OTAGO AGEICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11441, 5 June 1899, Page 6

OTAGO AGEICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

THE WINTER SHOW. ' RECORD ENTRIES. The entries for the sixth annual winter show closed on Saturday night, and we are pleased to report that they are considerably in excess of the number received last year. On comparing the entries in the different sections it will b^ seen that, with the exception of seeds and hams and bacon, every one shows a large increase. In these two section; the competition is somewhat limited, but we understand, sc far as the ham and bacon classes are concerned, that all our ham; curers in the city have a difficulty in supplying their orders, and the whole of the bacon is. practically sold as : soon as it is ready for delivery. As regards the other section referred to, we are unable to give any reason why these classes should not be well represented. Tho' committee, ' however, have every reason to be satisfied with tha result as a whole, and if'they go on progressing at the, same; rate during the next five years the Agricultural Hall - building will require to be increased to provide double its present accommodation. ; This satisfactory number of entries has been received without taking into consideration the fat stock competition, to be held .in conjunction with this show. There were not a few who predicted that the fat stock show would be a failure,, but when 'the Otago Society take a matter in lhand they ailow, no obstacle to stand in the way of successfully carrying it out".* We are advised that the committee are perfectly satisfied at the support accorded them in; inaugurating their first-fat stock show at this time';Gf the.year, and believe ,that it will.yet"be one of the leading features oi inn -society. The stock to.be exhibited tocai' 383 -head, comprising. 8 head bl cattle, 15 pigs, and 360 sheep. These numbers could have been increased in the cattle classes, but the committee absolutely refused entriesi where the exhibitor, declined to- guarantee the* stock as perfectly quiet? The whole' of the stock will be exhibited in a portion of the late exhibition building, adjoining, but connected with, the hall. There.is no doubt that the fat stock show is causing a considerable amount of interest among those connected with the breeding and preparing of.sheep for export, and the colonies should receive an excellent advertisement when the animals shown arrive at Hotne and are, there, inspected and valued. The'committee deserve, every'credit in offering such a valuable prize for competition, and encouraging breeds to show what can be produced in* midwinter, and,we congratulate the committee/and especially Mr Pattullo, who was the* originator of the fat stock 'show, on' the success so far attained. Tha following table shows the entries received under the principal headings: foi the last ttvo years as compared with the first two years of the winter.show.;, The table is a most int-§resting* one, and shows the: advancement * made in every section:—,"-.-" * : : ;-7 7

1894. 1S95. 1898. 1899. Fat. stock / .. ,. — ' '—■■'■■133 Cheese .... .. 32 59 71 80 Butter .. .. .."66 58 93 122 Bread, scones, etc. .. — 84 103 237 Hams and bacon ..20 38 38 29 Grain — " 70 136 186 Seeds ... ... ... 70 95 126 -108 Roots, etc. ... .,. 54 77 153 206, 242... 481 720' 1101