THE ANNUAL CATTLE SHOW.

New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1742, 15 November 1862, Page 3

THE ANNUAL CATTLE SHOW.

Tins Annual Exhibition took place at Newmarket, in Air. Alfred Auckland's paddocks, on Wednesday last. The day was dull, and it was for some time doubtful whether it would not prove rainy ; however, with the exception of a heavy shower towards the close, it continued fair and temperate throughout, and in every respect favourable to the business of(he day.

A marked improvement was observable in the arrangements for exhibiting the stock, the pens being erected in the most open and convenient form, and in such a way as to afford ample space as well for the cattle as their visitors. For these arrangements, the Agricultural Society and the public at large are indebted to the excellent management of Air. A. Auckland, who, on this occasion, has more than redeemed the promise made hv him at the Show of 1861.

It would be ditlicult to find a spot better adapted for a Cattle Show than the enclosures of Air. Auckland. Situate within an easy distance of Auckland, and almost on the point of junction with the Onelumga, Otahulm, and Pamnure roads, they are readily accessible to stock and (lock masters, and in a most agreeable position for sight seers. The country around, too, is most inviting —highly cultivated, studded with farm steadings, villas, and luxuriant pastures, which for fertility and beauty may proudly vie with some of the finest landscape gardens of old England. The number of visitors present on Wednesday was greater than that of last year. At first sight, this did not appear to he the case, but it was obvious that, from the smaller space allotted last year, the groups were thrown more closely together; whilst, on Wednesday, because of the greatly enlarged area, they were much more widely scattered and dispersed. Considerable difficulty was experienced by the Committee in preventing a gratuitous and forcible entry on the Hank of the enclosures, many having there obtained entry, without the requisite silver pass. As a a whole, the greatest good order and propriety was conspicuous; and the intellectual enjoyments were charmingly enhanced by the presence of the splendid hand of the 40th regiment, which attracted delighted audiences to listen to the numerous pieces of choice music which they performed with consummate taste and skill. It has been universally admitted that the show of 1862 exhibited a marked and encouraging improvement upon all previous shows—not so much in the number of animals exhibited, as in (lie superior quality of those brought forward, and especially in the gratifying improvement conspicuous in young stock.

Following the classification of (he catalogue, one’s attention Is drawn, in the first instance, to thoroughbred horses. 'fids department was generally accounted to be the least satisfactory, embracing in all but eleven individuals. With (he heavy draughts It was quite otherwise, the display being both numerous ami excellent. There were shown a variety of one and two year old colts and fillies, which, for bone, muscle, ami general development of form and figure, may well be called surprising. Many of these were the produce of Mr. H. Newell’s Invincible—a gentleman who, by Ids careful and costly selection of sires, has done much in improvement of the horse stock of Auckland. In cattle, and especially in young stock, the improvement is cheering. There were some remarkably fine bulls, and some very choice cows and heifers, which attracted the attention and elicited the hearty commendation of connoiseurs.

lu sheep, embracing Leicester*, Lon.>wools, South, ami other Downs, and Merinos, there was a goodly number, and keen competition, Messrs. Maclean, brothers, the Grahams, the Buck lands, Grigg, T. and C. Shipherd, Austin, Hutton, Major Nixon, bringing forward many living illustrations of the unwearied attention they arc devoting to the improvement of- this most important commercial branch of pastoral wealth and industry. In no part of New Zealand could there be a liner display of slice]), and it is most earnestly to be hoped that sheep and wool growing will rapidly extend in a Province which, by climate, pasture,, and other natural advantages, is so pre-eminently favourable for sheep farming. The pigs, mostly of the Berkshire breed, showed to very great advantage, and wore much admired.

in poultry the exhibition was positively brilliant; whether in Game, Spanish, Dorkings, Hamburgh*, or Aylesbury ducks. They were the source of much attraction, and of the heartiest and unceasing approbation. The display of farming implements was much larger tljipa on any previous occasion; and among

these may be included draining tiles from the Colonial factories of Mr. Geo. Boyd, and Messrs. Willis and Morris, together with specimens of artificial stone, grindstones, llower pots, pig troughs, and a variety of articles manufactured by the latter firm, and which promise to become of much service for a great many agricultural and domestic purposes.

