Horse Team And Tractors Draw Ploughs In Match

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23367, 25 September 1950, Page 6

Horse Team And Tractors Draw Ploughs In Match

Fine weather and good ploughing conditions favoured the Y.F.C. plough- 1 ing match on Saturday afternoon at Mr. G. V. Smith's property, Waitaria. It was an annual fixture that had had to be postponed week by week for almost a month because of adverse weather and unsiutable ground conditions at The Willows, where it was intended to have conducted it. Although there was a satisfactory attendance of the public, it was felt that more would have patronised the match had it been possible to continue with the original date. Entries were affected for the same reason, many of the ploughmen who intended to participate being busily engaged with their own work. They were taking advantage of one of (he few fine “breaks” in the weather in a season already late.

Any young farmers or members of the public who had not seen a horse team in action had that opportunity on Saturday. There was a four-horse team drawing a single furrow plough. As much interest was taken in its performance as in the many makes and sizes of motor tractors. It is of interest to note that the horse team won its class. “Below Match Standard” “There was some very good ploughing, but on the whole it was below match standard.” said the judge. Mr. Alex Allan, in his comments. “The reason for that is probably due to the period of inactivity as the draught horses declined in favour with the advent of the motor plough. Now it is coining back into its'own again.” He said that more attention could be paid to opening uo and finishes. There was some nuite good-work done once the competitors got started. Some doubts seemed to exist regarding the correct plough setting for opening up. A really good ploughman would know the correct settings to suit certain conditions.

‘‘The Young Farmers' Club movement deserves full credit for fostering these ploughing matches.” Mr Allan continued. “It is a fundamental operation in land cultivation.” He said the ground was in excellent condition and the slight undulation in the paddock provided another slight trial of skill and marie the ploughing more interesting for the competitors. Mr. E. P. Widdowson’s challenge cun for chamnion ploughman was awarded to C. R. Stevens. Other results were:—

Class A. Lone Mouldboard, three and four furrow. —W. Rickard, 1; J. L. Jacques. 2: H. Rickard. ,3. Class B. Short Mouldboard, three and four furrow.—C. R. Stovers, 1; P. Howard. 2: M. G. Tombleson. 3. Class C, Long Mouldboard, one and two furrow. —A. S. Greaves, 1; J. D. Davidson. 2: J. Stevens, 3. Class D, Short Mouldboard, one and two furrows. — E. L. Stockdale, 1.

Special trophies.—Best horse team: A. S. Greaves. Y.F.C. member with most points in class B: C. R. Stevens. Y.F.C. member with most points in class C: E. Prebble.

Special Prizes

Best Feering.—W. Rickard, 1; E. L. Stockdale. 2; P. Howard. 3. Best Strike-out. —W. Pickard, 1; E. L. Stockdale. 2: R. Briant. 3.

Best Finish.—J. L. Jacques, 1: A. S. Greaves. 2. Best Ins ami Outs. —R. Briant, 1; E. L. Stockdale, 2. , Slraightcst Ploughing.—C, R. Stevens 1; E. Williams. 2. Youngest Competitor.—J. Stevens. Miscellaneous.—Sheep estimating: E. H. Buddy. Chain stepping: J. L. Jacques. Nail driving: R. Gilmore and J. Tombleson. Tractor backing: D W. Briant, The trophies were donated by the following: Messrs. H.S. Motors. Limited; Common, Shelton and Company, Limited; W. Langlands, A.B.C. Motors. Murray, Roberts and Company, Limited. Allen Brothers and Johnstone, Machinery and Tractor Company. Limited, Gisborne Sheepfarmers, F.M. and M. Company, Holmes Motors, Limited, Reliance Tyre and Rubber Company, Limited, New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, .h. C. Scragg. Dalgety and Company, Limited, Williams and Kettle, Limited, Tractor and Truck Service, and the Gisborne Herald