MASTERTON SHOW

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10564, 21 February 1912, Page 5

MASTERTON SHOW

THE OFFICIALS, GROUNDS, AND EXHIBITS. OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION Patron, Mr Jas. McGregor; President Mr Hugh Morrison; Vice-Presid-ents, Messrs W. J. Welch and R. J. Dagg; Treasurer, Mr G. C Summerell; Auditor, Mr J. B. Keith; General Committee, Messrs G. E. Allen, W. iE. Bidwill, W. H. Buick, •D. Oaselherg, O. C: Cooper, W. Cooper, H. J. Dagg, Allen Donald, Q. Donald, D. W. Foreman, R. Cray, E. Harper, J. M. James, T. P. Lett, H. A. Matthews, J. B. Mocdiej D. McGregor junr., J. C. MeKillop, A. D. MeMaster, -A. J. Percy, Ernest Perry, J. P. Perry, [ .Wm. Perry, Bland Rayner, G. Shaw, 11. Smith, J. Strang, C. F., Vallanee, W. D. Watson; District Representatives, Messrs R. F. R. Beetham (Wainuioru), H. Evans | (Masterton West), J. F. Heckler i (Mangamahoe), Paul Hunter (PorI angahau), S. R. Lancaster (Palmerston), W. B. Matheson (Eketahuna), Alex. Murray (Waterfalls), H. McPliee (Carterteu), A. J. 1 Speedv (Tinui), J. Sweeney (Pahiatua), I. Sykes,(Wellington), H. 0. Toogood (Whareama), W. E. C Tylee (Makuri); Acting Secretary, Mr J. B. Emmett, The "judging day" at the Masterton show yesterday opened fine, though cloudy. A strong wind blew throughout tho day, and this, with the threatening elements, - militated soincftvliat against the attendance of the public. Notwithstanding the adverse conditions, however, over a thousand people visited the showground .it"Solway,' and wero rewarded hy -witnessing one of the- finest displays of fat stock ever made in the Dominion. Hie grounds were in per-, feet order, and the Avhole of the detail, , arrangements were carried through by | the Acting-Secretary (Mr J. B. Emi mett) and his array of assistants without the slightest hitch. Breedres were present from all parts of the North Island, and many had also come from Canterbury and Marlborough. On every hand could be heard exoressions of delight at the magnificence of the grounds and the excellence of the ap--pointments. The luncheon and afternoon, tea room was in charge of Mr J. Shout, and was liberally patronised. A number of side-shows opened out, ; | and appeared to do fair business, al- j though-their harvest will prohahly. be reaped to-day. A good deal of interest was centered in the jumping competitions, and some excellent fencing was witnessed. One or^t wo minor spills occurred, but no 'injury resulted. The judges went to work early in the morning, and, with the assistance of rfm energetic 'body of stewards. >.ot through their arduous tasks with the utmost expedition. A number of permanent stands are on the -nound, and these will be seen to advantage to-day. Tho display of agricultural produce which is made in the'agricultural hall is a, credit to the district, "and attracted almost as much attention yester-. dav as did the stock.

THE SHEEP.

Tfresheiw of sheep, taken on,'.'the wholo, was leniarkably good, m.some of the classes:qualify' was\not as conspicuous as quantity. The W'airarajprt, in recent years, has .'been; devoted to those breeds wliicli are popularly supposed to produce wool as well as mutton. Tims we find the greatest interest-uianifested* in Romneys, Lineclns, and Southdowns. The cross between these is held, by a great maiiy of our breeders to 'be the best adapted to the climate and the dema.nd,s of th<j ; market, though few can, explain why the- Romney should be in such strong favour and the Leicesters neglected, or why the Southdown, should bo considered, superior to the Shropshire.

