WHANGAEI AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9975, 12 November 1895, Page 6

WHANGAEI AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

Ok Saturday, November 9, the annual exhibition of farm stock, produce, implements, etc., under the auspices of the Whangarei Farmers' Club took place in Kensington Park. In the early morning the weather was nob favourable, a strong cold wind blowing, with heavy masses of clouds floating over the ranges prevailing, presaging a showery, day. However, as the morning advanced these unfavourable indications passed away, the sun broke out, the clouds disappeared, and as lovely a day was experienced as could well bo wished. There was a fine cool and gentle breeze throughout the day tempering the rays of the sun. From early morn a considerable stream of visitors found their way to Kensington Park from the village and the many surrounding districts, aud in tho courue of the day a larger attendance assembled there than had ever taken place bofore at any previous similar exhibition. In the afternoon, nob less than from 1100 to 1200 people wore on the ground, all bent upon enjoying themselves in several directions. The greatest good order prevailed throughout the day, though beer and spirituous liquors were of course obtainable on the ground. The officers of the society were energetic and effective in the discharge of their duties, and tho secretary (Mr. ClarkWalker) was a model of attention and activity, and probably largely to his tact and painstaking care was due the facb that the whole of the day's proceedings passed over without a single hitch of any kind. The judges also appear to have been fairly successful in their efforts to hold the balance fairly oven between all the competitors, and perhaps fewer grumblings were heard than is usual on such occasions. The judges were woll aided in their labours by the attention of the stewards; and, though in some of the classes all the stewards who were expected to aid did not pub in an appearance, those upon whose shoulders the weighb of duty fell, were quito equal to what was required of them, and thus from first to lasb all worked harmoniously, and the result was one of which the people of Whangarei have good reason to be proud. As to tho exhibits themselves, though in somo instances fewer than might have been expected, they were of a good class, many of them of a very high class indeed. Thoro is little doubt thab the improvement of farm stock is going ahead in the Whangarei district, for in sheep, cattle, and horses, thoro wero animals shown which would have been a credit to any agricultural district;, The number of horses shown were nob quite so many as could have been wished! bUb amongst those brought forward the Competition was keen, especially in the draught and useful farm class of animals. There was also a fair display of hacks and other animals, and one cob shown in harness owned by Mr. Hurry Weaver, was generally admired for his action in the trial to which ho was subjected. Amongst the cattle, shorthorns, the Channel Island cattle, and the dairy class of animalsgenerally,were strongly in evidence. Judging by the strain of Jorseys shown this class of animal would appear to bo a favourite in tho district, as some very good animals were exhibited. In some of the classes crossbreds were penned with purebrcds. This is a miatako, and if ib is a desire on the part of exhibitors to exhibit grade animals, it might bo desirable on the part of tho managernenb of the Farmers' Club to mako provision for tho proper classing of this section in future year* by providing a grade division in their classification. A fine Hereford bull was expected to bo shown, bub he boltod on the way, and of course was not forthcoming. Perhaps the strongest point imong the cattle class, was what may be regarded as dairy cattle. Many appeared to bo of good milking strains, and attracted the attention of the judges in consequenco. Though the establishment of milk factories have nob yet beeomo a recognised institution in the Whangarei district, there is no doubb thab when the timo comes for such action there will bo found to be in the district & really useful strain of cattle for that purpose;' • §heep wore in very fair numbers, and of oxcollotib quality as a rule. The fab shoop wore a lot of very good animals, and deservedly received commendation. The longwool sheep wore also lino animals, and their .fleeces showed good development. The Romney Marsh sheep shown wero also deserving of mention, Pigs wore few in numbers, though tho animals shown wore ample proof that good stock of thi? class were to bo found in the district. Now that such a spirib has been created in favour of pig feeding, by the new motliod of bacon curing which has been established, ib is a wonder that more attention is not paid to this class of farm stock than appears to be thecaso at present, in all portions of tho Auckland province. Few animals are moro fertile and roadily reared, and though they require a moderate sliaro of attention to got good result!, as a rule this class of stock are found to bo highly profitable. In tho northern portions of tho colony, more attention is given to this class of domestic animals than is the ease amongst us, but why this should bo the case it will probably be diffieulb to give a satisfactory answor. Here tho climate and other natural conditions appear to be all that are necessary for successful pig funning, and now thab by the process of what is known as " mild curing," an almost unlimited market is opened up, ib is time thab our settlers bestirred themsolvos to take advantago of this fresh discovery and public taste. Poultry and pigeons wero in fair representation, although in the latter class wo anticipated that tho children in tho district would have made tho competition more varied than ib was. Dogs were also in fair representation, though nob so numerous a| might havo been anticipated. Some very nico elieep dogs wore exhibited. Implements wero not in largo number, though both single and double furrow ploughs were on exhibition, also a mowing machine, etc. A collection of manures of various kinds from the Westfiold Works was on view, and attracted tho usual amounb of attention.

