OTAGO PREMIER WINTER SHOW

Evening Star, Issue 16127, 30 May 1916, Page 7

OTAGO PREMIER WINTER SHOW

OPENED TO-DAY BY HON. DR MW.

ISLAND DAIRY FACTORY, BfIATAUBA, STSOLBNO LEAD m FACTORY CHEESE,

CANTERBURY CENTRAL AND LEVIN IN FACTORY BUTTER.

FAT STOCK OF SUPEMIOM QUALITYo

Farm Produce Quite Up to the Standard.

ONE OF THE BEST OF THE WINTER SHOWS.

The 23rd Winter Show promoted by the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Socisty was opened thia afternoon. It occupies all the available space in the buildings and Annexes, overy avonuo and corner being taken up, yet without undue crowding —indeed, a, feature of this year's Show is that plcturesqueneas is studied. At the game time, the management have given the public plenty of room in which to walk about.

Visitors are much impressed with the completeness of the general arrangements. Mr Arthur Johnson (president) has evidently had the pleasure of working with an active committee, and Mr H. V. Fulton (secretary) has thought out manv new improvements as to detail. The floral decorations are also on a i more extensive scale than usual. Owinot° tlle € OC <l season Mr- E. A. Hamel has been able to provide a fine lot of chrysanthemums from prize strains. A specialty on this occasion is the big display of motor cars in the theatre annexe. Sever before have we had such an assortment of high-class vehicles. Another- novelty is the show made bv Miller Brothers on the downstairs floor. The motor boat is a beauty, .and the dinghya are splendid examples of the most up-to-date construction. The display of fat stock is probably the best eyer seen at a winter .show in Ot.w> lhe classes for' three long wool or crossbred longwool wethers of anv age, and for tho same- class of sheep under 22 months are unquestionably superior to anything ever seen in Dunedin. and the winning exhibits 111 these classes are of all-round excellence.; In regard to cattle, a new - feature is introduced : a class for youno-stocky-with a view to encouraging' early maturing; and though the entries for this are not numerous, they are such as to justify the new departure. The Government graders say of the factory cheese that it is more" uniform in quality than usual, arid we may draw attention to the fact that as this cheese has been locally stored for six weeks in as nearly as possible the temperature of a ships hold,_ it is shown in the condition in which it;s landed for the London market, lhe factory butter also receives hhdi commendation from the official rraders. ■who have tasted it. The school exhibits in the Brvdone Hall are specially attractive this year, and thev have a good place. Visitors are sure to be pleased with the arrangements made for luncheons and teas m the Victoria Hall. This important Jnatter has been entrusted once more to the Otago and Southland Women's Patriotic Association, who did"> so well last year In the way of cooking and serving *°™y, volunteer waitresses a.re on duty, and the kitchen service is so efficient that everybody is attended to quickly. ', e Government exhibit is certainly a leading feature of the show. It is a "delightful sight, and the articles are so shown as convey answers to most of the questions that visitors are likely to put

THE OPENING MEEIING. ■» T TI i 6 I ? ffice^' s , of tJls society, headed by Mr Arthur Johnson (president), also manv members _ and a big rep.-t saltation of country visitors and town.»*olk, assembled in the theatre at 2,30 p.m. to formally open the Show. In the absence of the Hon \V. D. S. MaoDnald-(Minister of Agriculture), the main speech was delivered by the Hon. Br M'Nab, who spoke as follows;

—The Dairy industry

As the success or non-success of the industry in any country depends so largely upon climatic influence, the volume of production ehows a corresponding increase or decre.aa.-v according to •whether that influence has been favorable 0r unfavorable. Happily for New ZeailZ' ?? ay yeai-s **** corne and "one without bringing anything in the nature of general adverse climatic conditions. The year ended 31st March, 1916, has in this • respect been no exception to that rule; in fact, it has been one o* the moat profit- , able seasons ever experienced for the majority of farmers engaged in this important industry. It is however, to be recorded that the absenjo of sufficient s Tain in Canterbury and North Ota-go districts during the year materially affected the growth of feed for stock, consequently the production of milk was considerably i reduced in these areas. Then, too, some of the districts on the cast, coast 'of the ■Jsortb. Island were for a time similarly affected, although to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, It can bo said that, practically all other districts where dairying is carried on extensively have been favored with a remarkably good year for the production of milk. The Auckland, Taranakt, and South dairy farmers mav be mentioned as being the most fortunate of fii lt connection. On the other hand, this highly favorable season has not been' ■without its disadvantages. For example, the average summer temperature wis above * OT a , <itu ' im ? tfl e busier months, and found the majority of fnrmm unprepared yuth facilities for the proper cooling of their milk and cream. Therefore their supplies reached the factories in a condition unsuitable for the 'manufacture of cheese and butter of the beat quality, the rtmnlt being readily detected when the produce tvas-graded prior to shipment. To make matters wore©, the unavoidable delay ! JijiffHf I F%? of cheese , owing to the shortage of car 8 o space, due ; caused "heavy deterioration in VS'hf *wsi m an ««»Mive loss in ' *!» ojmculty of obtaining euffi?hiw»& J ™ iD * *° such largi , .aumberfl of experienced ma joining the forces. :\th firmer! veniehesd on this accdiihl, have not compkined, but the standaH of quality cheese and buttet has to some extent beS is made for these and other minor disadvantages, ft can be affirmed that the

. —New Cheese Faptozies.— fhe registration of 58 new cheese factories la. be« effected lor the year! Of thir number 30 have been provided $ dairy .oompanie* formerly prodncinc bnt. |«* now twm«ci.fc at&tjan

to cheese making; tho balance beimr entirely new concerns. The toiaj number of cheese factories in operation during tto year has thus been brought to 379T lhe Auckland province 1-eads the list with tae establishment of 27 new cheese lactones dunng the last 12 mouths. —Butter and Cheese Values.— For the year ended 31*t MaTch, 1916, the pieces obtained in British markets for -New Zealand butter and cheese were the highest average values seu red sines the cairy industry of this country began, the next highest average- being that for the preceding year. If we take the High Commissioner s weekly taHo of London - prices as the basis of calculation, it is found that the average valuw of butter and cheese for the year work out at 150s and 80s pei- cwt respectively, which represent an increase of 20 per cent, in the value oi the former and an increase of l/.00 per cent, in the value of the latter over_ the average prices received for tho previous year. Compared with the 191314 season, the market rates for the past year represent an increase of 29 per cent in the case of butter and 39.7 per cent in the case of cheese. These higher values are unquestionably duo mainly to causes governed by the war. Supples of butter to the English market from Denmark have been considerably less than usual owine to the higner prices offering for butter in Germany. The interferor.ee with shipping greatly reduced the quantity of butter which reached £nglan,i from Siberia, j The embargo placed upon t» e export of ' butter by the French Gov< rnment and the disastrous drought ex.periei.ced in Australia also operated m favor of higher prices for the butter. wh,ch reached the markets of Great Britain. The prices tor cheese were influenced principally by the large quantities required by the British War Office for the use of the Armv the quantity available for the general public being insufficient to meet ordinary trade demands. Of the total quantity of butter and cnee-se exported during the'vear under review by far the major portion was shipped direct to the United Kingdom vessels being engaged in carryin<r°the produce to the Home market. The total quantity of butter exported, for the year was 096 ) 419cwt-a decrease of 7,425cwt or 1.8 per cent... over that of the previous year lhis may be accounted for by the fact that the quantities held in cool stores throughout the Dominion at the end of the year were very much greater than at the end of the previous year. : The. value nf & however, showed an increase of £449,118, owing to the very much higher prices ruling. The export, of 'fef" the i™ s hows an increase of 90,141cwt, or 11.9 per cent,, over the figures for the previous year. The prices ot cheese also showed a considerable ,-d----yance, die total increase under th'* heading representing £887,567. The total increase in the value of the butter and cheese exported for the year is thus I brought to no less a sum than £1,336,685