In Colonial made saddles and harness there was a truly creditable display and commendable competition. Mr. McGuffie of Queen-street, and Mr. James Murry of Shortland-street, drew a great deal of attention to sets of leading and shaft harness, which each had manufactured in a style of workmanship, beauty of finish, and quality of materials which engaged the marked observation of those practically enabled to appreciate their value. Both sets were beautiful, and a great credit not merely to the artisans themselves but to the colony that produced them. In all branches of industry, Auckland is pushing forward with giant strides, and it is most gratifying when we find competitors approaching so close to each other in the excellence and execution of their designs as to render it a matter of much difficulty to award the palm of superiority. Besides, these harness, Mr. McGuffie exhibited some highly finished Colonial made saddles. Mr. James Wiseman, also exhibited a saddle, which from the peculiarity of its construction, and the superior style of finish was much admired. Looking at the exhibition of Wednesday from every point of view, we think the Agricultural Society may congratulate themselves upon having achieved a progressive and decided success, such as cannot fail to inspirit them in their future exertions. Committee, Directors, and Stewards have deserved well of the country on the occasion; and we have much pleasure in testifying to the great zeal and interest manifested by their worthy and respected Secretary, Mr. C. Artlu”-. Tin; DINNER. Shortly after 4, there was a pretty numerous resort to the Dinner; Marquee, where a double row of tables was laid out in appetising array, the repast being furnished by Mr. Cunninghame of the Junction hotel. The chair was occupied by Mr. W. T. Bassett, President, and the vice chair by Captain Wahnslcy, Vice-President of the New Zealand Agricultural Society. Upwards of a hundred gentlemen taking their seats on either side. Ample justice having been done to the creature comforts abundantly provided, the customary toasts were proposed, after the following manner:— The Chairman said the first toast was one that ought not to be passed over lightly; hut should be drank earnestly. It was a great privilege to he able to say they were subjects of her Majesty Queen Victoria, and though far removed from England it was impossible they could ever forget their loyalty to her. Let them all hope that her Majesty would reign many years in the hearts of her people. The toast was enthusiastically drank with the usual honours.

The Chairman next rose to propose “The Prince of Wales and the rest of the Koyal Family.” lie was sure they would all drink this toast with pleasure, and none the less so, because some of them had lately been engaged in celebrating the day on which the Prince of Wales attained his majority, lie was now a man, and, judging from the great virtues of ids parents, a man from whom they might expect great things. T hey would all join with him (Mr. B) in expressing a fervent desire for the Prince’s present welfare and future renown. (Cheers.) lie gave them “ The Prince of Wales and the rest of the 11 oval Family.”

The toast was heartily responded to. The Chairman next gave the health of the “ Governor.” We ought to be proud that we have amongst ns such a man as Sir George Grey. They all knew what ho had done and was still doing better than he could tel! them. That there was no man better fitted to govern this country they were well aware, and they might rest assured that he was doing the best be could for them. In the meantime let them all agree to strengthen his hands in the greatest possible Wiiy. This toast was also well received. The Chairman said the next toast was the “ Navy and Army,” and he supposed he might as well follow the example set him a few days ago and couple with it the name of the “ Volunteers.” We were justly proud of our Navy and Army, and why should we not be proud of our Volunteers? (Cheers). Drank with the usual honours, and one cheer more for the Volunteers.

