AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11533, 19 November 1900, Page 6

AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

THE PEOPLE'S DAY. JUMPING AND DRIVING CONTESTS. COMPLETION OF THE PRIZE LIST. The Auckland Provincial Agricultural Association's Show closed on Saturday, under rather unfavourable weather conditions. Tho show was not too fortunate in the matter of weather for the opening day, but the officials hoped for the best for Saturday, when there was a public half-holiday, and every attraction the promoters could devise to draw large crowds to the show ground. Early on Saturday morning, however, rain set in, aad continued during the forenoon, doubtless preventing thousands from leaving home, who, under favourable conditions, would have spent the afternoon in viewing the sights cf the show. The show ground was in a very bad state, and in the morning it seemed as if the rain was to prove altogether calamitous to the finances of the show, but as the afternoon advanced the weather cleared, and altogether about 5000 visited the ground. Considering the state of ground and the continuous rain till late in the afternoon, the attendance was remarkably good, but it was not anything like what the attractions of tho show merited. Tho show, in the opinion of all the Southern judges, was an excellent one all round, and it is rather a disappointing conclusion to such a well-organised and representative exhibition, entailing the work of several months, that the financial results were far behind anticipations. The takings at the gate on Saturday were just a little over £160, and altogether the society drew at the. gates under £250. while if the weather had proved favourable there was every reason to anticipate that double the latter amount would have been taken at the gates. The unfortunate weather thus robbed the society of some £250, while the small attendance necessarily made the income from other sources smaller than it would otherwise have been. Somo ideas for postponement of the sports programme were mooted at a meeting of the society in the morning, but it was wisely decided to make tho best of the unfavourable circumstances, there being scarcely any possibility of getting more than a fraction of the show together again for a second venture. The association have for several years been unfortunate in the matter of weather, but Saturday was possibly the worst day they have had for some time. There .'s, of course, always considerable risk of disaster when an open-air exhibition depends for its financial success on one afternoon, and the society might well consider before thoy prefor their next show whether a three days' show, with continuous attractions for the public, would not put them in a more secure position than Under the present system.. which throws almost the whole of the prospects for gate money on to the Saturday afternoon.

An attractive programme was provided for those who braved the elements, and, apart from the discomforts of the wet ground, the day's proceedings were most successful' and enjoyable. Everything possible was done by the president (Mr. J. G. Rutherford), the vicepresident (Mr. R. Dick), and the secretary (Mr. Edwin Hall), as well as by the Gate Committee and the stewards, to promote the comfort of the visitors. Messrs. SHI well and Oilman purveyed the luncheon, and the omen's Christian Temperance Union supplied refreshments to a large number of the visitors.

Some wards had to bo made in classes loft over from Friday, but this work- was accomplished in the forenoon, leaving the afternoon free for the parade? and the riding and jumping- contests. The parades, unfortunately, had to take place in the wet. and were on this account not so attractive as usual. The Newton Brass Band, under Bahdmnstci Ouelch. led the bier parade, and supplied music during the afternoon. ' Just after the Tirades the weather cleared, and the crowd Jad a good view of the riding, driving, and jumping contests, which, as usual, elicited great amusement. The weight-guessing competition attracted more attention than usual, upwards of 100 guesses being received, the amount taken by 'he stewards in this department of the show being the highest on record. First and second prices were offered for (he closest estimate of the dead weight of three sheep, a cow. or a bullock, !h« animals being shown alive on the ground. There is also a chanipionshin prize for the competitor who. entering for all three lots, shall, in the opinion of the induce prove himself the best allround j ml ere of the weight of stock. T'm result will be announced in the course of the week, when the accurate dead weights of the animals have been ascertained. One noticeable feature of the show was the unusual number of protests lodged by various competitors, the secretary having received six protests of different kinds during the two days, a greater number than has ever been received before at an Auckland show. Most of the protests were disposed of on the ground by the committee, and the alterations given effect to in the prize list. Just before the close of the show a protest wa* lodged in reference to the award for the best boy rider, on the ground that V winner is over 15vrs of age, and this has yet to be dealt with. GENTLEMAN DRIVER (SINGLE HORSE) There were 11 entries, and the competitors were required to describe the figure eight four times through three stands, representing gateways, placed at intervals in the enclosure used as the showring, the space between the posts only leaving a margin of a few inches, thus necessitating skilful driving to prevent the ringing of the bells attached to either side, which give immediate warning when the driver failed to clear the posts with the vehicle. _ Points were allowed for pace (the vehicles in all cases being driven at a trot), time occupied in describing the figure, and freedom from striking the post. Mr. William McMaster proved successful in winning the first prize and must be credited with an excellent, performance, earing almost everv gate, while the pace maintained was brisk throughout, and his manipulation of the reins skilful. Mr. H. Crowther gained second place, and Mr. W. J. Greenwood was placed third. Other entries were : Messrs. H. Weal. A. H. Storey, T. Wyllie, J. Wyllie, P. Qninla.n, A. Selby, E. H. Kelly, and