MASTERTON SHOW

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6745, 17 February 1909, Page 3

MASTERTON SHOW

GREAT EXHIBITION OF STOCK.

RECORD FAT STOCK DISPLAY. QUALITY PARAMOUNT. FBOll OUB SPECIAL EEPOKTPE. MASTER-TON, February 16. Tho twenty-second annual show of tho Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, now being held, will be a landmark in the history of this progressive society. It is the last show on the town grounds of the association—one of tho most compact and convenient exhibition localities in tho Dominion—for next year the show will be held on the line Solway grounds, some two miles from Mastorton, which wero originally secured—and still believed by many to be yet established—as tho home of ono great Wairarapa spring show. Unfortunately, the pioneer society of tho province, the Wairarapa Society of Carterton, instead of being consulted prior to definite action being ■ taken in regard to tho Solway grounds, was approached in regard to amalgamation when arrangements for a central Wairarapa showground were practically completed. Tho old Wairarapa ■ society refused to bo coerced in tho matter, and so tho "Masterton Society is left still with an autumn show and extensive cow showgrounds. It is well, of course, for tho district that there should be two shows, but in having the spring show tho Wairarapa Society has all the best of it, iu being able to cater to tho pedigree stock-breeder at the most suitable period of the season for him, while the late summer show of the Masterton Society must always bo more of a fat stock exhibition than a display of purebred animals. True, there is a fine show of tho latter on the present occasion, but the fat stock section is the dominating feature. In the interests of the livo stock industry of the province it is to be hoped that a means will yet be found of fusing the two societies, and thus make for one great Wairarapa summer show, to partake of a truly representative and interprovincial character. In the oxiinion of many authorities an early summer show at Solway and a winter shew at Carterton —the latter being especially fitting by reason of tho important dairying interests in the latter district —would be an ideal arrangement, and probably this will be the future solution of the present regrettable difficulty. The friction between the two societies has not been without its good effect. It has created a spirit of rivalry, which has moved, the loading spirits in the two societies to greater energy, and aroused the more lethargic committeemen to a live personal interest. And while the present show of the Masterton Society is a record in many respects, and very creditable to the district, it is not what it could have been. There is a general desire to make the first show at Solway a record-breaker in every respect, and in order to ensure this entries of stock and commercial displays which could have been secured have been discouraged. Generally there is a determination that the 1910 show of the society shall rival the great metropolitan fixtures, and be worthy of the district.

The strong position of the Masterton Society is evidenced by the splendid entries 'received in the main stock classes, but the outstanding features are the displays of fat sheep and cattle, and here the record competition lias been mainly brought about by the valuable points trophies (to be won two years in succession or three times at intervals) in the two sections. The display ot fat cattle—a feature of which is the collection of Hereford stock of F. Moore, the Kai Iwi breeder, who secur-. ed a les-in for the Dixon silver bowl last year—is declared to be the finest ever seen in the Dominion. And probably no showground in New Zealand has seen a finer display of fat sheep, the Fesan Silver Bowl for most pomts being here the determining magnet. The greatdisplays in these sections have been easily made possiblo by the time of year at which the show is held and the Prolific growth of the season. In the spring it is a difficult matter to bring out prime stock, but this late "summer almost any breeder can draft out a big line in great show bloom, this without any preparation. It is an exceptional fat stock season, and the patrons of 'he society- have demonstrated this in the Masterton showpens. A comparison of the main and total entries for this year's show, comparexi with those for the past nine years, will give 6ome idea of the increasing importance of the show:

The predominant feature of the showis the splendid condition of the competing animals, due, of course, to the highlv favourable season. Then there is a distinct advance in regard to tho number if competitors, new exhibitors from other districts patronising the society, as well as smaller breeders from different parts of the extensive district the society serves so well. Hawke's Bay breeders in particular are supporting the society better than they have done any society other than their society of Hastings. Though threatening on the eve of the first day of the show, the weather on the day itself proved to be ideal, a cool bright day which enabled the show to be witnessed under enjoyable conditions. The management is very satisfactory, and the attendance, for a' first day, decidedly gratifying. THE EXHIBITS. CATTLE. The display of pedigree cattle is the weak section' of the show. The entry of beef stock is most disappointing, though it is not to be expected that breeders will' exhibit with the same freedom at this time of the year as in the early summer. Herefords are tho only strong beef section, but even here the. entry only comprises sixteen animals. There aro only six Shorthorns and four Aberdeen Angus. A class for grade Shorthorns is provided, and tho mistake is made of encouraging, the exhibition of grade bulls. In this section twenty-ono animals are penned. Practically the only dairy breed represented is the Jersey i there being only four Aj'rshires and no Holsteins. The fat cattle are easily the feature of the section, and they constitute the greatest display of fats seen on the ground. There is hardly a weak beast on exhibition.