Captain Shaw being- called upon to respond for the Army said he regretted excessively that tiie country at the present time required so many of that portion of her Majesty's service to which lie belonged, though, for themselves, they were well pleased with the country, in which they were likely to remain for some time longer. While they had been here they hud enjoyed themselves very much, with the exception of the unpleasant work of road making last year. (A laugh), lie thanked them much for the honor they had done to the army, In answer to repeated calls, Lieutenant Young briefly responded for the Army, and

Mr. Fisk for the Volunteers, We was very much obliged for the very handsome manner in which they had coupled the Volunteers with Army and Navy; and he felt confident that any support they could show to the cause of volunteering in this manner would be gratefully received by the Auckland Volunteers, though their numbers were few now; but if the company would add a more substantial support, by enrolling their names in the force, they would be doing the country a good service, as well as paying compliments. The time was not long past when there was a volunteer force in the Province of Auckland worthy of the name. He was sorry that such was not the case now. He begged to return thanks on behalf of the Volunteers.

The Vice-Chairman (Captain Walmslcy) said the next toast was “ Our Provincial Institutions,” and they ought to give them a bumper, because they were yet in their infancy and required encouragement. What was wanted was unanimity of feeling. Like a parcel of young horses, one was pulling one way and one another; one kicking and another lying down. (Laughter). If they could determine to pull together they would get over any difficulty, but without that the province would go down. What he wished was that in all their undertakings they should always unite hand and heart in carrying out anything for the good of tiie province. He had great pleasure in proposing “ Our Provincial Institutions.”

Mr. W.m. Bucklaxd being called upon to reply, said he did not think it was right to call upon him, because he did not drink to the toast, as it was not one that he could drink with heartiness, lie believed that our provincial institutions wanted modifying. At the present time they could not work. There was something the matter with the harness; it tickled the horses’ legs, and the horses jibbed.and kicked. It was desirable that they should pull together, but it was desirable also that the traces should be clear, lie would defy any Government to conduct business properly with our present institutions. The whole constitution was a gigantic blunder.

The Secuetauy (Mr. Arthur) then read the following list of prizes;—

Houses, Class 1. Thoroughbred.

Entire, 2 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. D. Graham; 2nd, Mr. 11. Farmer, Colt, 2 years old, 3 entries. —No award. IJrood Mare, 3 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. 11. Graham; 2nd, Mr. Patou. Filly, 2 years old, 2 entries.-—No competition. Colt or Filly, 1 year old, 1 entry,—lst prize, Mr. Patou.

Class 2 —Heavy Draught.

Entire, 2 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. D. Graham; 2nd Mr. John Graham.

Colt, 2 years old, 4 entries.—lst prize, Mr. George Gardiner; 2nd, Mr. 11. Graham. Brood Marc, in foal or with foal at side, 4 entries. — Ist prize, Mr. R. Graham; 2nd, Mr. R. Farmer. Filly, 3 years old, 4 entries.—lst prize, Messrs, Wallace Brothers; 2nd, Mr. B. Harris.

Filly, 2 years old, 5 entries.—lst prize, Mr. Robert Robinson; 2nd, Mr. T. D. Clcghorn. Colt or Filly, 1 year old and under, G entries. —Ist prize, Mr. Hutchinson; 2nd, Mr. George Howard. Class 3. —Best adapted for agricultural purposes. Entire, 4 entries. —Ist prize, Mr, Patou; 2nd, Mr.

Fisk. Entire, 3 years old, 2 entries.—lst prize, Mr, James Watts; 2nd, Mr. Motion Colt, 2 years old, I entry. —No merit. Brood Mare, in foal or with foal at side, 12 entries. Brothers.

