THE YEOMAN.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 35, 2 September 1867, Page 3

THE YEOMAN.

Our readers must not suppose because we have not said anything lately about the formation of an Agricultural Association for the Wairarapa that the subject has either escaped our attention or that we think the formation of such an association premature. The time of the year and the state of the weather were unfavorable for the object in view, but the meetings that were held afforded to us sufficient evidence that it was considered by many of our best settlers desirable that such an association should be formed, it would prove a benefit to the district. Nevertheless there can be no doubt that the great majority of our agricultural friends require stirring up alittle, and we know of no better way of doing this than by selling before them from time to time, what agriculturalists in other parts of the colony are doing which would be worthy of their imitation. We haye before called attention to the existence of the Tokomairiro Farmers, Club, and we will now give an abridged report of the second annual ploughing match which recently took place in connection with the Club which we have taken from the “Bruce Herald,” The event excited a large amount of interest and excitement among the residents of the district, only exceeded in intensity by those more immediately concerned—the competitors, who each seemed determined, from preparations previous to the day of trial, and the nervous anxiety to do his best in the field, to carry off one or other of the numerous and valuable prizes offered. The weather was beautiful; and the land was rather improved than otherwise by the heavy lain which fell on the Tuesday evening, with one or tWo exceptions in the hollow parts of the field. There were we believe, 37 entries; but there only appeared on the field 34 at the time of starting, which fully represented the entire area included in the district of the Club. At a signal given by the Secretary, these all got in motion, on pretty

equal terms, and great pains Were taken by all to make a good “ feering,” in hopes of secu ™’o t' l6 Prize for this portion of the work. As the day advanced, large numbers of spectatorswvere present, and critically viewed the work ot the ploughmen supposed to be amongst ii “ ,! tuuates ’” a,K I the junior class, from the really good work executed by the youthful competitors, came in for a large share of attention and Commendation. The visitors must have been greatly gratified by the sight of so many well-bred, powerful, well-groomed, and most tastefully harnessed teams which were there, suggesting the thought that farmers, although depressed by low prices for their produce, are not yCt in despair. From the position of the field, the scene of contest extended a great length, necessitating a good deal of travel to the Judges and those specially interested. The ploughs were generally of the most approved description, the makers being Barrowman, M'Kel'row, Sellar, Porton, Currie; and some made by our local blacksmiths were constructed on most effective principles. The two-furrow plough, made by Messrs Chalmers, Was much admired, and the holder of it, Mr. Chalmers sent, gained the prize in this class, as also for being the oldest ploughman.

At noon a halt of half-an-hour was made for luncheon, which Mr. and Mrs. Waft liberally llisjltaiacd to tKc X i'ioy ljuing so refreshed, a start was again effected; and the judges were now able to Speak of the merits of the general work, which we believe, was considered good, on the whole; but we incline to the opinion that it did not equal that of last year.

After the match a dinner was held and speeches made which contained remarks What would be equally as interesting to the Farmers of the Wairarapa as to those of Otago, For example;— The Chairman, in proposing the toast of the evening, “ The Farmers’ Club," said, during the short time the Club had been in existence it had been Very successful, and doubtless much good had arisen from its operations. But there was one thing wanting he should like to see started, and he Would urge it upon the attention of every one interested in the prosperity of farmers, and that was, —some place where farmers could meet together to consult and discuss questions -affecting their position and prospects. At home such places were common and it could not be supposed that we Were wiser than the farmers there. If regular meeting* were organized for such a purpose, mind would rub against mind, and would elicit sparks of thought and information, which Would be of very great service hi the present depressed condition of agriculture, ‘ We give the speech made in reply to tha toast for the purpose of lettingour local readers know how Farmers, Clubs are supported la Oiago:—

Mr. Muir, Secretary, replied, saying that the Club, although only, infancy, had been highly successful, and ho migh say much of that success was due to the active exertions of the Committee. During the year they had two Ploughing Matches, one Stock and one Seed Show, all of which were successful, and be was happy to add they werein’pretty good funds. At the first match there were about thirty ploughs entered, and £45 offered in prize money. While the Club owed much to the farmers, he would say they were as much indebted to the tradesmen and merchants. The had contributed most liberally. On the occasion of the Cattle Show they had presented to the Club about £3O, and at the Seed Show a handsome Silver Cup was given by Mr. M’Gill—and others had given valuable prizes.