NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2739, 7 November 1872, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION. Tbi exhibition -which took place yesterday was an improvement on that of last year. It i-s not so much that an extraordinary advance has been made, 113 that those interested befjin to see the advantage of organization. Hitherto, some people did not care to exhibit. Their dignity would not stoop to complaisance. But this disposition enabled others to come abreast of it, and, as often happens, the wailing race proves the losing game. Tho exhibits were not eo numerous as on formor years. This was u notable feature. At the

sume timo, the exhibits were immensely superior to anything that ha 3 hitherto been seen in former years. This holds good of almost every class and description. Thore was more careful classification and division, and fhf> result- was that tho visitor had 11 nearer view and could place a more correct eslimato upon what he saw.

Tho arrangement was judicious. The ground was'fully occupied. There was no interference of one department with another. The bliow of implements of every kind occupied tho right and left just ii-.side the Barrack gates. Somo of these were really well worth careful attention. Mr. Wiseman's and Mr. Foster's suddlery, if anybodv of sufficient expor'ence chose to regard them attentively, would show tho immense advance made in this particular trade. Any man that remembers tho saddle he rode in when a boy could not fail to distinguish the difference. The work nunship is not only remarkable for strength but for artistic design. We may refer to tho worked saddles and saddle-skirts to illustrate what wo mean. Opposite were a group of agricultural implements, from Messrs. Morrin and Co., not one of which, wo venture to say, could have been imagined a dozen years agoThe neatest thing in this group was a grassmower, which a child could move. It consists of a grass-roller, with a kind of Archimadenn screw, which gathers the grass up to the blade, and, being pushed tho grass is cut evenly, if short. It is a pretty ornament for lawns. Nicholson's more ambitious instiu-

mt<nt, for more important purposes, was alongside. Of this excellent machine the inventor says:—To instantly obtain a change of speed, I supply my new patent reaper with au eccentric bush on the axle of the main driving wheel; and my driving wheel is const runted with two sets of toothed geariug of different diameters, for driving the pinion through which the knife-bar receives its motion. The <• ce.it.rie bush having a lever attached, which works in a quadrant, with three perforations in it to receive the catch on the spring, and, by simp!} , moving tho lever to any of those perforation, tho machine can be easiiy thrown into fast speed, slow speed, or out of gear. It ha* also levers attached to both sides of the machine, so us to regulate the height required to b« cut. The object of this im-

