WAIKATO EVENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 14

WAIKATO EVENT

,THE OPENING DAY. 'OUTSTANDING DAIRY CATTLE HIGH PRAISE FOR FAT LAMBS GOOD ATTENDANCE OF PUBLIC [from oitr own correspondent] HAMILTON, Friday With' 1914 entries in the principal classes, the "Waika'to'Agricultural and Pastoral Association's 48th annual show was opened at tho Olaudelands Showgrounds to-day. The weather was fine, with a strong westerly wind, and the attendance wag exceptionally good. The gate takings amounted to £BO, which was better than any previous first day at, tho show, with the exception of the Royal Show last year. The entries, comprised 449 hunters, 18 pacers'and'trotters, 178 juvenile horse events; 44 draughts, 38 fat cattle, one Hereford, four Aberdeen Angus, 81 milking Shorthorns, 75 Ayrshires, 50 Frxesianp, 100 Jerseys, four lied Polls, 180 calves, 18 Romney Marsh, 65 Southdowns, nine Ryelands, 266 fat lambs, including numerous groups aggregating 800 animals, 207 pigs; 150 poultry, and 32 entries in tho sheepdog trials. In addition, there are 306 entries m the Kennel Club's show, held in conjunction with the principal fixture, ' • i Spectacular Ring Events

Thopc wbo were not interested in the stock exhibits focussed their: attention on'' the ring events. Some of the best huntcirs and ponies in the' North Island were competing, and the jumping was ofa spectacular nature. There wer€L2,s : entries in . the Dominion centennia PjUmping competitionj-roHHrich £127 ;'Was offered as prize-money. Twp heatSvVore yunVs^ v to-c]riy, placed ,hw?c§ wUlrConiPftb for to-morrow, Thb winners pi' ijha hea.ts A,.. Walker'fi Kiaora aiwsl J, D'Artagminj. There were 22< Entries in tiio Dominion centennial pony lumt(?r qonipotition, i.t-he '.f W'ifte-moneiy for - whioh ip £BS. Two heats were completed todays the winners being May Miilcahy'p Grey Peter and Boss Henry's Dolly'. The- four ■ placed 'horses in each" heat will compete in the final to-morrow. Pedigree Dairy Cattle

A splendid array of pedigree dairy Cattle appeared before the judges, who epoke in tho highest: terms of the quality of the placed animals and of the care taken by tho exhibitors in preparing them for the show ringi Jeijfeys predominated, but Ayrshires-ran them a .good- second in point of 'nurhhers, the New Zealand Ayrshire Breeders' Society having assisted with trophies, and prize-money. Friesians and Mjlkjng . Shorthorns were fairly well represented and among the exhibits were many animals of outstanding quality. Very keen" competition marked the children's' calf section, there being as many as 61 - entries in one class. ;

Magnificent Fa,t Lambs Mr. J. Webb, of Taibape;,the judge cf t)io fat lamb classes, said he had watched the development of the WaiIcato fat lamb industry during the last 80 years; He' had been amazed at its growth, and considered that the lanibp now. produced in the Waikato were the best in New Zealand and were ideally - suited for the English trade. Mr, Webb complimented the breeders on the excellent exhibits. There were eight entries in the district, group section, which was won by Tuhik a ratten, with Raglan second.' Fair quality marked the pedigree sheep, the Southdown, Romney Marsh and Ryeland being the breeds repre» sented.

- ' ..Gpoa Quality Pigs Pigs were pennod in large numbers, many apiraals of great merit beiiig hibiter], Berkshires, Large Whites and Black Devons were exhibited, and the qtialitv earned the commendation of the 'judges. Owing to the fact that there will be no judging in England this year on account,, of the war, there was a slackening in interest in the chilled heef section, and entries were not a$ large as usual. Some fine bullocks, however, were exhibited. Fine Organisation The show was splendidiv orcanised by the president. Mr. P. H. Clarkin, the secretary, Mr. W. L. Hanstead, and a strong committee of capable Btowards. " '-vtThe progrnmme to-morrow will, in* elude tlio finals of the two * principal hunting events, numerous other equestrian competitions, two trotting events, Highland dancing competitions, the grand parade of prize-winning stock, and many others attractions which will interest and entertain the patrons.