J. S. Buckland. LADY DRrVER (SINGLE HORSE). The conditions in this competition were similar to those for gentleman driver, and there were four entries, viz.. Miss Ethel Abbott (Otahuhu), Mrs. Ralph Stewart (Onehunga), Miss M. E. Quintan, and Mrs. E. H. Kelly. Miss Abbott, whose manipulation of the reins was decidedly skilful, was awarded first prize, amidst applause, while Mrs. Kelly and Miss Quintan, who finished second and third respectively, also deserved mention for the manner in which they drove through the narrow spaces that provided so severe a test of their ability to handle the "ribbons." GENTLEMAN RIDER. There were no less than 13 entries for this event, in which the competitors were required to ride over three hunting hurdles, the one representing a stone wall, and a. double jump, the tatter being the last to be negotiated. Points were awarded for seat, hands, and general appearance, and of the 13 entrants nine competed. Nothing jumped better than Dandy Dick, ridden by Mr. G. H. Taylor, of Mangere, _ but though the young horseman handled his mount well, he had to give place to Messrs. Harold Crowther (on Polo) and J. H. Selby (on Albion). The competition between those two riders for the honour? was very keen, and it was a toss up who would win the prize until Albion interfered with his rider's chances by coming to grief at one of the hurdles, unseating Selby; this after a faulty jump early in the competition. The first award accordingly went to Mr. Crowther, who sat Polo remarkably well, and also proved himself possessed ot a good pair of hands. Mr Selby was placed second, and Mr. Taylor third. It is worthy oi note that no less than four members of the Selby family, all son. of the well-known huntsman of that name, figured in this event, and their riding proved them to be all capable horsemen ever fences. LADY RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP. Six ladies contested the event for lady riders, open to all, and recognised as the championship on the ladies' side. They were: Mrs. E. H. Kelly, and Misses Meikle, Ethel Rae, Ethel Abbott, S. Brown, and Olive Buckland. With the exception of Miss Abbott, all were successful in negotiating the fences the first time, and that this young lady did not manage to clear the double was due to her mount, as she put the animal at it again and again in most fearless fashion, but tho horse persistently refused. The judges then allowed her to take a fresh horse, the opinion being that the one she had ridden was pot particularly safe, and with her own hack, Eric, under her, Miss Abbott cleared the double amidst applause. So well had all ridden in the first round, that the judges ordered a second round, after which Miss Olive Buckland was singled out for the red ribbon attaching to the championship, a decision that met with demonstrations of approval on the part of tho onlookers, and one that was thoroughly deserved, as this young lady had a graceful seat in the saddle, and took tho fences in fine style. For two or threo years past Miss Buckland has figured among the entrants for the open championship, and her riding has always attracted oonsidi:...ijlo attention; in fact, old show-goers, i

who in years gone by, had seen the young lady's father, Mr. J. Seagar Bucklandin his time, one of the finest horsemen, in the colony in the saddle, were heard to remark that he had a worthy successor in his daughter. Miss Abbott, who seemed absolutely devoid of fear, was placed second, and Miss Brown (of Tauranga), third; though the judges, in arriving at their finding, said they would have been delighted to have given the whole of the competitors a first award, and confessed that their decisions were not arrived at without considerable difficulty. It would indeed bs difficult to bring together half-a-dozen better horsewomen in any part of the colony than those who figured in this event.

TANDEM DRIVER. Tho tandem-driving competition, open to gentlemen or lady drivers, attracted a field of three competitors, the smartest turn out being that driven by Mr. P. Quinlan, a well-known figure in these competitions at previous shows. The other entrants were Messrs. E. B. Simpson and Roy Kinloch, and as in the case of the events for single horses, tEe figure eight had to be described through the gates with bell attachments. Mr. Simpson led off, but met with but litle success, the bell sounding almost every time, while the pair of browns driven did not work at all well in tandem. Mr. Quinlan followed, ringing two bells of four, and then came Mr. Kinloch, who cleared only one l gate without mishap. Being given a second try, he cleared three of the four gates, and as his pair had otherwise, conducted themselves creditably, both on trie score' of pace and time, Mr. Quinlan was called upon to make another attempt. This time he went through the gates without touching, with the result that he gained the red ribbon, Mr. Kinloch being awarded the second prize. The winner's feat was deservedly applauded. LADY RIDERS (RESTRICTED). In this competition the conditions, as far as fences were concerned, were in every way similar to those governing the ladies' championship. but the event was not open to allcomers, and the winner of the championship (Miss O. Buck!and) was debarred from competing. In this lady's absence there were three competitors, viz.. Miss Ethel Rae, Miss Ethel Abbott, and Miss Lizzie Grey. All three rode well. Miss Abbott, who gained the coveted red ribbon for first place, in particular claiming favourable comment. The only fault to be found with the riding of Miss Ethel Rae was that this youthful horsewoman showed a tendency to lean too far back in negotiating the fences, thus detracting from her appearance. She was awarded second place after fighting it out with Miss Grey, who rode well, but had the misfortune to lose her seat through a bad jump on the part of her horse Tit the second fence of the double. Happily, beyond rather a nasty shaking, she escaped free of injury, and was soon about again. LEAPING MATCH. The leaping match, not less than list up, as usual, proved one of the most interesting events of the afternoon, and was well contested. though tho jumping would undoubtedly have been better had not the ground on the take-off side of the obstacle l>een soft and greasy, owing to the recent rains. The