provement is to obviate the necessity that exists in other makers' machines of substituting one pinion for another in order to obtain a change of speed. The great inconvenience and loss of time that arises from this, is perfectly well known to all practical farmers. In addition to these Messrs. Morrin exhibited a double lever cheese press, turnip drills, corn crushers and shelters, zigzag and flexible harrows, washing machines, Yankee notions, shoes, spades, ploughs, <fcc. What is called the " local industry" showed well yesterday. There was an excellent show of every Uiud of local produce. Mr. Porter had on the ground a very nice show of implements of all kinds. Mr. Lloyd, of the rope-making factory, had splendid coib of rope, —rope in four strands, rope in three strands, oil rope, tar rope, rope without either. And we noticed some very beautiful specimens of flax-work, in the shape of ladies' work-bags or b'iskets. The phorniiuin was stained of different colors. Wo saw several ladies admiring them. We believe these were the work of native women. The articles came from Raglan. We could not resist the prompting of a certain Scriptural passage, if Ihe native women can do so well, cannot European ladies " do likewise " ? Mr. Lamb, of the Waitemata Mills, had a very important exhibition of biscuits—biscuits for sea, biscuits for—no, not wine, —biscuits of every kind, and one of un ancient and familiar kind, which we recognised us tho grateful companion of chalybeate water and iron-water springs. It was, if the reader pleases, excellent oat-cake, but disguised under the name of "digestive biscuit." There was flour from provincial grown wheat ; flour from Canterbury wheat. Messrs. Cousins and Atkins had there their well known machinery carriage wheels, whole and in sections. Messrs. Carrie had some very nice specimens of buggies, covered and open. Then came Mr. Smith with his patent portable ovens and kitchen ranges. They will be found in the list below. There were several magnificent samples of flax, from Mr. Hunt of Mougonui, and Mr. Constable of Wdiuku. To the right Uy the marquee in which ihe does were exhibited. There were some beautiful animals amongst them —big utid little. As usual in this kind of fancy, the extremes attract the greatest attention. We liked eoine of the middling things best. But in this matler especially— de gustibus non, &c. The sheep pens were placed along tho left side of the footpath. The exhibits were not so numerous as last year. But they were remarkably fine. A3 in last year, Mr. Thos Russell took the prize for the best Leicesters. We regret to say that one or two pens were improperly classed. We saw two specimens of lougwoolled sheep which would be respectable exhibits in any part of the world, yet they were put in pens as " Leicesters," and suffered disparagement accordingly. A ram hog showu in the longwool class was sold to Mr. Geo. Dibble, Somerset Farm, Port Albert. This sheep was exhibited by Mr. Bussetfc, and, at the request of tho purchaser, waa ehorn on tho ground previous to shipping. Weight of wool, washed, 17j pounds. It was in the cattle pens that the finest specimens of stock wre seen. The list of prizes will be found below. Messrs. R. and E. Maclean exhibited not lesa than thirteen uiiiiiiii'm, every one of which in form and purpose dcclarK.l their excellence. The pedigrees were in every instance given. One noble animal, tho " Grand Duke of Auckland," had no less than seventeen guineas before h:e sire was thought of. But the most magnificent beast in the show was from the Penrose herd (Messrs. Maclean), and known as the " Duke ef Edinburgh." This nniinal was bred by Her Majesty. He weighs 22 cwt. (24'j4 lbs.) Then there were from the same herd " Lady Timaru," •• Constant," " Nelly," " Alice," till of them picked from the best English heide. We noticed a very beautiful heller, tha properly of Major Walmsley (Kuight'e gray). Nor are the Messrs. Maclean the only gentlemen who ure giving attention to importing the finest blcod. The motto " blood is everything" is ratified by the eagerness to get into these kinds of stock. We observed the name of Mr. B. Proud as a successful competitor for his bull " Alarmist," which ie the sou of Mr. E. Maclean's magnificent exhibit, the " Earl of Derby." Some idea may be formed of the value of such un animal by those not acquainted with agricultural raattere, when we inform them that the " Jforl of Derby" was sold on Saturday last, just before he was brought into Auckland, for £450 guineas, and 500 guineas .vere offered for him after by another breeder anxious to possess him. Wβ need hardly repeat it was an obvious sign of improvement, that them were scarcely any common cattle present. Wβ hope Unit nil sorts of people know that such exhibits will

not any longer pay for driving into town. The horse ehow did not appear eo large in point of miniber 119 last year. There were only one or two thorough-bred animals, and these not first of their class. But there were some fine specimens of draught horses and

mares. There was one magnificent animal --a coach-horse (stallion) —which raised hie head, and seemed altogether "out of harness." His time is not come yet. In this particular class the exhibition was highly successful. Some of the finest mares, with foal* at side, that could be Been, wero exhibitor). Wo have not, in this particular kind of stock, got out of the way of exhibiting very indifferent articles. There were eome very sorry horses present, which, we believe, fo!t the show considerably more than tho visitors, but in an opposite way. As a whole, however, this class was a great improvement upon lust year. Some cf the most important local industries were under cover. These were not only of a useful, but of an attractive kind. This department was really one of the moat instructive in tho show. On the left was a compartment occupied by Mr. l> >rnwell's preserved meat, Olson's Bauoes, Nell's sauces, Wurnock's, AUendcf'd, Akers' and llawke's Bay soaps and rimdles ; woollen thread, knitting, and brilliunt little compartments of jewellery by Messrs. Lewisson and Kolin. To our mind the threo most remarkable exhibits in this class were the specimens of wools from tho woolscouring establishment of Nathan and Co. ; a 11 umber of hats and bonnets mado from the leaf of tho nikau tree. This last desorves especial mention, for tho articles are not only beautiful, but they aro a great novelty, of a rery elegant description. They do not appear so white as the Paramatta, bui they hare nevertheless a specific shado which cannot be called " whity brown"—it is anything but that. The long leaf of the nikau branch is capable of being worked into very elegant ornaments. We were very much struck with this particular exhibit, and we sincerely trust that tho ingenuity which conceived the idea of adapting this tree to such a purpose will reap the reward, at least, of so intelligent an at.U-mpt to appropriate one of tho most elegant, though common, New Zealand trees for manufacturing purposes. The wools exhibited by lleeors. Xathan arc noteworthy. Some of it is white and lustrous (called lustre), other portions full to tho grasp, others crisp and dry. They wero so classed as to represent tho commodities for which they are used in the various branclus of tho woollen trades throughout England. This was a highly intelligent ar-