The dairy cattle section is a fairly strong one, there beinu twenty in three classes, besides sixteen in' the special dairy cow competition. The quality is decidedly good, and in each of the show classes Jersey blood occupied the premier position. Shorthorns, pures—AV. H. Buick made the only entries, five beasts. Grades—AV. Mace showed the only aged bull, and won the yearling, class, with W. E. Bidwill in the second and third positions. C. E. Vallance exhibited the best of seven cows, J. Strang being second and Mace third. Mace penned the only three-year heifers, and won the two-year class from Vallance, who exhibited the only yearlines and calves. Hereford —G. F. Moore secured the male championship with his Stnckey imported bull Ensign, also the first in two-year I bull, second in aged bull, first in twoyear Tieifer and second in yearling hei-

fer. The female championship went to J. McGregor, who also won in the. largest class—that for yearling bull, coming second in two-year heifer and showing the only three-year bull and three-year heifer,' and winning several minor awards. J. Stone-Wigg won the yearling heifer class and came second to Moore in. aged bulls. Aberdeen Angus—W. Strang was the only exhibitor, and in each of thp show classes Jersey blood occupied tho premier position. Fat Cattle—Following occupied first three positions: Pair bullocks, W. and H. Beetham, G. F. Moore, Beethams; pair females, Beethams (1 and 2), Mooro; tjireo bullocks, Moore (1 and 2), C. J. : Bennett; three heifers, W. H. Beetham (1, 2 and 3); three steers, W. E. Bidwill, Moore, Beethams; single bullock, Moore (and champion), W. Cooper, W. C. Buchanan; single cow, Beethams (1 and 2), C. E. Vallance; 3i-year bullock, W. Mace, Buchanan, Bidwill: 2i-year bullock, Bid will, Mooro (2 and 3); threeyear heifer, Moore (1 and 2); J. C. McIvillop; heifer over three 3'ears, Bee-1 thams (and champion), 1 and 2, Moore; two freezing bullocks, Moore, Beethams, j Buchanan; shop bullock, McKenzie Bros., W. Mace, Moore. The judgo (Mr H. Gillies, Palmerston) remarked that some of the exhibits in the freezing class wero over weight. Taken all through it is tho "best collection of fat cattle he has seen. The result of the competition is that the Beethams secure a "leg-in" for tho Mana.wa Bowl, and thus retain it in the district. The Beethams secured 43 points and Moore 39. Moore won it last year with 44 points. Jerseys—J. Billington showed the only aged bull and J. Short the only three-year-old. The Taranaki champion, Pride of Beaconsfield, was awarded the championship. W. H. and A. E. Booth's Oculist sth, placed over Paul Hunter's Oculist 4th, was awarded the reserve. J. Billington showed the only. yearling. The Booths took the two awards in a good class of yearlings. There was much Ijetter competition in females. A. ft. Lancaster took the two first tickets in cows, with J. Billington third. Lancaster's winning three-year heifer was given the reserve, W. H. and A. E. Booth taking the second and third tickets in the class. The championship went to W. H. and A. E. Booth for their twoyear heifer Anemone (Saxon —Primrose sth). In this class they also secured the third ticket, the second going to Lancaster. The Booths won the yearling heifer class with one of P. Hunter's breeding, Lancaster taking second and third. Lancaster secured first in tho class for heifers calved since July last, with the Booths second and J. Billington third. Ayrshires—W. Abbott secured first awards in the Ayrshires with his three entries, having a competitor in only one class. Dairy Cattle—ln two-year heifers a Jersey cross of W. Abbott was first from seven others, Lancaster securing second and third. Lancaster won the next class, for yearlings, with a Jersey, J. C. McKillop taking the second and W. McKenzie the third ticket. The Palmerston breeder also took the first for three heifers, T. Compton coming second and J. C. McKillop third. HORSES. The light horses made a very creditable display, a good number of the animale showing plenty of quality and style. The entry in the thoroughbred section is much better than is usually tho case at agricultural shows. The draughts are particularly strong, Hawse's Bay and Taranaki breeders patronising the show to an exceptional extent. Thoroughbreds.—Stallion, C. McCullough's Conqueror (Medallion—Siesta) was awarded the male championship .and placed above W. Corlett's Boris, and Chatsworth and Canada. W. D. Watson shewed the only 'two-year-old colt, a son of Conqueror—Lady Principal, and S. Smith the only yearling colt, a son of Knight Errant—Torowai. Vallance entered tho only two three-year-old fillies, daughters of Renown, and took tho first two iickets in the two-year class with fillies of the same breeding, AV. Cooper being given the third ticket with a daughter of Kilcheran—Sombre. , Vallance exhibited a yearling filly by Conqueror—Lady Maud. C. J. Bennett's Eegret, with a foal by Clovelly, was declared the best marc, and given the female championship, A. Eeside's Liska and Variance's St. Mary coming second and third. Only one trotting stallion was on the ground, S. Litldington's Dutchman.