entries included Messrs. T. C. Schnackenberg's Dandy Dick. W. A. Carmina's Ingarangi. J. G. Ralph's Dandy, H. G'rowther's Pat, H. Crowther's Victor, E. H. Kelly's Barney. J. S. Buck-land's Crooky, N. Banks' Ptarmigan, and an unnamed pair in the names of Messrs. G. H. Morrison and F. H. Creamer respectively. The competition started over 4ft lin, which disposed of two or three of the candidates, and then with the obstacle at 4ft 3in all went out except Dandy Dick, Ingarangi, and Ptarmigan. At 4ft Tin Ingarangi first carried away the top blocks, and subsequently refused, leaving Dandy Dick and Ptarmigan to fight it out. This pair, jumping remarkably well, under the somewhat unfavourable conditions, both succeeded in clearing 4ft lOjJin, at which tho judges decided that they should be bracketed, thus dividing the first and second nrizes. Dandy Dick was ridden by Mr. G. H. Taylor, and Ptarmigan by Mr. A. Selby, AMATEUR BOY RIDER. There were 17 entries for the prize for best amateur boy rider under 15 years of age, on ponies not exceeding 14 hands, over 3ft hurdles, and the majority entered the ring. Points were awarded for style, and when the several competitiors had cleared the fences the first award went to Master W. Jenkins, Bert Rae, a little fellow of some 10 or 11 years of ago, being placed second, and Clevereley Dickey third. As a whole, the lads rode very well indeed, particularly tho winner and Rae. GIRL RIDER. The conditions of this competition were exactly similar to those drawn up for the boys, but tho field was a limited one, the only entries being those of Miss Ethel Abbott, who had figured so conspicuously in the preceding ladies' competitions for driving an 1 riding, and Miss S. Striblev. of Mangere. Both took the fences in fautlcss style, and the judges decided to bracket them equal firsts, flius allowing them to divide the first and second prizes. SHEEP SHEARING. Three entries were received for the shearing competition, in which the conditions were to shear two sheep within thirty minutes, but owing to the sheep on the ground for the purpose having their fleeces saturated by the heavy rains, the contest had to be abandoned. BEE DRIVING. Mr. Hopkins kindly came forward, as in previous years, with an offer to give an exhibition in the driving and transferring of bees, but as with the shearing competition, the unpropitious weather interfered with this interesting- exhibition taking place. SHEEP DOG TRIAL. A competition which attracted a lot of attention, and one that gives onlookers a splendid conception of the intelligence of the canines, was the sheep dog trial, which was commenced at ten a.m. in the training paddock, and occupied the greater part of the forenoon. The competition attracted eight entries, and the competitors were required to drive three sheep through hurdles placed at long intervals in the paddock, and finally pen them, the maximum time allowed being a-quartei of an hour. The work shown was much inferior to that of last year; so much, in fact, was the lack of merit that the judges could not see their way to make an award for third prize. The winner proved to be Mr. W. D. R. Hall's black and tan bitch Fan, who koot her sheep well under control, but showed a fault in working too close on them, and was somewhat too fast. Mr. William Ross' Totara gained second prize, and went through the work very creditably. The duties of judging were satisfactorily performed by Messrs. F. W. Edwards and A. MoNicol, Mr. R. .Tones Parry, secretary of the Auckland Collie Club, acting as steward. THE SHOW DINNER. The annual dinner of the society was held at the showground on Saturday afternoon. Mr. J. G. Rutherford, president of the society, occupied the chair, and was supported by Mr. R. Dick, vice-president, Mr. W. F. Massey, M.H.R., Mr. F. W. Lang, M.H.R., Mr. J. Bollard. M.H.R., Major Herries, Mr. E. A. Campbell (AVanganui), Mr. J. H. Williams (Hastings), and other judges. After the toast of " The Queen and Royal Family" had been honoured, the president gave the health of the judges, noting that the judges had had a difficult task, out they were equal to their work, and had given general satisfaction. He coupled the toast with the names of Messrs. E. A. Campbell (Wanganui), J. H. Williams (Hastings), R. E. McCrae (Patea), and R. Reynolds (Cambridge). Mr. Campbell, in responding,- sympathised with tho society in the unfortunate weather they had got for a show for which they might well have expected a record attendance. he had to congratulate the province of Auckland on the.class of shorthorns that had been shown. Last year he went down to the great metropolitan show in Canterbury, and he spoke without fear of contradiction or of proof to the contrary, when be said that the turnout of shorthorns at Auckland this year was far in advance of Canterbury. (Applause.) The show of Shropshire sheep had also improved markedly since he was judging in Auckland two years ago. He had been asked to eriticiso the management of the show, but he had not much criticism to offer. One point ho might draw attention to, however, was the necessity for a larger ring for the judging of cattle. The present ring did not give the judges a chance in judging largo classes of cattle. One other matter he wished to refer to, although it had no direct connection with the show. It had been stated in the House of Representatives, and stated over and over again outside, that some 75 per cent, ot the horses sent forward for examination for the contingents going to South Africa, were proved unsound. That was entirely incorrect. The fact was that the unsound horses were put in over and over again, and were counted in the 75 per cent. (Applause.) He knew of horses that were four times before the same judges, and many of the horses that wore thrown out at first were put in a second time. If the statement had not gone outside New Zealand it might not have done any injury, but . it had gone through the other colonies, and had had a tendency to damage the market for New Zealand horses throughout the world. Another point was that tho Government left the acceptance or rejection of horses with their own staff, and many of them were not competent to judge horses. hoy were, of course, most anxious to do their best, and if a horse had touched a barbedwire fence he was thrown out. (Laughter.!

