NATIONAL DAISY SHOW.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 232, 24 June 1908, Page 4

NATIONAL DAISY SHOW.

BIG QUESTIONS DEBATED.

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT IS DOING,

LESSONS !f! A NUTSHELL..

(bv telegraph—rnoii our special reporters.)

North, Juno 23.

One of the greatest features of the National Dairy Show—perhaps' next in importance to the dairy produce, and ranking in interest with the working machinery—is the immc-nso display of the Agricultural Department. Whereas-one machine may occupy a hundred feet of floor space, one agricultural exhibit of perhaps equal, educational interest may occupy less than a square foot. It will bo apparent, therefore, that the three thousand square feet of table space devoted to the Departmental displays carries .111 overwhelming volume of material heavily laden with information. Yet the Department is so full of information which it is eager .to impart to the_ farmers and their kin that the officials arc complaining almost unanimously that tho space allotted them is too limited. These exhibits tell graphic /stories of, the diseases of stock, made lucid by anatomical sections and culture tubes of microbes; stories of farm seeds and of how farmers can be deceived and injured by, their impurities; stories, intensely fascinating, of the insect posts of fruit and other farm crops, and of the constant warfare waged upou thorn, by their insect foos;-stories of fungus diseases engraved on bottled specimens; stories of farm plants and farm weeds staged in pots; top-dressing manures as tested by thsir results shown in turves of growing grass; hemp varieties and their respective fibres, officially graded; model shelter belts of trees; dainty models of poultry-houses and appliances; wine bottles filled from Government grapes; bottled fruits; State honey in fancy jars and in tins, and home-made, inexpensive beehives; two long tables of apples of 150 varieties—far too many for one nation to grow, but useful for comparison.

An Education in a Nutshell. How much of all these lessons can be absorbed by the usual half-day visitor? There I is food there for U whole four-days' deep study—eight or nino technical courses in a nutshell, the foundations of a dozen branches of farming) the knowledge of a State's expert's boiied down. It is desperately worth loarning, and the groups of farmers who have alroady been pondering over It obviously realiso this. Can the visitors grasp it all in four days? Tho impossibility of such a task is scarcely open to _ doubt. , A farmer may get a vague, strango idea that a creamylooking mottled streak in a culture tube stands for tuberculosis, _ or that . certain monstrosities curled up in v . bottles are intestinal parasites of certain stock, or that a bottlcful of impuro seed sinks to half a bottioful when tho impurities are extracted; or ho may got certain favourable impressions of suporphosphate through its effect on tho sample plots, and be ablo to spell out with difficulty the queer botanical names of common weeds. But all this' is scarcely learning. Insufficient Time for Study. Mr. Barker no doubt could easily occupy a whole day telling one dairy farmer all that he would ask' concerning the veterinary exhibits and tho culture tubes! Mr. Cockayno could talk for.a week to tho farmor's wife and daughter concerning the work of tho insects and the impurities in tho seeds which tho old farmer buys at bargain prices; Mr. Jaques, the canning expert, Messrs. Hydo and Brown, tho poultry specialists, Mr. Hopkins, for honey, Mr. Robinson, for tho experiment farms, and a Messrs. Blackmoro and Boucher as pomologists _ would never ceaso talking oil their respectivo parts of tho industry if one set them going. Four days aro insufficient for such a task as the Department sets tho farmers, and a suggestion that has been made that tho wheno display should bo lcopt on view for a considerable period after cacli show in c\ifferent parts of the colony seizes upon one's_ approval with considerable forco. There might oe difficulties, against such a development, but thcro is certainly the need.

Some !ntsresting insects. Listen for .1 few moments to Mr. Cockayne, assistant 'biologist. Tho delicate littlo flics in these minute bottles are fruitflics—Mediterranean, Queensland, Now Hebrides, New Caledonian; fruit-flies of tho tomato, banana, water melon, pineapple, and somo unnamed specimens' prevalent in the Cook and . Fiji Islands. The . brownish objects aro tho clirysalids or winter sleeping forms, the empty skins in tho next bottles iliave already been vacated, setting free tho winged flies in these other bottles, ancl, finailv, there are tho maggots which. hatched in tlie damaged fruit from the eggs which these flies laid. Tho bottles convoy tho full talo of an interesting life history. Specially interesting are somo Mediterranean tnntflies, which had been hatched 111 New Zealand- from Sydney figs, hitherto considered proof against this post. ' Tbero aro groups of destructive woodborers, bottles of maizo anrl-wheat weevils, showing the littlo pests and the work they do. Tho sight of tlicm will encourage grain farmers to make special efforts to keep their stores free from such little enemies. J-no friendly insects, however, are still moro attractive. There is the ugly, fat codlin moth maggot and pupa .displayed alongsido tho elegant ichneumon fly, which has been let looso in Now Zealand to spear them to death with its long-reaching ovipositor. J.Hero is ail enthralling story of insect methods wrapped up in that .single exhibit, a story that to tho youngest school child would sound as sweet as a fairy tale. V/liat raptures, of interest aro buried in the study of.insects, which hitherto was considered so, prosy. Again, look ,at tho littlo ladybird, tl o sworn foe of the bluo gum scale blight. Until quite lately the blue gums of Canterbury were threatened with extinction by an invulnerable little scalo insect. Then an obscuro ladybird from Australia was lot loose among the gum'trees, and, hey presto! There is now 110 scalo left to sneak or, and the blue gum breakwinds are flourishing Farmers and others who learn tho story of tho insects will begin more and more to understand exactly how much ancl how littlo may bo reasonably expected from the mucli-talked-of natural enemy. They will loarn to identify and sparo and assist the friends and to discovor and dostroy tho enemies.

