TUAPEKA AND WAITAHUNA PLOUGHING MATCH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 133, 25 August 1870, Page 6

TUAPEKA AND WAITAHUNA PLOUGHING MATCH.

The second ploughing match, which Jias taken place in the Tuapeka district, (Came off on Friday last, ai>d proved successful beyond all anticipation, and yet not more successful than the united iand determined energy of the committee deseryed. The whoje affair, from its start to its finish, has been a credit to the district. From the unsuccessful efforts to get up a match last year, And from the laxity which the inhabitants generally have f&V a Jong time shown in any matter of public interest, #, few of our leading men held ajoof for A time, not .caring to have their names associated with the failure of any further scheme. On this occasion, howr ever, the ploughing match took its origin among a few of the settlers who formed themselves into a committee, and started a subscription list, and before a week had elapsed, presented to the public a programme and liss .of prizes, not surpassed, if equalled, in any district of Otago, The general opinion outside of Tuapeka and Waitahuna is that these districts are entirely bound up in the mining interest, but the large muster of ploughs and the splendid turn out on Friday last was a sufficient protest against such an opinion, and sliows not only that a settled population now occupies these goldfields but that the agricultural interest in our midst is making rapid progress. It might not be out of place to mention $hat according to the books at the Survey Office, Lawrence, at least £5,000 acres are taken up on the Tuapeka Goldfields under the agricultural leasing system. The benefits which are bound to accrue to the settlers themselves, and to the community as a whole, from these aunual gatherings cannot be sufficiently estimated, bringing, as they do, the importance of these districts into notice, and thus making the reasonable demands of the population from time to time more likely to be responded to by the Government. Shortly after daylight pn Friday inorning the Waitahuna road was astir with ploughs and ploughmen from Tuapeka and Waitahuna. The ground selected for the contest was a paddock on Mr. Donald Clark's farm, which, if not so good as might have been wished, could not possibly have been situated in a more central position for both districts. By ten in the morning all the ploughs entered put in an appearance with one exception, and, after drawing for peaces, the juniors and seniors took their respective positions, and a fair Btart was made by 21 ploughs about half-past 10 o'clock on the dropping pf a red flag. The weather during $he* morning was very cold and undecided, the sky being overcast and rain threatening. During the ploughing, showers of rain fell at intervals, but not sufficiently heavy to interfere much with the comfort of the ploughmen, OF fco deter a large number of yisitors from the surrounding country. I have been at several ploughing matches, but never before witnessed so much interest in the match evinced by the visitors as I did upon this occasion. Although on the goldfields, $here were several ploughmen congesting the match who had a reputation to keep up, and it was very interesting to watch the anxiety displayed by several persons in the work of their favourite men; indeed, the confidence of some of the assumed judges led them into rather extravagant betting, such as one crack hand against the field, and other foolish bets. The excitement increased towards the close pf the match when all had finished with two or three exceptions. A crowd of 40 or 50 visitors gathered round JVfr. Stewart as he was ploughing his last furrow^ and many pf the W a Jfc anuna nien were confident that he would carry off the first prize, j do not profess to know much about gopd ploughing, but I think the judges must haye had considerable difficulty jn deciding between some of the performances — they looked so much alike. There is one thing pretty certain the Ponton plough carried off the first j;hree prizes, and, according to the estimate of the judges, produced the best ploughing. Had these ploughs been in other hands, the results of the match might have been different ; but, anyhow, the decision of the judges — Mr. Grant, Tokomairiro ; Mr. Stevenson, Waitahuna, and Mr. Ramsay, Tuapeka — which was announced by the hon. sec, Mr. L. C. Holmes, a few minutes after the finish of the ploughing, gaye every satisfaction. I am aware that some of the farmers of the pld school consider the work of these Ponton ploughs as fancy ploughing, but I fear they must giye way to the advancing times, and admit that the work produced by them has some Eractical merit to, recommend it. ome pf our best Tuapeka men acknowledge that Waitahuna justly carried away the laurels of the field. The yarious teams were brought out in fine style, and the harness, which was in many cases, shining like a mirror, and decorated with many coloured ribbons, gaye a charm to the scene. There were several wellmatched teams on the field, as well as a few rather indifferent ones. Amongst the crowd I observed Mr, Elans' cn T tire - f Young Wallace" doing hjs Fork steadily and well. A rather unfortunate circumstance occurred a few minutes after the start, when one gf M.r. Fitzgerald's teams tqqk fpi^ht

and bolted, causing great consternation amongst the ploughmen, as well as the yisitors. Michael Kiely, who was attending the team, held on nobly by the reins, and was dragged a considerable distance on his back, while the frightened animals were coursing through the field at large, but regaining his feet, the ploughman sprang at their heads and got ibhem under his power.' I am glad to record that no : accident (occurred through this mishap, but, at the request of the committee, Mr. Kiely retired with his team from the match in case of any accident occurring. Mr. Donovan, of the Shamrock Hotel, Lawrence, had the only booth which was on the ground, #nd I am glad to endorse the remarks made by your contemporary the " Bruce Standard," when he says that it " was liberally patronised without showing any of those evil results to.o often to be witnessed on occasions such as this." The competitors were supplied by Mr. Clark with an abundant lunch. There being no bullock teams on the field, the match was finished at an early hour of the day, leaving ample time for those residing at a distance to get home by dusk. Mr. W. Drysdale, the first prize-taker in the junior class, was presented by Miss Clark with a neat rosette as the best looking ploughman on the field, and he wore it like a man during the remainder of the day, although not without the innocent blush of youth on his cheek. SENIOES. OWNERS. PLOUdHHEN. PLOUGHS. J. Fitzgerald Thomas Kiely Gray Do. M. Kelelier Barrowman J. Keppel Wm. Hurley Do. D.Evans J.Jones Cha'mers A. Campbell J. Brown Gray W. Low J. Drysdale Barrowman P. Robertson W. M'Gilvray Ponton M. Stewart Self Balfour W, Auld 0. Auld Ponton K. Ford Self Burns G. Brace R. M'Ara Ponton W. Draper Colin Thorn Do. A. Fraser Self H. Clarke T. Lusk Barrowman D. M'Crae J. M'Crae Do. J. Taborn Self Taylor JUNIORS. P. Robertson W. Drysdale Ponton A. Grant J. Grant Buchan D. M'Crae D. M'Crae Stonehouse T. Treloar J. Treloar Barrowman T. Darton T. Darton, jun. Do. PRIZE LIST. Seniotjs. — Colin Thorn. Ist, £6 ; R. M'Ara, 2nd, £5 ; W. M'Gilvray, 3rd, £4; M. Stewart, 4th, £3; J. Jones, sth, Gold Pin, value 50s, presented by Mr. H. Bastings ; J. Brown, 6th, £2; C. Auld, 7th, £1; M. Keleher, Bth, One Set of Swingletrees, presented by Messrs. R. Fowler and David M'Donald, Lawrence. Juniors. — W. Drysdale, Ist, £3 ; T. Darton, 2nd, £2 ; J. Grant, 3rd, £1 ; J. Treloar, best feering, Set of Poles, presented by Mr. Eoscoe, Tuapeka Mouth ; T. Darton, best finish, a Book, gift of Mr. Jeffrey, Lawrence ; J. Grant, youngest ploughman, 10s, gift of Mr. Douglas, veterinary surgeon, Dunedin. SPECIAL PRIZES. Best finish. — Set swingletrees, gift of J. and D. M'Taggart, Waitahuua — M. Stewart. Best outs-and-ins. — Watch chain, gift of Mr. Farrer, watchmaker, Lawrence — J. Brown. Best turn out. — Drapery, £1 Is, gift of Mr. M'Beath— C. A uld. Best groomed horses. — Currycomb and two brushes, gift of Mr. Barnett, Lawrence, with 10s added — D. M'Crae. Best kept harness. — Open bridle, 30s, gift of Low and Sons, Lawrence — C. Auld. Best pair horses. — -Pair hames, gift of Mr. F. Meyer, Lawrence — J. Brown. Best feering. — Set feering poles, gift of Mr. Adamson, Waitahuna — M. Stewart. Best ploughing amongst married men. — Whip, value 10s, gift of Mr. J. Donovan, Lawrence — M. Stewart. First finished (prizetakers).