THE RAM FAIR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3029, 3 April 1912, Page 20

THE RAM FAIR.

THE OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY'S FIXTURE.

The stipulation made by the Otago A. nn<l P. Association that only those sheep which had boon registered in the NewZealand Flock Book, and catalogued by the society, would be permitted in tho ram fair had the effect of eliminating a very bad tail-end and considerably raising the character of the entry made. That there is abundance of room for improvement in many of the flock< was also quite manifest. If some of the sheep sent forward can be regarded as typical specimens oi the Hocks they came from, some more active supervision is required by the breed societies than prevails at present. The time limit fixed by the association was a decided improvement, and heiped to shorten ilie proceedings materially. The breedir-jf of many of the pens was good, but most t>f them gave evidence of the season experienced, and their condition detracted somewhat from the appearance they should ha\-e made. In' previous years there were lots

of nondescript pens, but this class has been wiped out by the regulations made this year, and many entries were refused because they could not comply with the registration by-law. Last year there were over 700 entries in Border Leicesters; this year the number was reduced to one-third of that, and they nearly doubled their price, flock rams making up to three and three-quarter guineas. The entry in Romney Marsh sheep was large, and a number of very fine sheep were exhibited, and most of them brought from three and three-quarter to four guineas. Stud Border Leicasters realised from eight, to 20 guineas, and stud Romneys from 10 to 15 guineas. A draft of excellent Corricdales was sent in by Mr Leonard White. Rakaia, and realised three and aquarter guineas, and Mr David Murray's and Mr W. P. Reid's Shropshires realised from three and a-quarter to three and three-quarter guineas. Border Leicesters and Romney Marsh sheep were sent in by all the best breeders in Otago; but the consignments of the Messrs Reid, of Elderslie, and Murdoch, of Riversdale, were conspicuous by their absence.