Farm Seeds ami Impurities. And there is equal interest oxtractablo from the farm seeds. Ono bottlo among othors was filled with a commercial samplo of Now Zealand oats, a chcap lino secured from some seedsman. Another hottleful of the same sample had been separated out iAto its various constituents, with tho result that tho real oats tilled less than half a bottle, and tho impurities rose to varying heights in fivo or six other bottles. It is therefore not only what a farmer, loses on such a bargain that counts against' him, but also iiHSomo respects what ho gains. Dauthonia* our valuable native grass, is ."lso bottled with a mass of rubbish, another dear commercial bargain "bought cheap." Coclsefoot, barley, sainfoin, with its adulterating seeds of sheep's burnot,, greatly resembling tho sainfoin seeds themselves, hicorno spoilt by yellow trefoil, and South African algorian oats mingled with seeds of tho poisonous-grass darnel. Then thoro aro samples of pure seeds collected to show the difforenco between good and bad seeds even when pure. Theso solid facts will appeal right home to tho farmers, and bring them increased profits if they can manage to remember and apply some of them. Alongside are exhibited selected twj!\dli-

THE DAIRYMAN'S PARLIAMENT.

lots posted free of charge on application to tho Biologist at ■ Wellington. Mr. Kirk, tho Government biologist, has-good cause to bo proud of tho display in this and the other sections of his department, in spite of the limited space. These others include exhibits by the canning expert, tho pomologists, and 'tho boo specialist.

The Honay Exhibits. The honey in fancy jars, a duplicate set of tho exhibits sent to tho Franco-British Exhibition, occupies a prominent placo, and is backed by tiers, of tinned honey from the State 1 apiaries, an excellent sample that tickles? tho palate for more. Mr. Hopkins is ■ evidently master of the art of producing a well-made, well-ripenod honey. The . sample frame hivo' mado out of a keroscnp caso :s • oil view. It is said that several, of. tho most successful southern bee-keepers have hundreds of these hives, and although Mr. Hopkins 'is • partial to something 'more 'substantial, he admits _ that this kerosene case does its work all right and "meets' tho law." • It. is in order to ruvc peoplo nq excuse to. continue tho uso of the forbidden box-hives without frames that he submits this cheap remedy. To further aid in this direction he intends,at all tho spring shows to show how bees may be transferred from box-hives to frame-hives, as he intends to ensure tho abolition of all box-hives by next Christmas. A sample caso packed for travelling long distances. is shown with ventilating top and bottom and water sponge. Fruit and Fruitgrowing. Mr. Jaques shows a series of bottled.fruits,. etc., ill a showcase. Ladies and others who wish to talk to him about the best bottles to use, the science of screw stoppers, tho virtues of vacuum, the corroct of ripeness, temperatures, syrups, colour, and variety will all find an ablo and willing toaclier in Mr. Jaques. The.two pomologists have a big theme to discuss over tho apple tables. Mr. Blackmore, of the South Island, is in specially good spirits because tho southern fruit this year is better coloured than that of the north. He shows you the rich cream of Cleopatra from Otago as a sample of southern perfection, the primo qualities of Muro's Favourite, and Itomo Beauty, from Nelson, Lord Wolseloys from tho rich drained swamps of Christchurch, Cornish Aromatic and Alfnston from the cold, wot districts of Southland and around Ashburton. Ho points those out as types of tho apples which ■the south grows bettor than the north,, and in tho present soason tho superior excellence is emphasised. Ho observes, with, a-naivete that northerners will enjoy, that ho does not attribute tho superiority of the south altogether and permanently to superior climate, | but rather, to tho late wot northern spring, j Yot ho deprecates the tendency of northerners to regard tho south, as too cold for fruit; "We get," he said, "an even higher temperature, especially in Central Otago. .There wo havo a longor, season than in Auckland, as shown by tho early ripening of the cherry plum, and peaches, are on cur trees later than they are in Auckland. This is pwinj* to tho high temperaturo and dry conditions.' Southern Fruit and Lateness. So much for the cold, raw, inclement climate of the sub-tropical north, and tho beautiful warm sunshine of the frigid south. But •Mr. Blackmore's eulogy of .southern fruit this season is borno out by the apples exhibited. Tho northern and southern-fruits are staged side by sido for contrast. As to tho value of lateness, Mr. Blacltmore qualifies the common idea that lateness increases value. Ho will point out to those fruit-growers who go.to talk to him at the show that tho best opening in- Britain for New Zealand fruit exists between April and Juno, Tho apples should leave New Zealand about the last week in February, lie continued, so that the last will _ reach London not later than the first week in June. Midseason long-keepers are therefore wanted. In Tasmania, ho says, the Stnrmer pippin, otherwise valuable, ripens so late that they gather tho crop in three stages, taking off the largest each time to get them away early. Mr. Boucher's love, of course, is of tho North Island, and his view of Sturmer pippin, from northern experience,'is kinder than that of his confrere. "It is surprising," ho said,' "liow well tho Sturmer does m tho colder' districts of tho North Island, although it is not so successful • beyond Auckland. _ It blights in the warm districts. In planting fifty acre 3 of Jonathan and Sturmer pippin, tho Greytown Orchard Company is doing the right thing." The tables are full ;of tho lesson of tho special needs of special districts. Ballarat seedling does remarkably well in cold Poverty Bay. Ohinemuri, in warm Hawke's Bay, becomes an exceedingly attractive brightly-coloured pippin, _ but in wet Taranaki it is an ugly, green, dirty-look-ing, russety applo that would be dear at half tho prico. j . Thus there are many lessons to be learned and points to bo debated on the fruit tables.

