Romney Marsh

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28742, 13 November 1958, Page 20

Romney Marsh

Entries were again high in the Romney Marsh section, and most of the sheep shown were brought out in very good order. The standard for the most part was high, although one or two sheep showed the effect of the dry season. The judge of the rams (Mr A. T. Ottrey, Heriot) was particularly impressed with the under 18 months, shorn class, which had 22 rams. “The first three sheep in this section were most promising, and fit to show anywhere,” he said. The champion ram, shown by R. J. Low and Sons. Rakaia, could have been slightly longer in conformation. but apart from that it was a very good animal, he said. The reserve champion was a good, strong sheep without the same quality in wool as the champion. The ewes shown, judged by Mr G. E. Allen, jun., of Masterton, were of a general good standard, without being really outstanding apart from the top sheep. The champion ewe, shown by F. Chittock, of Lincoln, was a fine animal and would compete with success at any show, said Mr Allen. Most of the ewes were not showing any effect of the dry season. Border Leicester The outstanding class in the Border Leicesters was the oneshear rams, said the judge (Mr , James Grant, Invercargill). With 23 entries, the class was very strongly contested and the quality was shown by the fact that the champion and reserve champion rams came from this class. Entries for the section were higher than last year in most classes, with the exception of the old rams. Competition throughout was not strong in the ram classes, with the notable exception of the one-shear rams. The standard of the hoggets shown was high, said Mr Grant. Two of the ewe hoggets, in particular. were outstanding animals and would do well in any show. Dorset Down The Dorset Down section was of fair standard, but competition between breeders was not very strong, said the judge (Mr Jos. Webb, Taihape). The general standard was quite good considering the dry season, however. ‘‘l must say, however, that I have seen better top sheep here, especially in the ram sections.” said Mr Webb. The ewes were more than holding their own.