SPRING SHOW IS STILL BREAKING GATE RECORDS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7061, 8 November 1929, Page 10

SPRING SHOW IS STILL BREAKING GATE RECORDS

Tester day was judges’ day, arnd by commendable attention to business a very lengthy list of awards was made in the various sections. Cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, and dogs, all came under the judges’ eyes and by the time the show closed the red, white and blue cards of merit were adorning a great number of the stalls. • To-day, the judges will be able to rest upon their laurels and, the serious business disposed of, tho many amd varied show attractions should receive an even greater share of attention. The lighted tents and booths of “Canvas Town,” with that “circus” air that always seems to pervade the side show area, were thronged by holiday crowds all last evening, while during the afternoon the stentors who cried their attractions, were doing very brisk business. In the halls, with their more sober interests, there was endless traffic throughout the day. At neon, an. official luncheon was aeld under the main stand when Mr J. Liriklater, M.P., president of the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association, was in the choir. Guests o.f the association were the Mayor of Wellington, Mir G. A. Troup, and three of his councillors, Messrs Meadowcroft, GraAiclin a/nxl Ronni£tt. all regard "the Miaiia.wH.tu Sllow as the outstanding show of New Zealand. Of that I have no doubt, despite the statement often made, that there is no difference in shows,” said Mr Troup in replying to a welcome extended by Mr Liriklater on behalf of the A. and p. Association. “I, have seen practically every show in New Zealand and I think I may s&y that Palmerston North stands pre-eminent among them. I extend on behalf of my council, the earnest wish that you will always occupy the position at Palmerston North of holding New. Zealand’s premier show.” , - lit was expected that a number or members of .Parliament would be able to attend the luncheon, but owing to the duties of the session, this was found to be impossibilie. It is expected, that several members will visit tho show tagging competitions drew an interested crowd and some very fine horses were seen on the oval. Attention was focussed on the children’s riding competitions for' the Jelllcoe Cup, which was won by Doris Young, of Eairanga. This cup was presented to the association this year by the former GovernorGeneral of New Zealand, Earl Jellicoe. During the evening members of the Palmerston North Y.M.C.A. repeated their first night’s success with another interesting gymnastic display. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME. The programme for to-day is as follows: — 9 am. —Exhibition of machinery, motors, implements, permanent stalls, vehicles, all live stock, and exhibition halts. 10 &.m. —All horses in competitions to be in stalls. 11 am.—Wire jump; lady drivers and turnout®; lady riders, novice and open) best walking horse; ladies’ and gentlemen's champion hack and beat groomed and equipped hack. 1 to 1.30 p.m. —Trotting exhibition. 1 in ring. 2 p.m.—Grand parade of all animals that will lead; champion pony jump; rhampion (open) hunters’ competition. 6 p.m.—Showgrounds dosed to public. 7 pm.—Grounds open for side shows and exhibits in halls. 7.30 p.m. Military tattoo in ovaL 10 pm.—Show finally closes. V THE MILITARY TATTOO. Tho ehief attraction for the last night, to-night, is the military display to be staged by the Defence Department. It will be remembered that this event was staged at the Royal Show in Palmerston North last year, and created an extraordinary amount of interest. Bad weather, however marred the display but better Tesults from the weather prophet are expected this year, and it is anticipated that a record crowd will be in attendance to-night. The programme comprises tent-pegging, artillery drive, signalling demonstration, guard mounting, and a relay race, the function being completed with a *econd artillery drive. The oval has »cen specially lighted for the event. JUDGES COMMENTS. Hereford Cattle. Mr. J. M. James of Masterton who judged the Hereford cattle anticipated a more representative, exhibition of the breed and expressed regret that the more prominent breeders had not brought forward more of their stock. However the exhibits, particularly in the male classes, were very pleasing although the females were fewer than previously. The yearling bulls were all of promising quality and better than had been exhibited for some time. While there were only three entries in the 3-year-old class the two placed beasts were very nice bulls. That which took the first award, Mr. D. P. Buchanan’s exhibit, was on the type which the Breed Society was aiming to produce, a truly beef animal. The champion 3-vear-old bull, exhibited by Mr. Jas. McKenzie, said Mr. James, davaloaed into a good anuggj, ag