Wairarapa Exhibits. Wair.irapa, which is one of the best luiown cheese-producing districts in tho Dominion, docs not loom so large in the prise-list as in the two previous years. In 1906,. the Taratr.hi factory almost swept tho board, and Dalefleld, Taratahi, and Belvedere a]so figured on tho list. The record was four firsts, two seconds, and a third. In tho following year Taratahi was again to the foro, and tho Wairarapa factories altogether securcd tin co firsts, two seconds, and a third. 11S y°£ r > Wairarapa has had no chanco whatever tor tho principal prize-money. Mr. A. J.l Ji-en-zie, manager'of the Taratahi Dairy Factory, withdrew his exhibit, owing to tho fact that tho drought had almost, ruined his milk .supply, tho factory being a small one. Mr. M. T West, manager of the Dalefield factory, kept the valley's end fairly well up, howover; with two firsts and a second, while Ohiaruhe scorcd two thirds, and Greytown ono third.' It is generally considered that tho very bad season experienced 111 tho Wairarapa is the main rc-ason for its comparative lion-suctess at this year's national show.

A Classification Schcmc. Mr J. Lang, ono of tho executive of the Maiiawntu A. and P. Association, states that it is very ■ probable that as early, as possible there will be a classification scheme in connection with th<* buttor and cheese exhibits, so that there .will be a difference made between the smaller and the larger factories. At tho present time it is generally contended that smaller factories are at a disadvantage, compared with the larger orjrpnisations, which have greater chancos of selection owing to biggor supplies. It was all a question of cost, however, said Mr. Lang. Tho Association recognised what was required, and would further formulate its scheme at tho first available opportunity. .

the openino ceremony. SPEECH BY LORD PLUNKET. TOWN AND COUNTRY. At noon, his Excellency the Governor, accompanied by-Lady Plunket, was conducted to an elevated stand in the centre of tho machinery hall to open tho show. Mr. F.* Arbon, President of the Association, extended a hearty wcleomo to their Excellences, and in doiiig so said that tho Association felt highly honoured at tho 'Governor's prcsonco. Mr. Arbon also referred to the honour conferred upon them at tho last spring show, when tho House adjourned in order that the mombors could visit tho

show. He felt that the Association would greatly benefit by tha erection of the Dairy College, and the opening of the Main Trunk line. His Excellency, on rising, was greeted with applause. Ho stated that it gave him great satisfaction to find himself present to open tho show, especially with Palmerston as his home. It was pleasing to no to the progress of tho Association, and this winter show, and ho believed it Would be raised still higher and higher year after year. It was only natural that it attracted tho attention of the public, not only throughout he wholo Dominion, but beyond. Ho understood that long .speeclios were not permitted; and it was just as well, bocaujc ho had hot'a re-' putation as a long speaker. However,. ho wished, to make a short remark upon tho future. It was gratifying to see the largo audition to tho machinery exhibits, and particularly to tho agricultural machinery. 11l order to forward tho interest of tho Dominion tho country must assist tho town, and tho town assist the country, and they should support tho manufacture of agricultural machinery within tho Dominion. His Excellency then pulled a wire at-. tachcd to the big power engine, and set machinery in motion. The party were subsequently' escorted around the various exhibits, in which theii Excellencies appeared to take considerable interest. THE PRIZE LIST. YESTERDAY'S AWARDS. The following further classes wore judgei yesterday: — \ FARMERS' BUTTER. Fresh separator butter.—Mrs. R. M, Bryant, 1; L. Pemberton, 2. Non-separator.—Mrs. H. Stantiall, 1. ' Tho judgo said that the exhibits, althougl few, wore of very fair quality, and wero go) up for show "purposes. * FACTORY HAMS AND BACON. Two hams—Okitu Factory, 1 and 2. ■ . Sides 1 of bacon.—Okitu Factory, 1 and 2. FRUIT. Apples. ' Sturmer pippin.—F. H. Outram, 1; F. M, Mayo, 2; J. Mayo and Sons, 3. ■ Stono pippin.—J. Clark, 1; F. H. Outram, .Cambridge pippin.—F. H. Outram, 1. Cox's orange pippin.—Slack Bros., 1: JClark', 2. , ■: A.O.V. pippin—J. Mayo and Sons, 1. Nonpareil russet. T. Keeble, 1; J. Clark, 2. ■■■...•

