MANAWATU AND WEST COAST.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1706, 9 November 1904, Page 63

MANAWATU AND WEST COAST.

ANNUAL SPRING EXHIBITION. YESTERDAY'S JUDGING. (By Our Special Reporters.) PALMERSTON, November 2. The Manawatu Spring Show, which was opened to-day, holds the position in the North Island that its great rival, the Canterbury Show, does in the faouth. Coincidently with the phenomenal advance in settlement which the past "ten years Rave witnessed in the extensive and fertile district running along the West Coast from Wellington to New Plymouth and .along the other side of the island from Wellington through the 'Waivarapa and Hawke’s Bay • districts to Napier, the show held annually at Palmerston North at this season of the year has developed in importance in a very remarkable degree. It is the great event of the year for the country-side, and from every point of the compass the annual pilgrimage has now set in towards Palmerston, where the farmers and farmers’ sons will for the remainder of this week gather round the show-ring to dwell long and lovingly on the points of sheep and cattle and horses. Palmerston will he a very crowded town during "the next few days. Only the far-seeing men who claimed their beds a month or two ago are able to sleep in peace; the rest of the visitors take their "forty winks” as best they may. "Where did you sleep last night?” a London magistrate once demanded of the prisoner brought before him. "On a clothes-line; where’d you?” was the reply. Palmerston grows more like London every day—at all events at show time. The falling-off which has occurred in some of the entries this year cannot be regarded as any sign that the popular of the great agricultural institution of Palmerston has diminished. The decrease, experts say. is solely due to the fact that the season is entirely unfavourable for exhibition purposes. The prolonged wet weather has .told materially upon the condition of stock, and under these circumstances farmers do not care to send their animals to show. It is in the stock classes that the falling-off is most apparent, as the following figures will show: Cattle.

On the other hand implements and machinery are in much larger numbers this year. Indeed, if this department is included in the complete calculations, the result is that the total number of entries for the show is swelled considerably higher than that of last year. The accidental decrease in the exhibits of stock in one year of the history of an agricultural Show such as that of Palmerston Is not a matter of significance. It is readily explained by the unprecedentedly bad weather, just at the period when the Palmerston show is held a fortnight earlier than usual. The was necessary to prevent the clashing of dates, but in the result Palmerston has suffered this year from the effects of an unduly bad season which may not occur again for years. As a matter of fact, it is quite impossible to define any limits beyond which the Manawatu show may not extend. Unlike that of Canterbury, it is in the midst of an extensive country as yet not fully settled, and the development which must continue with the open-ing-up of new lauds, and the improvement of the means of communication with the interior, should reflect itself m *i- : - ->n,n. a ] exhibition in smih a amxm

that "the progress of the past ten years will be completely outrivalled.

To-day, the weather was drill and unpromising, but fortunately rain held off. His Excellency the Governor is to visit the show to-morrow. The visitors from Wellington to-day included A. Oilruth, Chief Government Veterinarian; Mr T. W. Kirk, Government Biologist, and Mr J. G. Harkness, secretary of the National Dairy Association. IMPLEMENTS, MACHINERY, ETC. Not the least useful and perhaps the most comprehensive and extensive section of the show is the exhibition of implements which has been arranged on a scale surpassing anything in the previous history of the society. Agricultural machinery, of course, predominates, but the display is not wholly confined to machinery essentially connected with the advance of modern farming methods. Without exception every implement manufacturer of standing in both the North and South Islands is represented in this section, which, as a class, is equal to that at any show in the colony. Not even at Christchurch or Dunedin—great commercial centres, backed by wide areas of fine agricultural and pastoral land—is the display exceeded. Everything that goes to make up and complete the equipment of the farmer of to-day, be he the struggling settler or the prosperous run-holder, is on the ground—from the small hand scarifier for the man with no more extravagant pretensions than a market gardener to the big "four-horse” appliances. With the exception of four entries sent forward to compete for the Baldwin and Rayward special prize of five guineas—to be. awarded to the patentee of the most meritorious invention relating to implements and machinery used for agricultural purposes —the whole of the exhibits are ticketed "for exhibition only.” The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company has one of file finest exhibits on the ground. Wood’s binders, fitted with roller bearings, and 6heaf carriers—two improvements now looked upon as indispensable in harvesting machines —are given a large place in the company’s display. Tubular steel mowers, self-dump rakes, combined grain seed and manure drills, and other implements by the same maker are also exhibited. Oil engines, wool presses, machinery oiJs, and various attachments for improving the uses of agricultural machinery also find a place hero. P. and D. Duncan, Limited, of Christchurch, and the Massey Harris Company are also large exhibitors. A few other outside exhibitors are represented specially at the show, but the greatest display is made by the leading firms having their headquarters here. Messrs Manson and Barr have their flag flying over about forty entries. A Thomas hay-loader, for loading the fodder from field to waggon, is an implement as yet now to this colony. Another vehicle exhibited by this firm, and voted to be a most useful one for the farmer by those who should be competent to express an opinion, was an American steel wheel farm and hay truck. Messrs Manson and Barr also exhibited largely on behalf of Mr Donald Donald, of Masterton. Bar-, raud and Abraham, Limited, have on view an extensive list of ploughs of all descriptions, from single to treble furrows, cultivators, harrows, turnip and seed sowers, windmills, baling presses, and a self-feeding attachment for threshing machines. The firm, on behalf of various English exhibitors, is also making a big display of portable and traction engines, chancutters, and threshing machines, which are to be seen in full working order. A number of American firms, particularly the McCormack Harvesting Machinery Company are also represented by this firm. One of their exhibits which attracted a good deal of notice was a sixton fftaam motor .waggon from the Eric-