—The Fruit Industry.— Orchard planting is still making rap jd development. The area ■ planted in commercial orchards during the year was o,o«a acres, being an increase of 286 a-res on *he previous year's figures, and bringing the ,tutal acreage under fruit for the whole of the Dominion up to 45,687 acres, lhe following figures show the areas planted during the year in the principal ituit-growing districts:— 115 acres, North Auckland 500, Haw'ke's Bay iOU, Aelson 1,077, Marlborough 180, North Canterbury (including Westland) 170. and Otago 600 The following fjgnres. showing the total area under orchards, give 1 good idea of the rapid strides been made m orchard planting during the last bye years:

The continued dry weather experienced last season seriously affected the crop of stone fruit in most district* throughout the Dominion. In the Auckland district particularly peaches and plums were scarce and as a consequence high prices were obtained for those lines which came 011 the market. The apple and pear crop generally was a fair average'one. In the Canterbury district late frosts did a .rood deal of damage to the apple crop. In the Otago <mtriot all classes of fruit bore heavy crops/ apricots being exceptionally heavy. ln D dry weather also seriously mtertered with the planting 0 f new orchards it being impossible to prepare the land owing to the drought. In some cases newly planted trees did not make much headway, more particularly where thorough cultivation was not carried out. With regard to the export of fruit. 62,164 cases, the bulk of which were apples were exported last year to South America' mis was a. decrease as compared with the quantity shipped the previous year, and was due to the disorganisation in shipping arrangements caused bv the war Th? oiiowing figures show "the quantities of fruit exported from the Dominion drain* the last five years:— D

1910 ... 5647 1911 6031 TOIO O,UOi *£S 14,869 VSfi, 33,000 . 1914 ... ,„ 67 964 1915 62464 —Export of Honey.— According to the Customs figures 2,390 cwt of honey, valued at £600,067. was exported during the past year. This is 'a slight decrease in quantity as compared f H tt « Previous year's figures, and is no doubt due to- the continued dry weather experienced jn many localities. The prices realised were very satisfactory

—Trade.— The imports in 1909 were £15,674 71Q. exports £19,661,996, the excess of exports over imports being £4,818,689; in 1912 imS S 7io&flt £20 '5 6 '4 exports ,nA'T7 Oi • 1 ' tEe eKCess beln £ £935,047: in Mip7^ofo POrts Wele £21 ' 7 28.854, exports *o±, (ms,yi4, an excess of £lO 772 102 • during the first three months 0f'1915 the Sf* Rls w exports an excess ol £6,217,207- in the first three months of 1916 thnA ™ exports £13,247,614, an excess of exports oyer *Vo** of £7,037,958. The total X

Zealand produce exported for the years 1909, 1912, and ' 1915- vtaa £19,462.936 £21,272,405, and £31,038,132. —Agricultural Exports.— ' Tho following figures show the relative percentages of the agricultural exports' of the Dominion to the total exports. Although the percentage dropped considerably in 1904, it has consistently risen Since that year. In 1884 the value of exports was £7,090,227, tho value of agricultural exports was £4,662,801, a percentage of 66; in 1894 the fieuros were £9,221.550, £6,715,898, 72 per cent. • in 1904 £14,748,348, £9,592,614, 64 per cent.; iu 1914 tho total exports were £26,261,447' agricultural exports £23,014,439, a 'percentage of 87.

PAT STOCK. SHEEP. Judge: Mr Martin Baird (Hastings). Prizes: First £2, second £l,. third 10s. Three merino wethers, any age.—A. W. Rutherford, jun. (Bro'okdale, Parnassus) 1, 2, and 5. Three half-bred wethers, bred from merino ewe by any long wool ram, or from any longwool ewe by a merino ram, any weight or age.—James Gordon (Warena) 1 and 2. Three inbred half-bred or Corriedale wethers, any age or weight.—James Gordon 1, J. L. Herbert (Kelso) 2 and 3. Three longwool or cross-bred longwool wethers, any age or weight.—J. F. Herbert 1 and 2, Adam King (Stony Creek) 3 and h.c., James Gordon v.h.c. Three longwool or cross-bred longwool wethers not exceding 22 months.—James Gordon 1, Adam King 2 and 3, the Hon Br R. M'Nab (Knapdale) v.h.c. 'Three cross-bred Down wethers, not exceeding 23 months.—James Gordon 1. Three sheep most suitable for frozen meat trade, value of wool and mutton to b« taken into consideration.—Alex. M Macdonald (Carterhope Estate, Warepaf 1 James Gordon 2 and 3. ' Three cross-bred Down hoggets (ewe or wether), any weight.—James Gordon 1 ajid 2, C Fmdlay (Mosgiel) 3, Alex. M. Macdonald v.h.c. Three cross-bred longwool hoggets any weight.—James Gordon 1. " '" Three cross-bred longwool hoggets, anv weight, bred and fed by exhibitor.—James ! Gordon 1, Adam King 2 and 3. L. C Hazlett (Xorth Taieri) v.h.c. FAT CATTLE. Judge: Mr Martin Baird (Hastings). "Prizes: First £2, second £l. One bullock, any age.—Robert Shennan Berwick) 1, P. Clent (Balclutha) 2. -Simon A'right (Balclutha) 5, D. G. Wright (Stirling) v.h. c . & , One bullock, three vears or under Jas. Gow (Mosgiel) 1 and 2, W. J. Charters (Mosgiel) 3. One bullock, two vears or under Joseph Snnth (Stirling) 1, Robert Shennan I and o.Jonn Sutherland (Allanton) vhc : n^ T % e V GnTS or over.—William Wadded (Waikaka Valley) 1 and 3. W J Charters 2. ■ ' Heifer, two years or under.—R. T. Kirk (Mosgiel) 1, Robert Shennan 2. Steer or heifer, one year or under.— T°Kirl- r - b (Kna P dale ) 1 and 2, R, . The fat stock section is invariably' an interesting and attractive one, and this year .s no exception. As far as the aged tattle were concerned, there was nothm Kcalling lor special comment. The class for yeaning cattle is an innovation, and one which as likely to be retained in the prize schedule m iuture years. The iudfe (Mr Martin Baird) whilst delighted with the exhibits as a whole, and particularly with the placed animals, considered that there should b two distinct classes—one for fitters and another for heiiers. When two exhibits, one a steer and the other a neiier, came into clwc competition, the deciding lactor would be value, and as the aiuinai ot the male sex would take first position in this respect, the heifer would naturally be superseded. In this class touay DOtli first and second prize animals iwro exhibited by the Hon. Dr R, M'Xab sy no great harm was done, but the eociety in training the schedule for the 1917 fcinow will_doubtless givo due consideration