The show of Romneys revealed a: number of exceptionally strong exhibits, notably among tho pens of two and four. The aged rams, however, though splendid in wool, were consideredliy the judge (Mr Ernest Short) to be faulty in tho legs, and lacking in character in. the head. The champion ram, though of good typo, was not to be compared with the champiou of former years. The champion enve, however, which belonged to Mr Hewitt, a young breeder of Paliiatua, possesses 'splendid character, is well set, and would bo hard to beat anywliere. The ram and ewe lambs are of much better quality thai* the older stock, having density of wool and plenty of body. Mr Perry.- who is one of our Foremost Romney breeders, was not showing on this occasion, and Mr Ernest Short, being the judge, did not compote. Mr Short will have some ot his well-known. Parorangi studs on tho ground to-day, however, and breeders will be able to compare them with the prize-winners of yesterday.

Mr W: Barriball, of Waiuku, who judged the Lincolns, was somewhat disappointed with the quality of'the exhibits as a whole. He told an Age reporter that he had expected to see a better class of sheep in this district, which had, in former years, such a reputation for Lincoln breeding, the absence of Mr Perry's exhibits was awvin noticed in this section, and Hawke's Bay was not represented, as in former years. Mr Barriball, howover, w,a,s very pleased with some of tho rams, and two or three of the ewes shown were very fi.no in the wool. Incidentally the judge remarked that he had never seen a showground to equal tho Solwav, and he was delighted with tho exhibit of fat cattle.

Tho Southdowns were a very strong class, both from the point ot numbers and quality. The judge (Mr Andrew,

OPENING DAY AT SOLWAY

A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE EXHIBITS

THE COMPLETE PftlZE LIST

junr., of Canterbury) remarked to a i representative of the Age that most of I the. exhibits wero true to type, and in I some of tho classes there was keen competition. The champion imported | raim of Mr A. J. Stone-Wigg, whioh was bred by. Colonel Haimmond, was a. particularly fine animal, and the sheep of Messrs S. R. Lancaster, Nelson Bros., and Ellis Bros, wero of a splendid type. The sheep with which Mr Lancaster was most successful wero also prize-takers at the Feilding Show. Some very good specimens of English Leicesters were on exhibition, notably those of Mr S. B. Lancaster, of the 'Manawiatu. Mr Keeling, of Timaru, who judged this class, did not consider the sheep as- good as tho .best of the South Island.. Still, he recognised some very fair sheep among them. He was surprised that the Leicester was not iii greater demand in this Island. A number of breeders were not quite satisfied with the decision of the judge in some of tho classes, as some of the best-shaped and clearlymarked animate, which had never been beaten in other prize-rings, wero passed completely-over. However,- as in all other things, judges differ. Mr Kelling considered the Border Leicesters of fair quality. . • The.Shropshire'breed has, like the Leicest.".', been.somewhat nc'lected in this part of the North Island of late years-. Settlers are beginning to realise, however, that for producing firstclass freezers, the Shropshire has much to recommend it. Indeed, one of our most prominent buyers told an Ago representative that the best lambs he had picked up in the Wairarapa this season were a Shropshire cross. The exhibit made yesterday by Mr H. D. Vavasour, of Maryborough, * will be calculated to quicken interest in this breed, for they, stood out ; above all: others on the ground for .their .general get-up and, sturdy look. This is as ' much a credit to the care of the shep-< herd (Mr D. Evans) as to the"excellent selection of breeding sires made by the owner. Mr Vavasour is one of the most succeSssf ul Shropshire breeders in the Dominion, and appropriated a number of the biggest honours at the last Canterbury Metropolitan Show. His stud lias been built up from the best imported rams. Tho sheep shown' yesterday were true to. type in every respect. * They are low-set, of bright colour, clear in the eye, .and possess •all the distinctive marks of the true. Shropshire. The first-prize and champion ram'was sired by the. imported j "Royal. Picture," a winner at the British ' Royal, and was awarded first honours at Christchurch. The second prize winner is by ' Cardiff Prince," imp., and is also a very,fine tvpe of animal'. These rams, with others of Mr* Vavasour's breed, are to be offered at the ram fair this week,-, and should bo keenly competed for,-, particularly as competent judges assert that' thev will produce the fines * freezing lambs. There are not a tew who believe that the Shropshare .will l>e. a formidahle rival with the feouthdovn in this district .before .many months have passed. And this will hot be a matter for surprise it such splendid types aro available as those of Mr AWasour.