•' Washington.—]?. H, Outram, I;.F. M. Mayo, 2; J. Devonshire, 3. ' Lord AVolseky.—F. H. Outram, 1. Jonathan.—T. Keeble, X; J. Clark, 2. Adams's pe'amaiu.—J. Clark,. 1. Northern spy.—J. Clark, 1. Reinette de Canada.—T. Keeble, 1; J. Clark, 2. Any one variety.—A. R. Mayo, 1; J. Clark, 2. , , Mr. Alex. Allison, tlio judge of fruit, star ted that the stone pippin apples were very good, likewise Cos's orange pippin. The exhibit of A.O.Y. pippin by J. Mayo and Sons was very highly coloured. _ Some of tho oUier exhibits wore defectivo'in this respcct. ' Tho russet varieties were good, •while tho red winter pearmain class hibited by J. Devonshire was a fi.no exhibit.

Collection six varieties. —F. M. Mayo, Sturmer pippin, IJ. Mayo and Sons, Sturmer pippin, 2; F. H. Outra'm's Jonathan Dougherty, 3.. _ • The winner takes the Royal Horticultural Society's medal and a £1 prize, the sccond prize being 15s. x •, Case Sturmer pippin.—J. Mayo and Sons, lj F. M. Mayo, 2; .A: R. Mayo,. 3. Case Washington.—F. H. Outram, 1; A. R: Mayo, 2; F._M. Mayo, 3. , Case any variety.—J. Mayo and Sons, 1; F. S: Outram, 2; A. R. Mayo, 3. Other Fruit.

Pears, 'any variety.—A. R. Mayo, 1 and 2; J/, Clark, 3. Lemons—A. Harding, 1 and 2. Walnuts.I—P.1 —P. G. Brooke, 1; H. Knowles, 2. . ' . ;V-

PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION. : Cabbs(goi—Kimbolton School; "1. . ' Carrots, long.—'Taonui, 1; Cheltenham, 2; • Kimbolton, 3. ; ■ Carrots, short.—Taonui, 1; Cheltenham, 2. Turnips.—Kimbolton, 1. . '' Parsmpp.—Taonni, 1; Cheltenham, 2;■ Kimbolton, 3. Beets.—Cheltenham, 1; Taonui, 2.- , Swedes.—Cheltenham, 1. Any other variety of school garden produce. —Cheltenham, 1; Kimbolton, 2. Sutton's kale. —Cheltenham, 1. '■ Kohl Eabi— I Cheltenham, 1. Million Maker..—Cheltenham, 1. NATURAL HISTORY. . Collection dried grasses.—Manga weka, Ashhurst, 2. ■, ■ |. ' ... The judgo -.was strongly impressed with tho neatness of the winning exhibit. Collection iujiu;ious New Zealand weeds. — Mangaweka, i,; : Ashhurst, 2. • Aji excellent ar.hibit. >■«-. ' "OPEN COMPETITION. \ Collection of-.grasses grown in districts of Wellington, Havbe's Bay,; and Taranaki.-— P. G, Jackson, 1;; F. D. Bauckham, 2.. 1 Collection injurious New Zealand weeds.—■ P. G. Jackson, J.'} Miss M. H. Kuhtze, 2. HOME INDUSTRIES. Loaf white, bread I .—Mrß. E. Brown, 1; Gladys Prouse, 2.' "'.j,. Brown bi'Cfd—;\lrs. J. Falkner, 1. .Seed, cake—Mrs; H. Bromley, 1; Mrs. H. Ansticc, 2. ~ _ Fruit cakc.—Andrew, l;, Mrs. H. Bromley, 2. " .s" n. , r . Ginger-bread.—MfSi,|H- Bromley, 1; Miss E. Lancaster, 2. [,X i, Shortbread. —'K> M'Donald, 1; Misf Balsillio, 2. = Oatcake,—Miss 1.

• Pastry.—Mrs. M'Dpnald, 1. Scones.—Mrs. Bannister, 1; Miss Law, 2. Potato®?, boiled.—tllrsi R. Stowart, 1. Tho Home Industries' provoked a fair amount of especially in tho classes devoted -te- bread, fruit-cake, scoiws, and somo of ..the-. preserves. The judge, Mr. F.' M'Parlaffd;bf Wellington, said that the bread was exceptionally well got, up, well baked, and with good oolour: The shortbread and-, pastry wero '•ias r -' good as ho had tasted, while tho fruitcakes, and sconea were also of good cjuallLV: l "The preservea were first-class, showing :»ii -no' instanco any signs of fermentation. Tlie'-jellies also had nothing wrong with" them., y From the exhibits of preserves,' ho wai'. inclined to the opinion that in. this ■ department r _of home industry, housewives in the Dominion had just about readied perfection, •*;>

. PRESERVES AMD PICKLES. Collection of jams.—Miss EjtJ' Lancaster, 1- Mrs. AY. M. Clark,'2; Mrs'. 1 H. Bromley. 3. - :x Collection of jellies.—Mrs. ffi Anstice, 1; Mrs. W. M. Clark, 2; Mrs.-- E. M'.';Dilo, s 3. Marmalade—Sirs. Anstice, 1 j r '3lrs/ Rcnncll, 2; Mrs. E. F. Sanson, 3. *- a ■.= Tomato sauce.—Mrs. 1;" Mrs Bromley. 2. • [J. . A.O.V. sauce. —Mrs. Anstice, li Collection pickles.—Mrs. E. iTop)c, ; '