— 2os, gift of Mr. J. F. Herbert— T. Keleher. THE DINNER. In the evening, upwards of thirty gentlemen, including several of the prize-takers, sat down to a sumptuous dinner in the Shamrock Hotel. The table was teeming with all descriptions of flesh and fowl. In addition to many dainty dishes, the dessert was characterised by two enormous plum puddings, which must have required at least a week's boiling in some immense cauldron to make so palatable as they really were. Much credit is due to the worthy hostess, whose catering for the sons of the soil was fully appreciated by a considerable demolition of the viands provided. Full justice having been done to the dinner, and the tables cleared, Mr. Peter Robertson, who occupied the chair, rose and said that, the second ploughing match had now taken place, and so far as he was concerned, he was highly pleased with the day's work and the day's turn out. These 1 ploughing matches gave a stimulant to the district — they encouraged the young men to take a pride and interest in their work, and that was especially wanted at the present time when land was being taken up in the district. Two or three years? ago a person did not care yfh&t sort of ploughing he did, so long as he turned over the ground ; at that time people used to be pleased with anything, but it was a different matter in the pr.es.ent day, when it was necessary to bring all the skill possible i,Q bear upon the soil to make it pay. Speaking of tb,e benefits derived from these matches by bringing good ploughmen together, he might say that one grack hand confessed to him that he

had learnt more about ploughing that day than ever he had. He hoped their second match would not be the last, and that next year twice twenty ploughs would take the field. He saw no reason why that number might not easily be brought out— indeed, in coraing home from the match he counted twenty ploughs that might have been present, but were not. He did not profess to be a ploughman, but he believed he could tell a good fur' when he saw one. There were several things with which he was much pleased, and he expreseed himself greatly satisfied with the judges, they seemed so anxious to give satisfaction. They were as careful in the performance of their duty as if they were going to make a fortune by it. He had now much pleasure in asking the company to drink to the usual loyal toast, " The Queen and the Royal Family." The toast was drank and the National Anthem sung. Mr. Justice Grey rose and said that the Committee had put into his hands one of the toasts to be pi-oposed, and although it might have been put into better hands, he believed it could have been put into the hands of few who felfc more interest in the cause of agriculture in the district than he did. The toast was " Success to the Tuapeka and Waitahuna Ploughing match, coupled with the name of Mr. Drysdale." He understood Mr. Drysdale had done much towards the success of the match, and although he had not been successful in taking away a prize, it must be gratifying to him to see the result of the day's proceedings. It was gratifying to him (Mr. Grey) to see such a turn out. He could not help calling to his recollection the time when he used to travel the goldfields seven years ago, when the Government gave the miners only 10 acre farms, considering that the miner was an individual who of necessity was mining all day, and only required a garden that he might dig with a spade. But when they compared the past with the present, they could laugh at those things. It must be very gratifying to all that so many as twenty-one ploughs had gone into the field. He was exceedingly gratified to see so many youngsters present. Such contests amongst them encouraged a spirit of emulation, which would make them strive to excel. A young friend, a son of Mr. Darton, in whom he had taken considerable interest, he was glad to learn had taken a prize. That was very encouraging for the lad, as he only took to the plough last year. Although it was late in the day before he visited the match, he made good use of his time, and took half an hour's lesson in ploughing from Mr. Robertson ; and next year he would very likely cai'ry his lesson with him, and pass for an amateur in the art of ploughing. He had very great pleasux-e in proposing the toast. — (Applause). Mr. Holmes — Song. Mr. J. Drysdale, in responding to