No doubt the work being given to the Government staff saved expense, and New Zealand had a most economical Government in power. (Laughter.) All the same, if they had gone outride . they would have got ! better judges. In closing, Mr. Campbell referred to the hospitable manner in which the judges to the Auckland Show were treated, as compared with many other shows throughout New Zealand. (Applause.) Mr. Williams said he was thoroughly pleased with the show of Lincoln feheep sent before him. He wished that the railway had been open so that the exhibitors at the Auckland Show could compete at Palmorston. He was satisfied that when the railway was open, and the Auckland breeders enabled to compete at Southern shows, the Southern breeders would have to look to their laurels. He wished to endorse Mr. Campbell's statement about the treatment of the judges. The Auckland and Waikato societies treated judges properly, and they were the only societies he had ever judged for who did treat judges properly. Mr. McCrae expressed disappointment at the small turn out of blood stock at the show. Auckland had the best blood stock in New Zealand, yet the owners would not send their horses forward to the show. He found the hacks very good,. He had one class of 26 and he could not have thrown out one of them for hereditarr unsoundness. (Applause.) He thought, however, they could, with advantage, make some alterations in the classification. Thev had a class for ' horses not under 15 hands 2 inches. That was very vague, and the result was that ho had to fall back on one particular type of horse. Had he taken another type he would have picked another race of prizewinners altogether. He thought it would be a good system to have one class for weight-carrying hacks, ranging from 12st to 16st, which could be brought before the judges for sub-division into sections with prizes for each section. That would get the judges out of the difficulty they were often in wlipn they had nlaced before them a splendid 13«t horse in a. 16=;t class. As. to Auckland's hospitality he had to snv that he had judged nearly all over New Zealand, and he had to give Auckland the palm. (Applause.) Mr. Reynolds spoke highlv of the Jersey cattle nl3ced before him, and referred to the splendid competition and the high-class of animals entered in the dairy class. 1 PRIZE LIST. The following awards were made on Saturday, completing the prize list given in Saturday morning's issue: — HARNESS HORSES. To be shown in harness and driven, except class 31. Baker's turnout, trap and harness to have been in use six months: Till and Son, Mount Eden, 1: George Johnston, Parnell, 2. Grocer's turnout, trap a.nd harness to have been in use six months: Watt Bros.' Tommy, bay, 6yrs, 1: George Moody's — dark buy, 4yrs, sire Cvmba, erandsire Allan-a-ciale, grnnddam Brisk, bred by Bignall Bros., 2. Pair of horses under 15 hands 2in, the property of one owner: James Martin's Topsy and Ching, bays, sire Ingnmar, 1. Pair ponies, not exceeding 13 hands 2in : Leonard Marshal's Smut and Satan, blacks (imp.). 1: T. E. Hayr's Nuegett and Bobs, bays, 6yrs and syrs, 2; G. W. S. Patterson, 3. Horse (mare or gelding). not under 15 hands ?in: Alfred J. Kidd's Vick, black, aged, siro Victor, 1: Dr. J. N. Lying's Paddy, black, sire Bryan O'Lynn, 2; E. Ellett's Darkie, black, 7yrs. sire Ingomar, 3. Horse (mare or gelding), under 15 hands 2in: Alfred H. Storey's Nora, brown, sire Merryman, dam Tvson, bred by Rotorangi Estate, 1; James Martin's Topsy, bay, sire Ingomar, 2: A. A. White's Moti. bay, 6yrs, sire Paddy's Land, dam Miss McFarlane, bred by W. D. Holaiate, 3. Filly or geldinc. 3yrs old, to be led (not driven): Edwin H. Kelly's Billy Fitz, bay, 3yrs, sire Pleasanton, 1: John Wyllie's Bessie, bay, sire Duke of Argyll, 2. Pony (mare or gelding), not exceeding 13 hands 2in:* Edwin H. Kelly's Tiger, bay, 1; Alfred J. Kidd's Tommy Atkins, 2;' Edwin H. Kelly's Fidget, bay, highly commended. SPECIAL HORSE CLASSES. Trotter (mare or gelding), to be driven in harness; speed, action, and general appearance to be considered: W. J. Greenwood's Waitekauri, bay, syrs. sire La Rue, dam Yum Yum. 1; Alfred J. Kidd's Vick, black, aged, sire Victor, 2; W. Douglas' Black Bess, grey, syrs. sire Pleasanton, dam Matchless ;yare, bred by exhibitor. 3. Pony (mare or gelding), not exceeding 14 hands 2in, suitable for a roadster trap: F. Jj. Wright's Dnndv. bay. a«ed, sire Patchem, dam Chessie, bred by C. Storey, 1; Patrick Quinlan's Jessie, chestnut, svrs, 2: H. Weal's Spark, brown, 4yr.~, sire Freedom, bred by exhibitor, 3. Heavy spring-cart horse (mare or gelding), to be shown in harness and driven, up to SOcwt: J. H. M. Carpenters Jim, grey, 6j-rs, 1; John Jamieson's Kit, black,. 2; Loftus Austin's Tommy, dark bay. 3. Medium spring cart horse (mare or gelding). up to 20cwt: Moss Davis' Bismarck, chestnut, 4vrs, bred by Campbell and Ehrenfried, 1; Parsons and Sons' —, grey, syrs, sire Matchless, dam Jess, bred by exhibitor, 2: Edward Wilson's Paddy, grey, 7yrs, sire Matchless, dam Wee Mare, bred by Mr. Thomas, 3. Light, spring-cart horse (mare or gelding), up to lOcwt: Herbert Smales' Bobs, black, 3yrs, sire Emperor, bred by exhibitor, 1. Two-wheel turnout (horse, trap, and harness) ; trap and harness to have been in use three months, and to belong to a liona-fide farmer: W. Glasgow, 1: Edwin H. Kelly, 2.