Pony Classes.—Here the competition was weak. H. H. Beetham won the entire class, G. N. J. Bowman the 13 hands class, and G. B. Rayner the two mare classes.

Hacks.—C. F. Vallance won in ' dry brcod mare, and took the third ticket, W. A. Pyke coming second. Daga Brothers showed a particularly good hack mare, and tho best two-year-old filly. W. D. Waiison exhibited tho only mare for breeding weight-carriers. The best gelding was T. P. Lett's, Vallance coming second and S. Liddington third Dagg Brothers showed the best yearling gelding, Vallance securing the second and third awards.

Draughts.—Stallion—J. D. Mitchell's Empire was placed above Donald's Shepherd Boy and B. Folloon's Brilliant Boy. The bedc three-year-old colt was also shown by the Taranaki breeder Knight of AVaihi, AV. Nation's Northern Cliarmer being placed second. In the next two classes Mitchell was again on top, winning the year colts' class with a Knight of the Thistle colt, and his Waiknito-bred horse, AVaikato, being placed above Hon. Ormond's son of Butherglen. In the three-year fiUy class Hon. Ormond's unbeaten Ladv Glen was placed above J. W. .Hal-ding's (Hawke's Bay) Mountain Lily and H. M Simmond'e (Palmerston) Miss Knight Two-year filly—Hon. J. D. Ormond took first ticket with , Countess, over Donald's estate and J. W. Harding The last-named Hawke's Bay breeder won in the yearling filly class, with Donald's estate in second position. Harding also exhibited the best foal. The samo exhibitor's fine mare Queen Agg was declared the best dry mare, H. M. Simmonds securing second ticket with Lady Glengyle, and E. Smith third with Jess. Siminonds (Palmerston) won in the gelding class with Royalty. E. Johnstone I coming second and J. AV. . Harding third. SHEEP. The sheep section is distinguished by splendid competition in the principal breeds, and by fine uniform quality in many classes. The Lincolns are a bigger class than ever. Seth Smith, a North Otago breeder, is exhibiting for the first time, but he was plucky in bringing the sheep he is breeding to compete a-sainst the best Wairarapa qualify as exliiibted by W. Perry. The popular Bcnißoys are better, both in.. point of numbers and quality, than ever before, the big competition necessitating the appointment of two judges. "IV. E. Bidwill