The section for produce was perhaps one of the most attractive of tho minor features of the exhibition. The display of bread was very largo, and was an ample testimony that) this portion of foraalo education in the Whangarei district is not neglocted. The bread was in many forms. A large variety of the ordinary plain bread, of excellent) quality, was shown, and one enormous loaf, baked in a camp oven by Mr. W. Drevor, working; at Foote's Mill, was a ironeral subject of attraction. The loaf was 22 inches in diamotor and weighed quite 201b. and was thoroughly baked and light to the centre. (Jakes of various kinds, scones, etc., were in abundance, and were a credit to the producers. Mrs. 0. E. Weaver was more than ordinarily fortunate in securing prizes in this section. Butter also made a good display, both in plain and fancy forms. In this latter division a considerable variety of taste was displayed by tho fair fabricators. A sample shown by Miss Blomhoardb gave testimony to tho labour and care bestowal upon it. The body of tho exhibit was buftfc up of rustic work, and the top was ti series of flowers, set off by interspersed rose leaves. A socond prize was awarded, although.many thought it desorved first prize. The display of cheese was limited as compared with what might have been expected, but tho display of home-cured hams was mora extensive, and appeared to be of excellent quality. There were also some very good displays, of locally-made harness, for saddle, buggy, and other purposes, by Mr. Hutohings, which shows that tho sottlera in tho district avo favourably situated in this respect, in being able to get what they require in this lino without) going to distant places. It must be a great advantage in many instances in having skilled tradesmen in a district to satisfy tho requirements of tho settlers. Several nice collections of kauri gum were sluwn, bub complaint was made in the afternoon that several of the pieces had been stolen. Exhibits of this kind should be shown in glass cases, so that unlawful removals will not be so easy as when the exhibits are lying loose upon a table. The floral display was good in quality, but very limited in number. This is to be regretbod, as a well-filled table of exhibits of this class helps to enliven the attractiveness of tho exhibition, and even inferior collections are more attractive than a comparatively empty table. There were several exhibitions of hand painting from liaburo and from copy, which showed that a good deal of artistic taste existed in the district, and if a local' art society v/m pub on foot perhaps au

encouragement would be given to more sedulously cultivate this undeveloped taste latenb in the district. Mrs. J.F. Henry, Miss K. McGregor, and Mr. E. C. Jenkins were successful exhibitors in this department, Mr. Jenkins being the most! extensive. Miss McGregor made a fine display in crayon work, while Mr. Jenkins showed fruit, flowers, rural scenes, heads of animals, etc. Good samples of locally made axe-handles were shown, bub as in many other things, the display would have heen considerably enhanced had the exhibits been more numerous.

Mr. Dewsbury, of embrocation fame, made a big display by his gigantic bottle, representing his special production, being shown in front of the grandstand. Several of the events which were scheduled did not bake place. Sheep-shearing on the ground was one of these, though post) entries were permitted. There were also some races on tho schedule, to take plate late in the afternoon, bub which from some cause or other did nob come off. These were not seriously missed, though they caused a little disappointment ab the time by the delay occasioned waiting for entries which did nob come, for ib was about seven o'clock when the events of the day were brought to a successful termination.

Notwithstanding the large number of people on the ground, and the very large number of mounted visitors, both ladies and gentlemen and young lads, the events of the day wore singularly free from accidents. The only one of any moment that occurred was the dislocation of the shoulder of a horse belonging to Mr. Foote coming in contact with another.

