THE WAIKATO SHOW

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 November 1928, Page 2

THE WAIKATO SHOW

GREAT DISPLAY OP STOCK. PRAISE BY THE JUDGES. Delightful weather prevailed for the opening of the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association's annual show at the Claudelands Show Grounds on Friday. The entries, including for minor classes, totalled 3,000, or o\ or 500 in excess of those received last year. In the light horse and hack section the entries total 500, an increase of 89 over last year, while in the harness horse division the entries arc 25 in advance of the 1927 show. No alteration is shown in the draught horse section, which has been somewhat weak for several years.

A new standard was set in the Jersey cattle section owing to the exhibition of valuable animals which have been recently imported. The exhibitors displayed greater care in the selection of exhibits, with the result that, although the entries showed a slight decrease, an improvement was shown in the quality of the animals. The champions -were described by the judges as being beautiful animals which should go a long way toward raising the type and butter-fat standard of Jersey stock in the Waikato. The Itvo judges of the Jersey section agreed that the quality excelled that of the Jersey section at the Royal Show. Priesians and Ayrshires. The Priesians were a very strong section and some animals of outstanding merit were shown. The champions were exceptionally good. That the Ayrshire breed is coming into its own in the Waikato was indicated by the largo number of entries and the fine quality of the stock penned. The cows were true to type and' showed every evidence of being excellent butter-fat producers. The judge, Mr C. B. Morgan, of Woodville, was very much impressed with the exhibits. The entries totalled 125, considerably exceeding the. number previously exhibited at Hamilton and compared favourably with the Roval Show.

The Milking Shorthorns formed an important division of the cattle section and the stock shown were fine samples of the breed.

The quality of fat stock was well up to the high standard usually maintained at the show. . The champion ' bullock was of exceptionally good quality and attracted general attention owing to its immense size and well-finish-ed condition. ' Stronger Sheep Classes. An increase of £0 per cent, was shown in the number of sheep penned. hSouthdowns increased by 100 per cent, and formed a splendid class. The competition was good. Eomneys were strongly represented and some fine sheep were exhibited. Lincolns were a fair class ,while Border Lcicesters were exceptionally good. For the first time a class was provided for the Eyclands, and one exhibitor introduced the breed to the patrons of the show. The fine reputation gained by the Waikato breeders for fat sheep was enhanced by the exhibits on vie,w and, although competition was confined to a few breeders whose names have appeared on the prize list for years, the class was most satisfactory. The show officials regard the in,ei eased interest in sheep classes as very gratifying. Exhibitors in the Waikato have yet much to learn from South Island breeders in the way to prepare sheep for the show rings find more care in this direction would have improved the section.

There were 30 entries in the pig section. There was not much competition but the quality was good. Two of the pigs were exceptionally large, weighing Bcwt. each. Excellent support was given to the home industries section, particularly in the school cookery and .needlework classes.