THE METROPOLITAN SHOW.

Otago Witness, Issue 2385, 23 November 1899, Page 15

THE METROPOLITAN SHOW.

The entries for the Otago A. and P. Society's twenty-third annual summer show practically closed on Saturday night, late- entries being received up to noon to-day. In most of the sections the entries have increased 'as compared with last year._

In some 01 the sheep sections there are - practically no entries, but in both merinos und Rornneys there is keen competition. On going through the entry-book, we find that in tho merino section the following breeders are represented : — Messrs R. M. Turnbull, Watson tShennan, John Johnston, P. A. Watt, John Reid, and Robert Campbell and Sons. The number 'of entries received in this section has ' only once been beaten since the show has been inaugurated — that was in the year 1887. In Romneys, • amongst others, we have Messrs J. B. Logan, Beally Bros., John Reid, W. Bennett, Mrs Miller, and the trustees of the Hon. James Fulton.

Turning to the cattle sections, we find that the Shorthorns 'are represented by the Clydevale estate, Messrs James Gow, D. Andrew, Hobert Grieve, James Forbes, and others. As regards Polled Angus, the Gladbrook estate are the only competitors. It is understood that the animals are an excellent lot. The Ayrshire section is well represented by Messrs P. Ireland, A. Ewing, Thomas Lewis, Mrs K. B. Ferguson, and the Seacliff Asylum.

Draught horses have always been one of Dunedin's strong points, and this year the competition will be exceptionally keen for the coveted honours. The following well-known breeders are well represented: — Messrs James Patrick, W. Gardiner, James Drain, W. Robineon, James A. Cullen, John Cullender, James Gow, Robert Webster, Robert Charters, W. Blakie, Mrs Miller, and many others, and when it is remembered that practically all the animals entered are prize-takers, the judges will iiaye no easy task before them, juefore leaving this section, we regret to notice that two old p.ud prominent exhibitors, who are also members of the committee, are not represented. .Both these gentlemen have prize-takers among xheir stock, and having on many previous occasions been large competitors, it is only fair comment that notice should be taken of iheir entire absence from the list of exhibitors. Carriage, hackney, and light horses are again well represented. The judges will be called upon to make a selection in some instances out of 16 entries. For the jumping and polo contests post entries will be received, and from the numbei of inquiries the secretary has received, it is evident there will be excellent competition. The grand parade of . stock will be ield at 2.30 p.m.; jumping to start at 3 p.m. Arrangements having been made to have four judging rings, starting punctually at 10 ©..m. on the People's Day of the show.

The agricultural machinery and implement feection will again form a highly interesting end attractive feature of the show.

The following tables show the entries received up to Saturday night, as compared with the previous two years, exclusive of dairy produce (which has this year been deleted) and agricultural machinery, implements, etc. (now eaiftlftgued as staad.B};.—

1899. 1898. 1897. Sheep .. .... «, ... 197 .- 120 .. 101 Cattle .. .1 „, .. 117 ... 129 .. 132 Horses .. „. .. „ 272 .. 275 „ 218 Pigs ... *„ ,„ »., *. 35 .. 39 ... 37 ! 629 .. 663 .. 488 Tuesday. Tahtma Park presented quite a busy appear- 1 ance on Monday, a number of men being busily employed putting everything in order for the forthcoming show. | Already a large number of implements have arrived from Christchurch, and quite number of teams -were employed late last night conveying the exhibits to the grounds. The society's annual gathering is growing rapidly into public favour, and, in addition to the large and interesting number of exhibits in all classes of stocks and implements, the jumping contest this year promises to be specially attractive. The committee are determined that nothing shall be wanting on their part to make the show both interesting and attractive. A grand parade of stock will be held on the People's Day of the show, commencing at 2.30 p.m. with shorthorn cattle, and at 3 p.m. the first polo contests will start. The Railway department will run passenger trains, every 20 minutes from 10.20 a.m., and special cars and 'busses will leave Manse street every few minutek.

The park is in excellent order, and t,iven fine weather a large crowd should be attracted to the show grounds on the stcond day of the show, which will be observed ns a half" holiday by all the business houses in the city. We have been requested to state that the 6ales of prize and fat stock will be held on the show grounds a* 3.30 p.m. on Thursday, 23rd, in place of Friday, as stated in the catalogues.

GOOD ENTRIES.

Monday Morning.