DRIVING, RIDING, ETC. Gentleman driver (single horse): William McMaster, 1; H. Crowther, 2; W. J. Greenwood. 3. Lady driver (single horse): Ethel Abbott, Otahuhu, 1; Mrs. E. 11. Kelly, 2; Miss M. E. Quinlan. Auckland, 3. Tandem driver (lady or gentleman): Patrick Qninlon, 1: Roy Kinloch, 2. ' Gentleman rider (to ride hunter over the hunting fences provided by the stewards): Harold Crowther, Remuera, 1: J. H. Relby, Otahuhu, 2; G. L. Taylor. Mangere, 3. Lady rider; to ride over'the fences provided (open to all): Miss Olive Buekland, 1: Miss Ethel Abbott, Otahuhu, 2; Miss Sue Brown, Tauranga, 3. Lady rider on the flat: Mrs. E. H. Kelly, 1; Miss Tanner, 2; Miss Ethel Rae, 3. Lady rider: to ride over the fences nrovided: Miss Ethel Abbott, Otahuhu, 1; Miss Ethel Rae, 2; Miss Lizzie Gray, 3. Leaping match, not less than list up: T. C. Sehnackenberg's Dandy Dirk, bay, aged, sire Ingomar, dam Reckless (bred by W. M. Douglas), and Norman Bank's Ptarmigan, tied for first place with 4ft lOJin. Amateur boy rider, under 15 years of age, who rides a pony, not exceeding 14 bands, over four 3ft hurdles, in the best style: W. Jenkins, 1: Bert Rae (on Carbine), 2; Cle\'ereley Dickey, 3. Girl rider, under 15 years of age, who rides a pony, not exceeding 14- hands, over four 3ft hurdles in the best style: Miss Ethel Abbott, Otahuhu. and Miss S. Stribley, Mangere, tied for first place. DAIRY CATTLE. Cow, 3yrs old or over, any breed, in milk: Thomas A. Mears' Polly, roan, calved September. 1; Thomas A. Mears' Lucy, red, calved September, 2: C. Day's Fawny, fawn, bred by R. Reynolds, 3: Thomas Paton's Violet, highly commended: W. T. Woods, highlv commended; A. S. Board, commended; W. Tole's Beauty, commended. SHEEP. There were four classes among the sheep in which the exhibits were to be shown in the wool, and shorn on the second —quality and weight of fleece to be taken into consideration when the awards were being made. Owing to the rain, it was found to be unsatisfactory to shear the sheep, which were accordingly judged in the wool, the awards being as follows: — Lincoln ram, under 18 months: C. T. Barriball, Waiuku, 1; Joseph Globe, Waiuku, 2. Lincoln ewe, under 18 months: C. T. Barriball, 1 and 2. Shropshire ram, under 18 months: F. W. Burnett, Walton, 1 and 2; George Ballard, Buekland, 3. Shropshire ewe, under 18 months: F. W. Burnett, 1 and 2; George Ballard, 3. CHAMPIONSHIPS. The following championships were awarded in addition to those published on Saturday : — Draught mare: A. Hastie's Princess. Entire, best calculated to improve the breed of saddle horses and hunters: Frank Marshall's Leolantis. Entire most suited to improve the breed of light harness horses: C. Waterman's Pleaeanton. LOCAL INDUSTRIES. Among the local industries, which were housed in a large shed close to the grandstand, and were visited by hundreds of visitors, was a large and well-arranged case of Bycroft (Liniited's) manufactures, including all kinds of fancy and plain biscuits, and samples of the company's popular flours. Messrs. J. I. Knight and Co.. saddlers, of Lorne-street, filled one end of the building with an extensive show of saddlery, harness, and leather goods. Various styles of saddles, harness of all descriptions, bags, etc., were displayed, and the excellent finish and appearance of the work was generally commented upon. The Colonial Agency Company's exhibit of incubators, brooders, and general poultry appliances attracted a lot of attention from j the public, i

Messrs. W. E. Lippiatt and Co., of Otahuhu, made a splendid display of cut roses from their well-known nurseries. The roses were nicely mounted in moss, and were flanked by pot plants, wreaths, etc., show* by Messrs. G. J- Mackay and Co., florists, of Queenstreet. The stand was a particularly fine one, and always had a crowd of spectators in front of it. . > , The Glen Var Wine Company, whose wines were awarded a first prize and gold medal, had samples of their vintages on exhibition. The Auckland Farmers' Co-operative Society showed what the North could produce by " exhibiting # large variety of produce samples. - Mr. Alfred Drake, of New Plymouth, was represented by a wholesome-looking show of smoked and green, hams, smoked and green sides, and smoked and green rolled bacon, of nice quality. Messrs. E. Reynolds and Co. showed two handsome Rudge Whitworth cycles, specially imported by Mr. Reynolds. Messrs. Pearson and Co., Hamilton, as at the last show, exhibited a largo quantity of their excellent carbolic soap. Mr. P. Blamuid, of Khyber Pass, had a show case of first-class boots and shoes of his own make. Mrs. W. Parkinson, "Victoria-street, exhibited her famous Doncaster