PLOUGHING MATCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2055, 5 September 1868, Page 3

PLOUGHING MATCH.

Our correspondent at Waikouaiti writes, that "the fourth annual ploughing match of the Waikouaiti and Shag "Valley districts took place on the sth instant, at the farm of Mr Sloane, Pleasant Valley. The judges were—Messrs David Andrew, senior, Green island; Thomas Henderson, Otepopo ; and — —- Morrison, Coal Creek. Only eleven ploughs were entered, a much smaller number than entered at any of the previous district matches. This has been accounted for m consequence of the dry state of the soil, which made ploughmen averse to enter into the competition. Although the match was open to the whole Province, only one strange plough was entered, viz., Mr John Devon, from Oamaru. After a spirited competition, the prizes were awaried as follow:—First prize, to Mr William Paul, Mount Royal, falmerstori; second prize, Mr John Devon, Oamaru ; third prize, Mr £r°™ ?,. Butters» Fiag Swamp; fourth prize, Mr William Todd, Shag Valley . fifth » Mr James Hunter, Shag Valley; sixth prize, Mr Richard Horseman, Shag Valley • seventh, Mr James Hastie, Waikouaiti: Junior prize, —Kinnaman, junior, Flag Swamp. The following extra prizes were also awarded:—For the best finish, Wm. Paul; for the straightest furrow, Wm. Paul.; for the best working plough, Win. Paul; for the easiest going ploughman, Wm. Paul; for the best out and in, Thomas Butters; for the old- st ploughman on the field, Wm. Paul; forthe best groomed horse, Joseph Downie; for the best kept harness in daily use, James Diack; and for the first done, James Diack. It is but right to mention that Mr Paul, whose name appears so often ia the prize list, was awarded the first prize at the last ploughing match for the district, and the: second prize at,the previous one. He was also the successful competitor for the gold medal ant 30 soys, at the match which took placeat Gresn Island on the 14th October, 1564. I may also state that the " turn out" by Joseph Downes, who is ploughman for Mr William Jones, of Goodwood; was the subject of special comment, and the judges had not the least hesitation in awarding him the extra prize. In the evening, the judges and thirty gentlemen sat down to dinner, in the premises lately erected by Mr 81oan upon his lands Mr James, of the Commercial Hotel, Waikouaiti, was pur veyor for the occas on, and furnished satisfactory evidence of his ability iv that capacity. The chair was occupied by Mr D. Millar, and the vice-chair by Mr Matthew ' Todd. The evening was speut pleasantly."