CHRISTCHURCH A. AND SHOW.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1814, 10 November 1888, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH A. AND SHOW.

Chbistphuboh, Nov, 8. The Agricultural Pastoral Exhibition opened to-day, when most of the judging was got through. Heavy rains interfered with the arrangements. Taken ae a whole the quality of the exhibits was quite up to the average of former years. Sheep were in point of numbers greatly in excess of those of any previous year, while the quality was extremely high. The quality of merinos is superb, and would oomonre favorably with any south of the line. Tue show of Lincolns is exceedingly strong, and the wool is in excellent condition. There are as good exhibits of down sheep as have been seen on the ground in previous years, crossbred sheep are better, and fat sheep maintain the reputation of previous shows. The sheep generally show an improvement in liie and weight of carcase, la cattle there is a falling off in numbers as compared with last year, but the quality is well - maintained. The show of shorthorns and Ayrshires is good. Polled Angus and Heretords might htve been better represented, especially as there are several owners of these classes of stock whom one would like to have seen exhibiting. Fat cattle were well represented. Of implements and carriages there was an excellent show, all the (principal Canterbury makers, including Messrs Booth and Macdonald, exhibiting. The arrangements are much the same as last year, except that seating accommodation for 1600 people has been provided on the ground. Some of the chief prize-takers were Hon. M. Holmes, who got two prizes and a silver cnp for a Border Leicester ram above 18 months old, and, with Little Bros,, took most of the prises in other classes of the same breed. The Hon. M. Holmes, W. Morris, and 0. Withell ware. the largest prizs-takers in Lincolns, J. Reid in Bomney Marsh, W. Boag in Cots wold, 0. WitheU and M. Friedlander in crossbreds, L. White, 8; Garforth, M. Friedlander, W. Boag, and B. W. Chapman in fat sheep. In merino sheep, strong combing, A. M. Clark took three first prizes, and in the English Leicesters, not housed or clothed, one first, one second, and one commended. In Polled Angus cattle there was only one entry, that of Ur Mclntosh’s Standard Bearer, bred by Mr J. Guild. The animal was in splendid condition, and was awarded first prize. J. Dean and W. Boag took most of the prizes in shorthorns. Mr James Little gained all the first priaes for Ayrshire cattle, H. Green for Breton, and S. Garforth for fat cattle. In Hereford cattle Mr A. M. Clark carried off the first and second prizes for the best ball of any age, and the same for the best cow or heifer of any age. Mr J. Boag’s General Gordon was placed first in draught entires, and W. Boag’s Lord Damn ora second. Mr James Austin, with Prince 1,, carried off the first prize tor the best entire horse foaled since June 30th, 1886. Mr Austin also took the first prize for the best three-year-old filly with Molly Darling, by Foung Banker. In addition to the first in her class she took Mr J. Stark’s special prize of £5 Is, and deservedly so. He also took a second for the best dry mare, Mr Boag’s Marchioness II was first prize winner in the class for the best mare in foal or with foal at foot, and Grace Darling, belonging to the same owner, was placed first as best mare. F. D’Auvergne and James Bo we were the largest prize-takers in pigs. Jonathan Brown and E. Clarkson also came in lor a share of the honors. The Temuka Dairy Factory carried off second honors for the best cheese made prior to April 30th, 1888.