butterscotch, and also did a good trade in this wholesome sweet. Messrs. Gibbons and Co.. Kellow and .Tames, and James Hay showed patent washing machines. Other exhibits were:—Fancy mantel drape, Mrs. E. M. Harper; bacon and cured pigs, Messrs. John Adams and Co.; aviary and aquarium. Wm. Reach; Angora fleece, Mr. : F. L. Wright; and patent house blocks, Mr. Bowells. IMPLEMENTS; ETC. Messrs. John Burns and Co. had a very complete exhibit, which included several interesting novelties. The first which caught the eye was a wood-frame " ruberoid" building. To show how the materia l can be used, one portion was covered with battens and another with wire netting, the whole having a covering of ruberoid, the r.ew building material, v which takes the piece of corrugated iron, and '« said to be che.-.per. As it is put up m handy packages or rolls, it is easily and cheaply transported. For settlers in out of the way districts, this should prove a great boon, as the expense and risk of packing corrugated iron is considerable. Other points in its favour are that it is non-inflammable, absolutely airtight, and vermin-proof; being cooler in summer and warmer in winter, it. is invaluable as a covering for all kinds of buildings. Next we -would mention the simplex automatic ball-bearing wpven fence machine. This is quite a novelty, and was shown working. It attracted considerable attention. The main wires are first- stretched and the spools of the machines being filled with whatever gauge wire is desired, the machine is set working, and at once you have a wire netting fence made 011 the ground, which overcomes the difficulty previously experienced in fencing broken land with wire netting. The Waukegan Chief barb wire is woven as marginal wires in one section of fencing shown. This wire has had phenomenal sale 1 ;, the public appreciating the long distance it runs; nearly double that of any other barb wire in the market. Tlie famous McCormick harvesting machinery is well represented, both with right and left hand harvesters, big No. 4- mower, and a new line, the MeCormiek hay rake. These manufacturers have been awarded the grand prize at the Paris Exhibition, and received more special prizes than all the other competitors put together. There was a good collection of Booth, Macdonald, and Co.'s agricultural implements, for which the firm are agents. They also exhibited, on account of the same firm, a. steel star windmill. Messrs. Burns and Co. showed a fine collcction of American ploughsßenicia Clipper. South Bend, Syracuse. Flying Dutchman—all various sizes and patterns, suitable for all kinds of work. Syracuse springs tooth harrows. Stoddart's Tiger disc harrow, single and double-furrow corn drills. Billings' corn planters, and a collection of Planet Jr. and Success implements and drills. Another novelty which should be appreciated by pig breeders was barb wire netting, the barbs being fixed at the corners of every mesh, so that it is impossible for the pigs to get through. A number of butter-workers, churns, grist mills, of latest patterns, made up a very creditable exhibit by this enterprising firm. Messrs. Arthur Yates and Co.. seedsmen, displayed a. representative collection of their specialties in a tent, which was visited by a large number of visitors. Among the samples of grass seeds were all the best known and modern kinds suited to- the soils in the Auckland province, and seed grain of all kinds was also exhibited. Conspicuous was a fine array of cut roses and pot plants, grown at the well-known nurseries of Messrs. D. Hay and Sons, for whom Messrs. Yates and Co. act as agents. Outside the tent Were shown a number of the Iron Age implements, which are so widely and so favourably known for durability and other dualities. An exhibit which excit )d a lot of attention was an ingenious seed stripper of local manufacture. It is constructed almost entirely of wood, and is simplicity itself. It has been found to do all that is required of such a machine, and a special recommendation in its favour is that the cost is' about one-fifth that of an .ordinary imported stripper. There were also several lawn mowers, and specimens of the spraying pumps known as Gem and Success. j The whole exhibit was nicely got up, and was well worthy of a firm with the name borne by Messrs. Yates and Co.