The classes for fat and freezing 'sheep were remarkably well filled, and ■-.some excellent speciinensvwere shown. For the third, successive year Mr John Strang won 'Messrs W. and H. Beetham's silver cup for the most -.points- in the freezing class, and the trophy -nois * becomes his sole property. The fanners' classes brought out some very creditablo exhibits, takenon tho whole. CATTLE. The show of fat cattle has never been beaten in the North Island. Indeed, some competent judges assert that it equals anything that has been seen in the Dominion. Mr William Birdling, the judge, in conversation with an Age reporter, said 1 that the display would be hard to beat in any showering, in New Zealand. And, as for the prime freezing cattle, they were of such all-round excellent quality that he experienced the utmost difficulty in arriving at his decisions. , In one class alone there were no fewer than thirty-six competitors. Tho champion Hereford bullock of iMr G. J/. Moore, of Kai Iwi, is a magnificent beast, while- tho heifer shown, by Mr T. W. McKenzie would be hard to beat anvwhe.re. Mr Birdling thinks that the/prize-money in this section might well be increased, and that third prizes should also bo offered.

For some reason or another the purebred Shorthorn has not been_ so much in demand" in this district as in former 'years. Consequently it is not represented in such large numbers at the shows asit used to be. The specimens on exhibition yesterday, however, though numerically weak, were of good average qualitv. The judge (Mr Robert Hay, of Christchureli), speaking with a representative of the Age, said he was well satisfied with the heifers shown, particularly the champion, of Mr W. C*. Buchanan!, which .was a 'splendid type of beast. The grade Shorthorns were of average quality, though Mr Hay. does not think the 'Association well-advised in offering a ' championship in this section. Indeed, he thinks the time is coming when the grades will bo eliminated from the catalogue, as they have been in Hawke's j Bav, in favour of the purebred.

The Holstein-Friesian is essentially adairy cattle, but it is claimed for it ■by its admirers that it combines tho qualities of milk-production with those of beef. Many years ago Mr Coleman Phillips introduced a herd of Holsteins in the Wairarapa, but they did not como into popular favour, and the herd was gradually dispersed. Latterly, however, the dairy fanner has tunri» cdPhis attention to this breed, and with excellent results. Mr W. .1. Dew, of Noniian.by, who judged the

Holstoins yesterday, was very pleased with tho cjass'of animal shown, which was far superior to that of previous years. Tho champion two-year-old heifer shown l>y Mr W. I. Lovelock would take a lot of heating in the show-ring. Tho hull shown hy this exliibitor was also of good" typo, as was also that of Mr W. 0. UayJi.:: Mangatainoka. Tho latter was bred by Mr Newton King, of New Plymouth.

Tho entry in the Jersey class was a particularly good one. Mr McLennan, of Papakura, who was the judge, was especially struck with the quality of Mr E." Eagle's young imported hull, "Lord Roberts." This, he considers, would be hard to"beat anyi where in the Dominion. Tho cows shown were also of fine quality, and some of them would be worthy of a placo in any show-ring. Mr McLennan is a firm believer in the Jersey as a milk-producer, and states that their particular recommendation to the farmer is that they not only produce an aibundance of but the.y consume a minimum of food. Mr b. -*.. Lancaster had a very good cow on exhibition in Eileen IV., for which ho was awarded a championship. The Hereford" section was on© of the strongest in the show. This is a beef animal, and it is coming into great favour with holders of fattening country. Mr A. S. Holms, of Southland, who was the judge, says that the section is the best he has seon, and ho has been judging at Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North, and elsewhere. The cattle shown by Messrs G. F. Moore t'Kai Iwi) .and ■Ernest Short (Parorangi) were a particularly fine lot. The majority of the animals had splendid coats, and were of immense bone and substance. Mr Short's champion bull "Crusader" is a much-improved animal, and is a splendid type of the breed. The yearling heifer" of this' owner also promises well. Many of Mr Moore's animals are worthy of a place anywhere, and altogether the display was a magnificent one. The exhibit of Ayrshires, though ,numerically small, was of even quality. Tliis well known milking strain has many admirers, as it is particularly hardy. Mr McLennan was very favourably impressed with the specimens shown by Mr R. O. Fowler. ; Mu fat ca.ttie';oMr G. F. Moore generously waived his,claim to the rose ;bowl presented bv-himself, in favour of Mr K. Short,*

