WAIWERA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2856, 9 December 1908, Page 39

WAIWERA.

! December 5. — After tha -election, came the chowe. The general results are now pretty genrally known. So fat ac our own district is dirctly concerned, I don't, think there were a great many exhibits at either show. The Clinton stud farms, however, came out well, as usual. Being -anxious more particularly to ©cc some of the best horses and sheep shown together, I quite anticipated there would be a good muster of the best at Gore. I stretched a point -and took the trip thither to see for myself which "I considered ne best from my own. humbie standpoint. On arriving there I was greatly disappointed at finding- so few of the best Ot»go horses, particularly in the draught section. However, one from these parte could nob help being pleased at the splendid animals shown" by the Messrs M-Kenzie and Irving, of Popotunoa and Clinton. The interest taken in the draught horse exhibits was remarkable, and the various and sometimes-excited comments were really amusing, each and all,^ of course, claiming to be right, often ignoring altogether thY decision of tEe judges. From what I could gather casually the difference was as to the type of horse that could claim the award — the co-called new type of Clydesdale, as I understand they claim them to be, and the old style or type. 1 certainly think there should be some definite rule to judge by, especially as the type of horse now generally shown in this class is very different from the old Emperor and such like- horses of the past. The sfoeep I should say were a- grand lot, some remarkably fine animals being shown of each breed. Some of the Border Leieesters, tc my mind, however, showed decided coarseness in wool, almost leading one to suggest a dash of the Lincoln. This .may be my mistake. Seeing so many splendid sheep of the- various breeds, one is left in the mist, so to speak, as to which is really the best kind for ur in these parte to follow for the best results, so much do they vary in size, wool, etc. For myself I have decided to give the English Leicester a trial, seeing the demand for mediumsized sheep for the Home market. They are certainly prolific sheep with good wool. The day at the show was most enjoyable, and very much might be said in its favour. From what I can gather some of our young farmers on the north side of the river will in future turn their attention more to breeding first-class stock. More> may be heard of this at future shows. Success to their endeavours, cay I.

The Weather. — Although we have had a gcod deal of dry ueathsr and winds, ate, our district ou toe whole looks remarkably well. I notice in various places very good crops indeed. Given fair weather from now on, I believe the crop? will be above the avei-age for the district. At present the weather is dull and threatening. A little rain would be acceptable in plaeas, although there is not by any means anything like a. drought.

Prices. — Shearing is being pushed on with all possible speed, the clips being good in most ca*es. It is to be hoped we may yet get fair prices for the wool. The sudden drop in most farm produce all at the same time damped our spirits for a time. Still, it takes a lot to settle the farmer altogether. It is to be hoped' the Government will endeavour to help us farmers through depressed times by finding new outlets for our produce and such like, and not be always screwing- us down with new fads -and intimidations, makisg our very lives burdens, and in many^s^ases damping our courage. Monday Morning. — There is quite a change in the weather. Cold showers are the rule at present.