jjiuu b suggestion. Sheep were a specially good section, and some magnificent animals were shown, ami there were many individual exhibits shown wlucn have never been equalled isn point of quality at tlie Utasr, Winter iShuw. It ha* now como to he recognised as a distinct honor to win a prize in tho fat sheep sec tion ot tho show, and many buyeis and aeaters keep a lookout for likely animals lor months prior to the Show, with the result that a unique collection of butchers' and freezing sheep are brought together , r "V w -. Kuthenord, jun., of Bxookdaie. who is this year the onlv exhibitor ni fat sheep north of Dunedin, showed thr-e pens 01 fat menno wethers—excellent «necimens oi this high-eountrv bwed ' l n I longwool hoggets the Hon. Dr R M'Xnhs winning entry at the Southland Winter 6how bad to be content with fourth phv'-e on this occasion, first honors goin>-> ti Mr James. Gordon, who was the most Wees---tiu exhibitor in the section, fn freezing siicep Mr Alex. M. Macdonakl {Carton 0 hope istate. Warepa) beat Mr Gordon with a good type 01 freezing sheep. In Corriedales, Mr J. L. Herbert (Kelso) and Mr James Gordon were the only exhibitors, the latter winning with a pen of twotooths winch were described bv a leading sheep breeder as tho best pen of sheep of that class that he had ever s-,?u. In loVr. ! V.', lwts " ni ikero were 15' entries, 11 of which were forward. Mr .]. F Herbert annexed first and second honors with half L»i * 2n '!' ;, '-"H i « llt E heep, which wore bred oy Mr John Ross, of Karthd. who has earned quite a praiseworthy reputation as both a breeder and exhibitor of tat sheep.

FACTORY CHEESE. | (Judges: The Government Graders.) Sis Large Full Cream N.Z. Cheddarshaped Cheese, suitable for export (Colored). Prizes, £4, £3, £2, £1 Island Dairy Factory (Wyndham) '.. i 96 Stirling Dairy Factory • ... . ' 95 Woodlands Dairy Factory ... . '" 941 Matkura Dairy Company ... !" '.'.', 94 2 Others: Brydone 93|, Mataura" 931 m" e Downs 924, Brvdono 92 2 , -Seaward Downs 92£, Six Largo Full Cream 3T.Z. Cheddar(White). Prizes, £4, £3, £2, £l. Island Dahy Factory (Wyndham)'... 951. Brydone Dairy Factory 9/ -Mataura Dairy Company ... q&i BUrling Dairy Factory ... ." "\ 94*

Six Large Factory - made Cheese suitable for export (White or Colored)' Prizes, £2, SI, and 10s. Island Dairy Factory (Wyndham) ... 95i Island Dairy Factory (Wyndham) ... 95 Stirling Dairy Factory * 94^ Others :_ Mat-aura 94, T. and P MillSupply 96, Seaward Downs 92}. ' " ' v Two Factory - made Cheeses, suitable for export (White or Colored). Prizes, £3, £2, £l. . ' Island Dairy Factory (Wyndham) . . 951 Stirling Dairy Factory 95? Mataura Dairy Company ||* 95? Others: Mataura 95, Island" 941 Mataura 94, Stirling 95-}, Seaward Doirm 95}, Woodlands 9d, Tuturau 93, Seaward Downs 92}, Brydone 92}, Woodlands 92, WaikoTiait-i 91, Brydone 91, .Essvdale (Olvam's Bay) 88}, T. aiid P. 88}. " Two Factory - made Cheeses, suitable for export (White or Colored) Open only to members of the N Z Dairy Factory Managers' Association.' First prifce, trophy, by Managers' Association; second, £i; third, £l. Mataura Dairy Company ..„', _ „ 951 Mataura Dairy Company ...... . 95 Waiohiki Dairy Company (lai-ada-lef 94 Others: Stirling 95}, Stirling- 93, Mataura 93, T. and P. 91}. One Case Three Medium Factory Cheeses suitable for export (White or Colored)' > Prizes, £3, £2, £L '' Mataura Dairy Company ... . give Mand Dairy Factory (Wyndhairi) .*" '95! Stirling Dairy Factory 95 Others:-Brydone 94, Island 94, Seaward Downs 94, Stirling 93i, Seaward Downs 93}, Mate 93£ Brydone 93}, Tuturau i« 2 , Wajkouaiti 92}, Waikouaiti 92. Wobdlanda 92,.!. and P. 89}, Eesydale- 88^.

One Caeo Two Cheeses.' Open to factories that have not won a prize above £5. frizes, £3, £2; £l. Tuturau Dairy Company ;.. 93£ Goodwood Dairy FnctOrv 93 Tuturau Dairy Company 93 Others :, Winton Go-operative 92A, Essvdalo 89. "

One Case - Factory-made Loaf Cheese, suitable for export (Whito or Colored). Prizes, £3, £2, £l. Matau'ra Dairy Companv • 95! Island Dairy Factory (Wyiidliaiii) ... 95! Stirling Dairy Factory " ... 95 Others: Stirling 94> Matid 94A,-Ma-t-aura 93|, Brvdone 93!, Seaward Downs 93, Brydone 90, Goodwood) 93, Woodlands 93, Waikouaiti 92!. • —Grading Points in Cheese.—•Prizes awarded to the milkers whoso factory output for the season gairifi the highest aggregate points according to the Government graders certificate : Taieri and Peninsula (Dunedin) 92.84 £l2 Kakararaea Co-op. Dairv Co. „. 92.65 10 Waikouaiti Dairy Factory 92.45 7 Parkvale Dairy Company 91.91 5 Goodwood Dairy Factory 91.83 5 Fairfield Co-op. Dairy Factory... 91.71 2 Milton Co-op. Dairy Co 91.59 1 Matamau Dairy Comapny ... 91.46 FACTORY BUTTER. (Judges: The Government Graders.) One Box (icwtl, suitable for export. Prizes: £4, £3, £2, £l. Canterbury Central Co-op. Dairy Company ■ 95! Levin Co-op. Dairy Company 95 T. and P. Milk Supply Company ... 94£ Canterbury Central Co-op. Dairy Company '.. 94 Others: Softon Mutual Dairy Association 92-!, Kairanga Dairy Company 92, Shannon Co-op. Dairy Company 91!.' Ono Box (|cwt). suitable for export (open only to members of the N.Z. Factory Managers' Association). First priae, - trophy donated by N.Z. Dairy Factory Managers'' Association; second £2. third £l. Levin Dairy Company 964 T. and P. Milk Supply Company ... 95 Canterbury Central* *. 94 Others: Canterbury Central 94, Sefton 93, Kairanga 93.