VEGETABLES. Beets, long red.—T. Keeble, H. Outram, 2. ' . , . Intermediate. —S. M. Lusford/ l; ;L. A. Abraham, 2. - Cabbage.—T. Webb, 1; T. Keeble, 2; J Carrots, long red— F. A. AbralnVrA,' 1; S,/ R. Lancaster, 2. ■ ! SIntermediate.—L. A. Abraham, >;IJ.' Gloyn, 2. ' :r " Short. —L. A. Abraham, 1; S. M'.', Luxford, 2. *' Celery, white. —F. H. Outram, Gloyn, 2. . v V ■ Celery, dwarf redL, A. Abraham, IT :.' r Lock.—F. H. Outram; 1; Slack Bros.f 2 ;"V L. A. Abraham, 3. »• Onion, Spanish.—T. Keeble. 1:-J. Glovn, 2 and 3. • " Onion, Globe. —J. Gloyn, 1 and 2. Giant Rocca: —W. J. Aruiidol, 1. " A.O.V. onion.—W. J. Arundel, 1. Parsley.—T. Webb. Parsnip, hollow crown.—L. A. Abraham,,' 1 and 2-; P. 11. Outram, 3.: . •• , Pumpkin.—F. H. Outram, 1: L. A. Alfraham, 2; Slack Bros., 3,

Pumpkin, heaviest.—H. J. Haynes, 1. Eschalots. —T. Webb, 1; S. M. Luxford, 2. • '"•Spinach:—P.- H. Outram, lj S. M. Luxford, 2. ; , Turnip.—L. A. Abraham, 1. Vogetablo marrow.—L. A. Abraham, 1; T. 'Keoble, 2; S. M. Luxford, 3. Mr. F. H.'Outram carried off 'tho: Royal Horticultural Society's medal for tho best collection of vegetables. • POTATOES. .Early white round.—Slack Bros., 1 ,!; S. R. Lancaster, 3 White Kidney.—S. R. Lancaster, 1; W. T. London, 2. Early Blush or Rose.—Jas. M'Farland, 1; C. Keayns, 2. Lato Blue.—Rintoul Bros., 1. '.'Lato White.—ll. W. Richards, 1; Rintoul Bros.,- 2. A.0.V., .late. —Rintoul Bros., 1; T. Wobb, 2. ' Collection prize,, 205., and Royal Horticultural. Society's medal.—W. T. London (Kimbolton), 1 and 2. ; FIELD ROOTS. Kale.—W. Stretton, 1; W. J. Balsillie, 2; W; Stretton, 3. Cabbage.—T. Keeblc, 1. Carrots, red intermediate.- —W. J. Arnndol, 1; Rintoul Bros., 2; T. Keeble, 3. Carrots, long red. —W. J. Balsillie, 1. Can'ots,. long white.—J. M'Farland, 1; A. R. Mayo. 2 ; W. J. Balsillie, 3. Carrots, 6 roots, white, intermediate. — A. Passey, 1; W. J. Balsillie, 2. Carrots, Champion Sinclair.—W. J. Arundel, 1 and 3; A. R. Mayo, 2. Mangel wurzel • long red.—J. Russ'el, 1; T. Ivublo, 2; H. W. Richards, 3. Yellow. Globo. —W. J. Balsillie, 1; G. Hight; 2; J. M'Farland,'3. Golden ' Tanliard.—E. E. Fletcher/ 1 and 2: J. Allison, 3. Kohl Rabi—W..J. Balsillie, 1. ; Swede Turnips.—J.' Robertson, 1; W. J. Anindel, 2; Weston Bros., 3. Turnip Green Tod.—W. J. Balsillie, 1. , : Purple W. Balsillie. Artificial• Manure; prize '£3—J. BalGillie. • . , , - ■

FARM PRODUCTS. ■Sack of Oats.—A. Passey, 1; F. E. B, Lovelock, 2; F. S. M'Rac, 3. .' Truss Hay.—F. S.. M'Rac, 1. fl . Ensilage.—W;, Stretton, 1 and 2; J. A M'Leavoy, 3. Maize Ensilage.—J. A. M'Leavev, 1. Spring Wheat.—M. ; Phillip, 1; C. A. Masters, 2; R. J. Dagg, 3. Rye.—R. J. Dagg, 1. . "Cape Barley .—A. Nnils'on, 1-. . Dun Oats.— R. J. Dags, I.and 2. ' * Algerian Oats.—A. Passey, 1; F; S. M'Rao,'2; M. Voss, 3. Rosobery Oats—R. J. Dagg. 1 and 2. Oats, any variety.—R. J. Dagg, .1 and 2. Partridgo Pens.—T. P., Blake, 1; F. T. Nenrno, 2; .T. Gloyn, 3. , • Yorkshire Peas.—R. Dagg, 1: R. Stewart, 2.

