MASTERTON A. AND P. SHOW

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11511, 18 February 1903, Page 8

MASTERTON A. AND P. SHOW

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) MASTERTON, February 17. Beautiful weather prevailed for the opening day of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association's sixteenth annual exhibition. The attendance was about the same as is usually seen on judge's day, but it is expected that with fine weather there will be a record on people's day. Judging commenced at 9.30 o'clock this morning, and continued till late in the afternoon. From both a numerical point of view and in the matter of excellence *be entries constitute a record. They total 1590, against 1531 last year, the principal increase being in produce. The sheep section forms a particularly good display, and is recognised as one of > the most important features of the show.' The Southdown section is undoubtedly the most interesting, besides being a keenly contested exhibit, and there are 127 entries in this class; The Garforth Memorial Challenge Cup has certainly contributed towards bringing forward these large entries from the flocks of such breeders as Williams and Beetham, J. Stuckey, Nelson Bros., T. R. Lancaster, and Mrs B. H. Slack. The quality of these exhibits is stated to be as good as any yet seen at kindred shows in this colony. J. Stuckey annexed eight first awards and nine seconds, Mrs Slack securing two firsts and one second. The former breeder also won both championships, and easily secured the cup for this year. The cup has to be won three timics, not necessarily in succession, and the Association awards a gold medal to each year's winner of, the cup. The honours in the Shropshires were divided between Williams and Beetham, H. Willis, and John Rayner- Nelson Bros, secured the championship in the ram class, and H. Campbell in the ewe. Messis Perry Bros, and B. and W. Rayner Were the only competitors' in Lincolns, the former securing the championship for ewe, and the latter in the ram class. Otherwise Perry Bros- swept the board. Nelson Bros., S. R. Lancaster, P. C Threlkeld, Jefrey Bros., | and Slack Bros, were prominent exhibitors lin English Leicesters. A. C. Cooper annexed the champion in ram, and Perry Bros, in ewe. P. C. Threlkeld secured two firsts, seconds, and thirds. The competition was exceptionally keen, and the animals were shown in good condition. Nelson Bros, had no competition*to contend with in the Border Leicesters. Tlie Romney Marsh was a strong section, both as regards number and quality. Gray Bros, captured the diampionship with their ram, and E. Short with their ewe. The exhibits in the farmers classes were a good all round lot. In the Lincoln section R, Johnston swept the board with some splendid sheep. The longwoo! and longwool cross made a remarkably good display, and each section was keenly contested. The some remarks apply to tat sheep. The cattle entries show a falling off of twenty on last year's show, but' the quality is equal, if not superior, to that of the preceding year, the fat cattle being especially good. The trustees of the late D. McMaster annexed the premiership in both bull and cow, with the Duke of York and Irene respectively. This estate accounts for the larger portion of the awards, the Mount Herbert estate coming in for a couple of honours. John McMaster was the most successful in the grade of Shorthorn. Williams and Beetham's Diamond Jubilee (a splendid beast) was awarded the championship in purebred Hereford bull, and J. Stuckey's Amethyst in cow. Mr Stuckey secured five first awards in Hereford*." G. Standen's Duke of York, which secured first in purebred Ayrshire, is a splendid animal, and come in for much admiration. There was only one entry in Polled Angus, that of Anketell Bros. S. R. Lancaster's bull Rimutaka was awarded the championship in the Jersey and AMerney class in a moderate com-

the'championship for cow. In the fat cattle class Williams and Beet ham annexed both championships, as well as other prizes. The number of entries in horses was about the same as the preceding' year. There is a strong representation in "hack classes, while the draught section is a creditable display. Only a small portion of the judging in horses was completed today. In pigs there are 39 entries, Messrs Slack Bros, being the principal exhibitors and prize-takers. The judging of horses, dogs, and produce will be completed to-morrow.