One (North Island competitors oidv). Prizes: £3, £2. £l. Levin Co-op. Dairy Company 95$ Kairanga Dairy Company 92 One Box (icvrt), suitable for export Prizes: £3, £2, £l. Canterbury Central 95£ Levin Co-op 95 T- and P. Milk Supply 94i Others: Canterbury Central 94, Shannon 93, Sefton 93. Kairanga 92. —Grading Points in Butter.— Prizes awarded to the makers whoso fac■tory output for the season gains the highest aggregate number of points according to the certificate issued by the Government graders: Lepperton Co-op. Dairy ComP.auy 94.62 £8 Kairanga (Jo-op. Dairy Company 94.58 5 Levin Co-op. Dairy Company ..." 94.49 3 Moa Dairy Company 94.14 2 Golden Bay Co-op. 'Dairy Com,TPa»y 93.12 Maungatapere. Co-op. Dairy Company *. g2.gs Eureka Dairy Company 92.83 WHAT THE GOVERNMENT GRADERS SAY. The judges of the dairy produce exhibits at this show, when asked for comments, spoke in high terms of praise of the cheese exhibits. In their opinion the quality all round is equal to, if not better than the chtese_ staged at any previous show.' In fact tnere appears to be in this year's exhibits nisrlrsr degroo of uniformity than usual The latter applies mors particularly to the body and texture of the cheese. Only in a few instances was there any fan I, to be found regarding the texture of tho cheese. With few exceptions th e exhibits present a neat ~nd tidy appearance showing good workmanship and careful attention on tho part of the makers. On that account nearly all receive full points under the heading of finish. The only d ! appoint,.* feature is the camparKh«ma,l numbc-r o entries as compared wi£ the nnmber o- cheese factories hi tho ?ff" t) i h' Ll View of ih « g°°d Prizes olkied by the A. and P. Society, and together with tho educational advantage*j„ entering lor the competition, the &U" wonder why more of the dairy eompanle" tlG lowing tneir produce. rt The high-scoring butters are exceedinciv good both in make and flavor. <nd & judges found some difficulty in sepamnt the prize-winners. K

FARMERS- BUTTER. •Judges: Goveramet experts Prizes: First £1 10s, SBCond Two pounds fr es h butter, in .u b ro ij s vL., pa { 5 ( , .n r,, - : V rR £ FcU B M pJ'„l raf'" 2, Jan* Uemuka) v.h.c, Mrs F V \tn (North-east Harbor) he Hellycr Two pounds fresh butter, in 'lb rolls or pats, one week old (open).-. Mrs \ G Frampton 1, Mrs Fell and Mrs Lawrence (iaumatu) equal 2, Mrs H. M'Leod Jotau! P^X? fr f s]l , buttor ' in * !b ro "s or Pa-.x toi those who have not taken a nme previously -Mrs A G. FrampS l/fiS Gaw n \.£ h j" M ' LMd V- «■ Two pounds powdered butter, in Jib oils or pats, one week old (open).-Mrs A. M'-r S od ra 3 P ' sE - e]l *' Mi "h! ,wiI V ''° po " uds Powered butter, in -'-lb tin" P rfl i op S")T^ w A - G " Frampton V™ p V bt ' CJwk (Hooper's Inlet) 2, Mis Hose Gason (Temiika) 3. Mrs M'Ken noy (Palmerston) v.h.c. JF- W ° P°. und » .Powdered butter, in Alb R CU•r?i B 'T? lT \£ G - Hampton 1. Mrs R. Clark 2, Mrs M'Leod (Milton) 3.' Collection of fancy butter (design)Miss K. _ Belcher (Waitaki) 3. .. tn~ « C -J°?r° f * butt ? r ' ox '»bited in one TC 'r n fu i 1 ' t - able "«—Miss Marv K. Calender (Mosgiel) 1, Miss Kempshell

w l tr nds f alfc butter, in jars—Mrs (eqtml) 3 two exhibits Collection of fancy butter, euitablo for Si o ™^ An . d to be, taken ™d E. Kempshell 1 and 2, Miss Mory K. Callander 3. The exhibits of farmers* butter were qnue up to the standard of former years, i^ S * Fram JP*<» (Ashburton) being the most successful exhibitor, this lady annexing seven first prizes in fresh and Powdered butter. The salt butter only W w?,- e ? tn , es ' but the 9?aKt y of each left little to be desired. The same compliment, however, could not truthfully be applied to the " week-old " butter in 3k-? £ ? r e ?' , a good many of the exhibits being slightly "off." Tne fancy butter was quite as attractive as formerly, some of the designs were original, and gave evidence of considerable patience thi,T rB l been bestowed on them by the exhibitors, but after all it has yet to be demonstrated that any usetul, practical purpose is served by this particular exhibit.

HONfeY, EGGS, PR.ESERVES. (Judge: Government Expert.) ■ Honey ui two glass- bottles, total not to «reeed Sib.—M. Wright (Outram) 1, G. .Lucas (Hanmer Springs) 2. Honey in comb, not exceeding 41b -4? Lucas (Hanmer Springs) 1, Miss EL Kenn> shall (Maungat-ua) 2. Hen eggs (single yolk), 1 dozen.—M. B Pullar 1 and 2. Bottled fruit (fhree varieties),, in bottles. ww? 4 -s dol^f fc i ,1^ rai 1, James •M'Ndnghton (Balclutha) 2. The judge (Air A. J. Courtain) said that the hon4y shown was of excellent quality generally, though the number of entries was not large. The granulated and liquid

the judge considered a. mistake, ine irame hofiey was very good, and the frames well filled. There" were .only two entries in battled fruit, and the. quality was fair. Tho entry .for ezgs, too, was

DRE&SED POULTRY, Judge; Government Expert.) Pair of fowfe, trussed readv for cooking. —Mrs Ueorge Corner (Invercargill) 1. Pair of fowls, trussed ready for cooking, not. open to poulterers or tradesmen.—H. Sonntag 1 and 2. Pairs of ducks, trWsed ready for cookmo.—Mrs Geo. Corner 1. Pajr of ducks, trussed, ready for cooking not; open to poulterers or tradesmen.—M?d Goo. Comer 1, H. Sonnta-* 2. One goosx?, trussed ready for wokimr, not open to poulterers or tradesmen.— H. Sonntag 1 and 2. One turkey, trussed ready for cooking, not open to poulterers or tradesmen.—lf!