rmigeiuent, and exhibited »t a glance tho immense value of our wool crop, if wo mav so speak. We observed a very elegant ease of lorally manufactured boots, from Mes-irs. Bailey, of lligh-street. These are in the beat style known to the trade, and apparently especially suited lo colonial wear. Another important compartment, as exhibiting the progress of domestic art-use, was that of Mr. CraiiHvll, who exhibited some serevr-l'uruitnre, the screw being oi wood, and which the artificer says ia more diiniblo for this purpose than metal. The wlio'ie affair had about it the aspect of success from the commencement, and we were exceedingly glad to see that arrangements involving a eood deal of trouble were appreciated by the public. The following is the list of prizes :— HOKSES.

Judges : Major Valmslov, Messrs. Thomas Belcher, J. F. Kichardson, G. if. Selby, and Georte Austiu, v.S. TIIOROUGHB BKD. Section 2.—Entires, two years and under : " Eclipse," dam " Evergreen," sire " Rattan," Mr. W. Sharj), 2nd prize. HEAVY DIUUQIir. Section I.—Entires : " President," five years old, sire " Redmond," dam Ist prize mare by " George Buchanan." Messrs. 11. and J. Goodfellow, let prize; four-year-old, Mr. Wm. Gardner, 2nd prize. Section 2.— Entires, two years and under: Mr. John Bollard, Ist prize. Section 3. — Mares, aged : Mr. Frank L:iwry, Ut prize ; eight years, by " Major," Me«srs. Brown and Campbell, 2nd'prize. •Section 4.—Fillies, three vears and under: Mr. William Motion, 2:: d prize. Sections.—Fillies, two years and under: by " Major," Mr. T. A. Brown, Ist prize ; ditlo, Mr. Samuel Fleming, 2nd prize ; Mr. K. I<\ Claud, highly commended. Roadsters best adapted for light harness : Horse, Mr. Wm. liny, Ist prize; filly, Mr. Lenniird, 2nd prize.

Best adiuted for saddle : Grey gelding, Sir. Isaac Gwyune, Ist prize; mare, Mr. James Wallace, Otahuhu, 2nd prize. Pair of horses beat adapted for heavy carting : Messrs. W. and G. Winstone, Ist prize. Pair of horses best adapted for agricultural purposes: Messrs. Brown and Campbell, Ist prize; Messrs. Arclmrd aud Bioa'd, 2nd prize. Henderson and McLeod's Cup: Filly, Messrs. Brown and Campbell, Ist prize. CATTLE. JuJgc3 : Messrs. George Rust. John Dow, and —. Alexander. SUOUTnoItN. Seel ion 1.—Bulls: "Earl of Derby," by " England's Glory," 23,550, a pure-bred hull, dam "Einiiv," by "Prince Arthur," 20,535, Me-srs. R.'and IC. Maclean, Ist priz.; ; "Alarmist," euived November 1, 1860, got by " Karl Derby, ■ 21.638, dam " Alarm Bell," bv "Spearman," 17,025, &0., Mr. R. Proude, 2nd prize.

