industry instead ol merely a side-line or by-product of tin dairy farm. The society, in taking ai • lluse excellent steps for the convenience of exhibitors and the comfort of tho slock, however, is not paying due attention to the necessity for improved accommodation for its executive officers, and perhaps something could be done to provide reasonable room for the k varmy of pressmen who gather year by

year to "do the show'' for the pro-1 vincial and metropolitan newspapers. More comfort and space for the secretary] would have the direct effect of reducing the worry attached to his department, to the benefit of all concerned. The attendance seemed smaller than usual for the first day. The entries this year are smaller than last year, but are still greatly ahead of those for l!IO!J. The principal fallingoil' this year is in cattle (204 as against 2!HI last year), horses 293 (333), competitions 100* (121), and dogs 73 (120). whilst sheep have increased from 21!) to 2:X), pigs 23 to 20, and produce 41 to 49. There were ISO 7 entries last year, as against 1733 this year.. The entries, however, are considered exceidingly satisfactory, and in point of quality, particularly in some sections, it is doubtful if the show has ever been surpassed. There are some very fine trade displays, good competition in the home industries classes, quite a gathering of side-shows and sixpence extractors of the usual type, and interesting competitions for the visitor, apart from the real object of the show, the gathering together and competition of some splendid specimens of live stock. •BUTTER-FAT COMPETITION. The judges have given their award in the butter-fat and casein competition, which is an important feature of anv agricultural show in a dairying district. Twelve animals competed, out of fifteen entered, and the milk was tested by Mr. X. Fulton. Government dairy instructor, at the Tariki cheese factory. Mr. a! 11. Foy (Hawera-) won the' butter-fat competition with "Biddy." who, in eight successive milkings, gave IDO'/dbs of a butter-fat test of 5.0, containing 10.0011 m of fat, for which she received 284 points. Mr. R. D. Harkness (Xgaere) whs second with "Bimdy," 2071bs milk. 4.(i test, 9.521bs fat, 237'/i points, and Mrs. J. C. Montefiore (Hawera) came third with "The Merry Widow," 20j'/,lbs milk, 4.4 test, 9.041bs fat. 245 points. Mrs. Montefiore's other exhibit was fourth, Mr. R. J. Linn's fifth, Mr. W. V. Harkness sixth, Mr. Xewton Kin« seventh. Mr. S. C. Tonks eighth. Mr. R* D. Harkness' "Bundy" won the casein competition, her test reading 0.5211)8 butter-fat, 3.0 casein test, G.2llhs casein, 17.") points. Mr. Xewton King's "Princess Galatea" (seventh in the other competition) came second here with 7.391bs fat, 2.1 casein test, 0.541bs casein, 103'/; points. Mr. Foy's "Biddy," 10.001b fat, 3.0 test, 5.711bs casein, 101'/, points. lu weight of milk Mr. King's cow was easily first, giving 2G4lbs, the next best ' being Mr. Linn's ••Fancy," with 21li'/,lbs. Only three others exceeded 2001bs. CATTLE CLASSES. In the cattle classes, which were vcvv satisfactorily tilled,' the largest entries wore of Jerseys, and these attracted the greatest share of attention. There were 5!) purebred Jerseys, 37 Ayrshire.?, and j •2~> Holsteins. The judge, Mr. C. Dernier, of Folding, could hardly be envied nisi task of selecting the best cattle from classes such as were led out for his inspection. Speaking of the champions, he said that whilst they were not perfection itself they were so near perfection as to leave very little to be wished for. The championship in the bull section went to Mr. G. Harkness' recently imported "Silverloeks' Duke." a fawn colored animal, which though not yrt in good show condition, was admittedly a splendid type of the Jersey, with great length of body and great constitution, a big bull for his age, and one having 'remarkable udder space. Messrs. A. and J O-IJonnell, of Inaha, showed the reserve champion, "Rainbow," entered in the same class, an aristocratic animal, but a bit heavy in the. shoulder. Both of these were in the three-year-old class. Mr. A. A. Ward, of Mho, won in the aged bull' class with the old favorite "Starbrin-ht " who heat Mr. F. Towler's (Okaiawa) "11.K.H.' badly in j u . lu i j )o i„i s Shotter (Midhirst) was third to Silverlocks - Duke and Rainbow in the three-year-old class. Mi: C. Goodson's recent Jersey Island importation, "The Squire." won in a iu Id of six in the two-year-olds, this .pretty golden brown promising to develop into a good show beast in a vcar or so, but deficient yet ,in loin condition and a bit plain in head. Air. G. Harkness showed the second prize-winner, a neat little black bull, and Mr. P. J. Petersen's (Midhirst) "Monarch" came a close third. Of nine yearling bull*. Mr. John Nicholson, of Kaupokonui, showed the best, Mr. VY. Y. Darkness' was second, and Messrs. Ranford Bros.' (Tariki) third, these little chaps being of o-reat promise. "Lady Disdain," that typical silver fawn cow which is so well-known and ever prominent in the show rinobrought Mr. A. A. Ward (Miro) the championship iu her sex, her rnnners-up in the aged class being Mr, S. R Lan-, caster's (Palmerston Xorth) '•Eileen I\.,' the reserve champion; Mr. W. V. Darkness' "May Bloom"; and Mr e' Griffiths' (Xew Plymouth) ".Magnet's J eggy.' Mr. Lancaster was also successful in the three-year-olds with "Neathead,' closely followed by Mr. R. J Linn's •••Campanile's Rose Queen'—in fact, some would hav.e. reversed the decision. Mr. -Lancaster's ""Foxes Queen" was the best two-vear-old heifer, Mr

