HORTICULTURAL AND AGRICULTURAL DIVISION

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 142, 18 June 1919, Page 15

HORTICULTURAL AND AGRICULTURAL DIVISION

FIELD ROOTS.

Entries in the section for field roota were well up to the average in number, but lacked somewhat in quality. ' The latter^ is attributed in the main to tho unsatisfactory season, particularly to the drj spell. Giant cabbages, carrots, and swedes have, a strange attraction for city folk, who are more accustomed to smaller varieties; therefore the section is always a popular one to the general public. This year the Sntton Shield- went, to T. Webb, of'Palmerston North, who scored most points for two / successive years. The shield lias been Avon by A. Passey, Pohangina, and had lie '"been successful this time instead of only run-ner-up, the trophy would have beon his absolute property. There was an excellent* assortment of roots considering the conditions under which they must have been grown. The prize money, too, was distributed among nine different exhibitors. T. Webb secured seven firsts, six seconds, and two thirds; A. Passey was awarded four firsts, two seconds, and four thirds; T. Mitchell, Pordell, followed close with four" firsts, two seconds, and! one third; and J. and R. Wyley, Fordell, were not far away with Wo firsts, three seconds, and one third. The other place-getters were 0. 'Mom-ad, Palmerston, and D. W. Hogan, Apiti, each one first and one third; W. 0. Missen, Linton, one third; John Buglass, one first and two seconds;'B. B. Zurcher, Longburn, one second; D. Martin, Kairanga, W. Bichardson, Tiakitahuna, D. Martin, Kairanga, D. Lordiss, Kairanga, and. T. H. Talbot, Okotuku, each one third. FARM PRODUCTS. This section covered chaff, hay, and ensilage, and was favoured with larger entries than usual. J. and R. Wyley, Fordell, were awarded two firsts, two seconds, and one third, and F. A. Parker, Blenheim, two firsts, - one second, and one third. The only other exhibitors to gain a first were J. A. M'Leavey, Whakaronga, and B. Buchanan, Tiafcatalwna. W. B. Faulding, Halcombe, and" C. Bidwill, Featherston, were each awarded one second, and J. F. Knight, Newbnry, <md J. Basmussen, Halcombe, each one tfiird. SEED AND GBAIN. This was an open class for farmers, but <lid not provide a great deal of competition. 'A most-points prize, valued at £3, offered by the National, Mortgage and Agency Co., Ltd. (Longburn Freezing Works), was won by T. Webb, with four firsts. F. A. Parker, Blenheim, was awarded two firsts and a second and one third; Bruce Bros., Awahuri, two firsts; W. B. Faulding, Halcombe, and A. Passey, Pohangina,, each one first: J. Balsillie, Kairanga, two seconds; J. and ft. Wyley, Fordall, one third. F. T. Parker, Blenheim, had a monopoly of the grass seed section, with four firsts, one second, and one third. VEGETABLES. Paimerston can always be relied upon to provide a good display of vegetables for table use. Those examining the section this year will not be disappointed. The vegetables are even better than formerly, and that is saying a gTeat deal. Onions of all sorts u,nd sizes, carrots, celery, leeks, rhubarb, lettuce, -marrow, pumpkins, spinach, cabbages, and cauliilour are all in first-class show condition, tuid go to make up n. very elaborate and comprehensive display, which must indicate to the amateur pegging away persist-- ; eutly on his small section what can, with 1 care, be grown. Of course, most of the inhibitors are what may he termed professionals, and it is suggested that a class purely for amateurs—preferably amateurs confined to towns and cities — would bo a valuable addition to the schedule. The Grady trophy for most points in the vegetable classes was easily secured by T. Webb, a well-known gard-ener of Prilmerston North. In most 'of the classes he liad no difficulty in disposing of tho opposition, and in the end came up with 18 firsts out of a, possible of 53, ten seconds, and four thirds. As I will bo eeen, he was placed in every

