OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL EXHIBITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1880, 2 December 1887, Page 6

OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL EXHIBITION.

As full particulars of the exhibition held in Tahuna Park last week are published elsewhere, it is here only necessary to comment on some of the special characteristics which deservedly entitle it to rank as one of the most successful in the history of the society. Although in some of the departments the exhibits were somewhat weaker in numbers, their superior excellence was the conspicuous feature of the show. This is of itself convincing evidence of the progress the society has made and the value of the teachings imparted. On previous occasions, throughout nearly all the classes there was a notable presence of exhibits which could well have been dispensed with. This year breeders and owners of stock, and manufacturers as well, by restricting their entries to those only worthy of display, provided an exhibition which for general excellence has not previously been excelled. On too many occasions formerly frequenters of the show agreed with the common and qualified verdict, "Uniform mediocrity," with here and there exhibits of conspicuous merit. Last week only the hypercritical could have discerned an animal or an article unworthy of a place in the show grounds. This is a decided success, and promises to be of lasting effect, for exhibitors generally \ appear now to be conscious of the futility of sending forward inferior stock or products. While the standard of quality has been materially raised, the welcome improvement deserves consideration from another very satisfactory aspect. It was suggested, and indeed was naturally expected, that the general depression in agricultural and pastoral affairs must seriously lessen the number of exhibitors, and, therefore, temporarily affect the display in the showyard. Ifc is certainly true that the names of many who formerly contributed largely and successfully to the exhibitions are now missed in the catalogues and the prize list, but there is substantial ground for congratulation in the fact that there has been a considerable accession to the ranks of exhibitors in the most important departments. In the catalogue many new names appear, especially in the list of exhibitors of live stock. It is satisfactory to know that a considerable number of animals in the classes for cattle, sheep, and horses were sent forward by farmers who never previously aspired to honours at a metropolitan show. Their successes on the recent occasion will stimulate others to follow the example, for it may be accepted as a fact that rapid improvement has been effected within a few years in the general stock of the country, and that what may be termed the middle class of breeders are yearly becoming more formidable competitors. This augurs well for the future of the society, and coupled with the loyal and unfailing support for years accorded by prominent breeders, will probably influence those who have withdrawn — it may be only temporarily — to speedily resume their positions as exhibitors. It must be admitted that the inducements are not so powerful as they were in the days of fancy prices, but with the return of better times there will be an ever widening demand for purebred animals of the various breeds, and the position attained in the sliowyards by a stud flock or herd will be the standard by which the public will judge. The general arrangements of the showyard were very complete. The marshalling of the horses and cattle for the "rings," thanks to the committee and stewards of classes, was conducted in an orderly and quiet manner and with commendable despatch, though frequently impeded by irregularities which may easily be remedied on future occasions. There was, notwithstanding, no rushing to and fro, no shouting, no- bustle or confusion. The shorthorns, though comparatively few in number, were an interesting class, and as in ali the sections competition was close, they occupied the judges' attention for some time. The polled Angus cattle— all high class—were more rapidly disposed of, and certainly the New Zealand and Australian Land Company deserve the thanks of the association for the annual entries of this valuable and attractive breed of cattle. The Ayrshires mustered famously, and well sustained the high character claimed for them in Otago —the New Zealand home of the breed.

During the whole of the first day the ring was saiToanded by a throng of onlookers absorbed in the proceedings within. Honours were about evenly divided, and* the question of who would win as the largest prizetaker was eagerly discussed. After a close contest, Messrs M'Farlane won, but had Mr Cowan's first prize yearling bull at Oamaru not .met with an accident which prevented his being shown, matters might have been reversed. The Alderneys shown were in better form than usual, but few in number. The show of fat cattle was quite up to the average, but requires no special comment, as many of the animals have been already distinguished at shows of the season. There was a grand display of sheep, and it was evident that this prominent feature of the show is now more widely appreciated than formerly. Farmers from remote localities were among the successful exhibitors, and it was a matter of general regret that existing obstacles interfere with the exhibition in the other colonies of selections from New Zealand /locks. On no previous occasion was the quality of the sheep so uniformly high, or the indications of rapid progress made in the improvement of the various breeds so decisive. On the second day the draught horses first monopolised attention, but as they are discussed exhaustively in another column it is only desirable here to express surprise at the paucity of entries in the section foryearI ling colts, notwithstanding the chance of a prize in the Sires' Produce Stakes. It may be further stated that some of the yearlings in both sections were in anything but showyard form, and the fact would appear to warrant the conclusion that Otago farmers do not regard liberal treatment of their very young horses as at all necessary. In another section, that for " mares in foal or with foal at foot," a much larger number of entries might be secured in the future were a prize or prizes offered for the best foals, irrespective of the merits of the dams. Admitting that at date of the show the foals are young, and. consequently breeders hesitate to risk them in a showyard, still there would be slight trouble involved in providing safe accommodation for a very interesting section of exhibits.