Filly, 3 years old, 2 entries.—lst prize, Mr. It. Farmer; 2nd Mr. William Gardiner. Filly, 2 years old, 4 entries.— Ist prize, Mr. R, Farmer; 2nd, Mr. G. Glew. Colt or Filly, 1 year old and under, 4 entries.— Ist prize, Mr, E. Farmer; 2nd prize, Mr, Robert Robertson. Class 4.— Hacks. Brood Marc, in foal or with foal at side, 3 entries.— Ist prize, Mr. R. Farmer. Mr. B. Newell’s prizes, 12 entries.—lst prize, silver cup, value 15 guineas, Mr. Hutchinson; 2nd,silver cup value 7 guineas, Mr. Motion; 3rd, jt2 12s. 6d., Mr. W. Totter. Cattle. Class I. —Short Horns. Bulls, 5 entries.—lst prize, Mr. R. Graham, 2nd, Mr. John Graham. Bulls, 3 years old, 2 entries. —Ist prize, Dr. Aickin; 2nd, Mr. Win. Gardiner. Bulls, 2 years old.—No competition.—lst prize, Mr. Joseph Newman, “ Jonas Webb.” Bulls, 1 year old and under, 7 entries.—lst prize, Mr, William Walter; 2nd, Mr. D. Graham. Cow, in calf or with calf, 8 entries. — Ist prize, Mr. R. Graham; 2nd ditto; ditto, highly commended; Mr. R. Farmer, highly commended. Heifers, 3 years old, 3 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. R. Graham; 2nd, Mr. I). Graham. Heifers, 2 years old, 7 entries.—lst prize, Mr. J. Graham, “ Wallflower,” bred by self; 2nd Mr. E. Graham. Heifers, 1 year old and under, 4 entries.— Ist prize, Mr. D. Graham: 2nd, Mr. John Graham; Mr, R. Graham, highly commended. Class 2.— Uerefords. Bulls.—lst prize, Mr. Joseph Grigg. Cow. —2nd prize, Mr. John Grigg. Heifer.—lst prize, Mr. W. R. Raithby. Class 4. — Cattle of any breed not qualified to show as Short Horn, Hereford, or Devon. Cow, 7 entries.— Ist prize, Mr. R. Graham; 2nd, Mr. John Robinson; 4th, Mr. T. Cleghorn; sth, Mr, William Buckland. Heifers, 2 years old, 2 entries.—lst prize, Mr. W. T. Bassett; 2nd, Mr. Win. Buckland. Heifer, yearling, 2 entries. —2nd prize, Mr. Wm. Nicoll; 3rd, Mr. John Grigg. Class s. —Fat Cattle. Ox, 4 entries.—lst prize, Mr. William T. Bassett. Cow or Heifer, 4 entries.—lst prize, Mr. D. Graham. Sheep. Class I. —Leicester s. Rams, G entries.— Ist prize, Mr. Howard Hutton; 2nd, Mr. R. Graham; 3rd ditto. Ram hog, 13 entries.—lst prize, Mr. John Grigg; 2nd, Mr. K. Graham; 3rd, Mr. John Grigg, Ewes, pen of five, G entries. —Ist prize, Messrs. Macloan Brothers; 2nd, Mr. A. Buckland; 3rd, Mr. R. Graham; 4th, ditto. Ewe hogs, pen of five, 7 entries.—lst prize, Messrs. Maclean Brothers; 2nd, ditto; 3rd, Mr. R. Graham. Class 2 —Long Wools, not qualified to show as Leicesters. Ram, 6 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. John Grigg; 2nd, Mr. R. Graham. Ram hog, 13 entries.—lst prize, Mr. John Grigg; 2nd ditto; 3rd, ditto. Ewes, pen of five, 5 entries. Graham; 2nd, ditto; 3rd ditto; 4th, Mr. A. Buckland. Ewe hogs, pen ot five, 4 entries.—lst prize. Mr. R. Graham; 2nd, ditto; 3rd, Messrs. T. and C. Shipherd. Class 3.— South Downs, Rams, 2 entries.—lst prize, Messrs. Maclean Brothers; 2nd, ditto. Ram Hog, 2 entries. —Ist prize, Messrs. Maclean Brothers; 2nd, ditto. Ewes, pen of five.—lst prize, Messrs. Maclean Brothers. Ewe Hogs, pen of five. —lst prize, Messrs, Maclean Brothers. Class 4. — Other Downs, not qualified to show as South Downs. Rams, 2 entries. —lst prize, Mr. A. Buckland; 2nd ditto. Ram Hog, 5 entries.—lst prize, Mr. Austin; 2nd ditto; 3rd, Messrs. Maclean Brothers. Ewes, pen of five, 3 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. A. Buckland; 2nd, Mr. 1). Graham. Ewe Hogs, pen of five. —Ist prize, Mr. A. Buckland. Class 5. — Merino. Rams, 2 entries.—lst prize, Mr. William Buckland; and, ditto. Ram Hog.