THE SOUTHLAND SHOW.

Otago Witness, Volume 14, Issue 2648, 14 December 1904, Page 48

THE SOUTHLAND SHOW.

A RECORD EXHIBITION.

(Br Our Special Reporter.)

President Mi. James Fleming; vice-presi-dent, Mr R. A. Anderson; committee — Messrs John Batger, Eobert Cupples, James Drain, William Forrester, John G-ilkison, John G-rant, Colin Gray, Eobert Grieve, A. F. Hawke, Jame Holms, J. C. Irving, James King, C. Lawrence, J. A. Mitchell, H. M'Call, John M'Crostie, John M'Kercher, William Eankin, William Swale, John 'Xhonison, Geo. Young; secretary, Mr E. F. Cuthbertson.

INVEPvOABGILL, December 13.

The Southland Metropolitan. Agricultural and Pastoral Association opened its thirtyeighth annual show of live stock, implements, etc., at the show grounds, In-»ercar-gill, this afternoon. Unfortunately, the weather of late has been wet a-nd cold, and to-day several very heavy showers fell, consequently the grounds were not in the best oondition. The attendance was very fair for the first day, buti it was chiefly confined to breeders, and exhibitors.

The competition in the shesp section is very keen, and the sheep classes generally are the feature of the show so far. The exhibition, all through the classes on show to-day, is easily equal to any previous show here, and in the opmion of many it is the superior in point ofthe- quality of the exhibits. The following is a comparison of the entries for 1903 and 1904- : —

It will thus be seen that there is a very satisfactory total increase, and each section, with the exception of cattle and pigs, shows a better entry list, and particularly so in horses and produce. The show of horses will be a record one, and it is anticipated some fine rings of draughts will be forward to-morrow. To-day's exhibition was undoubtedly the finest Southland has ever known for sheep, and it is doubtful if, in point of quality, a better lot of cattle has been shown here.

In comparison with the northern shows, tihe sheep section does not lose any points, and, indeed, one could scarcely desire to meet with a better lot of English and Border Leicesters and Rcgnneys. Linoolns are not very strong as far as competition or numerical strength is concerned, but Shropshires are rather better. There was only one entry in Soufchdowns, and none in Hampshire Downs or xaerinos. A few Cheviots are forward, and there is a. grand show of fab sheep and crossbreds, but the latter are not numerous. Th© strength of the sheep section undoubtedly lay with the Border Leicesters, and the keenest interest centred around those classes, for the competition was very keen, and several old breeders and consistent prize-takers have to be content bhia time wich a back seat. The judges' decisions in some of the classes wero not received without question by several breeders, but, after all, no two men see exactly eye to eye when judging stock, and unplaced exhibitors must allow a little on the give-and-take principle. Altogether, the Border Leic^sters comprised 55 entries, and this is ibelieved to be amongst tho largest shows of Borders in New Zealand. The Castlerock exhibitor, Mr T. L. Barn-hill, scoi-ed the firsfc awards in the aged and 18 months rams, and also the championship. The champion ram was the first-prize animal in the a^ed class, and he looks like one of Little Bros.', of Ngapara, breeding. He is noticeable for a grand frame, with splendid fleece, of great staple, and aJfcoge-t-her a sheep of excellent substance, though the mouth is » trifle overshot, or " pig-mouth," as it is generally termed. Mr David Murray, of Warepa, comes second in aged rams with! a splendid sheep, of good frame, well clad, and with splendid length of staple, bred by Mr N. M. Orbell, of Temuka. This animal has been very successful at northern shows. T<ba third award meat to Ma £. M'Crcstia*