tioriless Engine Packing Company, Harpurhey, England. In appearance the vehicle, for such it may be called, seems a useful invention, but perhaps the vagaries of the motor are as yet insufficiently 'fathomed to predict its rapid adoption by the fanning community of this country. Reid and Gray have some new things in ploughs on exhibition. Outside of a fine Clayton and Shuttleworth threshing mill and a Burrell traction engine the firm’s display is confined-exclusively to the product of its own factories; and their exhibit is one of which any colonial firm •in a young country like this may justly feel proud. The United Farmers' Go-opera-tive Association has a prominent array of implements of the Osborne and Planet Junr. makes. Other exhibitors are R. C. Noedl, Woodville; W. G. Bargers, Melbourne; Oates, Lowry and Company, Napier; J. Young, Wanganui; Arthur F. Martin, Palmerston North; G. Marley, Pahiatua; and A. Burgess, Palmerston North. The number of small exhibitors is exceedingly large. McMurray and Company, Ltd., make an interesting display \of patent roofing materials. Summarised, the whole display is a really excellent one, in every respect. Although no accurate estimate of the exact number of entries in the section could be ;obtained, a fairly reliable concepuon of the extent of the exhibition can be gained by the fact that the total exhibits' (including vehicles) was not far short of five thousand. PERMANENT STANDS. The permanent stands are all occupied. The exhibits comprise everything from household necessaries, seeds, and oils to bicycles, sewing machines and other things of ornamental and general use. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., is represented by a b;g collection of seeds of all kinds, sheep dip, disinfectants, patent foods for stock, etc. G. H. .Scott, of Wellington and Palmerston North, is making an attractive display of Dayton cycles. The Massey Harris Co. is showing a variety of wheels. Chas. Dahl has on view an extensive range of oilskin clothing,tents, and covers for animals. The remaining stands are occupied by local tradesmen and agents for outside firms, the exhibits comprising the usual rango of articles found at spring shows. EXHIBITION HALL. Crowded into the exhibition hall are the more delicate and valuable exhibits' run in under the head of "machinery, implements, etc./’ for the sake of classification. The machinery is mostly made up of high-class dairying appliances, chiefiy separators. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Co., Ltd., and Mason, Struthere and Co., Ltd., are the largest exhibitors in this connection. The former are showing the “Crown” separator, and the latter the "Viola” and "Alpha Leviathan.” Refrigerators, cream coolers and heaters, milk testers, cliurns, etc., also find a place in this department. G 11. Scott, of Palmerston North, has a nice exhibit of motor-cars of the "Oldsmobile” type. 'Dairying utensils of more modest uses, seeds, poultry foods, ranges and cooking ovens, and a large variety of sundries shown by the United Fanners’ Co-operative Association and others occupy a large section of the building. Not the least attractive feature of this section of the show is a "Daylight” acetylene gas plant in full operation. The exhibit is made bv the Heat, Light and Supplies Co., Wellington, and to-day it was given a good deal of attention by those who visited the hall. Some specialties in furniture made by A. Wedegis, Dixon street, Wellington; Maori carvings and novelties, by Patuaka Tauehe, Awahuri; embroidery and wire work, by N. A. Webb, Wellington; and a fine range of the most approved horse shoes and saddlery, got up in an attractive way, make a fine show indeed. VEHICLES. One hundred and eighty vehicles were sent forward for exhibition, and what a gay show they make! There is the. handy two-wheeled vehicle (in every variety), and the more leisurely appointed four-wheeler. J. Belt and Co., Ltd., of Palmerston North, are represented bv the largest number of exhibits—seventy-five to bo exact. Of these eighteen are vehicles which have been built to the order of various residents in Palmerston and surrounding districts. The gigs and dog carts shown are of really excellent manufacture. Rouse, Ilurrell and Co., Ltd., of Wellington, have a fine show of cabs, gigs, buggies and sulkies. Simalar vehicles are shown by Hall and Price, W. A. Browning and Adam Burgess, of Palmerston Nosrth, and James and Co., of Feilding. ‘MANUFACTURERS’ AND FARM PRODUCTS. Of course it is at the winter show in Palmerston that the dairying exhibits of the country are shown. Hence in the present catalogue there are only two classes for butter—farmers’ separator and non-soparator butter. The judge, Mr Caiman, of Wanganui, remarked when surveying the exhibits, that they differed from those at a number of other shows in that they were to a great extent uniform in quality. The judge had some difficulty in arriving at his decision in this class. Though a number of classes had been provided for bacon, pickles, home-made wines, etc., there were but few entries in spite of the fact that generous prizes had been offered. “One of the finest collections of eggs I have seen in my life,” was the expression used by the judge when inspecting the exhibits in this class. The winning "best dozen duck eggs,” weighed no less than 41b 2oz.

There is a remarkably good display of confectionery. The collections of sweets shown by children under fifteen years of ago would have done credit to adult cooks. There is a fine display of marmalade, the quality of all the exhibits being described as tip-top. The home-made bread exhibits were said to he not quite 9? good as tiioso at some other shew Mi the colony. Prize-winners. —Firsts — Mrs G. King. E. H. Holland, B. Sorensen, Mrs CL T. Woodrofe, Mrs F. E. Watson, MU W Watkin, Miss Hayward (2), Mrs v/./'N 1 --. Mrs Rubina Tregurtlia, Mr? A. T\ Wipe

Mrs W. Sharp, Miss W, J. Premier UNs

A. Anderson, Mrs W.-J. Brogdon, Mrs C. H. Whitehead, Mrs D. L. Smith, Mrs A. Burges, Mrs M. S. Watkin, Miss D. Hayward, Miss Ina Davidson. Seconds—■ J. D. Cox, J. H. Kidd, Mrs W. M. Clark, Mrs E. E. Watson! Miss Godwin, Mrs A. F. Wilson (2), Mrs A. Burges, Mrs Revington Jones, Mrs F. Wells, Mrs W. Sharp (2), Miss Edith Prentice, Mrs M. C. Tarrant, Mrs D. L. Smith, Miss Hayward, Miss E. Cook, James Boese, Miss Dorothy Tripe. HORTICULTURAL DISPLAY. The horticultural display, as compared with those of previous years, is disappoint* ing. Doubtless this is the result >of the ’ heavy weather experienced in the district during the past few weeks. The rose exhibits, though small, are select, and the buttonhole and bouquet classes are tasteful and refreshing. Two fine collections of pot plants (foliage and flowering), exhibited by Alfred Brooks, Dannevirke, deserve special commendation. Mr Thos. Horton, Pahiatua, is the judge. Prize-winners. Firsts—Mrs Mellsop, Mrs Trow, Miss M. Dairymple, Mrs J. G. Wilson (2), and Alfred Brooks. Seconds— Mrs J. G. Wilson and Mrs Win. Sharp. ART AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, ETC. The attained by exhibitors in these classes, which were judged by Mr D. Hutton, Wanganui, is pleasing. A’ number :of commendable and interesting works are shown in the drawing and painting classes. Class 613, “Painting from Nature, Still Life, Groups, or flowers in colour,” is an exhibition of praiseworthy talent. The work of Mr H. F. Gabites is very good, his effort in the "Drawing from Life” class displaying careful technique and facility of treatment. Two classes have been provided for wooa-carving, seven entries having been made in each. Architectural and mechanical drawings are also exhibited. An interesting exhibit is Mr S. A. Klein’s collection of New Zealand timbers, ,for which he was awarded first prze. Prize-winners are as follows: Firsts - H. W. Broad, H. F. Gabites (8), J. Fitt, W. B. Kuhtze, Miss Coombs (2), R. Puflet junr., A. Buchanan, and .S. A. Klein. Seconds —H. W. Broad, Miss M. A. Alcorn, Master Martis, Mrs Boneltree, and Miss M. Carroll. The photographic section is, as usual, an interesting and representative one. Landscape studies around Palmerston; North form an attractive class, seven knights of the camera competing. Also shown are two New Zealand street scenes. Messrs Hugh Thompson, E. S. Pep- 7 t and F. J. Christensen divide the fir>* prizes in this section. Messrs L. Cohen, W. F. Chambers, and E. S. Pegler, each secure , one second. PIGS. There are several notable exhibits of pigs, particularly of the Berkshire and Yorkshire types. The Tamworths are not by any means up to the standard attained in this class at previous sliows. The judge of Berkshires, Mr W. R. May, of Richmond, Nelson, awarded the championship for boars to the well-known s prize-taker Lincoln, bred and exhibited by Slack Bros., of Awapuni. Four ex- , cellent animals are shown in this class. The championship for Berkshire sows went to a tliree-year-old animal bred and shown by Mr S. R. Lancaster, of Fitzherbert, Palmerston North. The exhibition of Yorkshire pigs is very good in quality. A boar shown by Mr S. W. Luxford, Palmerston North, gained the championship, and came in for special attention, for its exceptional size and the condition of its coat. The champion Yorkshire sow is an imported animal shown by B. Gray, of Glen Oroua, whose stock has come forward in excellent condition, and carried off several prizes. Breeders do not look kindly upon the Taimvorth breed if one may take to-day’s display as a criterion. The judge, Mr A. Muir, of Springston, says the Tamworths appear to have been going back for the past few years. An exception could be made today in favour of the champion boar Whiteacre Ringleader, bred by the wellknown English breeder, Mr D. W. Phillips, of Birmingham, and imported by Mr John Jarvis, of Rongotea, who also secured the championship for a Tamworth sow of his own breeding. It is remarkablo to find that the collection of fat pigs is so small—only five in all. The pork industry appears to be very much neglected in a district where it ought to pay well. "I am surprised to see such a poor display of fat pigs,” remarked Mr Muir. Mr E. White, of Palmerston, with the score of forty-six won the points certificate for Berkshire, Yorkshire, and Tamworth classes, Slack Bros, and Mr Jarvis being equal with forty-three. In the large black Devon class, Mr John Jarvis’s fourteen-month-old Hasketon Marriner, bred by Mr C: F. Marriner, England, was awarded the championship. PRIZE-TAKERS. Championships. Berkshires Boar, Slack Bros.; sow, S. R . Lancaster. Yorkshires—Boar, S. W. Luxford; sow, B. Gray. Tamworths—Boar and sow, John Jarvis, Large Black Devons—Boar, John Jarvis. Points certificate, E. White. Other prize-takers:—Firsts—E. White (7), Slack Bros. (6), B. Gray (6), J. Jarvis (5), Chas. Hopping (4), S. W. Luxford and S. R. Lancaster. Seconds—B. Gray (6). Slack Bros, and E. White (4 each), J. Jarvis and C. Hopping (3 each),S W. Luxford, W J. Harris, J. W. Lovelock and Woolfenden. Thirds—E). White and W. J* Harris (4) J Jarvis (3), Stack Bros. (2), j O. Batchelar, and H. J. liayns. POULTRY. The present time of year is not favourable to a poultry show, as hreecang is going on, and on this account the display of birds is not of special importance, i-honeh the pens contained some particugood specimens. Mr J. Casey, of Kliandaliah, avlio judged the light breeds, was considerably impressed by the white Leghorns sent by Mr E. H. Holland, of Bunnythorpe, who took several prizes. This exhibitor’s birds are in capital condition, but fti other pens there is, a distinct falling off from show form. The h-avy breeds were judged by Mr Canning, Eskdale. Napier, 'who considered the anr dmus a very fair class, though their ndition* ’ia not as good as might be exPrcted. Plymouth Rocks are out of

