CANTERBURY METROPOLITAN SHOW.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7342, 5 December 1884, Page 5

CANTERBURY METROPOLITAN SHOW.

Christchurch, November 12, Notwithstanding the absence of several notable exhibitors of former years, the display at this show was a most imposing one. From pedigree sheep, purebred shorthorns, and Clydesdales down to exhibits of butter and cheese, the quality throughout was undeniably good. The numbers, too, were not so far short of those of the U*fc show as certain gloomy progaoatioators apprehended. In sheep there is a falling off to tbs extent of about eighty entries, while the cattle arc about a dozen fewer. In the latter section, however, the absence of the splendid animals from the

south of the Waitakl waa to soma extent compensated for by the fine display of atock made by Mr Joha Deaua. The other stock classes were well to the lore ; the humble but useful porkers being a particularly grand lot. The implements and machinery, aa in past years, seem to cover the whole of the ground, and pre-

sent the most bewildering profusion of those aids to agriculture which the progress and civilisation of our day render necessary to successful farming. The ehed for the display of loed manufactures and produce contains an array of exhibits which reflects great credit on those who sent thsm there. The absence of com. petition in some departments, hewerer, is to be regretted. Perhaps the moat prominent object in the shed is the splendid exhibit of clothing and cloths made by the Kniapoi Woollen Company. The Horticultural Society's show had a large marquee to itself. The ground, owing to the perauteut rain of the past week, was somewhat soft and sloppy, but the wsatber was'fic« all day. Following are the principal prizes - Sheep.—Silver medals were awarded for metises, fine combing, best rani and nwe, Mr VV. 33. Teschcmaker; merinos, strong combing, beat ram ami ewe, Mr A, McMaster. English Leicester, boat ram, Mr P. 0. Thelkeld ; best ewe, Mr J. Haydon. Border Lsiceaters—Messrs H. R. and J. 33. Parker for best ram and ewe, Linc-doa—Bast rams, Mr Orerton ; beat ewe, Mr C. Witbell. Romney Marsh—Beat ram and ewe, Mr W. Boag. Oofcawolda—Mr W. Boag. Southdowns—Best ram, Mr H. J. Washbourne j best ewe, Mr J. Beans. Best pen of crossbreds—Messrs H. R. and J. B. Parker.

Cattle.—Gold medal for shorthorn bull, Rosa Bari, Mr G. Steel ; best shorthorn cow, Duchess of Brunswick 6tb, Mr Jno. Deans, Horae?.—Gold medal for best draughted-

tire, Mr Jno. MoKcllas (Vrfetor) ; gold medal for draught mare, Mr W. Boag (Grace Darling). The President’* Trophy of 60 guineas, for the largest number of points iu the breeding classes for sheep, cattle, and horse*—Mr Deans. The President’s Cup of 15 guineas, for the largest number of point* in breeding cattle, except shorthorns and fat cattle—Mr J, Little, ___ •