MASTERTON SHOW

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10565, 22 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. Summereil; Auditor, Mr J. B. Keith; ' General Committee, Messrs G. E. 1 . Allen, W. iE. Bid will, W. H. Buick, 1 tD. Oaselberg, 0. C. Cooper, W. Cooper, H. J. Dagg, Allen Donald, Q. Donald, D. W. Foreman, R. Gray, E. Harper, J. M. James, T. P. Lett, H. A. Matthews, J. B. Moodie, D. McGregor junr., J. C. McKillop, A. D. McMaster, A. J. Percy, Ernest Perry, J. P. Perry, Wm. Perry, Bland Rayner, G. Shaw, OR. Smith, J. Strang, C. Fi Vallance, W. D. Watson; District Representatives, Messrs R. F. R, Ee&tbani (Wainuiorn), H.. I}vatls (Masterton West), J. P. Heckler (Mangamahoe), Paul Hunter (Porangahau), S. R. Lancaster (Palmerston), W. B. Matheson (Eketahuna), Alex.. Murray (Waterfalls), . H. McPlxee (Carterton),. A,. }J. Speedy (Tinui), J. Sweeney (Pahiatua), I. Sykes (Wellington), H. 0. Toogood (Whareama), W. E. C. Tylee (Makuri); Acting Secretary, Mr J. iB. Enrmett, tfi n'm in i i ' ■•■!

The- (Masterton A. and P. Association lived up to its reputation yesterday. In spite of the fact that ominous clouds had gathered on Tuesday evening, and a light shower of rain fell aibout midnight, Wednesday morning broke fine for the "People's Day" of the Masterton show, and •the weather throughout the day was mild and pleasant. A somewhat stiff wind, however, blew across the I ground, at times. The attendance is variously estimated at between 12,000 and 15,000. Many who considered themselves competent judges of crowds asserted that there were a larger number present than at the record show of last year. Visitors were present from all parts of the Wairarapa and Forty-Mile Bush, and the excursion trains were heavily laden with human freight. Hawke's OBay, Manawatu, and Wellington were also well represented. The grandstand was comfortably filled with, ladies, and the luncheon and afternoon tea were liberally patronised. ! Music was rendered by the Mastertori Municipal Brass Band and the j Caledonian Pipe Baud, the contribu- ! tions of both being much appreciated. The grounds were in splendid order, and every provision was made for the comfort and < convenience of visitors; Numerous picnic parties assembled in and around the fringe of the beautiful native hush, and were supplied with hot water free of charge. His Excellency the Governor. (Lord Islington) arrived on the ground with his . AidcTde-Camp and Mir W. H. Beetham shortly after noon. His Excellency took a keen interest in the stock and agricultural exhibits, and commented in warm jt&rmg' of, admiration upon, the excellent arrangements. 'The whole of the officers of the Association, from the*President downward, worked assiduously throughout the day, and everything passed off without a hitch. Great interest was, as usual, maniT fested in the ' jumping ©vents, but these were somewhat marred by . a series of unfortunate accidents (reported elsewhere). The side-shows were more numerous than at previous shows, and were of a varied and picturesque character. Many of the stands did good business, and the refreshment booths were well patronis- 'j ed. The public .was afforded every convenience for reaching the! grounds, scores of motor-cars, taxi- j cabs, landaus and brakes plying for j hire. The grand parade of stock I took plae- at 2 o'clock in the after- j noon, and was a splendid demonstra- j tion, marshalled by Mr C. F. Tall- j anco. ' j

HORSES.

The miscellaneous horses were judged .yesterday by Messrs James Bull,; junr. (Hunterville),, and D. Campion (Wanganui). The judges remarked upon the excellence of the hack and harness horse exhibits. Mr J. It. McDonald's "Aotea," which has won in several show-rings of late, was judged to be the best hack on (the ground, and Mr McDonald takes fthe Bidwill Challenge Cup this year. Miss Z. Vallance was declared to be the best lady rider, and Miss A. Campbell the best lady rider under eighteen years of age. Mr H. . M. [Row's " Taumataraia" was awarded first honours for list hacks from nineteen competitors, Mr J. R. McDonald's "Te Kahurangi™ being second. In 13st hacks, Mr E. Short's "Scout" was allotted first prize, and in heavy weight hacks Mr J. E.. McDonald's "Salopian" secured premier place. Mr J. Cooper's "Ngaiomii" was adjudged the hack most suitable for mounted infantry purposes. Mr J. R. McDonald's "Aotea was awarded first for lady's hack ridden in sidesaddle, and the same owner's "Te Kahurangi" received similar honours for lady's hack ridden in reform dress. These two horses also appro-

THE PEOPLES DAY CROWD. A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE EXHIBITS THE COMPLETE PRIZE LIST

f priated the prize for tlie best pair of S hacks.