feather, and could hardly be judged at ill In the Orpington classes there is nothing of more than ordinary merit. The Wyandottes, in Mr Canning's opinion. are the strongest section of this branch of the show. The winning Golden Wyandotte cockerel, exhibited by Mr Fred Bradley, Wellington, is for lacing and type one of the best birds the judge has seen’ This bird was awarded the special prize. It was closely followed by Manton'and Green's silver cockerel, placed first in its class. The white Wyandotte cockerel also exhibited by Mr Fred Bradley is far and away the best bird of its class. Two silver Wyandottes, bred by }JLt R. Warren, winner of the Hawkesburv College laying competition. New South Wales, are exhibited by Mr A. Bishop, JPereroa. The Pekin and Indian runner uoks comprise a good class. Brize-takers. Special’ prize (presented by W. Richings, Wanganui, for Wyandottes, cock or cockerel), F. Bradley. Other Prizes.—Poultry—Firsts: Maneon and Green (6). J. Jarvis and T. Doig (5 each), E H. Holland, Mrs E. H. Holland, Snow and Roberts, and F. J. France (4 each), F. Bradley, T. Carson, A. Roxburgh (3 each), Slack Bros., G. Silby, Manttan, W. Williams, G. E. Fearn, Taplin Bros., Jas Grant, H. V. Fitzherbert, J. D. Cox (2 each), D. S. Wilson, W. and R. Spackman, D. Haswell, F S. Veale, A. C. Perfect, R. Bishop, S. H Baker, V. Barker, A. Montg merie. Or." Well, and H. Mainwaring. Seconds— Mrs Holland. Tanl n. and G. R. Attwood (3 each), H. V. Fitzherbert, F. S. Veale, Black Bros.. J. Jarvis, Theo. West, F. J. France, G E. Fearn, J. H. Manttan, A. Roxburgh, W. Cotton, V. Barker (2 each), 8. Wilson, Snow and Roberts, J. J. Hickey, j. O'Connor, R. Bishop, A. Coles. Mrs'S. Burton, G. Newett, J. D. Cox, Rutherford, G. Wells, H. Mainwaring, and E. Stevens. Ducks. —Firsts —Manson and Green. C. EC Owen, D. M. Park, Ivor James (2), !tfrs E. H. Holland, Mre Coghill, H. V. Fitzherbert, E. N. Boddrington, J. 11. : Manttan, G. R. Attwood, F. Bradley T. Coig, and F. Windelew. Pigeons.—Firsts—E. Tucker (7), T. H. Richards (6), F. J. France (4), R. Edwards (8), H. V. Fitzherbert, and A. H. Faulkner (2), W. Mines, A. Shailer, and P. H. Richards. AN AGRICULTURAL INVENTION. The Baldwin and Ray ward specal prize for the most meritorious invention relating to implements or machinery used for agricultural purposes was awarded late in the afternoon by the judges, Messrs John Balsillie (Kairanga), James Thomson (Aw&huri), and Jas. B. oohngtone (Bulls). The judges unanimously gave the prize of five guineas to Bristow's No 2 patent turnip and rape sower fitted to a colonial drill and exhibited by Messrs Manson and Barr, Palmerston North. The winning exhibit is toally an ingenious invention which is likely to be of great benefit to farmers, •and the judges say they had no hesitation ill declaring it to be the most meritorious Bhown. COMPETITIONS. The competition in the show ring proved very interesting. It is frequently assumed that when a woman undertakes to add up a column of figures she requires complete oalm and an unflurried mind for the. task. But a number of ladies today proved that such an assumption is finite a fallacy. With a determined air Of business, they calculated various sums tinder oonditions that would try the Jxerves of the most expert. In the addition race for troopers, each competitor <tras handed a sum written on a slip of paper, and had to ride to the other side Of the show-ring, where he dismounted Omd handed his slip of paper to a lady. She added up the figures, and returned it to the competitor, who rode hack over 4 brush hurdle and a fence to the winning post. One condition was that the Answer must be correct. A tall, selfpossesseu girl, who took the whole 'business very oalmly. was first to finish the frnm hut, unfortunately, her answer was Wrong. None of the ladies displayed half as much flurry or excitement as the troopers themselves, or the orowd who Hratched the proceedings. Sergeant McCormick, Hawke's Bay, was the first man to bring a correot answer home, and therefore won the race. Private WiriRana, another Hawke's Bay trooper, was Second, In the section leaping competition, in which the troopers rode over hurdles, and, dismounting, did a good deal of firing from the cover of brush hurdles, the Judge awarded first money (.£l2) to Sergeant MoCormiofs section from Hawks's Bay, which scored 88 points, doing the frork in 4min 9 l-sseo. Sergeant Randy's section, from Feilding, was second, filth 86 points (the time ocoupied being Irnin 48seo) and Corporal Cameron's section composed of Maoris, was third. There was also a Victoria Cross competition, This event is always interesting because it gives room for speculation 4s ’to how the dummy would come through the ordeal if it happened to be alive. Sergeant Dick, of Feilding, won Hie competition, in the time of 4min 7 2-5 geo. Private H. P. Taylor, of the Manor fratu Mounted Rifles, was second, in 4min jseo. Sergeant MoCormiok and Private Wells tied for third place, in 4min 9 1-5 ieo Captain Browne, of Wellington, judged ’the military events. ' Sixteen horses competed in the maiden - hunters' competition, which was won by .ML O'RieJlr’s grey gelding Dick. H. J. Cameron's Senonta was second, and V. 9. Ross's Midnight third. , The prize of £5 offered to the best public or high school cadet squad drew only fine entrv, that of the Terrace End Palmerston North. _ Although there was no competition, the judge spoke tury highly of the work the boys. NEEDLE-WORK. d- The exhi/bit.on of needle-work, judged Vy Mrs H. Crawford, Miramar, is gen- ; firally praiseworthy. The winners of first prizes are: —Mrs A. Izard (Wellington), .yMiss M. S. Taylor (2), Mrß Tripe, Miss t Koberstein, Mrs M. Guy, Mrs W. Sharp, Miss'M. Gatton, Miss R. G. Bryant, Mrs E. H. Fuller, Miss M. McLean, Miss E. E. Wilson, Miss M. A.. Alcorn t\\ ellington); Mrs A. Moffatt, Mrs W. Rowlands, Mrs W. R. Alexander, Mrs J.