—lst prize, Messrs. T. and C. Shipherd. Ewes, pen of five, 2 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. William Buckland; 2nd, ditto. Ewe Hogs, pen of five, 2 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. William Buckland; 2nd, ditto. Pigs. Class 1. —Large Breed. Boars, 3 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. William Walter; 2nd, Mr. William Wallace. Sows.—lst prize, Mr. William Walter. Class 2. —Small Breed. Boars, 4 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. John Graham; 2nd, ditto. Sows, 5 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. R. Graham; 2nd Mr. John Graham. Pen of three pigs, from 3 to G months old. of the same litter, 2 entries. —Ist prize, Sir. John Graham; 2nd, ditto. Poultry. Game, 4 entries.—lst prize, Mr. Fisk; 2nd, Mr. Weymouth. Spanish, 3 entries.—lst prize, Mr. John Graham; 2nd, Mr. Carr. Dorkings, 5 entries.—lst prize Mr. A, Buckland, white; 2nd, Mr. J. Chadwick. Cochin China, I entry.—lst prize not awarded; 2nd prize, Mr. John Graham. Uamburgs, 3 entries. —Mr. Henry Harris was awarded an extra Ist prize for his golden Uamburgs. Ist prize, Mr. A. Buckland; 2nd, Mr. John Graham. Turkeys, nil. Ducks, 2 entries. —Ist prize, Mr. Drake, Aylesbury; 2nd Mr. John Seabrook, Muscovy. Pigeons, nil. Implements. Horse Thrashing Machine, 1 entry.—lst prize, Mr. A. Wallace. Reaping Machine, 3 entries.—Judgment reserved. Grain Drill, 1 entry—lst prize, Mr. C. T. Wren. Horse Rake, 2 entries.—lst prize, Messrs. T. and C. Shipherd. Chaff Cutter, 1 entry.—lst prize, Messrs. Owen and Fcndelow. Swing Plough, 2 entries.—lst prize, Mr. James Wallace. Wheel Plough, 3 entries.—lst prize, Mr. T. G. Shepherd (Howard’s). Potato Raiser, 3 entries.—Reserved for trial. Potato Raiser and Mould Plough combined, 3 entries. —lst prize, Messrs. T. and C. Shipherd. Cultivator, 1 entry.—lst prize, Messrs Owen and Fcndelow (Bentall’s). Roller, 2 entries.—lst prize, Messrs. T. and C. Shipherd. Harrows, 3 entries.—lst. prize, Messrs. T. and. C. Shipherd. Farm Cart, 1 entry.—lst prize, Mr. James Runciman. Artificial Manure Distributor, I entry.—lst prize, Messrs. Maclean Brothers. Draining Tiles, 2 entries.—lst prize, Mr. George Boyd; 2nd, Messrs. Willis and Morris. Colonial Made Saddle and Harness. Leading and Shaft Harness, 16 entries.— Ist prize, Mr. McGuffie; 2nd, Mr. James Murray. Saddle, Ist prize.—Mr. McGuffie; 2nd, Mr. James Wiseman, Reserved Space. Seven entries.—All highly commended. IS samples of Artificial Stone, manufactured by Messrs. Willis, Morris, and Co.—Highly commended. Sheep Shearing. Ist prize, Thomas Parkinson; 2nd, John Short; 3rd, Nicholas Philips. (Nine competed for these prizes.) For Boys tinder 18. Ist prize, Thomas Short; 2nd, H, Martin. JUDGES. Horses.— Thorough-bred and hacks, Captain Shaw and Mr. Morrow; heavy draught, Messrs. Bent, Turnbull, and Thompson. Cattle, —Messrs. May, Wheeler, and Rathcby. Sheep. —Messrs. West, Atkin, and Cooper, Pigs.—Messrs. George and Smith. Poultrh. —Messrs. W. K. Graham and Wren. Implements.— Col. Nixon, Messrs. Runciman Spencer. The Chairman informed those who had r prizes that they could, if they wished, get * turo of the Secretary appended to the prize ti*or one which in the hurry it had been trom and that those who wished to get medals*- 111 ® paper, money prize might do so, ii they wait* Mr. B. Newell, who had offered for enps before him was unfortunately aly Celebrated Chairman j would be happy to hand successful competitors. Mr. D, J3/Ry Agent. first.

