THE DINNER.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 286, 24 July 1873, Page 9

THE DINNER.

In the evening a goodly company assembled at Coghill's Hotel to dinner. The chair was occupied by Mr. Robert Craig, After the usual loyal toasts,

Mr Moggath, the Secretary of the Waitahuna 'Ploughing Match Committee, proposed the health of the Judges, Messrs Drinnan, Craig, and Murray, which was responded to by Mr Drinnan of Tokomairiro, who referred to the blame said to be attached to the Judges in their decision. If any blame existed, it should rest with the Committee. Much credit was due to the Committee for their enterprise in getting up the match, although he believed it would be more conducive to the interests of Tuapeka and Waitahuna if the two districts were united, and held a match alternately at each place, lie believed it was also a good institution for encouraging the young, who, in anticipation of the matches, would use every endeavor to improve in their work. Mr Drinnan observed that wherever you saw a tidy ploughman yon would always find good ploughing, and he liked to see these matches conducted in a liberal spirit to encourage all. Alluding again to the murmuring against the decisions given, Mr Drinnan said he would be happy to answer any questions that might be put, to explain his reasons for the awards, Mr. Drysdale here asked Mr Drinnan several questions about false cut, and a cross-examination of some length ensued, eliciting the opinion that although the Judge did not believe in false cut (or gouging out), yet there was cut more or less in every piece ploughed that day. It is to be remarked here that the question arose from the fact of the advertisement stating that no false cut would be allowed ; and in view of that, some of the competitors (not the first or the second prize takers) had altered their irons for the purpose of making plain ploughing, thus preventing their giving that finish to the work which looks so well to the eye. Mr. Kemp here gave a song. Mr Mosrgath proposed the health of the successful competitors, coupled with the name of Mr Robert Brownlie, wh6, in responding said he had always taken much interest in ploughing matches, and was proud of that day's success. He regretted that the two places had disunited," and hoped a fusion wonld again take place, as union is always strength. Song by Mr Moggath, who proposed the health of unsuccessful competitors. Song by Mr Robert Craig. The Chairman proposed the health of the Tuiipeka Plousrhing Match Committee. Mr L. C. Holmos, in responding, said he was one of the earliest to commence agriculture in the Tnapeka district, although he had not succeeded in amassing a fortune by the speculation. lie was mildly proud of having introduced the first threshing and reaping machines on Tuapeka, but they were merely threehorse attempts ; and he believed the day was not far distant when steam threshers would be the only recognised machines used. He had also been connected with every ploughing match in Tuapeka, and much regretted the severance of the two I bodies, which was mainly owrnsc to a misconception on the part of the Waitahuna farmers that the Tuapeka match was decided to be held in Tuapeka. Mr. Holmes explained that it was open to all the district, but as no offers of ground had been sent from Waitahuna, the Tuapeka Committee had no alternative but to accept the only offer sent in, being that of Mr Sheath's. The Chairman proposed " The Mining Interest," which was responded to by Mr Mr Mopgath. Song by Mr L. C. Holmes. " The Agricultural Interest " was proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by Mr Robert M'Ara, who said he believed that at the present time the agricultural interest was in a very prosperous state, and hoped it would long continue so. He also expressed regret that the two societies had not remained united, as by working together really handsome prizes could be given, and thus induce competitors to come from a distance* Song by Mr M'Ara. The Chairman proposed " The Commercial Interest." Mr Robert Hills, who responded, said that he was glad to hear the farmers were doing well, and that when such is the case the commercial people were bound to share their prosperity. He also said that in future if the farmers themselves would take more interest in ploughing matches, they would receive a corresponding increase of support from the tradespeople. Song by Mr Craig. " Tiie Strangers " was responded to by Mr John Drysdale, who hoped that Waitahuna would co-operate with Tuapeka in establishing an agricultural association for the maintenance of shows of produce, stock, &c. He also hoped that some rule would be made to set at rest the vexata quaestio of cut or false cut, so that ploughmen would know what to be about when they commenced their work at these matches. il The Press " was responded to by Mr L. C. Holmes, who was also asked why the name ''clodocrat" was applied to the Waitahuna people in the "Bruce Herald." He explained that no offence was meant, indeed the term was a flattering one, as it signified " one who converts the clods into ground fit to produce food for man and beast." Several other toasts were proposed and songs sung, and the company, which numbered about forty, separated at a late hour, after spending an biijoyable evening. It is but justice to say the viands provided by Host Coghill were plenteous and good.