S. Mence, Miss 8. McLean, Miss Vera Tkemewan, miss Elsie Andrew, and the Terraoe End school. The Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral Association received a telegram today from the Premier, expressing good wishes for the show, and regretting that he will not be able to be present. The weather to-night is still threatening, and a high wind is blowing, SECOND DAY. JUDGING OF' HORSES, CATTLE AND SHEEP. UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER. (By Our Special Reporters.) PALMERSTON, November 3. Although not blessed with fine weather for the second day of its annual spring show, the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association fared no worse than its sister societies in this island. The Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa Associations both experienced wet weather; and many people shrewdly prophesied that the greatest of all North Island agricultural institutions would be treated with even less consideration by the clerk of the weather. Last night was boisterous and cold. A strong wind blew from the south and misty showers continued until a late hour this morning. About 11a.m. the outlook was most unpromising—light rain was falling, and the atmosphere became cold; but the wind freshened before noon, and thereafter the weather was dry. at all events, if a high wind made matters uncomfortable. In the afternoon, large crowds of people assembled on the grounds. The members’ stand was thronged with visitors, while outside the ring and phelter buddings merry folk from the country gathered in hundreds to see the stock which they knew so well lined up before the judges, and despatched with tokens of good breeding and care. And throughout the afternoon this crowd consistently paced about against the heavy gusto of wind, and admired the winning exhibits. Shortly after 1 o'clock, his Excellency the Governor, accompanied by the lion T. Y. Duncan, Minister of Agriculture, and members of the House of Representat ves, arrived on the grounds. Lord Plunket was entertained bv the committee of the association at luncheon in the diningroom connected with the grandstand. In replying to the toast of his health, which was proposed by Mr S. W. Luxford, president of the association, Lord 'Plunket said It afforded him great pleasure to be present at the Manawatu show —the premier exhibition of the kind in the North Island. He wished the society the same prosperity in the future that it had enjoyed in the past. CATTLE. The cattle are of varying quality. There are some excellent Shorthorns, but generally this class suffers in point of numbers. Competition is not so keen now as in the days when the late Mr McHardy's renowned herd was represented in the prize-ring. Only one aged bull is shown—the Victorian-bred roan Clifton Coronation, a noted winner which gained the championships at Hastings and Carterton, and was awarded the championship again to-day, " Clifton Coronation, which is owned by the proErietors of the Mount Herbert Estate, [awke's Bay, was bred by Mr A. G. Simpson, Victoria, and calved on September 21st, 1901. The bull came into the ring to-aay in capital condition, looking full of quality, The judge, Mr Robt. Hay, of Canterbury, was very much surprised to find so little competition in these classes in a cattle district like the Manawatu. Ferhaps the backward condition of stock is really the responsible factor. Connaught Ranger, owned by Mr A. Dalziell. Hunterville, and bred by McHardy Bros., of Palmerston, defeated the representative of the McMaster trustees, Matawhero Duke 2nd, in the class for bulls calved since July Ist, 1902. In the next class, for bulls calved since July Ist, 1903, one of the Mount Herbert estate herd was first, Lord Herbert Btn, an animal bred on the estate; the second pr ze going to Archdeacon Williams's Highland Chief. The twoyear - oid and yearling bulls compr.sed some fine animals, though the classes might have been better filled. The proprietors of the Mount Herbert estate also carried off the other championship for shorthorns with the sterling cow Duchess of Oxford Ist, bred by the exhibitors. The ‘'reserve champion"—that is. the animal next entitled to the ohampionship, is thst well-known roan cow Buttercup 4th. bred and exhibited by Archdeacon Williams. The Bhortkorn cows altogether form a very representative collection. Buttercup 4th won in her class from the Victorian-bred Bolinda Duchess of Derrimut 216th, owned bv the proprietors of the Mount Herbert Estate, and another of Archdeacon Williams’s herd Duchess of Connaught 18th. There was some spirited competition in the class for heifers calved since July Ist, 1902. and here the roan heifer Sapphire 2nd, bred and exhibited by Archdeacon Williams, was first, the second prize going to the Mount Herbert Estate representative, Duchess of Oxford 2nd, of which the cnampion cow is the dam. The class for heifers calved since July Ist, 1908, was disappo.nting in quality, only the winner, Archdeacon Williams's heifer Grade, showing adequate form. The first prize for the beet pen of shorthorn heifers calved a nee July Ist, 1903, went to three animals of excellent quality, shown by Archdeacon Williams. Some notable exhibits sent from the Mount Herbert Estate anu the herd of Mr Douglas McLean, Hawke's Bay, were also seen in this class. Very few Hereford© are on the ground. The champion bull, an animal showing considerable quality, is the five-year-old Bmnzewinff, bred by Buchanan and Levett. K witea, and exhibited by Mr E. Short, Feilding. The championship for cows was awarded by the judge, Mr Alex. McKenzie, Featberston, to vr ncess another of Buchanan and Levett s breeding. and owned by D. P. Buchanan. The Ayrshire® are for the most part of good quality, but have not come forward in complete show form'. The judge, Mr A. McKerrow. of Hampden, declared that they conn pared well in qual .ty with any h© has seen at recent shows. Mr o.

W. Luxford's bull, which gained the championship, Pr.nce of .. ales, calved in August, 1901, and bred by Mr P. Walker, was manifestly the best of its type in the show ring to-day. It possesses many strong points, and towered above its companions. The other championship went to the Lower Hutt for tne tnree-year-oid oow Lassie, bred and exhibited by Mr J. Kyle. 'J’his cow defeated one from Mrs W. Luxford's herd. A two-year-old heifer, also bred and owned by Mr Kyle, gained first award in its class from a very useful looking lot. The Ayrshire cows generally are of excellent type. Tn the class for aged cows the first award went to Mrs W. Luxford's Countess, Mr Kyle’s Lady May (bred by Burridge and Kyle) taking second place. The prize of seven guineas presented by Mr H. B. Tucker For the greatest number of points in Ayrsliires was won by Mr S. W. Luxford witn the score of 35, Mr' J. Kyle taking second place with 25. The Jersev cows comprise one of tinfeatures of‘the exhibition, in fact the judge, Mr C. Day, of v\ aikato, grew quite enthusiastic over them. "They are the nicest lot I have ever seen together," said he. Their quality is so equal that Mr Day found it a hard matter to decide the champ onship, which finally was awarded to Mr A. Buchanan's Silver Queen, by the imported sire Dry Monopole, and bred by Mr C. Goulter. Magnet Bell, bred and exhibited by Mr Paul Hunter, of Porangaliau, ran Silver Queen very closely for this championship. It was the first prize winner in the two-year-old class. The judge also very much admired the Jersey heifers, declaring that the yearlings were particularly taking in quality and deserved every one a prize. In this class Mr Paul Hunter's Magneto Maid was the first prize winner, the second prize going to Princess Rowal, one of the herd of Mr J A. McCrea, of lialcombe. Mr McCrea gained the champi vnship for bulls with the yearling Starlight, bred from imported strains by Mr G. T. Chirnside, of Werribee, Victoria. This bull is in excellent condition. It is a well-built animal, and strong in all its points. It defeated an aged bull, also owned by Mr McCrea—the seven-year-old Leo, winch m its hindquarters did not quite meet the approval of the judge —for championship honours, though it won chief honours m its own class. The first award for yearling Jersey bulls went to an animal exhibited by Mr E. Eagle, of Carterton, and bred by Mr C. Gould. Considerable interest is felt in liibits of Holstein Friesian cattle, shown for the first time at this show. They form compaot little collection, full of quality. The verdict of the judge, Mr W. J. Drew, of Mangatoki, is that though he has been awarding prizes for eight years, lie has seen nothing to beat the cows m this section. There are only eleven exhibits of Holstein Friesians, every one of of which has Avon a prize. The two championships Avent to slock exhibited by Mr N*ewton King, of New Plymouth, and bred in America.