Section 2.— BjlU, r.wo years and under: " Marquis of Lome," bred by Mr. R. KobertBon, Mr. Caleb llosking, Ist prize ; eleven months old, Mr. Joseph May, 2nd prize. Section 3.—Cows i.i milk or. calf: "Constant," got by " Karl of Fife," 23,885, dam " Bridi'," vol. xviii., p. 40ii, by "Conqueror," 21,466, Messrs. R. and K. Maclean, Ist. prize ; "May Bird," dam "Old May Bird," sire "General Cameron," dam " Lueie, " sire "Earl of .March," Mr. John Snodgrass, 2nd prize. Section 4.—Heifers, two years and not under ono year : " Bergainot," Messrs. R. and E. Maclean, Ist prize ; Mr. C. G. Murphy, 2nd prize. Section 5. —Heifers, one year and under : "Anemone," eleven months, bv "Earl of Derby," dam " Constant," by " Earl of Fife," 23.835, Messrs. 11. anil 10. Maclean, Ist prize ; " Luriy Isabel," by " ¥"oung Wizard," dam imported, Mr. G. Cruickshank, 2nd prize. HKREFOUI). Section I.—Bulls : " Duke of Edinburgh," 3,078, got by Prince Christian," 3,347 ; dam, " Agnes," by " Sir Benjamin," 1.387 ; Messrs. R. and IC. Maclean, Ist prize. Section 2.—Bull*, two years and undor: " Lord Panmuro," got bv " Duke of Edinburgh," 3,078 ; dam " Piincese Helena," by " Prince Leopold," 2,697 ; Messrs. R. and E. Maclean, Ist prize. Section 3.—Cows: " Prudence," by " Commodore," imported ; dam "Primrose;" Messrs. R. and E. Maclean, Ist prize. Section 4.—Heit'ers, two years and not under one year: " Alice Cameron." by" Duke of Edinburgh," 3,078; dam "Sweet Briar," by " Commodore ;" Mc«srs. K. and 1C Maclean, Ist prize. " Lady Timaru," by "Prince Leopold IC," 3,351 ; dam " Princess Helena," by " Prince Leopold 1.," 2,697; Messrs. R. aud E. Maclean, 2nd prize. Sections. —Heifers, one year and under: Messrs. R. and E. Maclean, Ist and 2nd prizes. CATTLE OF iNI BBEBD.

Section I.—Cowa: 11.-. W. J. Marks, lat prise ; Mr. Mutthew Herd, 2nd prize. Section 2.—Heifers : Mr. A. J. Andereou, let prize. SPEOIATj PHIZES. Mr. Dornwell'e prize for the bu?t fat cow : E. uiid JE. Maclean, Ist and 2nd prizes. SHEEP. Judges: Messrs. "W. "Woodward, W. Atkin, and J. Bollard. IEICESTEB. Section I.—Mr. Thomas Russell, Ist and 2nd prizes. Section 2.—Hog Earns: Mr. Thomas Bußsell, let and 2nd prizes. Section 3.—Ewee : Air. 0. Shipherd, let and 2nd prizes.

in.'COLN-. Section 1. —Bams: Mr. Thomas 8.U33e11, Ist prize j Mr. E. Constable, 2nd prize. Section 2.—Hog Rams : Mr. Joseph May Ist and 2nd prizes. Section 3.—Ewes, bj imported rams: Mr. Joseph May, let and 2nd prizes. Section 4. — Eivu Hoggets : Mr. James Wallace, Ist prize; Mr. Joseph May, 2nd prize. SWINE. Judges : Messrs. J. Young anil J. Hodge. Boars, any age : li years, Berkshire, Mr?. I/. Kye, Ist prize; threo years, Berkshire, A. Doruwell, Ist prize. Bnars, eight months find under : eight mouths old, Messrs. R. and E. Maclean, two pens, Ist and 2nd prizes. Sows, any ane : nine months, Air. Joseph Abbott, Ist prize ; eighteen months, Thomas Dulton, 2nd prize. Sows, eight months and under: four and a-half months, Berkshire, E. Boucher, let prize. Tliu show of pigs this year was exceedingly limited, aud calls for no special remarks. IMPLEMENTS. Judges : Messrs. Joseph May, E. Const;b'c, and W Gardner. Thn display of implements and local industries this year was in every respect better thau the similar display of last year, especially those articles coming iiu-ler the head of local industries, of which there were a very large number. The list given below speaks for itself, but a few of the articles deserve special mention. Messrs. Porter's stock of imported implements was greatly admired, also the machinery exhibited by Messrs. T. and S. iforrin. Mr. Wiseman and Mcasrs. Forater both made a sple:idid show of saddlery so much so, that iu would be almost invidious to draw comparisons ; —the judges award, however, speaks for itse'.f. Mr. Lamb, the wellknown biscuit manufacturer, had a large assortment of biscuits on the ground, for which he obtained a first prize; also flour ground from Canterbury and Aucklnnd wheat, the latter being the more valuable bv £2 a ton. Messrs. Cousins and Atkins exhibited nome very uecful articles in the wavof carriage appointments, and a very handsome carriago whs exhibited by J. S. Carrie, for which he was awarded the Ist prize. One of the !ar"o rooms in the barracks was crowded with local industries of such a mi.--ep!l;ini'ous character that it would be impossible for us to specify them in tho space at our command. This portion of the show was highly successful.