THE PRIZE LIST. The following is the prize list ■ Horses.— Walter Cliitty, Waikato; stewards, C, Stevens, J. R. Mclnnis, and S. Carter. Blood entire, 5 entries : S. Rawnsley's Valour, 1; H. Fenton's Penrose, 2; Entire suitable for breeding hunters, 3 entries: H. Fenton, 1. Yearling, 1 entry: 11. A. Mclnnis, 1. Maro iu foal or foal at foot, 1 entry: J. R. Reyburn, 2. Filly, colt, or gelding, 2 years and under 3 years, 1 entry: E. Moouey, 3. Halfbreeds—Mare in foal or foal at foot, 4 entries: A, Clarke, 1; W. Hutching, 2; J. A, Griffin, commended. Draught stock, entire, Shire breed, 1 entry : J. Peters, 1. Clydesdale stallion, 1 entry: G. Hawken, 1. Entire, 3 entries; J. Peters, 1; G. Hawken, 2. Mare or gelding, 5 entries: G. Wyatt, 1; W. Christie. 2, Mare in foal or foal at foot, 2 entries: M. Buchanan, 1: C. Hawken, 2. Colt, filly, or gelding, 3 years old, 3 entries: J. Wornop, 1; Wm. Nehua, 2. Colt, filly, or gelding, 2 years old, 2 entries; E. Nehua, 1; J. Pullen, 2. Colt, filly, or gelding, 1 year, 3 entries: J. A. Griffin, 1; W. Nehua, 2. Pair agricultural horses, 1 entry : H. Cheeseman, "1. Pair of heavy draught horses, 3 entries: H. Cheeseniftn, 1; J. Wyatt, 2. Bostyearling by Young Banker, 1 entry : W. Christie, 1. Foal by Young Banker, 1 entry, C. Hawkins, I. Cob, under 15 hands, 10 eutries: A. Cambie, 1 ; J, Simpson, 2. Hack up to lOst, 13 entries: Miss Whitelaw, 1; T. H. Steadmf.il, 2. Hack up to 14st, Sentries: A. Bunyard, 1; A. A. Wilson, 2. Hack up to 12st, 5 entries: Mrs. Mclvor, 1; I). McKenzie, 2. Hack bred in the county, 9 entries: Dr. Hall, 1: T. H. Steadmau, 2; A. A. Wilson, commended. Lady rider in the ring, 8 entries; Miss J. Mclnnis, 1; Miss Whitelaw, 2; Mrs. Drake, commended. Lady rider over three hurdles, 4 entries: Mrs. Drake, 1; Miss Dent, 2. Gentleman rider over hurdles, 4 entries: J. Broughton, 1; — .Stanley, 2. High jump for horses: J. Broughton, 1, on Ingarangi. Girl rider, under 15 years of age, I entry: Miss F. Smith, 1. Lady's horse, 9 entries : Dr. Hall, 1; T. H. Steadinau, 2; Dr Smith and R. Kelly, commended. Pair of buggy horses, driven in vehicle, 2 entries: P. Cheeseman, 1. Pony, under 14 hands, 15 entries: A. Clarke, 1; R. Forsyth, 2. Turnout, buggy or waggouet, horses, harness, and vehicle, the property of one owner, 2 entries : F. Cheeseman, 1. Turn-out, spring cart, horse and harness, 4 entries: H. Wakelin, 1; N. Fenton, 2. TPvirn-out settlers waggon, horse or pair, 4 entries: M. Purchase, 1; \V. Beaumont, 2. Buggy and single horse, the property of one owner, 4 entries: Harry Weaver, 1; J.Bissett,2. Taxcart, roadster, or Pagnell, 3 entries: Head aud Taylor, 1. Shod roadster, 4 entries: E. Meyers, 1. Shod draught horse, 3 entries: Head and Taylor, 1; E. Meyers, 2. RACKS. Hack Race: Mason, Johnson, and Mclvor entered. After a spirited race once round the course, Mclvor came in first, Mason second, and Johnson third. Trotting in the Saddle: Four entered, F.'R; Benuicke, W. Beeves, A. McKenzie, and W. I)rever. Thrice round the course. In the third round Benuicke dropped out, and the others finished as follows : A. McKenzie, 1: W. Drever, '2; Beeves