Though very fe\v Polled Angus cattle are shoAvn, they are of thoroughly good quality. The champion bull, the four-year-old Duke of York, bred by Murray, Roberts and Co., and owned by Mr J. J. Campbell, of Hawera, to a capital specimen. For the championship for cows Mr Campbell's representative was defeated by a useful looking animal bred and shown by Messrs Nelson Bros. In the'fat cattle section a championship was awarded to a' bullock exhibited by the Gear Meat Company, and fattened by McHardy BrOts. The prize of ten guineas presented by Messrs Barraud and Abraham for the greatest number of points for fat cattle was won by the Gear Company Avith the score -of 26, Messrs McHardy Bros, being second Avith 18. The dairy cows are not of any note. Prizes are offered for the best pen of three fat bullocks suitable for freezing and the London market. The cattle having been judged in the pens to-dav ; rto be killed after the show and sent to London for sale on the owners' account. When the report of the London agents comes to hand further prizes will be awarded. To-day's prizes went to the bu'locks exhibited by Mr J. Stuckey. The pens occupied by the Dexter-Kerry cattle, imported, by the Government, Avere surounded all day by farmers who discussed the points of this peculiar breed Avith great freedom. Many expressed surprise at the diminutive size of . the cattle. Those competent to judge say that the cattle are precisely the stock suited for hilly country and poor land. A Dexter Kerry cow, it is pointed out, will thrive on country where an ordinary cow Avould starve. The cattle though so small, are beautifully proportioned, one red coav in particular being a very fine specimen.

PRIZET AKERS. Shorthorns. —Championships: Bull and cow. Mount Herbert Estate. Firsts— Arohdeaoon Williams (4), Mount Herbert Estate (8), A. Dalziel, Seoonde —Archdeacon Williams. Mount Herbert Estate and D. McLean (2 each), McMaster Trustees. Thirds —Archdeaoon Williams and the McMaster Trustees (2), Mount Herbert Estate, D. McLean, R, Smith. Herefords —Championships: Bull, B. Short; qow, D. P. Buchanan. Firsts—D. L. Buchanan (3), C. A. J. Levett (2), E. Short. Seconds— C. A J. Levett (2), J. Stuckey. Thirds— D. P] Bjfchanan (2), C. A. J. Levett. Ayrshiree—Liiampiom .ips: Bull, S. W. Luxford; coav, J. Kyle. Points prize—iS. W. Luxford. Firsts—B. W. Luxford (8), Slack Bros, and J. Kyle (2) W. P. Harre. Seconds—J. Kyle (4), 8. W. Luxford (3). Thirds —S. W. Luxtord (5), D. Gordon, G. F. lianby. Jerseys Championships: Bull, J. A. McCrea; oow, A. Buchanan. Firsts—J. A. McCrea (3), Paul Hunter (2), A. Buchanan, A. J. Shailer, E. Eagle. Seconds —S. R- Lancaster (4), J. A, MoOrea (8) Paul Hunter. Thirds—S. P. Lancaster and B. Eagle (2), J. A. MoCrea, Paul Hunter. Holstein Friesians—Championships: Bull and cow Newton King Firsts—Newton King and McKenzie and Lovelock (3), Mre J Street. SecondsMcKenz e and Lovelock db. Polled Angus—Championships: Bull, J- J- Campbell; coav, Nelson i>ros. lusts—J. J. Campbell (2), Nelson Brea., and the Dalrvmple Trustees. Second—The Dalrympto Trustees. Dairy cows Firste: S. K. Lancaster (8), Melvin Cook, W„ Jlurr©,

Seconds —W. Davidson, S. R. Lancaster, H. G. Moore, Melvin Cook, Slack Bros. Thirds—S. R. Lancaster (2), A. Buchanan, A. Shailer. Fat * cattle—'Championship tor single bullock and points prize—Gear Meat 00. Firsts—Gear Co., McHardy Bros, J. Stuckey (2). Seconds —Gear 00., McHardy Bros. (2), J. Stuckey. DOGS. The exhibition of dogs this year is above the usual standard. The English setters are particularly good, and seldom have better Gordon setters been seen in Palmerston. Fox terriers, rough and smooth, are also very well represented, two prize-winners OAvned by J. F F.* zgerald being specially good as regards body coat. A number of promising puppies were sliOAvn in this class, two of the most notable being Mr W. F. Durward’s Elgin Orra Loon and Elgin Lassock. A large number of bulldogs are entered, the exhibit being as good in regard to quality i.- nu~of entries. Collies, though not in great number, are very good in quality. Several fine puppies are exhibited, perhaps the best of AA’hich is A. J. SI xiler’s Prince HereAvard, a good puppy all over, and one Avhicli in time should develop into a striking dog. ,T. G. Hankins' Manukau Mac is another good youngster, but a poor forehead rather detracts from liis general appearance. The only puppy bitch shoAvn has a rather lumpy head. The'champion medals were AA r on by 11. C. Mclvor’s Scotch Hero and A. J. Shailer’s Heather Belle, the former being a HereAvard—Locket dog, bred by Mr A. J. Shailer, and the latter a bitch by Plain Tom—Hep, OA\med by Mr H. C. M. Mclvor, and bred by Mr J. W. Hardy, of Waipukurau. Mr John Horrax, Pa* hiatua, A\ r ho judged the collies, expressed satisfaction Avith the dogs brought under his notice, and Mr Alex. C. Bramah, of Wellington, Avho judged the other breeds, also remarked upon the general good quality of the animals judged by him. PRIZET AKERS. Firsts —F. Webby, Jas. Gleeson, Harold Jarvis, T. 11. llolloav, C. Reeves (also tAvo champions for English setters), It. P. Clarkson, T. Wilson, Dr Graham, A. J. Shailer (and special), H. C. M. Mclvor, E. G. Broad, A. Richards A. A. Cuthbertson (2 and special for best collie bitch in &hoA\ r ), J. F. Fitzgerald (2 and champion for best fox terrier dog), Sidney Hall (champion for best fox terrier bitch), A. B. Manson, R. Kempster, T. H. Richards (2), Francis E. Watson, Fred K. Sillon, J. H. White, W. C. Leversedge, A. J. Cooper, W. T. Green, T. W. Kirlc, and Miss Buick. Seconds —H. M. O’Connor (2). G. H. Leslie, C. Reeves (2), B. C. Bennett, S. Lucas, D. B. McEAven, T. G. Nicholas, A. J. Shailer (2), J. G. Hankins, L. Gillies, A. A. Cuthbertson (2). R. Bailey, A. Pascal, W. F. DurAvard, R. Kempster, Francis E. Watson, C. H. Tarrant, W. M. McNeill, T. R. Moore, T. W. Kirk, and others. A JUDGE ON THE FAT STOCK. The judge of the fat cattle and sheep Mr Martin F. Baird, of Hawera, Avas loud in his praise of the excellent quality of the exhibits. "I did not judge here last year," he said, <f but honestly the display —disregarding the usual very fine commentary of the judge to the übiquitous pressman—is one of the very best I have ever seen on the ground. The champion bull'ck Avas really a tip-topper." Mr Stuckey, of Mastm on, Avas the breeder of the Avinning tlire* fat bullocks, and in this case a trio of ti e Hereford breed triumphed over the justly favoured shorthorn. “I gave the prize to the lighter pen/' the judge said, "because I thought they Avere best adapted for the London market. One pen in this section Avas disqualified because of certain defects. Speaking generally, the quality of the beasts could not be improved upon very much. Regarding the fat sheep, Mr Baird said the Down lambs Avere a very fine lot. The pens Avere not numerous, but the quality Avas well up to the usual high standard at the Palmerston Slioav. The lambs entered in the competition for most suitable beasts for the London market were of nice saleable grade. "In these classes, the judge explained, "I aAvarded the prize on lines which guide me wlrnn buying for my pwn company (the Meat Export Company).” Mr Baird has a neAV theory regarding the falling off of entries this year bo far as the fat sheep are concerned, ha said, “I attribute the deficiency tar the good prices obtaining throughout the season. When big money is going many farmers have not enough enthusiasm to bother about shoAVS."