SHEEP. The sheep classes, although judged on tho first day, drew crowds of Interested admirers yesterday. Tho fact that Mr Ernest Short, of Parorangi, had on exhibition his champion ram "World's Champion," and a number of other Romney rams, lent special interest to the show of sheep. "World's Champion" was pronounced by all to foe one of the finest rams. ! ever seen in the district. It was this ram (which was sired by the renowned ''Record Reign'') which appropriated the champion prize at the great | Argentine show a year or two back. He is an ideal type of Romney, furnishing a standard to which local breeders might well aspire. He has a fine, large, tywcal head; set weJJ back into"~tne 'body, an 1W8M& frame, splendid'■symmetry, and a noble carriage. But possibly his special feature is his firmness and erectness on his legs. His owol, though, pronouncedly Lincoln at the tips, is bf fine texture arid of immense, density. Everybody who saw the ".World's Champion" .agreed that; he was worthy of his name. Local breeders were immensely taken with him, several of our prominent Romney breeders declaring that they, had never seen anything to approach him. A Poverty Bay breeder, who is considered one of the best judges in- the

Dominion, also remarked to an "Age" representative that this ram was the finest type of the Romney he had ever seen. The remainder of Mr Short's exhibition sheep were also much admired, two in particular establishing themselves in popular favour. Local breeders will have an opportunity at to-day's ram fair of acquiring some of Mr Short's; Parorapgi sheep, and. it goes without saying that they . will be keenly competed for. CATTLE. The cattle exhibits were again critically examined, and many visitors expressed themselves pleased and surprised at the excellent show of fat stock. ''You have easily the best in. New Zealand," remarked a Southern breeder to an "Age" representative. DOCS. The display of dogs was much stK perior to that of last year. Mr Paul Hunter, the well-known judge, of Porangahau, stated that he noticed & marked improvement all rounds Mr H. Bennett's "Bob" secured first honours in the class for smooth-coated sheep dog, and Mr R. C. F. Dagg's "Tyne" first in the rough-coated class. There were two competitors in the class for spaniel cockers, and Mr A. J. Bray's "Wai Waka Nigger," was awarded .firs* place. .The foxterriers,, Irish terriers and pointers were very good. Mr G. W. Schroder's "Bella" secured first prize for pointer hitch from four competitors. DAIRY PRODUCE. ,The display of dairy produce wad considered by Mr W. Graham (the I Government grader) to be well up .to[the. standard. The-Cheltenham Gooperative Butter Factory was awarded first in butter in boxes for export, with the Masterton Company second. Tlie awards were similar in butter for local consumption. Mrs J. B. McKenzie was first out of a dozen exhibitors in separator butter, and Mr W. J. Biggs first in non-separator - butter. The Greytown Co-operative (Dairy Company was first in the cheese class, with the Taratahi Dair.y Company second. The quality of the "cheese was excellent. HOME INDUSTRIES. The home industries section was particularly strong, the bread, scones and cakes being first-cass. Some very fair samples of dressed poultry were shown, and several good specimens of honey and preserves. Four entries were received for the class for knitted socks; ■ . HORTICULTURAL.^ The horticultural exhibit was not of a very high standard, owing to the variable season, but some really good cut flowers and vegetables were shown. The first prize for collection of vegetables went to Mr M. Casel(berg. Some fine dahlias were shown by Mr T. Dixon, A. Hosking was awarded first for collection "of roses. The fruit was of good quality, though the exhibits were not numerous. The cutting down of. the prize money may, in a measure, have been responsible for the small competition. 'ln the writing for school children, some excellent.specimens were shown. The pupils of the Masterton District High School were eminently successful in these classes, though Rongokokako followed closely in then- footsteps. The. exhibition of vegetables in the children's classes were fairly satisfactory, five school gardens being represented. The whole of these will' receive a prize, namely, Oareville, Greytown, Featheivstoii, and Masterton. EXPERIMENTAL PLOTS. A very good display was made oF cereals, etc., grown on experimental

plots in the district. The oats, ■wheat and maize were of specially lino quality.

SPECIAL EXHIBITS. TIJ E WAIRA RA PA XURSFRIKS. in a i)roinincnt position at the agricultural hall, Mr E. Hale, tho enterprising proprietor of "'1 he Vvairarapa Nuresrie:;," had a magnificent display of seasenaho products, which was the centre of a great dea of interest. Over KM) varieties of fruit wwc shown, including apples, peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, and pears (2-"> varieties), all perfect specimens. '.l"lie exhibits of pot plants and out flowers were also a special | •feature, the former being represent- | ed hy palms, ferns, aspidistra, begonia's, and eoleus. Undoubtedly the pick of the cut flowers were the cactus dahlias, and the exquisite beauty of the .specimens exhibited were generally commented upon. THE M;ASTFPTON T NURSEItI FS. Messrs A. Robin son and Sons deserve every credit for the general excellence of the exhibition, which was 'arranged with -pleasing and artistic effect. There were no fewer than 30 varieties of pet plants, which wore greatly admired by enthusiasts in this .section. Particularly deserving of special mention were the begonias, palms, g.'raniinus, and some perfect .specimen:-:, of asparagus ferns.