MOUNT BENGER PLOUGHING MATCH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 379, 5 August 1874, Page 3

MOUNT BENGER PLOUGHING MATCH.

x The M«unt Benger Annual Ploughing. Match came off on Thursday last, at Mr. Tubman's paddock Moa Flat. The day commenced in the same manner as the day previously appointed viz., with a hard frost, but the sun's rays were this time stronger and the competitors were enabled to start about one o'clock. Nine, entries in all had been made, {seven single and two double furrow ploughs, but only five of the singlefurrow ploughs put in an appearance. A good, number of people were present during the afternoon, and Mrs. Lucas, who had a refreshment booth on the ground, was fairly patronised. Had the weather not been so cold, there would doubtless have been more competitors and spectators. Amongst the latter -were several competent judges -who expressed their approval of the manner in which most of the work was performed. The apparent ease with which the ground was turned over by the double-furrow plough also elicited remarks in their favor. The j eun had set before all was finished, and some of the lookers-on who felt cold improvised a handicap foot race of a quarter mile, which was won by Mr. J. Gordon who started at scratch, Mr. S. Crossan 30 yards, coming in second, the remainder nowhere. The judges for the ploughing were : the Rev, J. Dewe, (who passing by at the time kindly consented to act) Mr. A. Carlaw, and Mr. J. Low, who were at this time going over the grou"nd, and after a short consultation gave their decision which gave universal satisfaction as follow :— Class A. — Single furrow plough first prize £5, Archibald M'Gregor ploughman ; A. M'flregor owner ; Sellars, maker. 2nd prize £4, C. Chittock, ploughman ; R. Tubman, owner; Sellars, maker. 3rd prize £3, J. Elder ploughman j J. Elder owner ; Gray, maker. 4th prize £2, A M'lntyre ploughman ; W. Waugh, owner ; Ponton, maker. M. M'Carthy ploughman ; M. M'Carthy, owner ; maker, Ponton. Class B. — Double furrow plough Ist prize £3. Colin Holmes ploughman ; Colin Holmes, owner ; Reid and Gray, maker. 2nd prize, £2, E. Tubman, ploughman ; E. Tubman, owner ; Reid a»d Gray makers. The judges stated also that the first prize was won through strict adherence to the rules laid down for the guidance of the ploughmen. The judges for the best kept harness and best groomed horses were Messrs. John MacKay, W. Weslcott, and R. Tubman. Mr. J. Elder winning the whip presented by Mr. Reid for best kept harness, and J. M'lntyre winning the Bpurs presented by Mr. S. Reid for best groomed horses. Ab soon as the decision of the judges was made the 'winning competitors received their various prizes from the hands of _Mr. T. Cornish, Treasurer, and the M. B. Ploughing Match of 1874 was at an end.