IOCAI- MANUFACTURE. Dimblc-furrow plough, made by James Wallace, of Otuhuhu, Ist pme. Three iron ploughs : N. McMillan, Ist prize. Horse bay-ruke, mndo by James Wallace, Otahuhu, Ist prize, on trial ; horse nay-rake, exhibited by W. Gardner, 2nd prize. Combined reaping and mowing mnehine, with iron bunds for bearings, and improved guide for knife-bars: A. Dunwoodie, let prize, on trial. IMPORTED IMPLEMENTS. Combined reaping unci mowing machine, Hornaby and Sou's : W. Gardner, Ist prize, under trial. Side-doliveriiig reaping machine: Q-. Thompson, let prizo. Two-furrow plough, ivith steerage, leverage, and expanding beams, J. and F. Howard : C. Sbiphurd, Ist prize. Revolving mould-board plough, Hillard: W. Gardner, Ist prize. Assortment of implements : 11. Fendelow, let prize. Clieeee-prese : B. Porter and Co., Ist prize. One Portion's patent combined mowing and reaping machine, under trial : E. Porter and Co. Firo R. Hornsby and Sou's patent O'lowheel ploughs : E. Porter and Co., Ist prize. Three l{. ITornsby and Sou's patent twowheel ploughs : E. Porter and Co., let prize. One set zigzag harrows : K.Porter and Co., Ist prizo ; K. Porter and Co., 2nd prize. Stand of agricultural tools : E. Porter and Co., Ist prize. LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Judges: .Messrs. \V. GooiUellow, 11. Vailc, and John Wallace. One set shaft harness, Scotch style r James Wiseman, Ist prize One set leading liuiness: James Wiseman, Ist prize. Six hogskin riding saddles : James Wiseman, Ist prizo. Oue set heavy dray harness, Scotch style : Messrs. Foster and Son, Ist prizo. One set e prin." cart harness, best plated : Messrs. Forster and Sou, 2nd prize. One set pbicton harness, plated: Messrs. Foreter and Son, 2nd prize. Ladies' and gentlemen's riding saddles : Messrs. Forster and don, commended. One burr-il and one bushel churn : George McCiae, Ist prize. Collection of ropes, made and exhibited by ilr. Neil Lloyd, Ist prize ; ulso the Mayor's prize of a silver medal. Collection of drain pipes, tiles, sinks, socket pipes, &c, by llr. Boyd, Ist prize ; also Mr. H. Kohn's prize tor draining tiles. Samples of glassware, made iil(1 exhibited by Messrs. \V. Wikhew and Co., consisting of (•iibleta, wine gla-scs, decanters, fish glasses, lamp [.'lasses, &c., Ist prize. Hum, brimiy, whiskey, &s.. manufactured and exhibited by Mr. VV. J. Cawlcwell, commended. Two JSikuu hills : Miss BesdoMellsopp, 2ml prize. Collection of wheels, finished and unlinished, made of New Zealand wood; also, life-pre-serving safety ehuft. coupling for buggies : Cousins and Atkins, lit prize. Olson's Saucos : Ist prize. Mr. E. W. Crotch's eiiuif, tobacco, cigars, &u., lat prize.

Cranwell nuJ C 0 . ,8 improved muuic-stooU, almauuuks, &\:., 11l stilly commended. WarnocU, Brothers' soap, caudles, &c, Ist prize Allender's doiip, candles, &<:., 2nd prize. Doinwell's preserved beef, mutton, neat'sfool. oil, bonedusl, &c, JUt prize. Drawing-room knitted window curtains : li'riuici-s McNamara, Ist prize. IJrown's blacking, Ist prize. Williums'e lire-kindlertt, Ist prize. U. M. Heiglitou's ovens, commended. McMillan's adzes and uxes, let prize. Boots and shoes : Bailey, Ist prize. Asplmlt dlubs, fjr paving, Morrison, commended.