the toast, said that, as a member of the committee, he had taken as much interest as he could in the affair. He had heard several speak well of the ploughing, and he believed the judges had given satisfaction, and acknowledged that the ploughing was good. He thought there might have been similar matches held for years, but people were so frightened. Had they come out as he did to encourage the movement, there would have been many more ploughs on the ground that day. He would gladly have withdrawn had he not felt that such a course might have kept some from coming forward that did come. Mr. Kendall — Song The Chairman then proposed " The Judges." Mr. King — Song. Mr. Ramsay, in responding to the toast, said he begged to return thanks on behalf of his brother judges and himself. He regretted that he was Jeft alone to respond to the toast, but hoped their decision had given satisfaction to the public and to the competitors. He expected, owing to some difficulties caused by the ground, that there might be some complaints against the judges ; but he believed the two gentlemen who judged the ploughing with him gave their decision according to their own ideas. Speaking of himself: he, for one, did so, right or wrong. (Applause.) Mr. Donovan — Song, " Many happy returns of the day." The Chairman, proposed the " Successful Competitors, coupled with the name of Mr. Thorn." Mr. Brown — Song, "Sandy Grant." Mr. Thorn, in reply, said that he would rather plough another "rig" than make a speech. He had seen ploughing matches at Tokomairiro, Taieri, and at home, and considered the turn-out and ploughing that day very creditable. He hoped those who had been unsuccessful this yeai', would be successful next. The next toast proposed by the chairman was the " Unsuccessful Competitors, coupled with the name of Mi-. Frazer. Mr. Holmes — Song. Mr. M'Taggart— Song. Mr. Frazer said that unfortunately he was one of the unsuccessful competitors ; but he had the consolation that he did not go to get a prize, but to encourage the match. Although unsuccessful himself, he would say to those who were successful that they would require to make better work of it next year. If the unsuccessful had had Ponton ploughs, he believed the

result would have been in some cases different from what it was. Mr. Kendall — Song. The Chairman next proposed " The Agricultural and Pastoral Interests, coupled with the name of Mr. David Evans." Mr. Ferguson — Song. Mr. Evans, in responding to the toast, remarked that good ploughing was one of the chief means of getting good crops and good grasses ; and he had much pleasure in responding to the toast which embraced two of the principal interests in the district. Mr. Donovan — Song. The Chairman then proposed the "Mining Interest, coupled with the name of Mr. Brown." Mr. J. Drysdale — Song. Mr. Brown replied to the toast by referring to the great necessity of a water scheme for working the Tuapeka spurs. He believed if sufficient water could be brought upon these spurs, the population might be increased from hundreds to thousands. The next toast proposed was " The Contributors to the Funds, and the Special Prize Givers, coupled with the name of Mr. Low." The Chairman said in proposing that toast there was one thing he could say, since Mr. Low had come to the district he (the chairman) found that j he could make a £ go as far as £2 used to go before Mr. Low came. He believed that every one would bear him out in his remarks that not only as regards style, but economy also, they were indebted to Mr. Low, and he had no hesitation in saying that some of their horses would not have looked so well at the match had it not been for that gentleman. Mr. Low responded to the toast in an appropriate speech. The Press was the next toast proposed, and was responded to by Mr. Ferguson. The Ladies, proposed by the Chairman, was responded to by Mr. King. Several other toasts, including ' The Chairman," " Vice Chairman," " Members of Committee," " Host and Hostess," were proposed and duly responded to. The health and prosperity of Mr. L. C. Holmes, the Hon. Secretary, whose energy and pains-taking had contributed in no small degree to.wards the success of the match, was proposed with musical honours, and suitably replied to by Mr. Holmes, after which the dinner party broke up at an early hour in the morning.