HOUSES. The entry of horses despite the unfavourable season, is only thirteen short of # the number sent forward last year Ihe thoroughbreds, hacks, ponies, and light harness horses are numerically the heaviest division of the section. hacks, the entries are particularly good, and the quality of the animals is quite up to horses' entered" competitions decide ed during the day helped largely to swell the total, but in many instances the jumpers and steeplechasers were competitors in the thoroughbred classes. The judge of the draught horses, My Arch. McNicol, of Clevedon, had not a great deal to say about the exhibits? There were, he said, some good classes and some rather ordinary ones. The mares with foal at foot were about the pick of the lot, while the aged stallions were also a very guod class. The Red Ribband for champion draught staiHon went to Mr H. McDonald s Lord Rlderslie, by Hard Times—Lizzie, and the champion card for best mare or filly on the ground to Mr H. McEwen s Mary of Argyle, by St. Alexander— Maggie. T e champion was bred bv Mr John Reid, of Elderslie, and is a fine dark bay horse, in excellent condition. The champion mare was bred by Mr W. Charters, the Taieri. In conversation with a limes reporter, a well-known judge of horses said he did not think the class of droughts in this part of the colony was equal to the best to be found in the districts around Taieri and Oamaru. Th a re is not, in his opinion the same collective brilliance in the exhibits which cam® under hie notice to-day. The horses competing in the classes for animals in regular work w a most useful and business* like lot* notably those entered in th*

class for best pair suitable for ploughing. Here the-first and second prize money was awarded to two exhibits entered by Messrs G. A. Gamman and Co., of Palmerston. The lighter breeds, such as horses suitable for light spring dray or heavy express work, were a point above the average. The thoroughbreds, weight-carrying hacks cobs, and ponies, formed the most attractive part of to-day’s programme. In the -driving classes some very showy animals were exhibited. The horses shown in the tandem and buggy paii classes were splendid animals,, and the judge had a difficult task in apportioning the awards. The champion card for the best thoroughbred sire or colt was won by Mr H. Grice’s Nestor, by St. Leger— Tamora. Although nine years old Nestor looks very well. Championship honours for best thoroughbred mare or filly were awarded to a chestnut youngster of two years by Explosion —Toi-toi. exhibited by Mr E. Stevenson, of Palmerston. Large entries were received in the. pony and hack classes. It is worth noticing that the majority of the winners m the lighter sections to-dav were either sired by or bred from Auckland stock. Miss x. Sunderland’s black gelding Mahomet carried off three first prizes during the day, viz., for best light-weight hack, best lady’s hack, and best walking horse. FRIZET AKERS. Draughts.—First —H. McDonald, J. ,R. Perry, Dr Graham, Hunt Bros., H. McEwen (3), F. H. Loft, J. Kearin, It. Tanner, G. A. Gamman (4), G. H. Mallett, F. J. Sheppard, Sollitt Bros. Seconds— H. McEwen (3), D. Buick, R. Tanner, H. A. Wdtson, G. A. Gamman (4), Points prize—Gamman and Co., 31. Thoroughbred and other classes. —Firsts —H. Grice, R: S. Abraham, C. Pearson, A. Buick, E. Stevenson (3), Chas. Hawkins, J. T. H. Alderson, A. S. Aldrich, S. Russell, Mrs W. Brown, J. 11. P. Strang (3). D. W. Strang, D. Simmond, G. L. Sunderland (3), Miss Y. Sunderland (3), Miss Nita West, T. Harvey, Hon W. W. Johnston (2), Mrs J. H. Hankins, Keiller Bros., G. N. Pharazyn, Alian J. Strang, Miss I. Gillies, Miss H. Cargill, H. J. Woodfield. Seconds— W. F. Mcßeth, J. D. Pearson, E, Stevenson, A. Buick, Ellis Bros., McHardy Bros., Miss I. Gillies, J. H. P. Strang (2), G. N. Pharazyn (2), Joseph Birchley, W. ltutherturd, G. H. Wilson, It. A. Abraham (2), J. Jamieson, J. It. Perry, Miss H. Maher, Alex. Brown, Allan J. Strang, Lake and Osborn, J. Stratton, A. J. Masteis. COMPETITIONS. The leaping competition (steeplechase style) provided good jumping. After going twice round the ring each horse was steered over a water jump in the middle oi the course, and at tnis water jump the antics of the horses provided plenty of amusement. There were fifteen entrants, but the judge had no great diiiiculty in reducing this number to four. These were Mr H. Speed s Boomdeay, Mr J. H. Mac Niven’s Pickpocket, Mr F. H. Gibbons’s Taihape, and a big bay mare of Mr W. D. Watson’s. The last-mentioned eventually proved the winner. Boomaeay was second money, and the third prize went to Taihape. A. nan dozen ntue girls competed in the. class set aside for best gill rider (under lb). The winner proved to be Miss Nita West, with Misses Hedwick, Maners, and N. iveehng second and third respectively. Eleven boys entered the ring for the best boy rider competition, T. Harvey being awarded pride of place, with Master Loughnan second,. and Maurice Birchley third. SHEEP. Notwithstanding the fact that the season is so backward, the display of sneep is generally regarded as equal, at least in quality, to that of last year. The representatives of the Romney Marsh breed make a capital show. The championsnip for Romney rams goes to Oamaru for a magnJicent animal bred by its owner, Mr J. F. Reid, of Elderslie. This ram - defeated in its class a fine collection from the flocks of Messrs R. Tanner, Longburn; hi. Short, Feilding; W. F. Jacob, Kiwitea; W. B. Allen, Carterton; J. O. Batchelar, Palmerston North; and G. Wheeler, Stan way. All these breeders are well represented in other sections. A ram bred and Owned by Mr P. Mungavm, Porirua, won first prize in the class of over eighteen months and under thirty months. The champion Komney ewe is exhibited by Mr R. Tanner, of Longburn, by whom it was bred. The two Lincoln championships go to Hawke’s Bay to the Hon J. D. Ormond for excellent animals of his own breeding. There was great competition in the Lincoln classes amongst such well known breeders as the Hon J. D. Ormond, Mr Tanner, Perry Bros., and Mr W. H. - Wybourne. There are some -excellent Bheep in the English Leicester classes. Perry Bros., of Mastertbn, swept the board with' their fine sheep, which are as good as anything to be seen in a show ring. Included in their wins are the two championships. The class for rams of over 18 months and under 30 months contained four capital an.male, well built, and true to type. l’hree of these were shown by Perry Bros., who took the three prizes. The chief awards for Border Leicesters and fat sheep were taken by Nelson Bios., of Tomoana, who also secured the two championships for Shropshire Downs and the championship for Southdown ewes shorn and in the wool. The sheep nom.nated by Beaiey Bios., Hororata, for various classes, did not compete. There is a class for fat lambs suitable for the London market. ' The prizes for the show yard judging in this class wefre won by Nelson Bros. The meat judging will be in’ London. The National Mortgage and Agency Company contribute five guineas for this contest. PBIZETAKEBB. Romney Marsh. —Championships, ram, J F. Reid; ewe, R. Tanner. Firsts—J. F. Reid (3), R. Tanner, P. Mungavin, and J. O. Batchelar (2). H. Hadfield. Seconds —J. Reid. P. Mungavin, Vg. B. Allen, and R. Tanner (2k G. Wheeler and J. O. Batchelar. ‘ Lincolns Championship, ram and ewe, Hon J. D. Ormond. Firsts —Perry Bros. (5), non J. D. Ormond (2), T. Tanner, W. H. Wybourne. Seconds— Hon J. D. Ormond (4). Perry Bros $), T.