Collection of ovens: Herbert H. Smith, let prize. Flax, dressed by Fraser and Tinne's machine : Hunt Brothers, Ist prize (special prize of £5). Luwidson's cans of colonial-made jewellery, commended ; Kohn's ditto, commended. .-euUert'e collection of inlaid work, commended. Silk : G-. Whitmora, highly commended. Collection of wools, cleane.l by Messrs. L. D. Nathan and C 0... five diDforent sorts, highly couiDiended. POULTRY. Judge 3 : Jlessrs. C. T. Wren, S. K. Hughes (jud.), and Thomas Kussell. We woro disappointed with the show of poultry, which, in most classes, was deeidedly inl'erior to last year's. The games were the best represented, and there were three capital pens. Mr. Bloomfield, of course, took first, prize for black Spanish ; and a fine pen of white (Jochin3, belonging to Me»srs. James Thomas and Barraclough, was inr.ch admired. We must confess to a t'ediug of surprise at the, on the whole, very inferior lot of poultry shown, as we had imagined that *' tho fancy" hid of late increu'od. Another year wo shall hope to Bee something better, especially in that wry useful and popular class, the Brahmapootra, a cross between which uuu the Dorking we believe to be the very best for farm, market, and general breeding purposes. The following is the list of [>rizetakere : — Dark Brahmapootra : Thomas Fauldcr, let prize. U:ihmapootra : Mrs. B. Wood, 2nd prize. AVhite Dorking:. Ferguson, Ist prize.

Dorkinfj: Richard Carter, l«t priz<>. Grey Dorking : John Wallace, 2nd prize. Black Spanish: James Bloomfield, Ist prize ; W. J. Marks, 2nd prize. Pure white Cochin : Messrs. Jellies Thomas and prize. Pigeons : John Gilbird, Ist prize ; Joseph Abbott, 2nd prize. Bantams : Mr. W. Wilson, Ist prize. Two pairs carrier pigeous : Chapman, Ist prize. Four pair carrier pigeous : Longbottom, 2nd prize. DOGS.

There whs a very good muster of dogs, and amongst them were some very well-bred and handsome anira>ds. The arrangements for tilts protection and security of this class of oxhibits were somewhat, improved, but the society's committee must do sonu-thing more if they desire this really very popular portion of the show to be thoroughly appreciated. The system at English dog shows is to pl.ice over each enitnal a plainly-written ticket fixed on a stake, on which is written the name of the dog, that of its owner, pedigree, age, &c. By tliis means visitors arc able to comp.irc the exhibits with real interes'. The system adopter! l>y our local committee is lo merely affix tickets to the collars oft.hu prize winners. The rest of the dog* aro quite unknown, and, fjr the matter of that, so are many cf the prize-takers, for few persons care to "collar" a strange nnimal for the purpose of reading a half obliterated ticket dangling underneath his jaws. We hope this will bo seen to on a future occasion. Somo of the animals in the mastiff and Newfoundland classes were noble creatures, and the terriers j and toy dogs were well represented. Sporting too, shoWH.d well, and this portion of tho show was, as might be expected, a great point of attraction, especially with the fairer portion of thy visitors, who, by the way, always seem to encourage a weak side towards the "fancy." The following is tip: list of win-

Sheep Dogs : Doj», nine months, W. Motion, Ist pnza ; sliu, two yetirs, Mr. John UcLeod, Ist prize. Cattle Dogs : Dog, John McLead, Ist prize; slur, 15. Sutherland, Ist prize. MastiiFs : Dog, aged, W. J. Suiuh, Ist prize. Newfoundlands : Dog, R. Green, Ist prize. Pig Dogs : Don, J. McNamura, Ist prize. Bull Dogs : Dos, Abraham, Ist prizo ; D. Grrev, 2nd prize. Bull-Terriers : Dog, George Clarke, Ist prize. Toy Terriers : Miss Young, Ist prize. English Terriers : Three dogs, Cliirmside, let prize ; dog, S. E. llughea, junior, 2nd prize. Skv« Terriers : No awurd. iSrokeii-hairod Terrii-rs : Ditto. French Poodle Sluts : Miss Motion, Ist prize ; Miss Keane, 2nd prize. Pointers: Dog, 3. Morrin, Ist prize; slut, H. Bell, Ist prize. Retrievers : Dog, S. Morrin, Ist prizo ; slut, S. Morrin, Ist prize. Setters : Dog, A. Brown, Ist prize ; slut, E. Wood, Ist prize. Greyhounds : Dog, E. Bennett, Ist prize. THE DHNWER. About one hundred and twenty gentlemen eat down to dinner, which was really well served and well attended. The caterer was Mr. Clark, of the Cottago of Content. The chair was taken by his Honor the Superintendent, supported on the right by Mr. J. C. Firth, on the left, by Joseph Miiy, Esq., nnd his Worship the Mayor.