The awards in the section for thorough' bred stallions evoked considerable criticism, and much was said about the merits of the progeny. It is worthy of note, and the observation applies also to draughts— that the merits of the mares are ignored by many self-sufficient judges, as if the qualities of the dam exercised no potent influence. In the sections for hunters, hackneys, and light horses generally the entries were numerous and, on the whole, of excellent quality. Needless to say, this department monopolised, as it always has done, the attention of the public during the adjudications on the afternoon of the second day. The better accommodation provided for the exhibits of dairy and other produce was much appreciated by visitors and exhibitors. The necessity for further enlargement was, however, very obvious, for during the greater portion of the day the building was so inconveniently thronged that it was nearly impossible to approach reasonably near the goods displayed.

As in all other departmonts.the implements and machinery exhibited were unusually select. The manufacturers, with the knowledge of the excessive wear and tear to which implements and machines are subject in this pare of the colony, have consequently regarded strength of construction and quality of material as primary objects. One novelty shown — the "cream separator" — was closely watched while at work, and will doubtless command ready, sale.

The readiness with which the committee take notice of suggestions likely to be of service to the society encourages us to submit for their consideration the necessity for some alteration in the system of' judging. Criticism of awards is desirable, and need not be offensive, but it is rapidly assuming a very unscrupulous form. All manner of charges of deliberate partiality on the part of judges, stewards, and committee are freely circulated, and, as visitors to the grounds well know, too widely believed in, notwithstanding the efforts made by the society to secure gentlemen of known judgment and integrity to make the awards. It was thought that when the proceedings during the adjudications were conducted publicly no grounds would be left for reckless accusations, but the anticipations have not been fulfilled, and the nuisance was insufferable at the late show. Accusers arc ever ready to give reasons for their remarks— one very frequently advanced is that the judges know the stock and will favour the owner. Now it is undeniable that judges who are invariably frequenters of shows must very well know all the notable animals that have been often exhibited — generally can recognise the men in charge as well, — and are, therefore, as well apprised of ownership as if the catalogues were in their hands. Were it generally known in a showyard that the judges would state in writing the reasons for their decisions, they would escape much obloquy, and the proceedings would prove infinitely more instructive. For example, in some of the sections for Ayrshire cattle, and in several of those for the different breeds of torses, much, which to many appeared inexplicable, would have been explained by short reports, the public would have been instructed, and the decisions vindicated. I' does not necessarily follow that a much larger number of judges would be required) because of the time occupied in writing their comments. In some of the classes on both days of the show there was an obvious necessity for a division of labour, and to meet this and the requirement suggested, two judges to act would be sufficient instead of three, and a class steward could write to their dictation.

" The Doctor is Always ik the House. _pp ii i * is an old saying, aa often repeated in Greater Bmmu as in the Mother Country. Haply, like many other.'aphorUma it has a double signification, traceable to an invention of Mr Kiehard F reem ? D 'A" well-known Pharmaceutical Chemist of KenmngWD. London.' In 1844 Mr Freeman invented Chlorodyne , it is now in New Zealand regarded as a P™«e«» curative medicine for the cure of all diseases mere. It is something for the New Zealander when > « M »s on London Bridge to say, " I remember the oio Colonists used to tell me, Freeman's Onmnaiuuo rodyne gave confidence to all because the JJocwr (meaning Freeman's Chlorodyne) was alwaya in ww house." Insist upon having " Freeman a owy. Trade mark, an Elephant. — Sold everywhere. Obtainable from all chemists and storekeepers,