entered the lists for the first time. E. StortTof Feildiug, had a sweeping victory with two fine sheep, and hard & in Tr^o^.^vn: w a^ s d^ctii when Mr Stuckey disposed ot his flock the Southdown section would ce cline but the reverse has been the case. The, nuality of exhibits is being well'. the competition has decidedly improved. l? one ex . first, time, a» well as x much better form than usual. A numexhibitors from th» Bush rliKtriot aro comnetmg. The tats are t 1 tagnitont collection easily the best ever seen on the ground. J n «.='3 for sheep to be judged oa the Brpi"-* and shipped- Home for trade W<*2™?% there are no less than three head In lambs the quality ss fecial ed to be ecual to. tho best Canterbury, and competition is excellent, all best ex port breeders competing. „„„„„,, 1 Lincolns-W. Perry, had. a rnnavmy victory in each class in which ho competed? and deservedly. ». every sheep he penned gaining a ticket. Both cham piouships easily went to him, the.only, other winners beins in cja*scs in vJvmh Perry did not compete, W. -Kaynei bcaTseTh Smith in the class for five rams, where these breeders weie> the only exhibitors. W. Rayner won in the ram lamb class and ewe lamb class, J. Compton coming second and third m the former, and W. McKenzie second and was an extended co£s*3Sn. The Hawke'» Bay sneep of Nolans were most successful, £""££ both championships, the. on l to give them a run being iPalroorston) and the, young 1 eliding "breeder. In the ram classes Nelsons took aU the first but tfet lor ram hogget won by Baker with an exceptionally good hogget. J. McGregor occupied the two next positions to Ne sons in aged rams, and Lancaster (Palmerston) socured third and fourth positions in the fouMooth classes, in which Nelsons were firafc and second. Nelsons came next to Baker in hoggets, with J. McGregor third. Lancaster took second and third tickets, Nelsons being first In pair of ram hoggets. In fine rams Nelsons and Bokei did riot exhibit-, McGregor took first ticket and Lancaster the others. Baker was first and second in lambs (Nelsons not competing), Lancaster occupying minor positions, in the big class of twenty-four ewes Nelsons occupied . the first three , positions, their first sheep Having taken first award at Chriutchurch, S. It. Lancaster being the only other exhibitor to get a tmkqt. Again Nelsons took first three tickets in ewe hoggets, Lancaster again being the breeder to get nearest them. In pair ot ewes Nelsons took the first two awards (having only two entries), Lancaster again showing the next best sheep. Lancaster penned best ewe lambs, securing the first three awards, Nelsons not exhibiting. . In tho class for Border Leieesters the competition was practically confined to outside exhibitors, .though one local man (Sievers) j did very well. , He took first in aged rams and male championship. Nelsons being second and Neilsen (Longburn) third. Ho also won in pair of ram hoggets, Nelsons being second and Mrs Ormond third, and was again first in ram lambs. The female championship went to Nelsons for their first ewe hogget, N. P. Neilsen being second and Nelsons third. English Leieesters—S. E. Lancaster and Slack Bros.; the Palmerston breeders, were the only exhibitors. The former .took the male and the latter the female] championships, Lancaster also winning tho Wolsely Cun by eight points. | P.omneys—E. Short was the principal winner, taking both championships and the majority of the principal awards, this against big competition, 134.6heep being penned. In aged rams his old sire Model was first and champion. Gray Bros, took second ticket and Short, third. In four-tooth rams Short was first and second, and G. E. Allen third. In ram hoggets W. Perry, with the only sheep he penned, secured first ticket and the Cooper silver cud for best ram hogget; but he was lucky in his win. McGregor Bros, were second and Short third' with the worst of his three entries. In the two ram class Short vras first and- second. W. C. Dorset coming third. Short also won the five ram class. E. B. Svmes being second and W. E. Bidwill third. The two first tickets in the ram class agiain went to Short, as did the first ticket in tho aged ewe class, W. H. Buick gaining second ticket. In hoggets G. E. Allen was first, with Gray Bros, and Short in the next positions. Short won the two hogget class, G. E. Allen occupying second and third positions. G. E. Allen won in lambs, with E. W. Allen in second and third places.

Shropshire—The competition was much keener than usual. P. Cooper secured the male and AV. E-ayner the female championship^ The following occupied the first three positions :—Earn : P. Coooer, AV. Bavncr, W. McKenzie. FouT-tooth: Seth Smith (Ist and 2nd), W. McKenzie. Two-tooth : AV. Eayner, Seth Smith (2nd and 3rd). Two rams: Seth Smith. W. Bavner, P. Coorrer. Five- rams: Seth Smith, TV. McKenzie, J. C. McKillop. Earn lamb: W. Eayner (Ist and 2nd), Donald's Estate. Ewe: W. Eayner (Ist and 2nd), J. C. McKillop. Two-tooth: AV.. Raynor (Ist and 2nd), P. Cooper. Two ewes: P. Cooper (Ist and 3rd), W. Eayner. Ewe lamb : W. Eayner (Ist and 2nd), T. IngFAESUEES' CLASSES. The following occupied the first three places:—Ten ewes: J. and H. Holmes, Dagg Bros. Five ewes: J. and H. Holmes. J. M. James (2nd and 3rd). Two ewes: F. AV. Blatchford (Ist and 2nd), J. M. James. Five ewe lambs: J. and H. Holmes, Shaw and Sons, F. AV. Blatchfo j d o J 3 *? latub 4- F - W - Blatchford (Ist and 2nd), J. and H. Holmes. Two ewes: J. McGregor (Eomney Lincoln) Ist and £nd, Shaw and Sons. Two ewe hoggets: o jV n^- Son CBomney Lincoln) Ist and Jrd), F. tammcr. FAT SHEEP. The following occupied the first.three positions:— . ■? i T e. aethers of maiden ewes, to be TUdgea at Home as wen—H. Morrison, \V. and H. Beetham, second and third. Five fat wethers or maiden ewes, Down cross, to be also judged at Home—.l. Strang, first and third, Beetham. Five Downs over 21 months—J. Strang, first and third. Beetham. Five Down or cross hoggets—Beetham, first and second, J.