HORSES. The thoroughbred horse class was not particularly strong. Mr C. McCullough's "Conqueror" was awarded a well-deserved championship in the class for stallions. The first prize for trotting stallion was awarded to J. Rzoska's Agasemis. The ponies were a good all-round lot, and the hack classes were described by tho judge as- of excellent, quality. The draught class produced some very fine types. of animal, and there was keen competition among the aged stallions. The champion prize went to Mr J ; . D. Mitchell's handsome bay "Here-I-Go," which is by "Herd Lapdie," hy that great showring sire, i''Lord Salisbury." Mr E. Short was-'awarded second with his fine horse, "Royal Treasure," and it was no disgrace to Mr R. Falloon that he had to be-content with third place with his local sire, "Brilliant I Boy.". The class for dry .mares; brought' out' a useful lot.' Only two j teams of plough horses-were shown, i

PIGS. There was'a poor exhibition of pigs, numerically speaking, hut those shown were of excellent quality. Black Devons were the only purebreds on- exhibition. Mr B. R.'Rayner showed some very good .fat pigs and porkers. AGMOULTURAL PRODUCE. The display of agricultural produce was particularly attractive. The judge (Mr Mac'assey, of Napier) was •much impressed with both the grain and seed exhibits. In several classes the competition was very keen, especially in white oats in the farmers' class, and dun oats in the open class. Messrs Chamberlain and.. Son wrested the gold medal from Messrs G. H. Perry and Co. for the most points in the open class. The latter, however, ■were successful in the collection of locally seeds-. In the farmers' cla-ssesi honours were divided between Messrs W. Miller. H. Evans, and E. O. Harper. THE COMPETITIONS.

The competitions brought out some fire fields,, and were watched with considerable interest. Both of the j trotting events were won by Mr ». D Watson, with "Jim-Jim," and the other bv the well-known "Auctioneer.''* The walking competition fell to Mr C. Campbell's "Rosie," the turning competition was won by Mr Alex. Mitchell, the maiden jumping by Mr A. H. Falloon's •'•'Frolic,'! (■who also won at Carterton); and the | ■hunters' leaping competition by Mr J. R. Macdonald's "Betrayer," who has been winning all round of late.. . THE SPECIAL PRIZES. The Quibell Cup, for most points in purebred sheep, was easily won iby Mi* S. R. Lancaster, whose, property it now becomes, he having* tied with Mr W. Ruyner last year. The ■Lister Sheep-shearing.Co.'s silver cup was also won by Mr S. R. Lancaster, who again becomes sole possessor of the trophy, having won last year. Messrs W. and -H. Beetham's silver cup for the best pen of four Romney rams went to Mr Holmes Warren, and Mr W. Perry's silver salver for the best Romney ram under 21 months to Mr A. L. Wheeler. Mr J. Stuckey's prize for best Southdown ram under '2l months went on this occasion to Messrs Ellis Bros. The silver cup presented by Messrs Alex. Robertson and Sons (proprietors of (Highland Dip) for the most points in farmers' classes went to Messrs Shaw and Son. Mr J. Strang, for tho third successive year, won Messrs W. and H. Beetham's silver cup for I the most points in freezing sheep. | The silver rose howl presented by Mr .0. F. Moore for the most points in I fat- cattle' was: won by himself, but he generously allowed the to go to the second on the list, Mr Ernest- Short.. The N.Z. Hereford Cattle Breeders' Association gold medal for the best Hereford bullock was appropriated by Mr G. F. Moore. GUESSING COMPETITIONS. Much interest was taken yesterday in'tho guessing competitions, and quite a large number tried their hand at recording .the weight of the bullock

and pen of sheep. These competitions will be continued to-day. Following is the detailed