for a good animal of his own breeding. It ] was in this class chiefly that the judge's deoi- ' Bion was questioned. The class for rams over 18 and under 30 months induced fine competition between six grand sheep. As stated, the first award went to Mr Barnhill for one of the Castlerock sheep, an animal with lieavy fleeoa, well clad, and a fair size. This Bheep dethroned one of the M'Kercher Bros.' famous breding, a beautiful animal with a splendid fleece that was well thought of toy breeders on the grounds. Mr" Barnhill also se-cur-ed the second award, and the third fell to Mr J. M'Crostie. In two-tooth rams, the Castlerock exhibitor had to give way to the veteran of Warepa, Mr D. Murray, who showed a fine little ram wtih splendid flecee and well-sprung rib, one of the Ngapara sheep bred by Little Bros. In the class for two-tooth pairs, Mr Bamhill again scored the honours, with Mr Murray second, and M'Kercher Bros third. Mr Barnhill's were a nice even pair of hoggets, of good size and good constitution, not perhaps so stylish outside, but still very good sheep. For four-tooth ewes with lamb at foot, Mr G. P. Johnston (of Waikaka Valley), who was- so successful at the Gore show, scored the first prize, with Mr J. M'Crostie and Mr R. Grieve closely following. The first ewe was particularly well out, and of great size and substance. Mr Barnhill was to the fore in the pair of four-tooth ewes and the 18 month ewe classes, but had to give way in the twotooths to Mr G. P. Johnston, Mir M'Crostie, M'Kercher Bros., and Mr R. Grieve (Waianiwa). Altogether, Mr Barnhill is to be highly congratulated on his successes over the veteran exhibitors. Taken altogether, the sheep were in good show condition, but— the wool was wanting in lustre owing to the_ adveree weather conditions. In English Leicesters, the championship for rams was awarded to a young ram shown by Mr W. J. Johnston (of Waikaka), the judge preferring it to the - aged animals. It was noticeable for a first-class head and neck and very ' good fleoe, but -was not so well developed otherwise. The first award in the aged ram class went to Mr J. M'Crostie for a very good ram of great substance and true English Leicester breedmg. Messrs M'Kercher Bros, were to the fore in the two-tooth ram classes, but Mr A. Browning scored in the pairs. Mr W. J. Johnston had it practically his own way in the ewe classes. In the Romney Marsh sections the ram championship also went to s young animal, one shown by Mr T. L. Barnhill, which beat the aged class. The champion is a fourtooth ram, a particularly nice animal, with even fleece and. of a particularly good type. The first prize aged ram, shown by Mr W. Rankin (of Mataura), was bred by Messrs G. and T. Miller (of Maungatua). This j ram was champion at Gore, and is an ' animal of great frame and very nicely woolled. In two-tooth rams, Mr Barnhill again scored, and, indsed, he had it all his own way in the two-tooth rams and f ourtooth ewes. Mr W. J. Johnston had an easy thing for two-tooth ewes. Lineolns ■were chiefly confined tc Mr J. B. Sutton (Thornbury) and Mr G. Sutton, and they exhibited some of their well-known beautiful shsep. The Shropshires were .ood all through, and Mr X. Evans and Mr J. S. Grieve were consistent prize-takers. The oroesbred sheep were good and the fat sheep were a splendid class.

There was not such keen competition in the cattle classes, and the decisions in the Ayrshire classes were never very much in doubt. In .polled Angus the champion prize went to a two-year animal shown by Mr W. Officer. 'This animal was by Record JEteign out of Erime, and was bred by the exhibitor. There was one aged bull forward — Mr W. H. Thomas's Monarch 11, "by Monarch, bred by Messrs Officer Bros., of Fairfax. — a very gcod bull, but the younger animal beat him, showing better breeding and better quality generally. Mr James Holms showed the bulls Field Marshal. Mentor, and Silver King in the Hereford class, and these were the only entries, but it is doubtful if finer specimens of the breed could be found in the colony. The yearling and two-year-old shorthorns formed splendid rings, and Mr G. Anderson's champion cow Diaua, by Earl of Oxford, was one of th& best specimens of the breed seen in show rings this year, and she has taken three championships. The first yearling bull, Known by Mr J. Beck, and named Duke of Devonshire, by Earl of Wyndham, bred by Mr A. Beaven, met with considerable favour from the judge. The champion bull was one shown by Mr D. Murray, of Warepa, ar=d bred by Mr John Deans, of Hiccarton. The- second prize aged bull, Mr A. Beaven'e Earl of Wyndham "V, by Earl of Oxford, had the bast bodj% but was gone in the legs, and had it not been for that lie would have received the championship. Mr A. Beaven's Duke of Devondale (1581) was awarded first in the two-year-old class against Mr H. Carswell's Beaulieu Duke CXX (XE6O), by Beaulieu Duke XC (1257). There was splendid competition all through the shorthorn classes. In Ayrshires pome •very fine specimens were shown, and the true type of Ayrshire was much in evidence. Mr W. Rankin, of Wallacetown, a very old and well-known breeder, secured 'nearly all the first awards, and also the two championships. The champion. buH was Burnhouse's Prince John (imp.), bred by Mr W. Howie, of Scotland. The champion cow was Sunbeam, by Marquis of Ayrshire Part, bred by the exhibitor. She is a much stronger cow than the one that used to be the champion^ and is quite as well made, with fine neck and head.