Mr. Hutchinson said he had great pleasure in receiving it, especially when he considered what competition there was for it. He certainly had not expected it. It would be useless for him to thank Mr. Nowell for the way he had “ come out,” in trying to induce settlers to take care of their colts when they were young. Many people said prizes should not be given to yearlings, but that was just the right time; for it a horse was not taken care of when young, ho would never be so good as he ought to be. He begged to propose that Mr. Newell’s health should be drunk in his beautiful cup. , , The Chairman said the next cup was adjudged to Mr. Motion. It was not quite so large as the other, buttherewas this consolation that it would take less wine to fill it (a laugh). It was, however, very pretty and an honour to the winner. _ Mr. Motion next received his cup, and said it was more than ho expected. Ho remembered the time when they had not a horse or a cow to exhibit. He had been here 23 years, and he had studied the increase and improvement which had been made in stock, anti it did them great credit, to day in particular. Mr. W. Totter being absent, Mr. Newell’s third prize, adjudicated to him, was handed to the Secrc-

The Chairman said Mr. Hutchinson had filled his goblet that they might drink Mr. Newell's health. He ■was uncommonly glad to do it, and he had no doubt they all were, for they all knew what Mr. Newell had done. He had given these cups, and the horses that gained the cups were got by his hors $ The cup was then passed round. The Vice-Chairman rose to propose “ The Judges of to-day’s Show.” From what he heard their decisions had given universal satisfaction, not only to the exhibitors, hut to the public generally. In thorough bred stock he was sorry they had so few animals to express an opinion upon. In the cart stock they had many, and he did not think so great improvement had been made in the last few years in anything as in the cart stock. Ho was quite confident that the judges deserved their warmest thanks for their kind manner of coming forward to perform this thankless office. Mr. Morrow responded. Ho felt highly honoured in being paid the compliment of being named as one of the judges of this Society. He much preferred being here and giving any aid he possibly could to support the institution they were now fostering in this Colony, to assisting at larger exhibitions at home. The siiow was an improvement on last year’s, and the arrangements did credit to those who had the carrying out of them. The stock and theep did great credit to those who had taken the trouble of rearing and importing them. The class in which he was one of the judges —the thorough-breds—was very small in number, and he would have been much better pleased had he seen a greater amount of muscle (hear, hear); but at the same time it could not be expected that gentlemen would go to the expense'and run the risk of bringing them into the Colony when, as he found, they were not valued as they ought to be. For it was perfectly certain that a thorough-bred sire could not be useful to the country unless proper mares were put to it; and he had not seen a mare of the requisite standard. With the cart horses ho was much pleased, particularly the young ones. They did credit to those who broaglrt them up, showing that the intention was good, and that tbc settlers were anxious to produce such animals as would be useful to the country. He did not subscribe to the doctrine that only those useful for fanning purposes should be bred at present; for ho looked forward to sec the roads sufficiently good to make use ol valuable horses; and they should have the stock ready lor that time. If they did they would not regret it, and he was perfectly certain that where that encouragement was given, and they could see, as Mr. Newell hud done, the offspring of mares put to their horses, deserving of cups, they would have no hesitation in bringing them forward; but, otherwise, it could not be expected that exhibitors would bring such a stamp of horses into the country. He thanked them kindly for the honour done him as one of the judges. Mr. Joseph May said he had great pleasure in being one of the judges, and in rendering his assistance in any undertaking of the kind. Looking over the cattle he must say that those imported were very excellent of their kind. He did not suppose that the judges had given universal satisfaction, he never tried to do that; but they had done their best, and decided according to the best of their ability. The young animals were some of them very good. There had not been much competition in the Hercfords and it would be as well, perhaps, if some of their farmers were to devote their attention more to this class. There was great improvement in the sheep, particularly in the longwoollcd; and those they should rear in preference to the short-woolled, which would eat as much feed as a larger sheep nearly twice the weight. Every one would agree that there was a great improvement in horses. Altogether they