. Successful Second Day Judges Have Busy Time in All Sections The gate takings at the Manawatu spring show yesterday were only £2l behind the figures for the second day of the 1928 JRoyal show and £sl in advance of the total for the second day of the 1927 fixture. Once again the early morning promise of rain did not materialise and crowds thronged the grounds dutifig the afternoon and evening sessions. Given fine weather again to-day, the show will rank as one of the most successful organised by the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association. The total gate takings yesterday were £543 8/11, as against £564 1/9 for the 1928 Royal show, and £492 15/3 for tfie 1927 spring fixture.

it possessed all the characteristics of tho true type. There was nothing very qutsfanding in the females exhibited and the selection was limited. He had seen better exhibits in the yoariing heifer class at previous Manawatu shows while there were only two beasts shown in the 2-yr. old class. Milking Shorthorns. “I would liko to congratulate Mr. R, V. Brown upon tho manner in which he has turned his stock out —they are a credit to the show,” said Mr. E. A, Washer of Okaiawa, judge of the milking shorthorns. Talcing the exhibits generally they could be described as a good oven representation of the breed. In the yearling bull class Mr. B. H. Slack’s entry was a particularly fine boast. The 2-year bulls were tbe best class of the show and had been brought out particularly well. Reverting to the yearlings, which had impressed the judge very much, Mr. Washer said that two of the ..beasts were the nicest yearlings he, had had before him for some time. Regarding Mr. R. V. Brown’s 3-year-old bull, Mr. Washer said he liked him very myoli but he expected he would have grown bigger for his age. Generally speaking tho female exhibits were a fair oven lot. One of Mr. Brown’s exhibits had damaged a teat which handicapped the beast in tho cbmpetition for the championship award. But for this injury the beast would hive gained the award. Mr. Washer was disappointed in the number of the exhibits —it could have been larger and in conclusion ho expressed the opinion that it would be difficult to get three better bulls anywhere than those exhibited.

Jerseys. •Discussing the exhibition of Jerseys, the judge, Mr. A. E. Missen, of Hamilton, remarked upon the lack of entries in - practically all sections. Dealing with the aged hull exhibits, Mr. Missen said that the first and champion bull was an exceptional animal and beasts of that type must go a long way towards improving the Jersey stock ol' the Dominion. This bull had good carriage, a good head, good rein, excellent shouldetß, exceedingly good heart girth and spring of rib and showing plenty of quality. The beast which was awarded second prize 7703 also a nice animal but of course was not showing the same quality and character. In the throe-year-old class the first prize beast possessed both constitution and quality and was clean cut. The second prize bull was al§o good but not up to the standard of the first. The yearling class was strongly represented by beasts of type, the first award going to a bull showing great length and type. The competition, generally, was weak and disappointing. Begarding the female exhibits, Mr. Missen said that the aged cow class was not well represented, the first prize cow, which afterwards took tho championship, had gone off, nevertheless she disclosed more quality than the. otters. He was also disappointed with the three-year-old exhibits, the first prize beast being outstanding in her class and one would probably hear more or her later on. At the present time she was lacking the body and spring of rib required of the type. The two-year-olds were decidedly weak but the yearling heifers were fairly good. Mr. Missen had some difficulty in placing them owing to the disparity in type in the outstanding heifers. Having selected the first prize animal,, Mr. Missen had no alternative but to follow on in the same type. Bed Polls. Commenting on the exhibition ■of Bed Polls, Mr. J. Bisk of Ohura, tho judge, said that he was disappointed in the very limited entries but was pleased with the quality and the condition in which the beasts had been brought forward. In fact the condition of the beasts was better than be had seen previously at PalmerstonNorth. The cow which won the championship was an outstanding beast and the same remark could apply to the yearling bull awarded first prize. In conclusion, Mr. Bisk said that the quality was very nice but the representation disappointing. Triesians. The judge of the Priesians, Mr. H. Jolly of Waiuku, was very enthusiastic over the success of the breed in annexing the Alfa Laval cup and his praise of the cow which was responsible for this success, was supported by at least two Jersey judges. In the opinion of Mr. Jolly, the cow was easily one of the nicest beauts ever seen in New Zealand and certainly a noteworthy representative of the Friesian breed. This cow also took the championship award for the breed and the beast which captured the coveted award last year was placed second this year. Mr Jolly was disappointed at the lack of competition for the Wilbur cup, only one team competing as against five teams on a previous occasion. The award went to Mr. G. A. Cadwaklader's exhibit. It was a very nice team but there was nothing against it to develop competition. Ho recalled the splendid competition which resulted on the occasion, four years ago, when the Piri Land Coy.’s exhibit carried off the trophy, with five teams competing. This valuable trophy certainly called for wider competition and Mr. Jolly trusted that future shows would sec jgapy more entries. There, we apt

