PLOUGHING MATCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1481, 11 September 1865, Page 2

PLOUGHING MATCH.

The annual ploughing match of the Port Victoria district took place on Thursday, the 7th inst., on a piece of virgin land belonging to R. Rhodes, Esq., in the bay known as Mrs. Gebbie's Bay. The weather was fine, but the attendance was not so good as usual. The ground was in very good condition, and, fully answered the expectations of all interested. The quantity of ground to be ploughed by each man was five chains in length, to comprise one ridge and two halves. The time allowed for the work to be done in was from 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

At the hour appointed the men, having first drawn by lot for their position, commenced their task, which they completed within the specified time, allowing for a short restto take refreshment, which was supplied by the committee for all present, and of which every one seemed to participate with the utmost satisfation. The following are the names of the competitors, with the description of ploughs used by them:—

Owners of Team. Ploughmen. Plough W. Todd J. Todd Barrowman A. Dawson A. Allen Scotch wheel — Wright F. Murray Barrowman J. Gebbie R. Haward Keetley Do. J. Donoughey Barrowman S. Manson J. Manson Keetley D. Gebbie Owner Barrowman S. Manson W. Corby Do. — Cooper G. Hamilton Do. — Smith J. Smith, jun. Grey Mrs. Gebbie E. Cooper Do. T. Hamilton Owner Armstrong As soon as the men had completed their work, the Judges, Messrs. J. Milne, R. Docker, and—Norman, commenced the work of inspection, which occupied them some time, when they came to the following result :—

Ist prize—£6, with Ladies' purse added, J. Todd ; 2nd prize—£s, A. Alleii; 3rd prize —£4, J. Smith, jun.; 4th prize—£3, J. Manson ; sth prize—£2, W. Corby.

The ploughing, on the whole, was considered good, and the decision of the judges seemed to give universal satisfaction.

The thanks of all concerned are due to the ladies of the district, for their exertions in promoting the ploughing match.

This district has continued its matches for seven successive years, without any competition from other districts until this year, when three men have come and shown them where they were deficient. The men of the district consider that the deficiency lies, not so much in the work, as in the getting their ploughs in the proper order. They are perfectly satisfied with the decision.

The proceedings of the day closed with foot-races, in which both men and boys joined, to the amusement of all present.

After hearing the decision of the judges, all separated with the apparent satisfaction of having fully enjoyed themselves during the day.