close up. Pony Race, six furlongs: Four entries, F. R. Bennicke, G. Mason, D. Dinnie, and Stanley. The race resulted as follows: Dennio, 1; Bennicko, 2; Stanley, 3; Mason last. Cattle. -Judges : William Scott, Waikato ; and Robert Fisher, Waikato. Stewards :W. Carter and T. Seccombe. Champion bull, 4 entries: G. Hawken, 1. _ Shortnorn bull, 3 years and over, 3 entries: G. Hawken, 1-, C. Hawken, 2. Shorthorn bull, 2 years and under 3 years, 2 entries: M. Mclnnis, 2; A. Clarke, highly commended. Shorthorn bull, under one year, '2 entries: C. Hawken, 2; C. Hawkeu, commended. Hereford bull, I year and uudcr 2 years, 1 entry: No exhibit. Jersey hull, 3 years or over, 2 entries: R. Douglas, 2; S. Dent, highly commended. Jersey bull, 1 year and under 2 years, 1 entry: Mrs. Stevens, 2. Jersey bull, under I year, 1 entry W. Beaumont, 2. Ileiter or steer, under 12 mouth, 2 entries j — Moir, 2. Cow, general shape, etc., 5 entries: Hutchinson Bros., 1; A. Clarke, Cow for dairy purposes, 4 entries: A. Clarke, 1: Hutchinson Bros., 2. Heifer, 1 year and under 2 years, 2 entries: A. Clarke, 2; W. A. M. Bain, highly commenned. Fat cow, 1 entry, J. R. Mclnnis, 2. Pen of three dairy cows in milk, the property of one owner, 4 entries: G. Hawker, 1; A. Clarke, 2. I'eu of three steers, 3 years old, 5 entries: J. 11. Molunis, 1 and 2. Jersey cow, 4 entries: H. Cheeseman, I; C. Stevens, 2. •Jersey heifer, under 2 years and over 1 year, 3 entries: C. Stevens, 2, aud commended. Pen ot 3 heifers, 2 years and under 3 years, 1 entry : Hutchinson Brothers, 1. Half-bred Jersey cow, 3 entries : H. Cheeseman, 1; W. Bain, 2. Champion dairy cow, open to all dairy cows entered: Gilbert Hawken, champion. Sheep.—: W.Scott and R. Fisher, Waikato. Stewards: R. Hodge and T. Wilson. Romney Marsh, 2 entries: J. B. Powsland, 1 and 2. Lincoln rain, 4 entries: R. Roose, 1 aud 2. Ram, 4-tooth, 1 entry : J. Pillion, commended. Longwool ram, any age, 1 entry :J. R. Mclnnis, 1. Ram lamb, 2 entries: M. W. Armstrong, 1 and 2. Ram, any age, bred in the district, 3 entries: R. Roose, i; J. R. Mclnnis, commended. Ram, Hogget, bred in the district, 1 entry: Hutchinson Bros., 1. Pen of 3 ewe liogget3, 5 entries: Hutchinson Bros., 1; J. Donaldson, 2 and commended. Pen of 5 wethers, fit for freezing, 5 entries: J. Donaldson, 1, 2 and commended, Pen of fat sheep, ewes and wethers, 5 entries: J. Donaldson, 1, 2, and commended. Pios.—Judges, W. Scott and R. Fisher, Waikato: steward, H. Cheeseman. Yorkshire boar, 1 entry: H. Wakelin, 1. Boar, under 1 year, 1 entry : H. Wakelin, 1. Sow, 3 entries, H. Wakelin, 1 and 2. Berkshire sow, 2 entries: H. Wakelin, 1 and 2. Dogs.—Judge, Mr. E. Hay ward, Ponsonby, Auckland: steward, H. Weaver. Cattle dog, 4 eutries: A. Clarke, 1: W. Denniss, 2; A. Hillford, commended. Sheep dogs, 5 entries: S. Whits, 1; M. W. Armstrong, 2. Fox terrier, 1 entry :J. Broughtou, 1. English setter, 5 entries: Plummer, 1; .J. A. Marsen, 2. Irish setter, 1 entry: T. Wilson, 1. Gordon setter, 2 entries: F. North, I; E. Boult, 2, Cocker spaniel, 1 entry: E. Clifford, 1. St. Bernard, 2 entries: P. Moore, 1; Mrs. Bunyard, 2.