might congratulate themselves that they were progressive. Before he sat down lie would propose l< The Successful Competitors.” They wore much indebted to those who had imported stock, particularly the Messrs. Graham, and the Messrs. Maclean were also deserving of great credit for the manner in which they had studied to improve their sheep. He had great pleasure in proposing “ The Successful Competitors.” Mr. R. Graham returned his most sincere thanks for the manner in which they had drunk the health of the successful competitors. They felt proud of the position in which they stood tiiis day as successful competitors. It was true that a number of stock had been exhibited of a very) superior class, and he thought those who had exhibited that stock deserved the thanks of the community. Not only himself but others had gone to the expense of importing a superior class of animals, for which they deserved their thanks. He had not imported to so large an extent as some others, but he had benefited his stock by their importation. He assured them, from what lie knew of the country, that if they continued to improve as they had been improving in the last few years, they would be able in a short time to export, not only to the other Provinces, hut to neighbouring Colonies and even to England, stock that should take prizes at the Cattle shows there (cheers and laughter). He repeated that the natural advantages 6f this Province would enable them to produce stock fit to compete with the stock of England, fed on oil Cake aud other artificial food. He had heard parties Who had visited the show this day—gentlemen recently arrived from England-express the opinion that they had not seen finer hogs in the shows of England than they had seen this day, raised without any artificial food whatever. The parties who brought them up were deserving of great credit; and he hoped those interested would do them justice when young, for then only could it be done. He would now give them a toast which he was not sure there was any one in the room to respond to, for nearly all had been successful to some extent; but if there were any unsuccessful, it was because all the stock was of so superior a character. He had much pleasure in giving “ The Unsuccessful Competitors.” Colonel Nixon was called upon to reply (several calls being also made for Mr. Badley). He really thought that an unfortunate gentleman labouring under such painful feelings as bis must be, would have met with some sympathy, instead of being dragged into such a prominent position (laughter). lie regretted that ho was an unsuccessful competitor. Formerly it was not so; for ho had carried off the first prizes for sheep at former shows. But while he re gretted his ill success, he rejoiced still more at the superior class of sheep by which he had been beaten, and if he did not succeed before the next show in improving his own, he should deserve to be beaten. Mr. Maclean said ho thought size had carried off the prizes, and that his small sheep were of equal blood with those by which they were beaten. He never in his life saw such sized sheep us Mr. Grigg’s and Mr. Graham’s. He was sorry that sheep were decreasing in this Province. Many largo (locks were broken up, and as population increased sheep would go out altogether (no, no). Sheep required elbow room (applause), and that they had not in this Province; but he supposed they might hope for more in a few years. When they had that, their sheep would be unequalled. As a partially unsuccessful competitor he returned thanks and hoped to be more successful next year. Mr. Gnrco said he accepted Mr. Maclean’s remarks as a challenge, and he could not sit still without replying to it. Mr. Maclean believed that his sheep tverc as good blood as those which had won the prize. He (Mr. G.) really thought the test of that was the judgment of the judges, and ho was proud to say lie had been a successful competitor. For three years successively his sheep had taken the prize of the longwoolled class, and ho was exceedingly proud of the distinction to-day, because he understood the competition was to be great, and he did not expect the prize. They must not look merely to the indications of blood In the head of the animal. Mr. Maclean’s sheep were very good in the head, but very inferior in size, and ■; sheep that were nearly as large at 12 months us others A were at two years could not be really inferior to them Ta in blood. Mr. Stvak said he had been entrusted with a toast [EI t0 propose, which they would all drink with pleasure, the Commerce of Auckland. They had a just right as G II E,ri cu |turists to pay the commercial men of Auckland rj o mw compliment, knowing that they always manifested ■ j oto afford encouragement to agriculturists. Ho ihaso of n,,q ie y WOU ld remain as they had hitherto boon - and Sco' V- -WC rc_a very prosperous body, with very few H 1 *jjd requiring no wholesale white-washing cst , He had great pleasure in giving the . %f Auckland,—which was especially well t'Vof'T’i to hj 'river sons