Tanner (2). Thirds—W. H. Wybourne (3) Perry Bros (2), Hon J. D. Ormond and T. Tanner. English Leicesters — Championships, ram and ewe, Perry Bros. Firsts—Berry Bros (9), S. R. Lancaster. Seconds Perry Bros. (4j, Slack Bros, and S. R. Lancaster (2), A. Harding. Thirds —J. F. Reid, Perry Bros., Slack Bros. (2j, A. Harding, Border Leicesters —Championships, ram and ewe, Nelson Bros. Firsts—Nelson Bros. (7), Hon J. D. Ormond. Second—Nelson Bros. (5), lion J. D. Ormond (2), W. Baker. Thirds—Nelson Bios. (3), Hon J. D. Ormond (2), \V. Baker. Shropshire Downs.—Championships, rapi and ewe. Nelson Bros. Firsts —Nelson Bros. (4). W. J. Birch, W. A. Beecroft. Seconds —Nelson Bros, and W. A. B eeroft (2). Sonthdowns —Championships, ewes shorn and : n the wool. Ndson Bres. F.rsts—Nelson Bros (7), J. Stuckey (3), Jas. Knight and Ellis Bros. Thirds —J. Stuckey (6), Nelson Bros. and Jas. Knight (2), S. R. Lancaster and Ellis Bros. Fat sheep—Firsts—Nelson Bros. (9). Seconds —Neison Bros. (6), W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., and G. P. Donnelly. Thirds —Nelson Bros (3), W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., G. P. Donnelly, 11. Gillies. For Hampshire Downs all the prizes were taken by J. Vile, M.H.R., the only exhibitor. 4 'PEOPLE’S BAY.” . AN ATTRACTIVE SCENE. (From Our Special Reporters.) PALMERSTON, November 4. The Palmerston show is seen at its best on the third day. This is the great holiday for the people in that district and other parts of the North Island who are interested in agricultural pursuits, and from every point of the compass thousands assembled to-day on the epaciou® show-grounds. It was a picturesque spectacle which presented itself to the beholder as he looked out at the multitude drawn to this Mecca from north, south, east and west. The great throng was “representative of every age and clime.” The squatter, the sheep-farmer, the cat-tle-breeder, the / toiling dairy worker, seeking a necessarily brief respite from the worrv of the daily milking; the farmer’s wife, enjoying a well-earned holiday snatched from her strenuous round of duty; and the commercial man, fresh from the traffic of the city, who had come to see the show and fraternise with his brother of the country—all were there. Very bright and animated the thousands looked in their holiday garb, as they wandered albout inspecting the exhibits, and watching the show-men, or crowded the grandstands, and stood in lines six deep round the big show-ring whilst the driving, leaping and wook-cliopping .competitions went on. The high winds of the past few days ceased last night, and under the genial rays of the sun, which shone out boldly as the morning wore on. the scene was very attractive. The loud insistent hum by which a great crowd always distinguishes itself—its Greek chorus, as it were—was punctuated by the bellowing of cattle, the cries of sheep, the barking of dogs, the crowing of poultry, the whirr of machinery, and the strident calls of the showmen. <f ’Ere y’are, this way for the Lightnin’ Bottle Jugglin’ ; this way for the great contortionist”—so. to the bang of a doleful drum and the weird strains of a cornet, shouted clowns in motley at the entrance flaps of the various side-shows on the ground. Then followed in every case a flow of banter ’twixt the showman and his clown, and, though the jests seemed to rise from sheer love of merrymaking and frivolity, there was a tinge of mockery in itr'all But how the coins jingled at the doors! What streams of country youths and rustic damsels poured in to see the strange sights! Everyone seemed light-hearted, everyone was holidaymaking, gaiety was all around, and those who catered for this mirth, and cracked jokes for the sake of the humble shilling, seemed to thrive upon it. “Fortr-seven year ’ave I been showing,” proudly exclaimed one old showman, and, did Nature permit it, show he would for forty-seven years more. There was much variety about the entertainment given .in these tents. When a sufficient number of patrons had been enticed within the tent, the troupe outside disappeared within, and the 4r show” commenced. Comic songs, tumbling, the jangling of a concertina, the trumpeting of a cornet were features of the programmes. Fortunes w;ere told—the past reviewed, characters read and the future displayed, in a tent where sat one who boldly proclaimed herself a “prophetess.” There the young couples wended their way, pair by pair, and, after a seance of a few minutes, withdrew with face 9 wreathed in smiles. Punch and Judies, Aunt Sally galleries, living waxworks—they were all there. • Some of the crowd ranged themselves round the horse-boxes, to gaze upon Nestor, hero of an Auckland Cup and other classic races, or on the gallant Mahaki. who figured in many a well-fought fight on the racing track. Many farmers hung about the pens where huge sheep lay panting in their thick, heavy, greasy ■fleeces —some admiring the Romneys or the Lincolns, others fancying the Downs or the Leicesters. and all examining with curious interest the strange little Tunis sheep, imported privately for experiments in poor country. Then there were the cattle pens, where the Ayrshires and shorthorns, and Herefords and Jerseys, were in their glory of prize-winning. 'lhc con tost attmetod. attention from the multitude, and the guessing cards sold freely at a shilling, while the bullock and the sheep whose weights were the subject of so much speculation gazed serenely out of their pens, unconscious of the' sword of Damocles hanging over their heads Prizes amounting to ,£lB were offered to the person, or persons guessing the correct weight of (1) a bullock, (2) a pen of fat sheep, and (3) a single sheep. The conditions of the competition ■stipulated that the animals would be slaughtered the day following the show, and weighed cold in the presence ot the stewards, who will forthwith allot the prizes The results of the competition will be known to-morrow. The pens of the Dexter Kerry cattle were surrounded all day by visitors, many

of whom had never seen such beasts before, and therefore could not speak as to their merits. In the big building where the home industries were arrayed in such brave show, and where the poultry cackled and the dogs barked, their eventful clay through, great streams of sightseers crowded the avenues from morning till evening. Out in the open air the machinery and; vehicles were an unfailing source of attraction. One man who sto>d on a platform shearing sheep by machinery held quite a levee. About 2000 people came from Wellington yesterday to the show. The championship for Romney Marsh ewes was awarded to an animal bred and shown by Mr H. S. Hadfield, of Otaihanga. Mr R. Tanner’s ewe was “reserve champion.” The parade of prize stock, which took place at 2 p.m. in the presence of twelve or fifteen thousand people, was a great spectacle, and one which made the heart of every fanner and agriculturist feel glad. Reference to the general arrangements and the success which attended the association’s endeavours to carry out everything in a businesslike and expeditious manner would be incomplete without mentioning the, excellent services rendered by the secretary (Mr J. C. Lane), his assistants, the committee, stewards and office-bearers. COMPETITIONS.

