THE TUAPEKA DISTRICT PLOUGHING MATCH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 284, 10 July 1873, Page 10

THE TUAPEKA DISTRICT PLOUGHING MATCH.

The annual Tuapeka district ploughing match was held on Friday last, at the farm of Mr. William Sheath, being conveniently situate on the outskirts of the town. The ground selected was not the best adapted for the purpose, but. was chosen in consequence of its being more centrally situated for the majority of the settlers who were likely to compete ; the only other piece of land offered was a small paddock of Mr. Evans, but loud would have been the anathemas against the selectors for chosing such a road to travel over as that between Evans Flat and the township, so that all things considered the choice made was a judicious one. The start was nob made early in consequence of a heavy frost winch made the ground very hard to commence upon, and indeed had an injurious effect upon the appearance of the work j throughout the day, as the thaw did not set in until after lun^h-tirne. j At about a quarter past 11, however, the learns .mustered and the judges proceeded to inspect the horses for grooiuage, harness, &c, the declaration of prizes was not however given until the match was concluded. The competitors then set to work in earnest, and so continued until night had commenced to spread her sable mantle around, and the last finished ploughing was done in comparative darkness. At about 2 p.m. the competitors were supplied with a substantial lunch of bread, meat, and Black Horse beer in galore, which was furnished by the hospitable owner of the soil, Mr. Sheath. There was a good attendance of spectators from the surrounding Tuapeka district, bub our neighbors of Waitahuna were only conspicuous by their absence, this so much more to be deplored, as we are informed that at the forthcoming match at the latter place there will be a goodly muster of ploughs from this district, as well as many , visitors. We know that Mr. Sheath aiul Mr. Treloar have promised to send the-ii teams, and the men are confident of bringing home laurels. Tho ploughing evidenced a great improvement upon late ycarj in the work of the local men, aud almost from the first there could be little doubt the first prize would, be taken by our old friend James Brown. Iv the case of one competitor, of whom much better success wa,s expected, wo believe that want of recent practice was the cause of his ill success, and we hope he will be nothing daunted, but wire in next year, as from the style of his work, as shown at the ploughing natch, there is first-class stuff iv him. In two instances, that of J. M"R:io and J. Treloar, they have only just emerged from the junior class, and we admire their pluck in eontesiiug in such good company; and we say to them, aud others of tue same class, persevere, and let you:' watchword be Excelsior ! The following us the result of the match, as declared by tho Judges, which was read by the Secretary, Mr. L. C. Holmes, who, with the members of Committee, were indefatigable in their endeavors to bring the meeting to a. successful issue ;—; —

senior class. ! Owner. Ploughman Plough Prize. W. .Sheath James Brown Ponton Ist Do. James Sheed do. 2tul T. Treloar A. Drysdale do. 3rd Do. James Treloar do. 4th x\.. Frazer A. Frazer do. sth The following also competed :— D. M'liae jT M'Bae G. Brook M. Kelilier , SPECIAL PRIZES. Best Feering — A. Drysdale ; set of poles, given by Mr. A.. Humphrey Best General Turn-out of Harness— James Treloar ; a whip, value 15s , the gift of Mr. J. Low Best Kept Harness —James Sheed ; a book, value 10s., given by Mr. J«nas llarrop Best Groomed Horses— James Sheed ; set of brushes, the gift of Mr. T. J3arnett. JUNIOR CLASS. Owner. Ploughboy. Plough. Prize. T. Darton J. Darton Earrowman Ist D. M'Kae J. M'Rae 2nd The Judges awarded to James Darton the prize offered, by Mr. Moyer, being a pair of spurs. Mr. Armstrong, of the Commercial Hotel, had a booth on tho ground for the sale of refreshments, but the weather was not propitious for a successful result.