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Asrnnoy Company (Limited) had a very fine exhibit of implements for cultivating, harvesting, and a variety of other purposes. Conspicuous among the harvesting machinery was a Walter A. Wood's celebrated reaper and binder, angle steel frame, and fitted with roller-bearings, which was driven by a Union Company's oil engine. The operation of tying the sheaves was witnessed bv a large crowd of interested farmers and others. Til midline Grained the only silver medal at the Canterbury Jubilee Show, 1900, against allcomers. The Wood's Company tubular roller-bearing mower, of the latest improved design, a horse rake, and various other implements, were also on view. Another novelty which lias never been seen at- an Auckland show was a Farmer's Favourite drill, fitted with Bristow's improved turnip box. This machine was driven by a Union oil engine to illustrate the method of sowing turnip seed and grain, planting maize, and distributing fertilisers. This exhibit, was a. source of much interest to practical farmers. The Favourite drill carried off the {(old medal and only prize offered at the Canterbury Jubilee Show. Among other exhibits was a disc harrow, with ball-bearings and tubular and angle steel main frame, known as the Imperial disc harrow. A fine assortment or Imperial "loughs, lever and spring tine harrows, Newton's cattle dehorners, Webster's knife-grinders (shown in operation grinding a mower knife), Allen's rain water tank filters, a striper for danthonia grass, and a fine line of Bertall's celebrated chaff cutters, a mower specially fitted for cutting fern and tea-tree, sheep dips, seeds, binder, twine, etc., were also on view. Credit is due to the company for the manner in which the various machines shown in operation were working. The implements were in charpre of Mr. McClelland (one of Walter A. Wood's oldest experts from headquarters), and Mr. Burchell. Messrs. Cousins and Cousins' exhibit surpassed all their previous efforts, and is the finest collection of vehicles exhibited on an Auckland show ground. The vehicles, to the number of nearly 30. were, as in previous years, remarkably well shown in a large tent. The principal vehicle exhibited was a landau built for a local livery stable, to be used as a private carriage. The design was extremely graceful, and the trimming and painting beautifully executed. A carriage of this description costs close on £200. Two very pretty phaetons were shown, one for a single pony, the other for a pair. Both were good samples of workmanship, and claimed considerable attention. Buggies of all descriptions wero exhibited, including station, jump seat, turnover seat, and other varieties. There were a number of other fine vehicles on view, and the collection was a credit to both the establishment ot Messrs. Cousins and Cousins and the city.

Messrs. E. Porte, and Co., the well-known ironmongers, were represented by an extensive display of agricultural implements, machinery, etc. One of the most interesting exhibits to the public was one of the famous Alpha-Laval separators, in working order, under the charge of Mr. Busck, the butter expert. Another exhibit shown working was an up-to-date Favourite cornshellei, the power beino- supplied by a compact little four-horse Hercules oil engine. Both these machines attracted considerable attention on both days. There was a splendid show of farm implements, which were displayed to the best advantage. Included were a full range of Deere's American ploughs. Planet Jr. implements, Kendall's chaff-cutters, Champion grain drill, Howard's hay rake, and Holingsworth's hay rake. An admirable specimen of the Osborne reaper and binder, and one of the same firm's mowers, were inspected by a number of agriculturists during the show. In addition to the exhibits mentioned, there were also a large number of sundries, which in themselves made a very creditable display. Among others were weighing machines, spraying pumps, hard corn shellors, pulping machines, bone-cutters (for poultry-feeding), garden seats, lawn mowers," an ice-chest of improved design, an end-over-end churn, etc., etc. One of the most noticeable features of the stand was a steel windmill, 30ft tower, working a pump. Messrs. Roid and Gray, the widely-known colonial firm of implement-makers, as usual showed a well-chosen assortment of their famous double and single furrow ploughs, of the types used in the Auckland district. Twe steel-framed disc harrows—one fitted

with cut-away discsshown on travelling carriages, were without doubt very superior and up-to-date implements of their class. A pair of spike-toothed lever harrows wers strong and serviceable-looking. They are fitted with a spring in connection with the lever, which enables them to pass over stones, stumps, and other obstacles without damage. There was also a'Buckeye grain and manure drill, which is claimed to distribute superphosphates where other machines fail, a novelty being the use oi glass in the manure discs, which resists the action of the acids. The Buckeye is said t c be in use all over the United Stat??. The firm also had on exhibition a lot of Deerin'e harvesting machinery, for which they are the sole representatives in New Zealand. i"»lcs«rs. Kempthorne. Prosser, and Co whose name is a household word in the agri'.' cultural districts, had a representative collection of their manufactures displayed in a corrugated iron structure. Thny showed samples of the celebrated We<=tfipld manure?' pure bonedust, bonedust and blood, superphospates, special manures for all crops, an'! sulphate of ammonia. There was also on vie«* a complete collection of farmers' sundries such as sheep dips, bluestone, sulphate