HAMS AND BACON. (Judge: Mr W. Bee Oamaru.) - =■ K«it Two sides bacon (green).—C. H. Kent 1. Two 1 ' T , ?^ hes and °°- 2 and 5. 2 !TK. { Sh T - B^ certti„b ?l V ho £' 6xc^ were SSd *«»«**<&-«** bad exhibit f W °" ldj howe ver, like to see and fm ? more *™ bo helping to make a bicker disnlav Sr^ aU him S M^Zul^^-

ORALS', SEEDS, ETC. Judge.- Mr A. A. Scott (TWu). —Open Classes: Grain.— Co"p.l. TU5Can Famerf i E ott JT" 1 w s e ?f- orown »>• wh° Co-op. 2. Co W? T£ et A * t -- ote ?° Farmers' t> 7 ' (jrown -filing Co 2 op 1 Velvet wheat —<W Farmers' Oocantie Agency Co. 1. Crown Milling Co. 2. VUtago Farmers' Co-op. 2. " Otago Farmers' Co-op 1 onM P 0 be n amed., 'farmers only)._p. Spratt (Sutton, wJiite velvet) 1, can) a" (AlTo^town - straw InsChebalier barley .-John Allan (Thnrlbv Domain) 1 and 2, James Speight and cS Cape baa-ley.—Otago Farmers' Co-op. 1 Go op S l Tartaxian Farmers' Danish oats.—Otago Farmers* Co-op. 1. Dun oata.-Otago Farmers' Co-op. 1. i Sutherland oats.—Otago Farmers! Co-op. Sparrowbills.—Otago Farmers' Co-op 1 Ixeorge bimpson (West Plains) 2. ' n ??.»? « at *--2f-Z- Lo™ Co. 1. J. and i «- hiul < amton ) 2 > Smith Bros. (Tuapekn. West) 3. Black oats.—George Simpson 1, Otago 1 armors Co-op. 2. Various (name to be stated).—Gearae bimpson 1. ■ ° Various (variety to be named).—W Miller (laumatii.) 1, George Simpson 2. —Open Classes: Seeds.— Perennial ryegrass (colonial).— tanners uo-op. 1, Waters. Ritchie, and Co. 2. Italian ryegrass (colonial).—Waters, Ritchie 1, Otago Farmers' Co-op. 2. Cocksfoot (colonial).—Otago Farmers' CoCrested dogsto.il (colonial l._ Waters. Ritchie, and Co. 1. Otago Farmers' Co-op". Colonial hard or chewing fescue.—Otaeo * armors' Co-op. 1, Waters, Ritchie 2. " Linseed.—Otago Farmers' Co-op. 1. Rape, broad leaf.—Waters, Ritchie' 1, a.Z. Loan Co. 2. » Cowgrass clover.—Otago Farmers' Co-on 1, Waters, Ritchie 2. Red clover.—Waters, Ritchie 1, White clover.—Otago Farmers' Co-op. 1, Water?, Ritchie 2. Alsyko clover.—Otago Farmers' Co-op.

Clover hay.—Wedge Bros. (Wiugahu) 1 and 2, D. Anderson (Mosgiol) 5. The judge said that Ihe wheat was fairly good. It had been better in other years. There was nothing of extra quality forward, very likely owing to damp after the harvest. The barley was very good, and it was rery hard to discriminate in making tho awards. The oats wore also v «ry good, and he considered that one or two samples of Garton*. which we.ro the best, class, were, of remarkable quality. There were some very good samples of ryegrass. They wore Lard to judge. All wero good. The Italian ryegrass was well marked and clean. The cocksfoot was good, the first placed exhibit being especially good. The samples of crWted dog-stail were excellent. There was oniy one sample of linseed, but it was the best he had seen. The entries in cowgrass clovct werg smalt, but of very fair quality. Talcing everything into consideration, the fact that the war is on ajid that there has not been ns much importation of seeds as m other years, Mr Scott considered that the section provided' u very creditable exhibit.

POTATOES. Judge: Mr J. Birtles- (Waikouaiti). Up to Date, full size sack.—Thcs. S. Innes (Slieffiedd) 1 and' 2, Jss. Johmston (Evansdale) 3, J. G. Anderson (Stirling) v.h.c. and h.c. Derwents, full-size sack.—J. C. Anderson 1, Geo. Simpson (West Plains, Invercarglll) 2. Other than Derweats or Up-te-Datea, full-size fiack.—L. T. Wright (Aiinat). Ar-i-aii Chief, 1; Thos. S. Innes (Sheffield), yta.r of Now Zealand. 2; D. Martin (Beaumont), Lan.g% Blue, 3: 1). Martin, Maori Chief, y.h.c; J. 0. Anderson (Stirling), h.c. The judge considered the exhibits of exceptionally good especially the table caiiection. A few in each section were rather on the large size. The samples were wonderfully free from blight considering the seajjon.

ROOTS. Judges,: Messrs J. Caimichwl (MatauraV and Jas. Miller (Maungatua). Swede turnips, purple top.—Joseph Cooper (Preshford) 1, L. T. Wright (Annafc) 2, Jas. Morrison (Kaitaligata) 3., George Simpson (Invercargdll) 4. Swede turnips, preen top.—Wedgo Bros (Wingatui) 1, Wm. KirkW (E. Taieri) 2, Yv. R. Outrie (Glarksville) 3, Geo!'Simpson 4. . Aberdeen green-ton yellow turnips-.. TV.™' .? albreath (Tahakopa) 1, J. and D. MPliail (Clinton) 2. Geo. Simpson 3, W. R. Cuiiie 4. Aberdeen purple-top turnips.—W E Curne 1, J. F. ..Andrews and Sons (Tahakopa) 2, Geo. Simpson 3, J. and D. M'Phail 4. White-fleshed turnips, any variety.—Jas ,&5\f n JEaitangata.) 1, Wm. Robertson (Middlemareh) 2, A. M. Galbreath 3. Geo. Simpson 4. Mammoth long ix>d mangels.—Wm. Kirkland (East Taieri) 1 and 3, 8.. W TrotW (Kurow) 2, V. Hannah (Outram) 4. Orange ot ydlow globe mangels.—Alex. Moymhan (Momoua) 1, R, W letter 2, kins (Sheffield) 4. Golden tankard mangels.— Wm. KirkJand 1 and 3, R. W. Trotter 2, Geo. Simpson 4. ' 1 R^. 0 c *i*°k—David Thomson. (Milton) MSr ' Geo - & m P*"n 3 and 4. White carrots.—Geo. Simpson 1 and 2. 'feoSri (B^aamQnt > 3 > w * J- Ohaitera Cofieotion of roots,_Geo. Simpson 1, Wm Kuiland 2, Wedge Bros. (Wingatui) \ Ales, MTandd 4, * "

The judges remarked that on the whole jtne exhibits were particularly good—beteiu mi ff ht ]lavo ht&n expected/ in view of the dry season. Most of .the roots were- well gown and true to type. Soirto of the mangels were of fin® size.