The horses and dairy produce will be judged to-morrow, when, if the weather is favourable, a record gate is anticipated. The following is the prize list: —

SHEEP. Boeder Leice3tees. Judge: Mr Thomas Reid (Ngapara).

Ram, four-tooth or over. Seven entries — T. li. Barnhill 1, D. Murray 2, J. M'Crostie 3. Eem, over 18 a-nd under 30 months. Six entries — T. L. Barnhill 1 and 2, J. M'Crostie 3. Earn, two-tcoth or under. Seven entries — D. Murray 1, T. L. Barnhill 2, J. M'Crostie 3.

Pair two-tooth rams. Seven entries — T. L. Barnhill 1, D. Murray 2, M'Kercher Bros. 3.

Ewe, four-tooth or over, with lamb at foot. Seven entries — G. P. Johnston 1, J. M'Crostie % R. Grieve 3. ' Pen of two ewes, four-tooth or over, with lambs at foot. ' Four entries — T. L. Barnhill 1, R. Grieve 2, M'Kercher Bros. 3. Ewe, over 18 and under 30 months, with lamb af foot. Five entries — T. L. Barnhiil 1 and 2, R. Grieve 3. Ewe, two-tooth or under. Seven entries — G. P." Johnston 1, R. Grieve 2, J. M'Crostie 3. Pen of two ewes, two-tooth or under. Five entries — G. P. Johnston 1, J. M'Crostie 2, i£'Kercher Bros. 3. Champion ram — T. L. Ba-rnhill. eiuunaioa ewe— Gr. P. Johnston,,

English Leicesters. Judge: Mr P. Murray (Warepa). Ram, four-tooth or* over. Five entries — J M'Crostie 1, D. Cameron 2, A. Browning 3.

Ram, ovei 18 and under 30 months. Two entries — W. J. Johnston 1, A. Browning 2.

Ram, two-tootb or under. Two entries — M'Kerchei Bros. 1. J. M'Crostie 2, A. Browning 3.

Pair of two-tooth rams. Four entries — A, Browning 1 and 2, M'Kercher Bros. 3.

Ewe, four-tooth or over, with lamb at foot, Two entries — W. J. Johnston 1, R. Grieve 2.

Pen of two ewes, four-tooth or over, with lambs at foot. Two entries — W. J. Johnston 1, R. Grieve 2. Ewe, two-tooth oi under. Two entries — W. J. Johnston 1 and 2.

Pen of two ewes, two-tooth or under. Two entries — W. J. Johnston 1 and 2. Champion ram — W. J. Johnston. Champion ewe— W. J. Johnston. ROMNEY M.VRSH. Judge: Mr Donald Manson (Ontram). Ram, tour-tooth or over. Two entries — W. Rankin 1, R. M'Kenzie 2.

Ram, over 18 and under 30 months. Four entries— T. L. Barnhill 1, R. M'Kenzie 2, W. C. Ladbrook 3.