Strang. Fivo Down or cross maiden ewes—Beetham first and second, J. Strang. Five lambs, 'Down or longwool crosses—J. Strang, Beetham, J. McGregor. Five Down or cross lambs, to be judged at Homo as well—J. Perry, first and third, J. Strang. Five longwool or cross wethers—W. E. C. Tyleo, first and second, J. Strang. Five - longwool or cross wethers—Boetham, first and eecond, J. P. Perry. Five longwool or crass maiden ewes—J. P. Perry, Beetham, J. T. W. Holmes. Five longwool or cross lambs—Beetliam, J. Strang, second and third. Five sheep for butchers or export, to be aLso judged after killing—J. P. Perry, Beathaxn, J. Strang. Five Down or cross lambs—K. Cooper, J. F. Heckles, J. Strang. Five longwool or cross wetuers—J. P. Perry, W. h. C. Tylee, J. Strang. Five longwool or cross ewes—J. and H. Holmes, J. Strang. R. Cooper. Five longwool or cross lambs— J. Strang, first and second, McKenzie Bros. Heavies; single wether or owe— Mrs McLauchlan (KSSJIb and 227 lb), first and second, E. Watson. Heaviest wethers—E. Allon (3251 b), E. Watson, T. P. Lett. Heaviest ewe—E. Watson (2GOlb), J. M. James. The judge, Mr Eichmond of Hastings, head buyer for Nelson's for many years, remarked that the fat sheep of both, sexes, and in the longwoois and Southdowns were a little on the heavy side. Generally, they were as fine a lot as he had seen in the Dominion. The lambs wore distinctly creditable, overweight being the mam' fault. He expressed wig opinion that shorn lambe should not "be exhibited in the same class as those unshorn, as was the case in. several instances. COMPETITIONS. The following were the results of the ring events, all of which were keenly contested, providing a capital entertainment:— Trotting horse in saddle —W. D. Watson's Djin Djin 1, S. Liddrngton's Maud 2, Tai Te-Tail's gelding 3. Pony jumping, under 13 hands—Donald Grant's Hex 1, D. Morrison 2, Eric Wilton 3. Pony jumping, over 13hands —E.Ryan's Flirt 1, Mies M. Briggs's Rawliiti 2, R. Cooper's Day-star 3. Maiden jumping—D. Morrison's Daphne I, G. F. Kanby's All Gold 2, A. E. Gosnell's Myrtle 3. Sixteen entries. Hunters' leaping.—E. E. Hastie's (Taranaki) Feilding 1, jj. D. Morrison's Moonlight 2, J. ■ Sweeney's Wainui 3. Twentythree entries. SALE OF SHOW STOCK. BFECIAi TO THE " TIMES." MASTERTON, February 16* Abraham and Williams, Ltd., report as follows on their show stock sale to-day: We offered and sold on account of various clients 350 fat sheep and 60 fat cattle. Bidding was keen, ■: and prices were highly satisfactory to vendors. We sold as follows: On account of Mr W. E. C. Tylee: Ewes 17s 6d to 20s 6dj wethers 17s to 18s 6d. On account of Mr J. M. James: Ewes'l7s 6d to 21b, wethers 18s 6d to 20?/ On account of Mr Robert Cooper: Khves 19s to 21s. wethers 21s. On -account of Mr John Strang: Ewes 16s to 21s, lambs 18s, wethers 17s to 21s. On account of Mr E. Matson: Wethers 21s. On account of Messre 3 and K. Holmes: Bwes 17s 6d to 20s 6d, wethers 18s. On account of Mr James . McGregor: Ewes 18s 6d to 225, .lambs 18s. On account of Messre W. and H. Beetham: Ewps 17s 6d to 18s, wethers 18s to 18s 6d, lambs 18s 6d. On account of Mr F. G. Moore:' Bullocks £& 10s to £lO 10s, cow ß £& 15s to £7 10s, heifers M 15s to £7 10s. On account of Mr W.'. Mace: Bullocks .£lO 10a. On account of Mr James McGregor: Cows £8 15s. On account of Mr R. Riddiford: Cows £3. On acconnt of Mr J. C. McKillop: Heifers £i, bullocks £7 15s. On account of Messrs W. and 11. BcttHam: Bullocks £W to .£lO 15k. oows £7 5s to .£B. heifers £7 10s to £S 15s. On acconnt of "Mr C. F. Vallance: Cows £B. Onacoount of Mr S. B. Lanoaster: Boar £i.

Year. Sheep. Cattle. Horses. Total 1900 265 82 196 708 1301 463 132 319 1194 1902 687 207 281 1563 1003 702 182 255 1587 1904 592 157 317 164-2 1905 560 218 343 1661 1906 589 174 358 1716 1907 541 178 299 1685 1SOS 624 233 263 1819 1909 770 203 237 1874