J. I). Hcaley (.Stratford) coming second with his pretty and typical ''Bridal Bouquet," and Mr. D. Watkins (Ilniroa) third with "Blackheart Fury." Seventeen yearling heifers, all of them nice cattle, were paraded, and Mr. J. D. Healy had the honor of sicuriug the, red ticket with his fawn "Lady Oaklands," a well developed, well shaped, and in every way a typical Jersey, of which the judge spoke very highly. Mr. Lancaster was second with "Foxes Bust," Mr. Saywcll (.Uidhirst) third with "Lady Ray."' Mr. Lancaster and Mr. Healy won with cattle bred by themselves. In the pen of two Jersey heifers, Mr. Ward was. first, Mr. Lancaster second, and Mr. R. J. Linn third. In grade cows Mr. J. C. Montclioro beat Mr. D. Watkins' oft-time champion "Cherry's Fairy." He was first for heifer, with Mr. Ward second.

.Shorthnras (milking strain) were represented by some magnificent cattle. Mr. J. 0. Wright "scooped the pool," beating the Moore-Hunter Estate's exhibits with eattle of his own breeding. In the Shorthorn classes for beef Mr. G. A. Turner (Eltluim) had a large tntry, and soured the Im-lk of the awards with eattle which would hardly have been denied their honors anywhere, one would think. Most of his winners came from his well-known sire "Lord Summorlon (ith," who was given first and champion unopposed in the aged bull class. The same breeder's "Duke of Eltham 18th" won in the two-year-olds, and was placed reserve champion, Mr. R. B. Hamilton (Manutahi) being second. Mr. Turner's "Lord of Orniond 2nd" was first and his "Duke of Eiltham 21st" second in the yearling Mils, Mr. Hamilton third. Moore-Hunter's Estate won in aged cows with "Violet 27th," their "Waihi Butterfly'' coming second, and the same exhibitors' "Spider VIII." third, Mr. Turner unplaced. Mr. Turner's "Eltham Baroness sth" was the best heifer calved since July. 1!10S, and was adjudged the champion cow. the same exhibitor beimr second, and the Moore-Hunter Estate third; Mr. Turner was the only exhibitor, and secured first, second, and third, ami reserve champion ii; the. two-year heifers, first and second ! n yearling heifers, and first in best pen of two yearling heifers. Thi' Hereford* shown were good cattle in every way. 'but Mr. (i. F. Moore, ofj Kai Iwi. met no competition, and took iir>l prize in the six clashes, the judge giving a certificate of merit in every case. The Aberdeen-Angus breed was not largely represented. linlstein-Friesaii eattle were fairly numerous, anil were good throughout. These blaek-and-whites attracted a good deal of attention on account of their casein-producing reputation, which inti rests suppliers to cheese-making concerns. Mr. W. I. Lovelock's great bull, "Clill'side Laddie," was again the best of

the aged hulls shown, Mr. F. ,1. Johnston, of Wailli, showing the second animal ("Sir Beau de Kol"), and Mr.

Alex, llastie, of Xormanby, the third

with '■Bonny Boy.'' Mr. Newton King's two-year-old bull "King Fayne Leges," a very pretty animal, good on all points, won in the, two-year-olds, with Mr. W. J. Bell (Hawera) second. Messrs. Tich-