of iron, sulphur, caustics, and the bakin? powders "Kiwi" and "Universal" brands.' Messrs. Massfcy-Harris and Co. had 4 capital display of farm machinery. The Massev-Hnrris reaper and binder, whirl, v. ; ,j won the largest number of field trials in Australasia, and lias just won the coveted grand prize at the Paris Exhibition, was to bo seen working, the power being supplied by a Wolverine oil-engine, for which Messrs. E. Reynolds and Co. are sole agents. This attracted a considerable amount of ntten. tion during the day. Fertiliser drills form?,] an important feature of the display. Tlt°.» have had a ready sale in this district. Also shown were cultivators with and withn<>t seeders mowers, one and two-hor?o, with and without dropper attachments; hay rake; turnip pulpers, ploughs, one. two. three, and four-furrow; spring-toothed and diamondtoothed harrows, and scufflers. one and twr lovers. The local traveller. Mr. .1. fj. P. Hunter, with Mr. C. J. Hood (Auckland depot), and Mr. J. R. Lowry from head, quarters, were on the ground to explain ;hf company's machinery. Massey - Harris bicycles were also on view, and their mode's 6, 7 (frenflemen's), and ladies' D, were rnal'y beautiful specimens. Mr. Wilton .T. White, the company's representative, was in charge of the bicycles. Mr. Thomas Hawke, of Mount Eden, was kept busy showing hi* improved patent securing and self-adjusting attachment to horse and cow covers, a sample of which he had on the ground. One of the most interesting and attractive i exhibits was the display of the Singer improved sewing machine, and art work executed on these machines. There was a sreat variety of subjects amongst the collect ion, such as drawn thread, scroll work. Byzantine I lace, embroidery, etc., which attracted the special attention of the ladies. The young lady in charge amply illustrated how canit is to do this work on th» Singer familv machine, which is also capable of doing all kinds of household sewing, including, tucking. gathering - , hemming, shirring, braidine. bindinrr. quilting, and heavy tailoring work. In order to give their customers an opportunity to learn this special work, the Singer Sewing Machine Company have opened an art parlour in their Queen-street shop, where lessons will be triven free of charge to all customers and intending customers, by the voting lady expert in charge. Mr. E. Tyc Roy was again strongh repre sented with a large assortment of tents erected on the ground. A novelty that came in for a lot of inspection was a role socketed pyramid tent, requiring no linos, and specially constructed for wind and portage purposes. A number of lawn tents, and specially ventilated bell and. camping tent;, were shown, and made a good representation of one of our local industries.

Messrs. Ryar> and On., of Quay-Afreet. exhibited two 3£ horse-power Union oil engine,?. which were working on the rrrinn-ls during both d"vs, and their mechanism «•••>3 explained to farmers bv the manager. Mr. Whitson. One. a portable motor oil engine, driven by a sprocker chain, and geared for a capacity in towing reapers and chaff-cutters across the fields, attracted special attention, and the other was a 3j, horse-power, r.V.id foundation engine, its main feature Iving that it can be started and stopped .*■ I --istantaneously. This engine was exhibited in full swing, driving a Walter A. Wood harvesting machine. Messrs. Rennev and Sons had a fine display of single and double-furrow ploughs, tine, chain, and disc harrows, and Cambridge rollers, as well as a numbei of other agnV.dtural implements manufactured at Archhill. Messrs. T. and S. -vlorrin and Co. (Limited) exhibited a large and varied assortment, of asrieultural implements, suitable for a farmer in addition to a quantity of dairying requisites, chief amongst those being n Sharpies Little Giant cream separator at work, with a consuming power of 35gallons per hour. Rone mi! (for po" l *''). chaffcutters, lever and disc harrows. Oliver ploughs, corn drills, a Hornsby reaper anc binder, and a larce numbet of Western. Planet, Jr., Age. "Empire, and Ames cultivators were also exhibited. Mr. R. Vauso, Onehunga, was represented by a variety of garden, lawn, and verandah seats and deck chairs. An exhibit of agricultural implements and farm waggons and vehicles was made by Mr. S. Barr, Onehunga, also a novelty in a derrick for stacking hay. Mr. .Tas. McTntvre, Onehunga. exhibited a windmill at work, four portable washing boilers, a quantity of plough mountings, swingle-trees.« and steel grubbers. Messrs. W.I Router and Oo.'s (Cambridge) exhibit— American ball-bearing disc harrow. notable for its lightness of draught, and saving of horse-power—excited much attention on the part of farmers. The firm are sole agents for this invention in the North Island. Mr. R. St. Ooorge. Otahuhu, showed an assortment of Wallace reapers and mowers, double and sinpfle-sneed steel harrows, also single and double-furrow ploughs, convertible from English to American by changing the share and board.