PAPAKURA ASSOCIATION.

New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2610, 10 March 1866, Page 3

PAPAKURA ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL SHOW. The annual show in connection with the Papakura Association took plase on Wednesday, and was a complete success, proving that the settlers in the district know how to cultivate the ground so as to bring forth good fruit, and' also proving that the ground itself is of fine quality and eminently suited for the purpose of producing that food so necessary for the sustenance of life.

The show was held in n building near the Papakura Hotel, and the arrangements were carried out to perfection. The only thing to be regretted was that the building placed at the disposal of the committee was not better adapted for the purpose for which it was required. There was a large number of settlers present, and the pretty little village of Papakura was all alive with bustle and activity. There were no less than 72 entries of various articles produced in the district,

embraced by the Papakura Association, and they were all very creditable, indeed, to the growers and exhibitors. The judges for cereals, roots, and vegetables were Messrs. Basse tt, David Thompson, and Samuel Christopher liaird ; for fruit, butter, and cheese, Messrs. Joseph May, T. Shepherd, and Robert Robertson. There were several samples of wheat, oats, cocksfoot, Timothy rye-grass, and other seeds. The prizes in this department were awarded to the following : Wheat.—The samples of Mr. S. 11. Reed, of Papakura Valley, and Mr. Walker, of the Wairoa, were Adjudged to be of equal merit. They were both white, and considered line samples, Oats.—First prize, Mr. John Runcimnn, 2nd prize, Mr. James Runciman. The oats of Mr. Thorpe, of the Wairoa, were recommended. Annual rye-grass.—First prize, Mr. W. Hay, Papakura. No perennial grass seed was exhibited. Cocksfoot.—First prize, Mr. Fitness, Queen's Redoubt ; '2nd prize, Mr. Ileywood, near Williamson's Clearing. Timothy grass seed.—First prize, Mr. Henderson, Wairoa ; 2nd prize, Mr. Finlay. No prairie grass seed was exhibited. Five pounds of green maize.—First prize, Mr. John Hulloran ; 2nd prize, Mr. Rrown, Wairoa. Be.it potatoes.—First and second prize, Mr. Mao Williams, Papakura. Mr. Walters showed some very tine potatoes. No samples either of turnips or mangold wurtzel, were exhibited.

Carrots. kura Hotel; 2nd prize, Mrs. Walters, Papakura. Best Three Cabbages.—lst prize, Mr. Willis, Papakura. Mr. Nolan exhibited a very line Dutch cabbage, but he was too late to compete for the prize. Best Butter.—lst prize, Mr. Middleton, Papakura Valley; 2nd prize, Mr. Smith, settler, Papakura. Cheese.—lst prize, Mr. Bell, Wairoa; 2nd prize, Mr. M'Nicoll, Wairoa. Best Plate of Fruit.—Apples.—lst prize, Mr. Nesbitt, Drury ; 2nd prize, Mr. llalloran.

Various articles were exhibited, which were highly recommended by the judges. Mr. Reed, Papakura Valley, was very deservedly recommended for a prize for vegetable marrow, and Mrs. Walters for pumpkins, A sample of pumpkins, by Mr. Heed, of Papakura Valley ; of melons, by Mr. Reed, Papakara ; pears and lemons, by Mr. Thorpe, Wairoa ; maize, grown by Mr. Rust, an emigrant at Kerikeri; and butter, by Mr. McNicoll, of the Wairoa, were all highly commended by the judges. Mr Nolan exhibited some exceedingly fine samples of onions, cabbage, and shorthorn carrots, but was too late to compete for prizes, otherwise the general opinion seemed to be that he would have been successful. Samples of oats and wheat o a very line character were also similarly excluded from competition by being too late.

After the principal business had been disposed of, the annual dinner of the Papakura Association took place at Mr. Reed's Hotel, Mr. Mellsopp, R.M., in the chair. There were over one hundred gentlemen and settlers present, and after the cloth had been removed a number of toasts were proposed and responded to. The whole proceedings passed off in a most satisfactory manner, and we can only hope that next year's show will be as successful.