To-day was almost entirely given up to competitions. Proceedings started at 10.30 a.m., with the tandem-driving competition, Six entries were received and after an interesting half-hour of good and bad driving—mostly good—the first prize wa6 awarded to L. G. West, who steered his team between the posts with a precision that could not be excelled by a professional whip. Dr W. R. Graham was second and G N. Pharazyn third.

A driving competition tor single horse or pony followed. For this event eleven entries were received. One or two refractory horses which refused to go through the uprights, rather tended to spoil the excellence of the competition as a whole, but outside of this one feature the whips were a very capable lot. First money, amounting to <£2, went to K. Hankins, who accomplished his task in fine style. L. G. West, who won in the tandem event, was second, and Dr Graham third. A prize of «£5 was offered to the best lady rider in a field of thirteen, <£3 for second, and <£2 for third. Mrs F. S. McRae was placed first. Mrs A. J. Strang second, and Mrs G. Campbell third. According to the judges, the riding iu this event was graceful in the extreme, while the class of horses ridden was really excellent. The association’s silver medal for the best lady’s trap and horse was won by Mr A. J. Strang, with a splendid turnout. The winner’s sister-in-law, Mrs J. . P. Strang, was declared to be the next in order of merit, and Miss I. Gillies third. Eleven entries were received in this section. In the light horse section yesterday an exhibit which attracted a great deal of notice and favourable comment was a splendid four-iu-hand team of roan and bay cobs belonging to Dr Graham, of Palmerston North. The doctor’s tandem and buggy teams were also much admired. and when they were driven round the ring to-day were applauded by the public on all sides. Specal interest was centred in the Hunters’ competition owing to the fact that two of the twenty horses competing were eligible for the challenge cup presented by the ladies of the Rangitikei and Manawatu districts to the owner of the horse or horses winning the competition three times. These were Mrs Sunderland’s The Sinner, and James Coombes’ black mare Duchess. The popular fancy was placed principally in the latter, but The Sinner found many warm supporters. A number of horses that had shown merit on the previous day also competed. Mrs D. Riddiford’s Gay Boy executed his jumps in fair style, but P. Wooton’s Jack-o’-Lantern came down badly opposite the grandstand, dragging his rider for about twenty-five paces. The Sinner was the next round the course, his performance being scarcely up to his usual standard. As she entered the ring, Duchess was greeted with an enthusiastic round of applause. At the Carterton show this handsome black mare had won tfie Hunters’ competition, and The Sinner had proved victorious at Hastings. To-day the fences were mere child’s play to the mare, and her leap at the water jump was a treat to witness. As she came back past the stand, the dense crowd rose and cheered. Pickpocket. No Hope, and Utah all did their work in good style, and Taihape and Yeast were the best of the remainder. As the red ribbon was placed round Duchess’s neck, an unprecendented ovation was accorded the owner, Mr Jas. Coombes. The following were the four placed horses:— First, Jas. Coombes’ Duchess; second, W. D. Watson’s Yeast; third, W. J. Bartlett’s Utah; fourth, J. H. Mac Niven’s Pickpocket. At the conclusion of the event Mr H. Gillies, chairman of the horse stewards, presented Mr Jas. Coombes with the nandsome challenge cup. Mr Coombes was heartily cheered. Though nine ponies were catalogued for the pony leaping competition, only eight competed. 'the jumping on the whole was very fair, but two or three of toe pon es should not have been entered. Dr Graham’s Muldoon, and Mr 11. N. Y\atson’s Scroggins were certainly above the average, The more stylish of the two was Scroggins, but being poorly handled he came down badly on the second time round. Another boy mounted him, However, and he finished his jumps in good style. Muldoon, though by no means a fancy pony, proved himself serviceable and reliable. Results—First, Dr Graham’s Muldoon; second. H. N. Watson’s Scroggins; third, W. Hammond’s Grey Bobs.

Only four of the ten entrants in the Ladies’ Riding Competition tried conclus ous. The judge had but little difficulty iu awarding pride of place to Miss L. Moore, and awarded second and third pr.zes to Miss Compbell, and Miss S. in. C. Paul respectively. Fourteen woodsmen plied the axe in the woodchopping competition. There

ia always something irresistibly exciting in these contests, and as the axes crashed and resounded excitement ran high. W. Johnson (handicap 45seo), of Levin, who chopped with freedom and showed good staying quality, won by about fifteen seconds from F. B. Perkins, of Rangiwahia (handicap 60sec). H. Gawlor, Pohangina (handicap 60sec), and A. Petersen, of Dalefield (handicap lOsec), were third and fourth respectively. No times were taken. The gate to-day was a record one, and, though no details are yet available, it is estimated that the previous best takings for the third day has been surpassed by several hundreds. At 3 o’clock over 18.000 people were on the ground. Fronx 4 o’clock onwards the railway station presented a most business-like appearance; indeed the scene was quite a metropolitan one. The arrangements were well carried out, however, and not a single hitch occurred.

1904. 1903. Shorthorns 49 45 Herefords 14 22 .Polled Angus 8 15 Ayrshire 38 60 Jersey 52 54 Dairy cattle 24 23 Pat -cattle 27 18 Sheep. Lincoln . ' 69 71 Demury Marsh 154 141 English Leicester 55 96 Border Leicester 38 36 Shropshire Down 20 46 Southdown 98 101 Hampshire Down 17 15 Merino ... — 10 Pat sheep 32 20 Horses. Hunting and driving... 146 112 'Thoroughbreds 20 36 Ponies 46 69 Saddle 68 .86 Harness 70 72 Draughts 84 93

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXHIBITS IN ALL CLASSES. Division. 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 189S 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 Horses and Competitions ... Cattle Sheep Pigs Dogs Poultry Produce, Industrial and Sundry Exhibits.... Implements and Machinery Vehicles... Permanent Stalls Dairying 2^5 77 202 17 55 90 68 29 229 101 206 13 71 107 155 41 252 118 258 VI 69 23 76 192 45 211 287 247 SI 71 18 119 286 GO 249 112 281 89 64 48 228 274 69 892 103 28 J 37 91 114 391 296 66 280 179 261 56 89 90 143 845 ‘ 86 886 148 401 48 110 132 133 444 81 b8 266 177 821 124 l! 5 180 158 456 64 26 J 86i 150 340 B5 185 239 203 600 2500 416 230 330 70 91 274 102 600 112 2500 100 514 240 4U4 94 163 427 336 700 180 301)0 200 508 235 . 636 85 135 389 46q 800 140 8200 250 495 225 486 92 128 350 460 180 5060 Totals 743 923 1049 1380 1384 1653 1549 1981 2101 4610 4795 6208 6788 7416