Field Peas.—S. R. Lancaster, 1: T. P. Blake, 2. .'! Beans.:—F. T. Noarne, 1. \ GRASS SEEDS (FARMERS). Cocksfoot.—R. J. Dagg, 1 and 3; Badger ■ Bros., 2. ■ Italian Ryegrass.—R. J. Dagg, 1; T. Masters, 2;' T. Gifford, ,3. Ryegrass.—T. Masters, 1; A. Eglinton, 2; R. J. Dagg, 3. /' Crested • Dogstail.—Badger Bros.! ■1: T... Drinkall, 2. .. , True Sheep Fescue.—Badger Bros, • 1.;

THE'NOTABLE WINNERS. MR. J. ADAMSON. CHAMPION CHEESE-MAKER OF THE : ' DOMINION. ..Judged on the season's results', tho champion cheose-maker of the Dominion is Mr". J. Adamsdii, manager of the Featherston Dairy Factory. So far, Mr. Adamson has shipped away behalf of. his company somo ,3000 cases of cheese in twelve consignments',' and his grading: averago reads 01.11. : At the show to-day the championship has to be decided in-an award which includes the'classes of whito and coloured cheese suitable for export, but if -those two extra classes , are computed as two.separate shipments, Mr. Adamson's percentage will be lowered only a fraction, not enough to make any appreciable difference. .- Mr. ,Adamson was ; 'born in Oamaru in 1869, and his cheese-making apprenticeship was. served in tho !'Waiarelta Factory,' Oamaru, under Mr. John Sawers, the present manager of Edendalo! iVir. Adamson was afterwards under the charge of Mr. J. 'Bain, at present at Akaroa, 'aid.-then he ■whs"for.a number of years manager of the German' Bay For the next few years, .Mr. • Adamson was. butter-making at Auckland, but in 1903 he rcsumdil tho manufacture of . cheeso :at''Rongol&kako, near Eketahuna. He was there years, and in lflOG. was appointed to the managership of tho Featherston Factory. . ; Asked to givo some ,idea of his cheesemaking methods, Mr.! Adams&n said that he was a believer iii the pan system, in preference to tho rack method with-' reference to thd draining of the curd.. He ascribed his success this season in a- measure to tho fact that- be . was well supported in' his methods by Mr. W. Fugp, chairman of the ..directors, and the-'directors themselves, all of whom insist del on a'supply of perfectly clean milk, which .was not taken at thp factory after 5.30 a.nn' Ho was a firm believer" in a properly cooked curd beforethe whey, .whicjrj gavo an opportunity for obtaining a gpod body and nice texture. It was a good .-plifn' to do as li ttle hand-stirring as possible, In his opinion, cheese should mature u#ards of fo,ur hours before salting, so as td> loavo a nico silkiness and . a smooth surface. Ho. was very careful in pressing.. Slow pressing ■ was required in the early stages so as to ensuro close cheese. His whdy-'-' cans wero kept thoroughly clean-and washed out daily. It is a somewhat curious! fact in the light of Mi. i Adanison s success, that at Featherston the whey.is m many cases.convoyed home in the milk cans. Tho'-'Featherston manager, admits that; this is a'tjaitgerous practice, but It is nullified to a great extent by tho fact that the dairymen arsj..scrupulously .careful in the cleansing of %ejr milk cans..

i MS. SAWERS. Mr. John Sawers,ijjhe well-known manager of tho .Edendale: ctcc-so factory, has been termed one of of.the dairy industry in New, Zealand. He has had an expc-rienco of twenty-two years in tho cheese business ,in the ,Jii6niimon. . ]-Jq established at - Cardiff ourfirstipo-oporativo dairy factory, and ho was -the .first. dairy instructor cmployed by. the ,jNpw Zealand Government. His first Waiareka, near Oamaru and leased this and tho . Elcmington factories, after which lie ioined tho Government as cheeso instructor, which position ho hfW'for about nine years. Mr. S.ivcrs for somo years scci'etary of tho Association, and while m Wellington he also -represented nn En<rhsh produce firm. .As manager of Edendale for the>pasij;three years ho has established record in that timo as., a prise-winner winning the 'Invcrcargill Cup thrice conso that it has now bocomo hia entire property, and also winning the Dunedin Cup at Otago, and the New Zealand Shipping Company's Cup at the present Show. - . •

W- ;'MR: M. T. VI EST. Tlierf is.no bettor-known cheese-maker in tho Dominion than Mr.M. T.Wcst, manager of the IJalefield Dairy Factory. Ho has been at, th(| business now doss oil fifteen years, and up to within t*.7o years'ago his aggregate of j cheese prizes was greater than that of ar.y 'other maker in New Zealand. It is (-ypii doubtful if his present record of something like forty first and twenty second prices. has been beaten. This list includes the Ldvcll and Christmas £50 trophy, now reposing at Ngiiire factory, whoro Mr. West was, manager for a period of eleven years, during which timo he swept tho board on many occasions wherever tlierc were chcoso prizes to be taken. At the present timo Mr. West has also two legs-in 'for the Lovoll and Christmas £80 trophy prize; in fact, he won the trophy outright with two consecutive wins, but one was disallowed, because at tho. timo he had shifted from Ngairu to Dalefield, 'although it was his clieeso which .captured the award. Since that timo Mr. West

has again won tho trophy, and another win will mako it his entire property. Mr. West served his apprenticeship at fsgairo, and at tho ond of eighteen months' work was installed as manager of tho factory. Ho has taken prizes for chccsc-niak-

ing over sinco bo has been connected with tho industry, and. ho has a grasp of tho probably not surpassed by'any other maker in the Dominion. For the past three years Mr. West has been manager of tho Dalelield factory, one of the largest of the kind in New Zealand. " TALKS ON THE SHOWGROUND. MOTTLED CHEESES. A PECULIAR MYSTERY.