Southdottns (Open Class)

many entries in the 3 and 4-yenr old cow classes but there were somo nice exhibits in tho 2-year old class in milk. The yearling heifers were an outstanding lot and a credit to the breed. Dealing with the male exhibits Mr. Jolly said that representation in the aged bull section was not very good the championship going to the first in this class, while reserve championship was awarded to the first in the 3-year old section.' Had the yearling bulls been eligible for the. championship he would have awarded this honour to the beast gaining first prize in this class. Dairy Cattle.

dairy cattle, the judge, Mr. C. G. C. dermcr, of Cheltenham, said that he had only two beasts to adjudicate upon, a nice little cow and a fairish heifer. It was most disappointing to experience such an absence of competition and it was a matter of regret that breeders did not come forward and show their stock for the benefit of the dairying industry. Questioned as to the possible causes for tho lack of entries in both the dairy cattle and Jersey sections Mr. Dermcr said that it may be due to the fact that it was a little too early in the season for exhibitors. In further discussing tho question Mr. Dermcr said: “My own opinion is that a great deal more breeders are taking up official tosting for advertising purposes and arc not now worrying about the show ring. Naturally, of the two methods of demonstrating the quality of stock, the official testing is the more valuable to the breeder for he gets immediate practical results., Of course in the show ring the beast can bo exhibited where its points of type can be readily viewed by all interested in dairying.” Dr. Dcrmor went on to say that he felt that the growing interest in testing was largely responsible for the falling off in show ring exhibition and while testing was of the utmost importance to the building up of dairy herds, it had also to be remembered that the show ring held an important place in this respect. He considered that breeders should not neglect the show Ting because of official testing because it was at shows that one liad a splendid opportunity of viewing the best stock offering, and the competitive aspect had played a big part in the improvement of dairy stock.

Fat Stock. “What the meat trade wants is small joints with no waists and wo are judging on that type,” said Mr. Fred Fairey of Nelson, the judge in the fat stock classes.

The winning two-year-old steer in the fat cattle section exemplified the only maturity and quality which was required by the beof market. The entries in the fat cattle section had not been large but the animals penned had been of good quality.

Mr. Fairey stated that he had' not found as much bloom as he would have liked in the fat lamb class, but he considered that this might be due in some degree to the season which had not been favourable for early bloom. The winning pen of fat lambs for judging on the London market had been entered by Mr. R. M. Collis and made a very fine exhibit. Mr. Fairey considered that this pen of lambs showed very even meat and was eminently suitable for the London market.

There were fair entries in the fat stock class and the winning pens had been exceptionally good.

There was good competition in the Southdown (open class), said Mr. W. B. Andrew of Timaru, the judge, who remarked that the exhibits varied in qliality but this did not reduce the weight of the task of making awards. The chief breeders of the district were represented in stock from the studs of Burrell and Son, Ellis Bros, and J. Knight, and the best sheep from these noted stnds invited keen judging. Southdown’s (Unhoused).