Mr. David Graham. He would have been very glad to have seen a larger sprinkling of commercial men there this evening, but he assured the agriculturists that they had their sympathy in meetings of this kind, and were all at their service when subscriptions were required (cheers), and to show that they appreciated and honored the meeting of this Society, they had all closed their shops on this occasion, and made it a general holiday. They had been entirely satisfied with the show, and on their behalf ho bogged to return thanks. He would also propose the next toast, one of great importance, and with which they wore most of them deeply connected —the Agricultural Interest, and he should have been glad to have associated with it the. pastoral interests, for as far as ho could sec the country was transforming itself from an agricultural to a pastoral one. It w'as greatly to be regretted that wo were now less independent than some years ago, having now to import not only flour and grain but hay from the neighbouring colonics. He believed the agriculturists were all doing their best, but still there was something wanting, and what that something was it would be well for the Society to inquire nto, and devise some measures for the more full development of the agriculture of the Province. There was no doubt that railways would be very necessary, but at the same time they wanted roads as much, and that immediately. lie had no doubt the political state of affairs for some years past had to a great extent destroyed the confidence ol agriculturists, but ho had no doubt that with a change of policy it. would again revive, and agriculture become the staple of the Province. He would now simply propose the toast, and couple with it the name of Mr. Josici‘ll Mav, who accordingly responded. He had been connected with agriculture as long as he could work, and was always brought up to work hard, lie knew how how the work should be done, and how to do it himself, and had found that the best way to test whether a man did a fair day's work was to go and work with him. There were many reasons why wo did not produce grain in this Province; the fact was that it was found far more profitable to produce stock; but there might be a change in these circumstances, which would require them to grow grain. It was not the railway they wanted, but something else. The railway would be very good if there was anything to bring in upon it. Much of their land was very poor and required not railways but chemical ingredients, and very few were successful in cultivating it; but he had seen instances, and one in particular at Mahurangi, who while buying guano and bone dust for his land was making money out of it. It was true there was good land in the Province, but at the same time a great deal of hail, particularly the wooded lands. The country he believed was more suitable for cultivation by small capitalists than by large ones. As a body the agriculturists of this Province were as industrious and economical u body as he had seen anywhere. In the other colonies the agriculturists had what they called a “ superintendent” to look after their affairs, but here they were their own dairymen, their own ploughmen, and sometimes their own nursc-and-undress-their-ehildren-aWI-qnit-thcm-to-bed (great laughter). They had not at all times a bed of roses to lie upon, but some of them had had hard struggles and many of those who bad succeeded had not been more industrious than many who had failed, having settled down on bad land; and when a man settled down on bad land it was seldom he ever got on at all. In conclusion ho might repeat as his conviction that they of Auckland might compare with any province for hard working and persevering agriculturists (applause). Mr Wit. Buck-land said the toast entrusted to him was that of " the press,” and he was quite sure they would do honor to it; not that he was going to ask them to believe that everything was pure that came from the press, or ter believe everything which they saw in black and white;; but taking the press as a whole they must acknowledge it as the great civilizer of the age. Deprive them of it, ami the time would he getting very much as it was now—-rather dark (a laugh). They would retrograde morally as well as intellectually. He gave them “ the great civilizer of the age—the press,” and trusted they would do- honor to it.

This toast having been drunk with applause, terminate 1 the programme, and a large portion of the company left, the convivialities of the evening being resumed by the remainder after lighting up. Several complimentary toasts were disposed of, and the proceedings were brought to a conclusion at a timely hour.