BREAD, SCONES, AND CAKES. Judges: Miss Little and Mrs James Brown. Prizes, £l, 15s, 7s 6d, and ss. One homo-made loaf, white.—Mrs T. Helm (Mataura) 1. Mrs J. Rutherford (Outrani) 2, Mrs J. J. Nyhon (Sandymount) 3. . One home-made loaf, white.—Mrs T. Helm 1, Miss M. Kruskotf (Outram) 2, Miss Sheena M'Donald (Hindon) 3, Miss <J. Johnston (Evansdale) 4. One home-made loaf, wheatmeal, brown. —Mrs T. Helm 1, Mrs W. Bennett 2, Mrs John Todd (Owaka) 3, Mrs Robert D. Landreth (Owaka) 4. One home-made loaf, wheatmeal, brown. —Mrs T. Helm 1, Mrs G. Winter 2, Mrs 77 }%■ Wilson 3, Mrs A. G. Frampton (Ashburton) 4. Six home-made scones, girdle.—Mrs M. Brown (Mosgiel) 1, Mrs R. Ross (Gore) 2, Miss Fowler (Mosgiel) 3, Miss M. E. Sinclair (Berwick) 4. Six home-made scones, girdle.—Mrs Hamilton 1, Miss Fowler % Mrs M. Brown 3, Mrs G. Lyall 4. Six home-made scones, oven.—Mis3 Annie Hayes 1, Mrs M. Brown 2, Miss £. Kempshell (Manngattta) 3, Miss K. Belcher (Waitaki) 4. Six home-made scones, oven.—Miss 6 -, Hayes 1, Mrs Green 2, Mrs W. ii. Belcher 3, Miss T. Smithson 4. Six date scones.—Mrs J. Beattie, -sen., 1, Miss J. Macdonald (Hindon) 2. Mrs fh'elf 4 S ° n (Balclutlla > 3 - Miss E- Kempdate scones.—Mrs P. Mason 1, Mrs W. &. Belcher 2, Mrs J. Scurr 3, Mrs A. G. Frampton 4. Six whole" wheatmeal scones.—Mrs J. Huston 3 Mrs J. M'Naughton (Balclutha.) 2, Mrs R Ross (Gore) f, Mrs J. Gibson (Papakaio) 4. Six whole wheatmeal scones.—Mrs W. B. Ruston 1, Mrs Green 2, Mrs W. E. Belcher 3. /-vi^n potato scones.—Miss V. Gamble Middlemarch) 1, Mrs John Callander (Mosgiel) 2, Miss Mary Callander (Mos- , giel) 3, Miss J. Macdonald 4. i Six potato scones.—Mrs M. Brown 1, Miss Sheena M'Donald (Hindon) 2, Mrs A. Stewart (Mosgiel) 3. Six plain oatmeal cakes.—Miss M. Callander 1 Miss J. Macdonald 2, Mrs J. J. jNvlion 3, Mrs MTvennv (Palmerstcn) 4. hix plain oatmeal cakes—Mrs W. E. Belcher 1, Mrs H. Martin (Mosciel) 2, (Ota-utau) 4. Six pikelets'. Mrs Robert Clark Hoopers Inlet) 1, Mrs Allan Guthrie VVylhe (Mosgiel) 4. Six pikelets -Mrs W. Rowland 1, Mrs hj !le2 i MiES V - OamVis Mrs Ca-r----lyle (Mosgiel) 4. Six pieces of shortbread.—Miss J. Gibson 1 Mrs Thorn 2, Mrs H. Porter 3, Miss M Callander 4. Six pieces of shortbread.—Mrs W. Fibbs 1. Miss M. Gibson 2, Mm Thorn, 3, Miss K. Porter 4. _ In all the above calsses the duplication is for exhibitors who lnwe never won a farst or second prize at the Otaro Winter Show.

One sponge cake and sponge, roll.—Mrs S Thomas 1, Miss J. Macdonnld 2. Miss K. Belcher 3, Mrs J. J. Nyhon 4 One sponge cake, iced.—Miss A. MTntyre 1. Mi* W. J. Charters 2, Miss Reynolds 6. Mrs A. K Wilson 4. The judges were quits pleased with the quality of the exhibits all through, and remarked that (here were some lovely exhibits of shortbread, and some particularly good scones.

FARMERS' BAY. There was- only one entry in the section tor- the most comprelm-ive collection of agricultural, dairy, and pastoral nv-duee produced on the farm of the exhibitor. Mr Wm. Reed, of Toiro, ] !a ..{ hj aii to himself, and made a really good display

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS. In a corner of the Brvdone Hall, but well m sight, there is a very interesting display by the Otago Education Board o> exhibits from the Lawrence, Hilton Balclutha, Ta.pa.nui, Palmerston. and SLosfiel District High Schools, schools that have the rural course in operation. Messrs E S. Green and E, J. Healcy. agricultural instructors under the hoard, are in charge of this display It is well set out and effectually labelled. The results are shown of variety tests in mangolds, swedes, carrots,.lucerne, and grasses? As to lucerne, five kinds are shown, and itcan be seen that the Peruvian is the variety best adapted for this part of the country. It has the heaviest vield and comes away much quicker in the spring than ochor varieties.; also it grows up straight and is tho easiest to cut, since the scythe can be got underneath The sample shown is th e fifth cnt this VeaRon—the last and poorest. A variety of lucerne named Dryland is also commanded, being suitab e to arid soils. The results of mamim] tests are also shown— Up-to-Dato potatoes that vield 6? fons without manure and n» to m tons when organic matter of tho best is tnrW in • swedes that vary from 14 tons (without manure to 36 tons (with the best manure). A collection of native shrubs grown from cuttings for the purpose of Sistrioution and beautifying school grounds ie another feature of this display.

AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENTS EXHIBIT. * ' Without doubt oii9 of the most striking s.\e display made by the Department ofAgncuiturc. A. matter of a decade \Z the department contented itself with, exhibting products from the different £- penmental farms controlled by the officers. Later tabulated results of the Dommons exports were prominently replayed, together with the results of herd testing aa conducted by the dairy divi ■Jears still specimens of growing for-w crops have, been exhibited, all of which riißplay and made v,hat everyone knows ns the Government exhibit," a real ob- *? "*? 0n {he land - CT a . f " rt ' er important innovation has been introduced, sbowinir "what the department has, been able to* a^lpfih Sheath *£,** "?>' ' b ° te research y lo rkm_ experimenting with sons, etc.. s hovan g their capabiK'-v to n °\ CeVtai " crf,ns when to proper treatment. The exwr-Wi. this connection are hiehlv instructive, and cannot fa,] lo M . rost ths attent;on ™ a ™ progiessive farmer on the lookout for u»-to-date information.

