NEW PLYMOUTH A. AND P. SHOW.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XIX, Issue 3291, 2 December 1892, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH A. AND P. SHOW.

(from our special reporter.")

This event came off on Thursday, Ist December. On the morning of the show 6ome slight Buowers fell, but as the day wore on the weather cleared, whioh enabled townspeople to turn out. On "Wednesday, both morning and afternoon trains brought up a large consignment of cattle, horses, and sheep from Hawera district ; in fact, it was freely admitted by many — and amongst these New Plymouth people — that had it not been for the liberal support accorded by Hawera end the eighteenth annual show of our metropolis would not have been a success. The show was held on the racecourse, and a more lovely spot could not be found. Situated as it is on a high plateau above the town of New Plymouth, a splendid view could be had of the town, the muchloved Recreation Ground (a beantiful place just now), with the breakwater and Sugar Loaves in the distance. The stock and implements were on the ground early, the committee and stewards were well up to their work, and everything passed off without a hitch. It was estimated there were about 2000 persons on the ground. The secretary (Mr. C. T. Mills) was almost omnipresent, and very obliging (as it is his nature to be) ; he attended to his duties most assiduously. As the catalogue starts with horses, which is rather unusual, I will follow it. Horses.

In the thoroughbred class there was some very good stock shown. Mr. W. J. Russell's Lionel (Leolinus — Petroleuse) carried off first honors and champion. The judges and the public were at one on this point. I may here mention that Messrs W. C. Symes, of Manutabi, and J. Glynes were the judges, and only in one case did I hear the slightest dissent from their awards. In the mare class Mr. Standish had it all bis own way with Witiora. In the yearling class Mr. J. W. Scott, of Whakamara, secured the blue with his Storm King. It is the third time this year he has received such distinction. The draughts were represented by a mixed lot ; the prizetakers coming direct or recently from Hawera. Some exhibits were very poor specimens, and several were rightly ordered out of the ring by the judges. Mr. J. D. Mitchell's Glengyle obtaiced first place and champion, while a promising youngster, Whakamara, by Glasgow Geordie, came second. The draught mares were not the class I have seen in prize-rings in the South Island. Mr. A. Alexander, of Waihi, oarried first with a very promising yearling fiUy. Mr. H. T. McLean maintained the position he gained for his three-year-old at Hawera and Palmerston Mr J. S. Oughton took prize for yearling colt by Robert the Bruce. Mr J. D. Mitchrtl's Toby took prize for 13 hands pony The hacks of various classes were well represented, and a fairieh lot, there being some good representatives in the different classes. The ladies' hacks, 15 hands and over, Miss Standish's Sheila, ridden by owner, was awarded first honors with Mr. Goodson's Sandy second. Under 15 hands Mr. Goodson's Hazel was first, with Mr. C. A. Budge's Masher second. Miss Colson carried off the prizo for best lady rider, while Mr. G. H. GibsoD, late of Hawera, secured the coveted place amongst the gentlemen. Mr. Jas. Davidson secured first place for King Alfred. The buggy, spring trap, and harness class brought out good fields, many prizes going Hawera way. Mr. D. Wilkie's 'Tommy was first, with Messrs Goodson's Hazel second. The former was piloted by our well-known knight of the ribbons, Mr John Flynn, while Mr W. Hirst steered Hazel. The four-in-hand brought out a good field, Mr F. Calgher carried this event and also Lord Glasgow's special prize of a whip for best driver.

Cattle.

The shorthorn class was swept by Mr. A. A. Fantham. His bull gained first and champion, while his cow Venus I. also gained first and ohampion. The other classes brought out fair representatives, and in the milch cow olass the judges commented very freely on the disgraceful cruelty of allowing the cows to remain unmilked ; many of the poor beasts must have suffered agony. There is a growing desire at the north end of this province for a new breed of cowa, the Dutch Friesians. They are a new breed to me, and, as near as I can describe them, they are a cross breed of the Polled Angus with a horned breed, but to which breed I am unable to say. I tried to obtain information of the their milking and butter- making qualities, but could not get any very favorable report, and, until well tried by men who have plenty of money to spare for such experimeuts, would ad vise dairymen to be careful in replacing the tried milkers. Although it in well that a better c!a88 of dairy cows should be secured it our reputation is to be maintained, let us iroceed slowly. Sheep.

The sheep were not a numerous class, but some very good ones were shown, not many coming from Hawera. Mr. W. Lucena swept the lino for best freezers. Ewes Ist ; and h.c. io the wether class. InLeicesters Mr. Street and Mr. Tate were principal prize takers. In Lincolns Mr. A. J. Hoskins took all the prizes.

Implements, These were conspicuous by their absence. A few farm implements made a display certainly, but not a very good one. The busgies and traps wore of good workmanphip. The separators were a feature ; dairymen were very much taken up with them, and many closely watched the mechanism and working.

Dogs of all grades were well represented, no less than 43 being entered. Very few oi the prizes went to Hawera; They were a really good class of animals.

Pigs were not numerous, but those shown were very good, and would make good baconers.

Jumping. For the jamping competition 17 horses were entered, and there was Borne fair jumping. Mr. E. Higgmson was awarded first honors on Mr. C. A. Budge's The Maßher. Mr. G. H. Gibson lost second place owing to an acoident. His hat blew off at the second jamp, and in the attempt to «atch it he a!. owed his horse to swerve from taking the' last timber.

Guessing Competition. There was a cow and a sheep to gnees at. .£ls was taken in shillings on the cow, which weighed Qlflb'B, the exact weight being guessed by two persons The third prize was taken by one at 6481b5. The sheep weighed 1081b. £65 was taken at the gates.