SHEEP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2179, 28 November 1895, Page 34

SHEEP.

There was B gain a slight falling off in the total number of sheep entered, the total being 114/ as against 120 for last year and 139 for the year before. Still, the competition was throughout as good, and in some classes better, than ' formerly ; while, notably in one class (Shropshire Downa) where there was no competition, the excellence of the exhibits was such that it is difficult to S3e how successful competition would have. b°ea possible. The sheep exhibited wera of the best quality — perfect types of the blackfaoe — and in the fiaeet condition for exhibition. Of course, the absence of competition in this and other classes is regrettable, but still more good must be accomplished by showing first-class animals than by any amount of competition amongst inferior specimens. In other classes also there was very restricted competition ; but the same remark applies and with equal force. There has been no depreciation in the quality of the sheep stock exhibited, but rather a steady and constant improvement, so that though the number of exhibitors does not increase as it should do, tha annual show cannot be regarded as otherwise than eminently successful. It is the opinion of thoroughly competent judgss that the sheep shown at Tahuna Park are such as would do credit to any show ground, and prove that a- high standard of excellance is maintained by breeders. The disappearance from the catalogue and grounds of merinos — probably the most beautiful, and once among the most valuable of sheep — is matter for regret. The section is maintained in the catalogue, but is entirely vacant, there not being a single entry. As the breeding of these sheep was carried on with such success, it is a pity that some such capital specimens as once were shown by the score are not now entered for exhibition. Of course the lawa of trade, lik« those of desbiny, are inexorable, and no doubt those practically concerned in sheep-raising know what is best, but the entire absence of what was fondly regarded as the sheep of Obago still causes some astonishment and disappointment. Changes in fashion may cause the renewed importance and the reappearance of merinos, but in any event the cheep shown in the other sections are so good as to make the exhibition of sheep a marked success. BORDER LEICESTER 3. The Border Leicesters were not only good as a class, but were tolerably numerous, and there was strong competition. Mr Reid, of Elderslie, did not show, but there were three competitors in nearly every class. Generally the Leicesters were of excellent quality, and the competition, in several of the classes was keen. la class 11 (ram, four-tooth and over) the Hon. M. Holmes had three out of five entries, and carried away first and second awards and the championship ticket, Messrs Little Bros', exhibit being placed third. The champion ram (No. 4on catalogue) is a sheep of splendid constitution and fine quality, well covered with a dense fleace. The second priza sheep (5) is very similar, but somewhat smaller, and the third prize animal (2), Messrs Little Bros. Percival, sira Onslow, bred by exhibitor, is also a fine Leicester ram, quite worthy of the company in which he was shown. Messrs M'Kercher Bros, also had a good entry. Class 12 (ram, two-tooth or under) had also fi>e entries by the same competitors. The Hon. M. Holmes again won the red ticket with a fine ram hogget (10), bred by exhibitor, of fins symmetry, snd with a heavy fljece showing remarkable length of staple. Messrs Little Bro3. toak second and third prizes with two very fino hoggets (8 and 9), of prime quality, but not carrying so much wool. Class 13 (two ram hoggeta). Here the position oi the competitors is changed. Messrs Little Bros, come first with a fine pair-(13), lambed in September; sire Polwarth, g sire Aaron — good match, strong in constitution, with fine heads, and carrying a great quantity of wool. The Hon. M. Holmes was a close second, and Messrs M'Kercher Bros, third with two very good sheep. The next class (14, ewe, four-tooth.

with lamb at foot), was also well contested. Messrs Little Bros, again took first priza with (16) a grand, well-woolled ewe, of gre*t siza and fine symmetry, bred by Mr R. Grieve. The same competitors won the second priza in this cla^s with a sheop alimsb equally good, and Messrs M'Kercher Bros, were third, tuid a vory fine entry by the Hon. M. Holmes was not placed. In clas* 15 (two ewes, four-tooth and over, with lambs) there were only two entries, both very good, leaving little to choose between them. Probably a little moire quality was shown in the wool of the sheep shown by Messrs Little Bros, and they were placed first, but there was no difficulty in awarding, even in the absence of competition, the sepond prize for Messrs M'Korcher Bros.' cxhibio. Class 16 (ewe, two- tooth or under) comprised the best ewe hoggets ever sho wu at Tahuna Park. Mr Hoi dqob's eniry (25), first and champion, was in all lvspeots admirable, showing a magnificent growth of wool and all the points necessary tj secure championship in a strong section. The second and third prizes (24 and 23) were won by Messrs Little Bros, for remarkably good sheop, and the Hon. M. Holmes also secured a certificate of commendation. In this dais there were six entries. Class 17, two ewes, two-tooth or under. The Hon. M. Holmes here again took first priza, with Messrs -Little Bros, second, and Messrs M'Kercher Bros, third, all the (x">:bit3 showing good quality and the compLtitiou being satisfactorily clcso. Class 18 should have consisted of 10 flock rams under 18 months, but there was only one entry, and this was a pen of nine by Messrs 11. Campbell and Sons. Notwithstanding the quality of the sheep, the judge 3 under the circumstances considered that a prize should not be given, and so only awarded a highly commended certificate. In Leicester*, as will be eeen from the foregoing, both championship certificates were gained by the' Hon. M. Holtne3, whose exhibits for years past have done so much towards establishing the character of the Obago show and of setting up a high standard of quality.