Ram, two-tooth or under. Four entries — T. L. Barnhill 1 and 2, R. M'Kenzie 3. Pair of two-tooth ranis. Three entries — T. L. Barnhill 1, R. M'Kenzie 2, W. J. Johnston 3. Ewe, four-tooth or over, with lamb at foot. Four entries— T. L. Barnhill 1, W. J. Johnston 2 and 3. Pen of two ewes, four-tooth or over, with lambs at foot. Twc entries — W. J. Johnston 1, R. M'Kenzie 2. Ewe, over 18 and under 30 months, with lamb at foot. One entry — R. M'Kenzie 1. Ewe, two-tooth or under. Four entries — W. J. Johnston 1 and 2, T. L. Barnhill 3. Pen of two ewes, two-tooth or under. Three entries — W. J. Johnston 1 and 2, R. M'Kenzie 3. Champion ram and ewe — T. L. Barnhill. Lincolns. Judge : Mr John Davidson (Kurow). Ram, four-tooth or over. Four entries — J. B. Sutton 1 and 2, G. Sutton 3. Ram, over IS and under 30 months. Two entries — J. B. Sutton land 2. Ram, two-tooth or under. One entry — G. P. Johnston 1. Ewe, four-tooth or over, with lamb at foot. Four entries — J. B. Sutton 1 and 2, G. Sutton 3. Pen of two ewes, four-tooth or over, with lambs at foot. One entry — J. B. Sutton. Ewe, over 18 and under SO months, with lamb at foot. One entry — G. P. Johnston 1. Ewe, two-tooth or under. Two entries — G. Sutton 1 and 2. Pen of two ewes, two-tooth or under. One entry — G. Sutton 1. Champion ram and ewe — J. B. Sutton. Shropshire Downs. Judge: Mr Arthur Edwards (.Xgapara). Earn, four-tooth or over. Two entries — T. Evans 1, J. S. Grieve 2. Ram, two-tooth or under. Four entries — T. Evans 1, J. S. Grieve 2 and 3. Pair of two-tooth rams. Three entries — T. Evans 1, J. S. Grieve 2, H. M'Coll 3. Ewe, four-tooth or over, with lamb at foot. Four entries — J. S. Grie\-e 1 and 2, T. Evans 3. Pen of two ewes, foxir-tooth or over, with lambs at foot. Two entries — J. S. Grieve 1, T. Evans 2. Ewe, two-tooth. Five entries — J. S. Grieve 1 and 2, H. M'Call 3. Pen of two ewes, two-tooth or under. Four entries— T. Evans 1, J. S. Grieve 2, H. M'Call 3. Champion ram — T. Evans. Champion cive — J. S. Grieve. SOUTHDOWNS. Judge: Mr A. Edwards (Xgapara). Ram, four-tooth or'oVer. One entry — W. S. Fleming 1. Cheviots. Judge : Mr David Murray (Warepa). Ram," iour-tooth or over. Three entries — R. Watson 1, T. L. Barnhiil 2 and 3. Rani, two-tooth or under. Three entries — R. Watson 1, T. L. Barnhill 2 and 3. Ewe, four-tooth or over, with, lamb at foot. Three entries— T. L. Barnhill 1 and 3, R. Watson 2. Pen of two ewes, four-tooth or over, with lambs at foot. Two entries — T. L. Barnhill 1, R Watson 2. Ewe, two-tooth or under. Four entries — T. L. Barnhill 1 and 3, R. Watson 2. Pen of two owes, two-tooth or under. Two entries— R. Watson 1, T. L. Barnhill 2. Champion ram — R. Watson. Champion ewe — T. L. Barnhill. Ckossbreds. Judge: Mr Arthur Edwards CXgapara). Pen of five two-tooth crossbred ewes. Six entries — W. Ferguson 1 and 3, W. S. Fleming 2. Pen of five crossbred wether hoggets, under 15 months. Four entries— W. S. Fleming 1, J. Tough 2, C. Cooper 3. Pen of five halfbred ewe hoggets, by any longwool ram from merino ewes. One entry — J. Tough 1. Fat Skbep. Judge : Mr A. Douglas (Oamaru). Pen of wethers, not less than five. Seven entries — J. Tough 1 and 3. 3. S. Fleming 2. Pen of five two-tooth wethers. Six entries — Y/. S. Fleming 1, W. S. Taylor 2. Pen of five fat lamb.=, for butchers' purposes. Seven entries — James Brown 1, H. M'Call 2, W Macara 3. Pen of 10 wethers, most suitable for the fiozen meat trade. Two entries — W. S. Fleming 1. Pen of 10 crossbred wethers, two-tooth, suitable for the frozen meat trade. Two entiies — W. S. Fleming 1. Pen of five crossbred wethers, suitable for frozen meat trade, by Southdown, Shropshire, or .Leicester rams. Five entries — W. S. Fleming 1, W. L. Taylor 2 and 3. Pen of 10 fat lambs, most suitable for freezing. Four entries— H. M'Call 1, P. Campbell 2, W. S. Fleming 3. Pen of five fat lambs, most suitable for frozen meat trade. Eight entries — H. M'Call 1, W. S. Fleming 2, W. L. Taylor 3, W. Ferguson c. CATTLE. Shohthorns. Judge: Mr Wm. Souter (Flag Swamp). Bull, three years old and upwards. Twc entries — D. Murray 1, A. Beaven 2. Bull, two years old. Three entries— A. Beaven 1, D. Murray 2 H. Carswell 3. Bull, yearling. Five entiies — J. Beck 1, G. Anderson 2, A. Beaven 3. Cow, in milk. One entry — D. Murray 1. Cow, dry. Four entries — G. Arderson 1, J K. B. D. Allison 2, H. Carsweil 3.