l>on Bros. (Tariki) showed the only yearI ling bull, and took first prize! Mr., j Lovelock and Mr. King occupied first and i seeoiid places respectively in aged igows, ) Mr. lovelock securing* the championship | with "Udy Melba." Mr. King reversed 1 th« order in heifers calved since July' 1008, securing the reserve championship { with "Lady Paithena," Mr. Lovelock j second. Mr. King's "Brooklaud's Pride" j beat Mr. Lovelock's "Oak de Kol Fobes" 'I in two-year heifers, and Mr. Lovelock J beat Mr. P. .). Johnston in yearling ' I heifers, also taking the prizes uiiopposcd in the pen of two heifers. Ayrshires were shown by well-known 1 breeders, Mr. Fred. Mills (Tokaora) showing the champion bull, second in aged bulls, third in yearling bulls, first ; and champion cow (aged), first and s>ec- . ond m three-year heifers, first, secorid. and reserve champion in two-year ( heifers, second and third in yearling heifers, and first for two yearline-' heifers! Messrs. Brown Bros. (Xgaere)" showed ; the reserve champion bull, third in two- . year bulls, and three-year heifers. Mr. F. W. Wilkie (Hawera) was second in ; three-year bulls, first in two-year bulls, and first and second in yearling bulls. ; Mr. H. Jackson (Stratford) won"in the yearling heifer class, of nine, and Mr. A. 0. Johnstone (Auroa)' also looked into the prize-list. Mr. P. MeDonougli, of Okaiawa, provided an exhibit of undoubted interest. ;; showing for exhibition only a number of ( the diminutive Dexter-Kerry cattle. | SHEEP CLASSES. The sheep classes were well filled, and the .judges made special reference to the quality of a number of the animals penned, but the number of breeders represented was not large, Taranaki not having as yet attained to any great die- 1 nity as a mutton and wool producing province. f ° i PIGS. The pigs on exhibition were typical and well shown. Mr. J. 11. Sellars. of Okaiawa, had all his own way With his' Berkshires, which the judge declared were perfect specimens,' the champion sow being described in the judge's note as "a. wonderfully good Berkshire, fit for any show' in' New Zealand." Mr. Sellars' show successes have brought him an Australasian connection, a tribute to the worth of his stud stock, lie showed also the best sow and litter. .Mrs. E. Weekcs. of Awapuni, won without competition in the Black Devon classes. .M r . p. ,\. Budge showed the first prize Yorkshire sow under six months. DAIRY PRODUCE. ■Mr. D. Cuddie, Dairy Commissioner, was highly pleased with the butter and cheese entered for competition. Greytown Dairy Co. won in both white aiid colored cheese, .Xgaere second in each case, Kaponga third in colored cheese, and Manutahi third in white. In butter the Kaponga Dairy Co. won the association's trophy for butter stored since October 3rd. Meremere was second and Bell Block third. In the class for butter stored .since 28th October, Cheltenham was first, Bell Block second, and Bunnythorpe third. DOGS. The dog section was not as numerous as hist year, but the dogs benched were mostly fine specimens of their breed. Among successful North Taranaki exhibitors were Mr. E. B. SLohr (Stratford), first in pointer bitches. Mr. T. Kirkwood (Strafford) took first honors .in all classes with his English setters, and won with his brace of setters and for the best sporting team. Mrs. G. IT. Saunders scored three firsts and a special in Irish terriers. Mr. F. Patterson and Mrs. E. Patterson, of Stratford, took first and second respectively in retriever puppies. Mr. A. R. Clarke took first and second and challenge in smooth-coated collies. Mr. F. KJenner's bull-dog was first in the open class. Mr. If. £ Collier's puppy won in puppies, novice and open dog classes. The North Taranaki Hunt Club's harriers won in all classes without competition. Challenge classes were won as follows:, Collies, bearded or Old Eng- .; Ksh, .H. F. Arkwright; 'collies, smooth- : coated, A. R. Clarke. - j HORSES. . i South Taranaki is famed for its'

horses, both draughts and light harness i horses, and those shown at the. present ; show will enhance its reputation. Mr. J. S. Oughton (Okaiawa) showed the hest draught brood mare. (Jess 1533), and the first prize filly or mare since August, 100!), this mare taking the reserve championship. The champion mare was "Flower Girl," exhibited by Mr. Alex. Hastie, of Normanby, a nice two-year-old mare. Mr. Jas. Grant showed the best yearling filly, second brood mare, second two-year mare, and second yearling colt. Mr. Thos. Perry, of Mangiitoki, was also a successful exhibitor. The thoroughbreds were not numerous; Mr. P; Bremer's Vacillate was the best thoroughbred brood 'mare, and Mr. J. Crocker's colt by Sylvia Park was the best youngster foaled 'since l!)fl!>. Mr. 0." I). McKenzie's Coronet colt was the best yearling. In brood mare not necessarily eligible for stud book. Mr. P. Firemcr was lirst with Vacillate. The best filly by Foremost Was shown by Mr. R. Hicks. Carriage and coaching horses -were ■ an excellent stamp. Mr. P. Towlcr, of] Okaiawa. won in three-yenr-olds with a | fine roan. Dr. llarvi-on's hackney w:is s'coml. Messrs. .T. P.. O'nmgnn. A. Oliver. 0. Hunt, and the Moon-Ihnitcr J Estate were all prize-winners in this j section. COMPETITIONS, j Ring competitions drew large entries. They resulted: Maiden Hunter?,' Competition.—o. ' Patersou ]. A. Vinten 2, ,1. M. Old 3. Best rider, A. Mitchell. Pony leaping competition, 13 1 /1> hands riders not over l."> years.—.7. D. Mitchell 1, T. Trask >. J. \Vilkie 3. Jiest rider, 0. McCarten. Hunting competition (Mr. Hastie's j £-20 cup).—J. K. McDonald (Levin) 1, R. D. Morison (Masterton) 2, J. Robertson (Inaha) 3. Best rider, A. Mitchell. Pony leaping competition, 14'/™ hands. —O. Oliver 1, J. D. Mitchell 2, T. Trask 3. Best rider, A. Corrigan. Bare-back riding competition—Jainss Kendrick 1, Alex. Mitchell 2.