“The entries right through, ami some of 'the classes were disapointing,” commented Mr. A. J. Coopfer of Masterton who judged the Southdown unhoused classes. The champion ram and ewe, however, were outstanding animals and were fit to win prizes in any show.’ The shorn hogget classes were ordinary and competition was very poor. Mr. Cooper stated that although he had not judged these classes last year, he had inspected them, and in his opinion this year’s exhibits were not up to the 1928 standard in either numbers or quality.

The judge stated "also that in the shorn ram hogget class he had passed over two sheep as he considered that they had been under cover the night before. The remainder of the sheep in the class had been wet, while these entries had been quite dry. Under these circumstances, he had felt justified in refusing to consider the two entries in question.

Romney Marsh Rams (Natural).

'‘Not as good as last year” was the description of the Romney Marsh ram classes (natural condition), given by the judge, Mr. A. Robottom of Otane. Generally speaking the quality had not been up to the 1928 standard, although in a few cases animals of better class had come before him.

Romney Ewes (Natural Condition). Mr. I. Donald, of Feathcrston, judge of the Romney Marsh ewes (in natural condition) had very little to say when invited to comment on the exhibits. The stock were every way as good as those exhibited in previous years and generally conformed to all requirements in type, wool, frame and constitution. Mr. A. Wheeler’s aged owe was a noteworthy sheep. All sections were well represented and the exhibition quite satisfactory. Romney Marsh (Open).

Mr. A. Kirkpatrick of Pututahi, who judged the Romney Marsh open classes, stated that this section, though showing only fair entries, had been well up to standard. The champion and reserve champion rams had been very good animals of type and character while there had been several outstanding animals in. the different classes. The ewes were very good, particularly the winning ewe under 18 months exhibited by the Short estate of Feilding. It had been very hard to separate the champion and reserve champion ewes, both being animals of excellent quality and type. Lincolns.

Discussing the exhibition of Lincolns tho judge, Mr. A. E. Symes of Wavcrley, remarked that the only trouble jvgs tbgt .there was not enough of them

—the competition was too small. The sheep shown, however, were very good —as good, in fact, is he liad seen for some time. He would have liked to have seen ten times as many exhibits and regretted that tho competition was confined to only two breeders, one of whom having only two entries. The judging was difficult and it was by no means easy to separate the champion and reserve champion. Ryelands, Corriedales and Merincs. Commenting on the classes he had to judge, Mr. S. J. Goulter, of Wellington, stated that there was no competition in the Merino and Ryeland sections while there were only two exhibitors in the Corriedale class and it was hard to realise that the number of entries did not come up to the Carterton show where there was a fine showing of nice quality sheep. Mr. N. G. Rayncr’s 4th. ram which was awarded the championship was a sheep of great constitution and well woollod. The other classes sliown were fairly representative of the breed but wore not up to the high standard which this breed has maintained in the South Island. Generally speaking, he was disappointed, more or less, with the exhibits, but he understood that there were seasonal factors contributing to this.

Pigs. Mr. W. B. Grant, of New Plymouth, who judged the pig sections other than special classes, expressed disappointment with the Berkshire class, which ho did not consider up to standard. The pigs, with the exception of one or two better class animals, were not in the same condition as previous years.

The Tamworths, however, were rather better than the Berkshires and had been particularly strong in the breeding sows. There had been seven entries in the class for sow in pig, but he had thrown out several pigs as badly teated. He would like to see more competition in the Tamworth class.

There were some very nice pigs among the Large Whites, the champion boar especially being an outstanding animal. The second boar also was a good type but weak in tho hindquarters. The female classes in the Large Whites were good, and were an improvement upon those of the previous year.

The male classes in the Large Blacks were indifferent, but the females were considerably better. The two winning sows in the aged class were outstanding animals. Commenting upon the new Duroc Jersey class, Mr. Grant stated that this was a now breed to the district. He had been favourably impressed with the animals exhibited, which for their size and weight, were very active pigs and of uniform body. He could not express an opinion, however, as to the Suitability of the pigs" for home or export markets as they had not yet had an opportunity of proving themselves.