class but one. The runner-up, G. V. Tate, of Waitara,, was awarded five firsts, one second, and one third. Other successful exhibitors were: C. H. White■head, three firsts, five seconds,, one third; Awapuni Home, two firsts, three seconds, and one third; J. Balsillie, Kaira.nga, two firsts; W. B. Faulding, Halcombe,, A. Pass.ey, Pohangina, and S. Moore, Awahuri, each one first and one third; I\ H. Outrun, Palmerston, one first, two seconds; John Buglass, Linton, one first, one second; E. Vadle, Waitapu, one first; A. H. More, Tiritea, two seconds; B. HeaTd, Linton, Mrs. M. F. Ellis, PaTmerstan, and' T. F. Conway, Palmerston, each one second; A. E. Cm-ran, Linton, one third. POTATOES. "The best to date," was the general verdict regarding the exhibition of potatoes. There was, without doubt, a magnificent collection of high-class tubers, which led more than one visitor to ask "Why can't we buy potatoes like these for table use?" and well might the question be asked. It seems certain that one class oE potato is grown for show purposes, and another for markets. Or are the best potatoes exported? Those and other similar reflections were forced upon more than one admirer of the excellent exhibition of potatoes^—all free from blight, each variety universal in size, and evenly shaped. Mr. T. Webb offered a special prize for most points in the potato section section, and himself had the honour of holding premier place. He was awarded two firsts, three seconds, alid two thirds. Other exhibitors were placed as follows :—L. T. Wright, Annat, two firsts, one second; R. Christensen, Cheltenham, three seconds, two thirds; S. Moore, Awahuri, one firsb, one third; 0. S. Vernon, Hastings, and E. Newman, Invei-cargill, each one first; W. T. London, Kimbolton, two thirds: 0. Monrad, Pa.lmerston, one second; F. H. Outrim, Palmerston, one third. HONEY. i

There were eleven distinct classes in the honey section, and all were somewhat better patronised than last year. However, as far as rumours go, there is room • for improvement, and . such improvement may confidently be expected when normal conditions return and the export trade is once again in full swing. Champion cases of export honey were shown by C. J. Clayton and Co., Rangitata, who: were in competition in this class with F.. A. Parker, Blenheim, and C. F. Raine, Hawera. Thfev winners were awarded five firsts and three seconds in the ten classes. C. F. Raine ran close with four firsts and four seconds. R. Christensen was awarded one first and one second; D. M'Culloch, Havelock North, one second; and C. W. Leggins, Oroua Downs, and F. A. Parker, Blenheim, each one third.

, PHOTOGRAPHY.

"A very poor class indeed," wa-B the verdict of the judge, Mr. F. J. Deiiton, Wanganui, in the photography section, and most people agreed that the verdict was justified. The majority of thephor tbgraphs appeared to be the work of inexperienced amateurs; in fact, in several classes the judge refused to award first prizes, and in others made no award at all. Yet the entries come from various parts of the Dominion, and it is surprising that better work was not forwarded. The prize lißt is as follows: —Best landscape: J. D. Hay, Wellington, 2; J. S. Wearn, Christchurch, 3. Best seascape or marine study: A. S. Mitchell, Wellington, and J. D. Hay, equal, 2. Portrait or figure study: J. W. Jones, Wellington, 1;" J. D. Hay, 2 and 3. Animal life: No award. Humorous study: No award. . Best photograph for juniors under 18: Victor Gferrard, Palmorston, 2 and' 3. Collection of six photographs for juniors .- Winnre Aicheson, Eernhill, 2 and 3. DBEB HEADS. This is not a large section, but is not without attractions. Some very fine heads are on view. The Sambur Cup, for the best Sambur deer head, was awarded to T. A. Section, Himitangi. J. Or. Mayo, Palmerston, was second, and A. Kogers, Palmerston, third. The best red deer head was shown by A. Rogers, with F. B. Walker, Kairanga, second, and W. Hughes, Palmerston, third. . * RETURNED SOLDIERS' SECTION. The returned soldiers' section was remarkably interesting, speaking eloquently of honest endeavour and wonderful patience on the part of returned soldiers in the hospitals and convalescent homes. It. was a section devoted to their numerous handicrafts, and it can be safely said that this was one of the most interesting features of the Show, quite apart from its sentimental aspect, in view of the interest shown in the numerous exhibits. The prize list is here given in detail: —Wood carving, Pte. Neilson, Sanatorium, Rotorua, 1; Pte. Knicane, Sanatorium, Rotorua, 2; Sapper Fraser, Montecillo Home, Dunedin, 3. Basket work : Pto. Enicane, 1; Pte. Dougherty, Rotorua, 2; Pte. Bailey, Hospital, Auckland, 3. , Leather work: Lieut. Clark, Chalmers Orthopaedic Hospital, -Christchurch, 1; Pte. Mackie, Hospital, Auckland, 2 j Pte. Bilkey, Auckland, 3. Poker work: Pte. Capley, Auckland, 1; Pte. Barr, Montecillo Home, 2; Pte. Williams, Wanganui Hospital, 3. Canework : Pte. Blair, Wanganui, 1 and 2; Rflmn. Dug, Montecillo Home, 3. Fancywork : Pte. Ball, Chalmers Orthopaedic Hospital, 1; • Pte. Reynolds, Miramar Convalescent Home, 2; Pte. Ball, 3. Wool floormats: Pte. Davis, Miramar Home, 1; L.-Cpl. Burton, King George V. Hospital, Rotorua, 2. Raffia work: Lieut. I<\ 0. Ban-on, Cambridge Sanatorium, 1; Lieut. Ryan, Rotorua Sanatorium, 2; Pte. Goodall, Trentham Hospital, 3. Raffia trays : Pte. Pepporwell, Wanganui, 1, 2, and 3. Cane chairs: Cpl. Pool, Wanganui, 1. Trays: Pte. Cook, Montecillo Home, 1; R-flron. Bennott, Hospital Annexe, Auckland, 2; Cpl. Crockett, Queen Mary Hospital, Har.mer, 3. Woodwork: Pte. W. Parker, Rotorua, 1; Cpl. Pool, Wanganui, 2. An exhibit, not for competition, which attracted .much attention, was eighteen yards of tweed from the King George V. Hospital, Rotorua. HOME INDUSTRIES.