All the export cheese, with the exception of Edondalo, wore a mottled, 1 ?.nd in some cases a very mouldy, appearance, which somewhat disconcerted tho cheese-makers interested, who had last seen their exhibits in their usual white appearance some months ago, before they were consigned to the, storage room at Patoa. ' Tho export chceso thcreforo presented precisely the same' appearance in the show-room here as it would had it been forwarded to London, and it was m this rospecfc that a large number of the chcosomakers felt tliat. their prestige had suffered. There was some compensation in the fact that tho outward appearance of the exhibits was by no means ail. indication of the quality, which was uniformly good. Jho makers, however, [felt the . jar, simply' because tho one bright shining exception was lidendale, which owns for 'its manner, the redoubtablo. John Sawcr3,'ono of a famous family _ of ' cheese-makers. ' Tliere wero long discussions this morning by tho makers anil tho graders as they went over the exhibits again and again. Tho onim'on was expressed by somo of the makers that tho Edendale cheese must olv;i its nice clean white appearance to sonic' occult treatment, tho secret of which was possessed by Mr. John Sawers, its .manager, bccjir.se it' was well known that during the storage confinement at P.Uea Edendalo was in tho midst of a pile of cheese which was wofully discoloured. The opinion was further expressed that possibly tho Government graders were possessed of Miv.Sawers's secret method, but this statement was. contradicted in toto by the officials, who declared that so far as they knew the mottled appearance of the exhibits was caused by tho makers not taking suffi'cient caro in the finishing work. . James • Sawers,■ of Invercargill, who is/ono of tho best-known of tho Government graders, says thai one. may mako oxcuscs for bad make, but not for finish. Ho had learnt that himself, he said, by practical experience on a memorable occasion when his lead of half'a point for first urize'.was lost through him boim; docked a point for bad finish. ■ 110 thought that tho" mould which was so prominent on this occasion was caused mainly through a certain amount of carelessness on the part of tho makers, and he gavo tho following prescription for their benefit"Tho choose cases must'in the first place 1 bo thoroughly dry, and they should bo well sprayed with formajin. Then groat care should bs taken in wiping and cleaning tho shelves of tho curing room, so that .there is no chanco whatever of mouldy organisms getting a start. It would be preferable, indeed, if the cheese could' bo moved to another curing room at this stage. The cheeses should bo sprayed with formalin, ■ and then beforo they are cased up tho outer bandage should bo removed, and another loosa bandago, .previously soakod in formalin, should bo ■ applied.".

This is Mr.' Sawers's recipe, but Mr. J. Adamson, of the FcathersLon Dairy Factory, states that lie followed this system of treatment in its entirety, but he "may not have used', the-formalin as strong as -was required. 110 simply used a-, solution .of about-two to one. It may be stated tl'at Mr. Adamson's cheeso kept• its colour very well in comparison with some'of the olters, but still it had no chanco in this respect v.iththat of Edendale. ' Mr. T. West, of .the Daleficld factory, was unable to account for tho discoloured nr.f.earanco of the cheese,'which lie eharacfensod as a disgrace. His export exhibits, hero, lie said, were badly affcctcd, but their mates, made at the same time, were reposing in the curing, room at Dr.lelield as white In cutward colour as any cheese ever made. ' He was inclined to blsino tho storage room at Patea for' tho trouble. The room, 'ho thought, must bo damn.- Ho could hot understand how it was, however, that tho Edendale cheese kept its colour'in practically the same surroundings, and he expressed the opinion that fclia Dairy Department should probo the matter to the bottom'. -If it were a fact that.th' 3 Edendale factory manager was poHcessed of some secret treatment which prevented mould, then it was the duty of the Government, in the interest of the in-dustry.-,to tako steps in order to make the information public. 1. .

BUTTER AND CHEESE MAKERS. DISSOLVE THEIR SOCIETY. The tenth annual meeting of tho New Zealand Factory Butter and Cheese Makers' Association was hold to-night. : Mr. AV'iiliam Dempster (Whfcnu&kura), president, occupicd the chair. Tho annual report made regretful mention of a. largo decrease in financial. members. A certain decrease was ospccted owing to the formaijjon of other associations in connection with tho dairy business, but : thoro were still a number who, while enjoying all .tho privileges of membership,.omitted to keep 'themselves financial. The association was still a.useful'means of-finding employment. The balance sheet showed the total receipts 23 £52 10s., and after ail expenses had been met a balance existed of £23 4s. Cd. • Tho report and balance sheet woro adopted. It was resolved to donate £10 to tho secretary, and tho balanco to the now factory managers' association. The gathering then resolved itself into a special meeting to receive a motion from Mr. R. M. liockeil (Levin), notice of which had been given, to dissolve the association as from Juno 24, 1903. y (n moving the motion, Mr. Rockell said the fi'.ct _of co small a gathering that evening to receive this motion was in itself humiliating. • Ho had little, more to say. . The motion was seconded by Mr. F. G. M'Donald (Rata) and carried unanimously without discussion.