Poultry,—Judge: Mr. E. Hay ward, Ponsouby. Steward, H. Weaver. Light brahma, 3 entries: A. Harden, 1; W. G. Cook, 2. Dark Brahma, 3 entries: E. Clifford, 2, Plymouth Rook, 2 entries : E. Clifford, 2. Partridge cochin,3 entries: A, Caller, 1 and 2. Buff lepTiorn, 2 entries: A. Cafler, 1. White Leghorn, 5 entries: A. Cafler, 1; E. Clifford, 2. Brown Leghorn, 2 entries: W. J. Hutchines, 1; W. Skellern, 2. Black Leghorn: W. J. Hatchings, 1. White Wyandotte, 2 entries: A. Cafler, 1 and 2, Silver-laced Wyandotte, 2 entries: A, Cafler, 1 and 2. Andalusian, 3 entries : A. Caller, 1 and 2; J. E. Roberts, commended. Polaud, 1 entry: A,,,Cafler, 1. Bantams, 4 entries: A. C. Mason, 1 and 2. Gander and goose, 1 entry; S. Dent, 1. Pekin drake and duck, 1 entry : A. Cafler, 1. Rouen duck and drake, 1 entry : W. Denniss, 1. Turkey, cock and hen, 1 entry : S. Dent, 1. Black Minorca, 1 entry : A. Cafler, 1. Black Spanish, 1 entry: H. Cheeseman,'2, •. Pigeons Judge and steward same as for poultry. English carrier'- E. Clifford, 1. Chequed Antwerp, 1 entry: E. Clifford, 1. Barbe, 1 entry: E. Clifford, 1. English owl, 1 entry: E. Clifford, 1. Fan tail, 1 entry: E. Clifford, 1. Tumbler, 1 entry: E. Clifford, 1. Produce.— Mr. Archie Wallace, Waikato. Stewards Messrs. Percival and Beaumont, oil) butter, in plain rolls, 5 entries: J. A. Griffin, 1; Miss E. Forsyth, 2; Miss Blomheardt, commended. 3lb butter, with salt, 5 entries: Mrs. R. Cheescman, 1; Miss Blomheardt, 2 : J. A. Griflin, commended. Fresh butter, 31b made by a young lady under 16 years, 1 entry:' Miss Bain, 1. 31b fancy butter, 4 entries; Mia; E. For-

syfch, 1} Miss Blomheardfc, 2; Mrs. R. Hodge, commended. New cheese, not less than 101b. 1 entry H. Wakelin, 1. Old cheese not leas than 10lb, 2 entries: J. A. Griffin, 1; Henry Wakelin, 2. Ham, home cured, 3 entries: W. Beaumont, 1 and 2; H. Wakelin, commended. Collection of locally-made jams and jellies, not less than 4 sorts, 2 entries: Mrs. 0. Stevens, 1; Mrs. Clarke-Walker, 2d. Largest collection of hawk's heads, 2 entries : G. North, 1, with 62. Collection of local hams and bacon, 1 entry: T. Wilson, 1. Loaf, white bread, 6 entries : Mrs. C. Stevens, 1; Miss May Teasdale, 2; Mrs. W. Brooker, commended. Loaf of white bread, made by a girl under IG, 2 entries: Miss E. Hedge, 1; Miss B. McMillan, 2. Loaf of white bread and loaf of brown bread made from local dour, I entry: Miss McKay, 1. Bread, any kind, 3 entries: Mrs. W. Walker, 1; Mrs. Wakelin, 2. Currant cake, 7 entries: Miss M. Yates, 1; Miss Stewart, 2 { Mrs. C. Stevens, commended. Sponge cake, 8 entries, Mrs. E. Boult, 1; Mrs. T. Scott. 2; Miss ClarkWalker, commended. Oatmeal cake, 3 entries: Miss J. Chisholm, 1; Miss Yates, 2: Miss Clark-Walker, commended. Scones, name of maker of flour to be given with entry, 7 entries : Mrs. E. 0. Weaver, 1 (Meek's flour); Mrs. R. Cheeseman, 2 (SnoVdrop); Mrs. 0. Stevens, commended (Meeks). Dish of 12 scones, baked from Wood's flour, 1 entry: Mrs. E. 0. Weaver, 1. Loaf of bred, baked from Moir and Co.'s flour, 1 entry : Miss Roose, 1. Six scones, baked from Moir and Co.'s flour, 1 entry: Mrs. E. 0. Weaver, 1. Implements.—For single-furrow plough, swing: A. McMillan, 1. Single-furrow plough, wheel: J. Wallace, 1. Doublefurrow plough :J. Wallace 1 and 2. American plough : J. Wallace, 1. Gig, 1 entry: I M. Purchase. 1. Spring trap, 4 wheels, 2 entries: M, Purchas, 1; Cousins and Atkin, a special, 1. Buggv, 1 entry : W. Brooker, 1. Collection of saddlery ana, harness, locallymade, 1 entry: E. A..Hutchingo, 1. Saddlery, locally-made, with furniture,! entry: E. A. Hatchings, 1. Special das? roadster cart, 1 entry: Head and Taylor, 1. Mowing machine: Mason, 1. Plain and Fancy Work and Miscellaneous.—Judges : Mrs.-Dr. Montaine and Miss Snellins, both of Maungaturoto. Stewards: Mr. A. Reid and Mesdames Morgan and Moors. White shirt, unwashed, hand made, 1 entry: Miss E. Mclntyre, 1. Working shirt, hand made, 1 entry: Mrs. Hodge, 1. 