Once again the home industries section is very extensive, and the prize money very evenly distributed over a large number of exhibitors, which says a great deal for the general quality of the goods shown—namely, eggs, bread, plumpudding, seed cake, fruit cake, sponge cake, Madeira cake, sponges, home-mado sweets, fancy cakes, gingerbread, apple pie, gems, shortbread, tarts, cream puffs, sausage rolls; in fact, all those delicacies in which an efficient housewife is so adept. Firsts were awarded to the following;— Mrs. M. K. Vott, Palmerston, seven; Miss J. Balsillie, Kairanga, and Miss H. Fowler, Palmerston, each three ; Mrs, M. A. lie Grange, Palmerston, and Miss L. Lovelock and Miss M. Zurcher, each two ; Miss B. Sorensen, Awapuni, Miss M. Ayers, Palmerston, Miss K. Hughes, Palmerston, Mrs. A. Watson, Palmerston, Mrs. A. Hyndman, PalmerEton, Miss B. Jamieson, Bunnythorpe, Mrs. J. Ashdown, Glen Oroua, Mrs. P. Whitehead, Palmerston, Mrs. L. Smith, Mangatainoka, Mrs. E. Furlong, Linton, Mrs. E. A. Taylor, Palmerston, each one first. Section for girls under 16: Miss Mona Jordan, Palmorston, two firsts'; Mias M. Volt, Palmerston, two firsts; Miss M. Sutherland1, Masterton, one first. Preserves and pickles : Many good .things calculated to tickle the palate and arouse a substantial appetite were displayed in the section for preserves and pickles. The following were awarded first prizes:—Miss A. Ross, Palmerston, six; Mrs. C. A. Carl, Cambridge, five; Mrs. A. Watson, Palmerston, and Mrs,

M. Zurcher, Longburn, each two; Mrs. M. A. Le Grange, Palmerston, Mrs. E. Furlong, Linton, Mrs. H. Gillies, Palmerston, Mrs. F. B. Krivan, each one. Farmers' butter: This section was but poorly patronised. Mesdames New dick, Whakaronga, and W. J. Balsillie, Kairanga, were the only exhibitors awarded firsts. The art needlework, was splendid in every way, and attractive because of the rare beauty of many of the intricate' designs. The art needlework section was divided into no fewer than 14 sections. It was notable that in two classes in which he entered a returned soldier, Private G. Antiss, Rotorua Sanatorium, displayed better work than was shown by members of.the fair sex with whom he was in competition. The following were awarded firsts:—Private G. Antiss, Miss Mary Anderson, Huiroa, Mrs. S. E. Liggins, Oroua Downs, Mrs. E. M. Hayward, Kairanga, Mrs. N. Gavin, Takapuna., Mrs. E. N. Hales, Wellington, Mrs. O. Monrad, Palmerston, Miss J. M'Loan, Waipukurau, Miss D. Hamilton, Palmerston, Miss K. Brunton, Opawa, Mrs. E. J. Parkei, Hastings, Miss M. Henley, Feilding, Mrs. E. Furlong, Linton, Mrs. A. Patchett, Palmerston, and Miss V. Scott, Wanganui. Other sections: So extensive, was the apple section that the judging did 'not conclude last night. Purebred cattle and poultry will be judged to-day (Wednesday).