When the elolh was removed, ills llonou proposed, "The health of her Majesty the Queen." —Drunk with all the honors. Baud: The National Anthem. Ills llonok next proposed, " The health of the Prince of Wales and the rest of the Koyal Family."—Drunk with the usual honors. Band : " God Bless the Prince of Wales." Ills ITo.vcm next proposed, " The health of Ins Excellency the Governor." lie was sure that llis Excellency, not only by hi* high position, but by his personal qualities, had become esteemed by the public. Drunk with the usual honors. Band : " Rule Britannia." Mr. Ali-'ued Buckland proposed, " The health of his Houor the Superintendent." (Cheers.) Ills HONOR 'iind hoped for a period of reet before addressing mi audience. The toast was rather unexpected. He could say that, in every way, and by every means in his pjwer, he would do his best to promote and cneounign exhibitions like that which had just been held. (Cheers.) His iiosoß next gave, " The Army and Volunteers." Band: " Red, White and Blue."

Major WALirsr,Er, in obedii'nco to u very general call, res|iondecl. lie said it was rullier hard to call upon an " old un." There were plenty of young men rising up who would, when the occasion came, do tkrir duly. Ho could only say for himself I hut, when required, lie would again do liia duty to the best of his ability. (Cheers.) Caplaiu Clahk returned thanks for the Volunteers, und proposed, " Th« Speaker mid Member* of the Provincial Council."

Mr. SuuEilAN responded, lie ft , lt ob!ig"d to the gentleman who the touet. If there was ono thing in wliiuli he was consistent, it was in liis udlieruuoe to the principles which he hail expressed in the Provincial Coum-il. As to the Speaker, he thought it was a matter of pride to everybody tlmt Ihe Speaker of Hie Provincial Council had been thought, worthy to fill a place in the Ministry. He aineerely thanked the company for the manner in which they had received the toast. He had been himself in high places lately, but he could assure them that lie returned to Auckluud with sincere pleasure. Mr. lluiiST proposed " The Special Prizegivurs." — Drunk with honors. The health of " Uis Worship tho ilayor," as tho giver of a prize-medal, was proposed, and drunk with the usual honors.

Jlis WOHSUIP returned thanks. He could only wish that his means were proportionate to his will. Jle would l.lisn give a much more valuable prize. He considered this annual show an oveut of the greatest importance, and one in which the whole of tho public should take an interest. Mr. WooDWAIiD proposed, " The Commercial Interests of the Province of Auckland. , ' The toast was drank with the iisu.il honors.

Tho following tousls were given :—" Tho health of the successful competitors, '" i'he unsuccessful competitors," " The Judges," uud dulv reepomted to. .\lr. l'lUTii proposed, "The Agricultural interest of Iho Province of AuckUud." He believed that this was the industry which made uuy country great,. There was great need that every possible inca.:s should be tiikon to develop the resources of the soil. They should take a lesson from other countries. With the deinan i for food staples, considering tho recurrence of deficient harvests in other countries,'it was probable that there would yet be a demand in this country for grain. In this aspect of uff.iirs, it became import ant that they should give more attention to this rotation'of crops. It was a fuct thut in California and the Australia* tho grain crop was becoming depreciated by not ittending to this important matter. lbey heard of Ciliforniau wheat and Australian wheat coming into the market in great abundance. He could only any that it was found that grain from these countries whs found to be so mixed up with seed of other sorts that it was not sometimes as valuable as the grain growu in the province. He found that 5i bushels to the acre was the average produce of tho Australian colonies. He thought that by proper fanning this should be iucreaeed, at least eo far as New Zealand was concerned. Hβ was afraid there was a good deal of speculative farming carried on. He meant by speculative farming, getting all that was possible out of the soil. He considered that greater attention eliould be given to the capacity of the eoil, bu us not to let it run out. Several otber formal toasts were given, and the compuny separated at a quarter to 10 o'clock.