—Co-operative Experiments.— One particularly interesting section of "his comprehensive <H«ptov is ,tlie MV on w ~ch are exhibited the results of coZ V ° carried out by' the farmer and the fields division of the De £"' ° f in COnsupplws the seeds, etc.. and keeps the 6he° hj; T lllle *H hrm " r «™ *h» '«e of t u r a Urrf , a ™ dnes the neccwarv rfir A* t, he e » rl of the season the mnniJ 0 ! 1 v°i , th ? vaHo,l& <' ro P s is recorded and . thns is ™ ! » knowledge ot what navicular variety of wheat or oats k suitable to the locality. The S^W* 0 th ? ?* mnhl and the fertiliser bost-smted to n partiohlatf cron m a particular district is discovered A eat cards attached to the different exhithe data in connection with the nX +1,1? S «° nn «*»« '* w well to note that some farmers, and others who me not farmers for that matter, are prone to ridicule the work done bv the E fnd ™ 7 p "' ntl '"/ to thc "dividual turnips SL + r"° lds ' for 6Samt,le > and characterising them as poor samples compared with competitn-e classes. The department, it J?nf ,• senie5 eniem Wd. is not competing but is endeavoring to show the asricultural community typical roots In regard to color, shape, and quality. —Display Charts.— wiT? the waUs of the anncse 3re exhibited large painted charts,, which show *! Jt t S > e the voluj riG and value of the export of -p-001, frozoa Sneatj'

skins, hides, tallow, butter, and cheese, also the results of co-operative experiments. 1

—Lucerne.—

The department is paying considerable attention to the growth and cultivation ot lucerne-, which is recognised as one of the most valuable of fodder plants. As indicating the importance which the fields division of the Department of Agriculture attaches to the plant it may be mentioned that a handsome shield displayed as a centrepiece contains the following information :—" .Lucerne—the world's premier forage crop. Lucerne is the king of forage plants, and those countries which Have recognised its value are annually -reaping an assured harvest of wealth from its abundant production. It is said that lucorne-grpwmg marks the highest development in modern agriculture, and is the agriculture wonder of the 19th century. Lucerne is the most perfect animal iood known to men. It is the most highly nutritious and palatable of foods tor all classes of farm animals, and it }f„ vei 'y productive and cheaply produced, lhere are few parts of the world so well adapted to growing lucerne to perfection as New Zealand. Tests conducted for a number of years in the Dominion by the fields division of the Department of Agriculture prove that it can bo grown in the driest seasons in the most unlikely soils without the assistance of irrigation, and as many as six crops secured from the plant- in one year." The exhibit of lucerne was grown at the School for the Deaf at Sumner. The land on which it was grown was what may be termed as i light land. There was only Some 2iin I of loam, the subsoil being sand. Si-.- i cuts were taken from the plants this! year, totalling -17 ft of growth, and this i immense growth is demonstrated bv the I actual cuts" being placed on end." Ex- I hi bits of lucerne from all parts of the bouth Island are also on view, and these havo been grown in quite a variety of soils, specimens of lucerne in bulk, grown on Mr Love s-farm in Galloway, were exhibited. Mr Macpherson, South Island fields instructor, claims that Central Otago will be one of the best districts in New Zealand for producing lucerne seed owing to its climatic condition. Farmers musu, however, clearly understand that careful attention to cultivation is essential, and not only cultivation, but the sowing of the seed and the best time to cul so as to get the maximum result. —Other Forage Plants Specimens of Chou Mollier, one of the most valuable of forage plants, suitable i £i f l rm & mmals > especially cattle, axe exhibited. The plant i a of French origin, and _ is greatly used in France, where turnips cannot be grown owino- to the prevalence of disease, and to insect pests. A good number of varieties of silver beet are also on view. Mr Macpherson pointed out that in some respects this plant is not as popular as it deserves to be owing to the wrong varieties having been used. liie Tight and wrong varieties are on exhibition, and farmers would do well to study them. As showing the wonderful growth of this plant it may be mentioned that Mr Hartnell, of Woolston. arew a plot under field conditions which yielded 79.85 tons per acre from, the present! season s crop, and the plants are still growing.

—Mossbank.—■ i The word mossbank does not canvev much meaning to the average farmer o'f to-day, -but to those who ha-ve had experience of what may be termed pioneering, especially m bush country, mcs&banks are quite familiar. In the Catlins district, ■where moss banks abound in great number and area, the_ Government have been conducting experiments with a view to bringing the land they cover into profitable use. The experiments were conducted on Mr Keith Ramsay's farm at Owaka, and consisted in breaking the hard pan which lies beneath tho moss and tho application of lime. These experiments have proved most successful, and samples of oats, and vetches, and field peas grown on the tr-sated land are most interesting and instructive. Tlie fact that there are thousands of acres of mossbank laud in the Catlins districts indicates how valuable have been the experiments which have been carried out by Mr M'Gillvray, one of the department's officere.

[ —Reclamation of Sand Areas.— I Tho reclamation of sand areas with a view to bringing them into profitable-, occupation is another question which has occupied the attention of tbo officers of the. Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture. Experiments were commenced some six rears ago with sand taken from New Brighton' Beach. .Mr Macpherson, tho head of the Fields Division, introduced the animal lupin seed from France, and as the result of testing it was discovered that' tlie white lupin was the best for the purpose of grc-en manuring. The idea, was to .introduce organic matter, commonly termed humus, into the sand. Recently, experiments wore conducted on Mr D. Stewart's farm (Baiclutha) with a fine brown eand, which was only capable of growing a. little fog. Tho application of a soiling crop (white lupin) supplied the necessary humus, and the result is seen in samples cf products taken from Mr Stewart'e property, consisting of prairie grass, sheep's parsley, sheep burnet, white and crimson color, .yellow and white fleshed turnip?, and also potatoes! It is a noteworthy fact that the quality cf products grown in sandy soil are superior to crops grown on soil from which eand is absent.

—Potatoes.—- " One cannot but be attracted by a well-got-up exhibit of potatoes from Rtiakura, the different varieties totalling 60. —Wool.--An attractive display of wool arrests attention. This, consists of samples secured j from the picked flocks from tho North •j Cape to Stewart island. The samples j total .80, and are correctly labelled, and j form a valuable object lesson, to wool [ growers. } —lntensive Cultivation.— An exhibit of turnips carrots, beet, pumpkins, marrows, and leeks, grown at tbo School for the Deaf at Sumner, shows what can be done by way of intensive cultivation. A prominent placard, on which is printed '' Wnat Ii torsive Cultivation Moans," explains what is being done in that direction. The specimens wsro .grown on light, sandy soil, without irrigation, in a very dry season. There are also exhibited some uo.od specimens cf form forage plants from the" Industrial School. Burnham. —Grasses. The Wereroa State Farm show a very fin 9 selection of eras?-!- jnowi, in pots. Many of them are intended to show what ran be done in the wav of re:,:rns«i)isc the depleted areas in the Enntehns/.h district snd en the Mexkonzie ~!ai.is »; Canterbury. Tho Moumahal ' Experimental Station also exhibit some srraftsrs and for- j aero plants, as also does Mr Robinson, tho ; officer in charge cf the F<-restiy Depart- I merit at- Tnpanui; some 4GO varieties beintr' shown. "'; I —A Good Seed Bed.- • j A moßt interesting exhibit, showing '• i what a good seed bed means to plantcrowth. is prominent. Mr Macpherson. ! who is thoroughly practical, contends that! the manner in which a se : ;d bed is pre- i pared has everything to do with the proper ! termination and growth of plants, and ' this applies specially to .Grasses' and i clovers. Sections of seed ■ bed placed nlonsrside a wrongly-prepared ! bed is a valuable obje't lesson. j —Roll of Honor.— j A beautifully-written ohi.-t placed in a f prominent position eho.v« h<-w the pro-1 ducts of the Dominion fared in competi-1 tion with other products from all parts j or the world at the .P-inama Exhibition. ! inis roil ot honor shows that 4UO awards '■ were secured by tho -Donnir-of ir. ajrricui- I ttiral and pastoral prod lie -s " i —The Centre-piece.- ! , Tft e centre of the annexe, as usual, is a beautiful arrangement of fibr< which 1 ?amed the gold medal of honor at the i Panama- Exposition. This is most artis- | tically arranged, and shuts warm commendation.