Heifer, three years old. Five entries — A. Beaven 1 and 2, D. Murray 3. Heifer, two years old. Five entries — -li. Carsv»-ell 1, B. Seth-Smith -2, A. Beaven 3. Heifer, yearling. Five entries — B. SethSiuith 1, G. Anderson 2. D. Murray 3. Champion bull — D. Murray. Chpnipion cow or heifer — G. Anderson.

llkkcforbs. Judge : ill- W. Souter (Flag Swamp), Bull, three years old and upwards, entries — Jas. Ilclines 1 aiid 2.

Bull, two years old. One entiy — Jas. Holms

Champion bull — Jamas H".'m='» Alenior.

Polled Angus. Judge : Mr W. Souter (Flag Swamp). Bull, three years old and upwards. One entry — W. H. 'ihonias 1. Bull, two yeais old. Or. entry — W. Officer 1. Cow, in milk. One entry — W. Offioei 1. Champion bull and oow — W. Officer. Ayrshires. Judge: Mr Robert Blair (Fortrose). Bull, three years old and upwards. Three entries— W. Rankin 1, D. E. Rout 2, D.^M'Callurn 3. Bull, two years old. Three entries — J. Campbell 1, W. Rankin 2, D. M'Callurn 3. Bull, one year old. Three entries — W. Rankin 1, R. Meek 2, D. M'Callum 3. Cow, in milk. Seveii entries — W. Rankiu 1 and 2, Jaraes Gait 3. Cow, apparently in calf, not in milk. Five entries — W. Rankin 1 and 2, James Gait 3. Cow and two of her progeny. Four entries — W. Rankin 1 and 2, James <Galt 3. Pair of cows, property of one owner, thro® years old and upwards. Pour entries — W. Rankin 1 and 2, James Gait 3. Heifer, three years old, in calf. Two entries—W. Rankiu 1. Heifer,, three years old, in milk. Three entries — W. Rankin 1 and 2, John Campbell 3. Heifer, twoyeais old, in milk. Two entries — D. M'Callum 1, W. Rankin 2. * Heifer, two years old, dry. Four entries — W. Rankin 1 and 2, D. M'Callum 3. Heifer, ono year old. Five entries — J. Gait 1, W. Rankin 2 and 3. Champion bull — W. Kankin. Champion cow or heifer — W. Rankin. Jersey or Alderneys. Judge: Mr W. K. Blair (Fortrose). Bull, three years old and upwards. One entry — A. Small 3. Cow, in rniik. Two entries — Fleming and Co. 1 and 2. Champion Cow — Fleming and Co. Crossbreds and Milkers. Judges: Messrs "William Souter and Robert Blair. Cow, in milk, best adapted for dairy purposes. Five entries — James Gait 1 and 2, Mrs A. Browji 3. Cow, idiy, best adapted for dairy purposes. One entry — D. M'Callum 1. Heifer, two years old. One entiy — D. M'Callum 1. Heifer, one year old. One entry — John Campbell 1. • Cottar's cow, in calf or milk any breed . Four entries — J. Mitchell 1, John Campbell 2, H. M'Kenzie 3. Cow, or heifer, in milk, any breed, showing best milking qualities. Seven entries — James Gait 1, W. Rankin 2, R. Meek 3. Fa.t Stock. Judge: Mr Thomas Paterson, (Hokonui). Fat bullock, three years old/ and upwards. One entry — G. Anderson 1. Pen of two fat steers, not over two years eld. Two entries — J. L. Gilkison 1 and 2. SHEEP DOGS. Judge: Mr Thomas Reid (Ngapara). Roiigh collie dog. Nine entries — W. Roxburgh 1, Thomas Ryder 2, J. Welsh certificate. liough collie slut. Two entries — W. Rcxburgh 1. Smooth collie dog. Five entries — W. Roxburgh 1, A. Biowning 2, D. Dun certificate. Smcoth collie slut. One entry— W. Christie 1. Beardy collie dog. Five entries — "W. Christie 1, YV. Macara 2, J. S. Grieve certificate.

iheep .. Jattle [orses •• 'rocluce ?igs )ogs J.-JUO. 201 144 240 49 22 11 216 106 312 91 12 22 T^fnio TSQ