'Afternoon apron, any kind, 2 entries: Miss K. McLennan, 1; Mrs. Mason, 2. Customary kind, 2 entries: Mrs. Storey, 1; Miss F. Mclnnis, 2. Rag hearthrug, 2 entries: Mrs. Sheehan, 1 ; M. K. McLennan, 2. Mantel drape, any kind: Miss C. McLennan, 1. Bracket, 1 entry: Miss Bullions, 1. Woollen caps, 1 entry: Mrs.S. Dent.l. Pair men's knitted woollen socks, 3 entries : Mrs. E. Boult, 1; Miss A. McGregor, 2; Mrs. G. McLeod, 3, Tea cosey, 1 entry: Mrs. S. Dent, 1. Antimacassar, crochet, 1 entry: Miss M. Yates, I. _ Antimacassar, knitted cotton, I entry: Miss A. Yates, 1, Collection of picture frames, 1 entry: Mrs. A. Reid, 1. Child's knitted bootees, 4 entries : Mrs. E. Boult, 1; Miss J. ClarkeWalker, 2; Mrs. Gor.don, 3. Nightdress, handmade, girl under 16 years, 3 entries: Olive Hawken, 1 ; Miss Mapjsie Teasdale, 2. Pincushions, girl under 16 years, 4 entries: Miss Jessie Clarke • Walker, 1; Miss G. Cheeseman, 2. Dressed doll, girl under 14, 1 entry: Miss C. Storey, 1. Bouquet, hand made, girl under 14 years, 3 entries: Miss C. Storey, 1; Miss B. Downe, 2. Collection of kauri gum, 3 entries: T. Wilson, 1; C. Bryer, 2. Assortment of flowers grown in the open, 1 entry: Miss E. Boult, 1. Six gentlemen's buttonhole bouquets, 1 entry : Miss E. Boult, 1. Collection of axe handles, 2 entries: H. S. Hill, 1; H. Watson, 2. Hand painting from mature or copy, 3 entries: Mrs. J. F. Henry, 1 and 2. Special class, crayons: Miss K. McGregor, 1. Paintings from flowers, 3 entries: Mrs. J. F. Henry, 1; E. C. Jenkins, 2. Paintings from animals, 1 entry: E. C. Jenkins, 1. SPECIAL PRIZES. There was an extensive list of special prizes given by a number of firms and other gentlemen in Auckland, bub they were nob generally awarded in any special manner. The usual rule is to accept the nominal value of these special prizes a* so many contributions to the general prize fund, and in the awarding of the prizes, when anyone wins a prize of a certain nominal value, ho or she gets the offer to accept one of these special prizes of perhaps a few shillings more in nominal value in place of the definite sum stated as cash in the schedule, except where a special prize is given by the donor for a special class, and thus the special prize list comes to be disposed of, a method which apparently gives satisfaction, both to the prize-winners and the committee of management. the evening. In place of the usual formal dinner, which ' was held in former years on fcho evening of show day, a change was made this year. Ib seems to have been found that last year, a number of thoso who were patrons of amusement, were anxious for something of a more general interest than the usual formal speeches in proposing and replying to set toasts on the evening of show day, and thus got up an opposition entertainment, which was the means of attracting by far the larger portion of the young folks. This year the formal dinner was dispensed with, and a concert and variety entertainment instead was gob up in the Theatre Royal, which was very largely attended by an enthusiastic auditory. The concert was good, and the entertainment generally was pronounced a success. One of the greab attractions of tho evening were several exploits performed by the well-known athlete, Mr. Donald Dinnie. One of these attracted a good deal of attention amongst many of the muscular people to bo found at rural gatherings of this kind. Mr. Dinnie lay on his back on the stage, and ab his side was placed a weight of 2051b. This lie raised up, without altering his position, to the full length of his arm, a feat of concentrated muscular force which brought forth rapturous applause. Thus terminated tho ceremonies connected with the most successful exhibition which the Whungarei Farmers' Club have yet held.