—Collection of Far.si Seeds.— There is a. beautiful col ection of farm hibited at Panama, and which 6 ccured tho gold medal of honor. There are also Wh wif* ex . hib ' the New South. yfik% Victomn, am Queensland

Governments at Panama, also a handsome I collection from Kansas and from Phila- | The Kansas collection displays i some excellent specimens of milo and sorghum. —Fruit.— A fruit conforenco was reentlv held in Wellington, which consisted "of fruit growers, nurserymen, and officers of the horticultural division of the Department of Agriculture, at which the various vari*: ties of fruit, principally apples; found to be most suitable, were discussed. This was considered essential iu view of the rapid extension of the fruit-growing industry. The different varieties of apples were considered in three clashes :—(l) Expart to the Northern Hemisphere; (2) to bouth America; and (3) for local mariV- object of the department's' fruit exhibit on tins occasion is to demonstrate the different classes as far as practictablo and there is no disputing the fact that m L\ C ? m P bell and his associates (Messrs w. P. Goodwin M. Courtier, and tvpcida) have succeeded. The specimens oi appiea exhibited are excellent. Ine wino c&MHted from To Kauwhata. (formerly Waerangi) » highly attractive, exhibition is controlled bv Mr A S Fiß i ds T ™*™t°r for the" to V' T W^r^^Fie.ld S ln 6truc\ril *U \ R n F - Carae r«n, assisted bv

RED CROSS. ncJfor^ 1 '^ an hec of the b r nch . of St - Jobn Ambulance -Association hwe in the Brydche Hall a very pretty stall, wherein is2t oV?Sh£ pi&y of specimens of all the goods that these workers make at the rooms, and the cookery book that has been rushed in tho edS T ' IS ° * b ° Ughfc here " » *»** the I « edlework ou this B **U commands; general appreciation.

WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION Mrs Macfie, Mrs Park, and Mrs Beaumont, with the assistance of Anzac soldiers are managing a soldiers' stall that is split up into departments. A recruiting booth run by returned men carries this stiniulat--3- otego wiU nofc n eed corf, scnption. The women trust to the men to ally round the flag. We are ready, to help the men who defend us." Such an expression of faith must surely appeal to our young fellows, and they can L sL «n there and then. Near by is a . box for donations to be used in the purely of wool ior working up at the rooms. There are eomo women who ..are willing to knit but cannot afford to buy all the wool they require, and this box is to help in such cases. In another division is shown many articles for sale for tire iwnafit (if wounded soldiers. The association al'.o show samples of kits and Dominion gift parcels, and specimens of evcrv article a •soldier needs from the time he' leaves till he comes back. Curios from Gallipoli are stowed in a back room, to-which access can be had on payment of a email fee, and a canteen is available for the drouthv.

ANTARCTIC EXHIBITS. A large enclosure in the Brvdone Hall is set apart for the unique display of articles brought from the Antarctic by'the Aurora. ' TJie Misses. Mill are in charge here, helped by several willing members of the Red Cross branch, the funds of which are to gather in the takings. Captain Stenhouse,' has taken a personal interest in making this display as complete as possible, and Mr Ninnis (his private, secretary) is making it a labor of love to attend aiid explain. There are in.this display many things that not bo shown at the exhibition on the wharf. For instance, there are far more photographs of scenes in the ice regions; also a fine series of sketches showing the actual measurements of the ice ; also a weighed-out sample ration such as each man had on a sledge journey; and •perhaps some persons who saw the exhibition at the wharf will be glad to closely examine tho pony snowehces when told that these on view were actually used by the heroic Captain Dates on Iris ponies. We «ko call attention to the emperor penguin, the "Addies," and the baby seal as prepared for this occasion by MY E. IL Gibson, the taxidermist to tha Otago Museum, by permission of Professor Benhawj. Mr Cfibson has done his work well.

EXHIBITS, [Published by Arrangement. ] CHRISTCHUBCHMEAT COMPANY'S EXHIBIT. ECLIPSE FERTILISERS. • A special feature of -the company's ej:hibits this year is the display of their patent fertilisers put up under the. ['Eclipse" brand, which is so well known in Canterbury, where, jt is not too much to say, tho brand has become a household word among farmers. The company since their inception have made- the preparation of Hie "Eclipse" fertilisers a special feature of their business, and tho present mixings are the result of many years of practical experience, together "with a careful study of the soil requirements. A glance at tho price list, which in itself is interesting, as affording pome idea of the scope and magnitude of the company's business, containing as if does views of the company's various works in the South Island, and photographs of some portions of the manure department. will show that the range of fertilisers offered is most comprehensive. There are turnip fertilisers for light and good land, potato and mangel fertilisers, "rape and grain fertilisers, superphosphates, bonedust, and a special mixing" (half superphosphates and half bonedusl). Each of these fertilisers is prepared with a viewto meeting the special requirements of the plant, and are the outcome of practical experience, plus scientific research. The value of the " Eclipse " fertilisers has long been recognised by farmers in Canterbury and North Ota go. and this is ' evidenced by tho popularity of these, manj ures and the- steady growth in the dej mand for them. Inspection of the analvi sis of the different mixings supports the [ company's claim that Uiese manures rei present the. best value of anv manures offered to farmers in the South Island. ! Tho company have recently installed a fertiliser plant at the Pukeuri works, m North Otago, in order to cope with the growing requirements of the Oatnaru district, and they are now able to supply these manures to farmers in South Otago from this point on very reasonable terms. The value of a manure lies almost entirely in the supply of soluble phosphates and nitrogen/which it affords to the phut m available' f m- m . and the special feature of the "Eclipse-'" fertilisers is the high proportion of these two valuable constituents, mere especially in regard to the proportion of water soluble phosphates - and a- comparison of the analysis shown with the analysis of other manures offered to farmer's will show that in this respect, the "Eclipse" fertilisers stand absolutelv alone. Included in the display arc roots grown with "Eclipse" fertiliser, and which includes fine specimens of turnips of various kinds and mangels, and shows whatcan be produced when these fertilisers are used.

Tho fruit, the school exhibits, and the iSrmers bay were not i lidded un l* o p.m. l

-Acre? 1910 ... .. ... - 31,769 1911 ... 1912 ... .*' 35.839 36,967 1913 38,797 1914 42.099 1915 ... . 45,687