A discussion ensued upon the storage of show butter.

Mr. J. O'Dea (Piliama) said the present system ill voguo at I'almerston and Duncdi" was not satisfactory. instanced a cas where butter sent to Wellington for storag had been found three weeks afterwards u tho goods sheds at AVellington. Butter fo tho Auckland show was stored at the por at which it would bo graded. It ivas resolved that tho Factory Man agcrs' Association, which it .was proposed ti form next day, should take the matter up. Though not stated at tho meeting tho rea son for the resolution the Association ha; como to is that certain of tho members, not ably factory managers' assistants, havi joined labour Unions, and tho Associatioi was becoming littlo better than a laboui bureau. Tho now Association will consisi entirely of managers.

IMPORTANT PROPOSALS. MARKETING OF PRODUCE. HUGE SAVINGS PROPHESIED. Great secrecy is maintained concerning what transpired at a private meeting addressed by Messrs. Wyatt and F. Osborno, the Victorian dairy- factories' marketing agents. Tho meeting was called by tho National Dairy Association, but it i 3 understood that tho point at issue was whether the Now Zealand factories should combino to market their own produco both locally and in London. The question has far-reach-ing effects. _ The Press were not admitted to tho discussions, and information after the meeting was officially refused. It is understood that during the meeting it was pointed out that at the present time a large proportion of'{he legitimate profits of tho produce were absorbed by the middlemen both in London and Now Zealand, and it was felt that by pombining and employing their own agent to market their produce, producers would savo much unnecessnry waste. Tho question was so big that many of those present counselled oxtremo caution in the proposed movement.

Tho Victorian visitors fully explained their scheme, under v.;hich the Victorian factories in the combination market their produco at 2 per cent, cost in London, and 3 per cent. in. Australia. These figures were far below tho cost to tho New Zealanders. It was estimated that New Zealand farmers lost ss. per box under present modes of local which on tho 20 tons per week consumed in Wellington meant over £10,000 per annum. The advantages of an Australasian combine in approaching the -London market were portrayed in equally high colours. It was a largely-attended meeting which lasted nearly four hours. The meeting finally resolved to distribute copios of tho Victorian delegates' scheme amongst the dairy companies interested, and to meet again shortly.

NOTES. The bad season was probably the reason why thero was not a larger number of entries in farm roots. Mangolds were- ''the largest oxhibits, followed by carrots, but little was soon of Swede turnips and pumpkins. '< Tho Euxford Shield, valued at thirty guineas, for the best collection brought forward, had only one entrj;, that of Mr. W. J. Balsillio, of .Kairanga, with a very deserving samplo. Tho judge, Mr. G. Ronnie, of Lincoln, Canterbury, stated that, considering tho season, tho exhibit all round was very good, and quite up to the Canterbury mark! He specially praised Mr. W. J. Balsillio's exhibit in tho Luxford competition. 11l tho. farm competitions the exhibits of seeds, dry fodder, and onsilage wero not numerous. In tho public schools division tho Kairanga School's solitary collection of farm products was ono of the gems of the show. In tho other school classes for weeds and ' dried grasses the entries were small, but of some merit. The inject classes unfortunately had no entries. . Fat sheep and pigs, which are to bo judged to-morrow, promise good contests. The poultry classes have 500 entries. Great questions havn been wrestled with by tho National Dairy Conference, as reported in detail, and further important points await to-morrow's meetings of various bodies. Mr. Cuddio's forthcoming arrival and address after his visit Homo avo arousing keen expectation.' Tho monster half-ton cheese from the Ngairo factory has been filled with bullion to tho extent of £15, made up of ten half-sove-reigns, 80 shillings, 200 sixpences, and M 0 threepences, and is being sold in half-pound bits at a fairly rapid rate, especially to the younger fry. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. Wednesday's programme is as follows:— 2 p.m.—Judging of poultry, sheep, and pigs, weight judging, equestrian events. Visit of laranaki farmers to Weraroa experiment farm in tho afternoon.

9.15 a.m. of representatives of dairy companies re butter-box industry. 1.30 p.m.—Meeting of factory managers to form association. P;? n - oot ' n E °f dairy companies in tho Wellington Industrial Union district to arrange re taking, evidenco for submission to tho Arbitration Court in August and Sep-' tember next in dairy workers' dispute. 10. a.m.—Paper by Mr. Singleton, ActingDairy Commissioner, and Mr. Pedersen Dairy Instructor. ' 5.30 p.m.—Annual meeting of the Now Zealand Dairy Company Secretaries. CONFERENCE ARRANGEMENTS. Mr. D. Cuddie, Dairy Commissioner, is expected to arrive at tlw Palmerston show' on Thursday, and the business of tho Dairymen's Conference has been re-arranged to enable him'to deliver an address in tho afternoon. Sinco Mr. Cuddie is expected to bo weli primed with facts and information gathered ■ at Home, his address is being looked forward to with crea't interest. To-morrow (Wednesday) morning a meeting will bo held of dairy companies in tho Wellington district to discuss matters connected, with the butter-box business."