THE SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW.

Otago Witness, Issue 3031, 17 April 1912, Page 20

THE SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW.

Ihe Sydney Show Carnival of eight dlaya commenced on Tuesday, 2nd inst. A cool change set in over night (writes -Bendleby," in the Australasian), and was much appreciated after the muggy conditions which previously obtained. Unfortuntely the change brought along rain, which continued to fail steadily during the forenoon, making the business of judging in the various open rings uncomfortable work for all concerned. Single judging was again adlhered to, and seemingly very few mistakes have been, so far, made, The society has spent £22,000 on permanent improvements, building accommodation, and the like, during the past 12 months, the facilities thereby afforded being speciallv appreciated by horse and cattle exhibitors. As compared with previous years, marked improvement was to be noted in the number and strength of the shorthorn classes, and the whole dairy section, especially the Jersey classes. In the draught horses, both sexes, and in the Welsh cob and pony classes, the list of exhibits forms the finest collection of produce from various parts of the Stato yet seen here, and as an advertisement of the State's afrraoultural resources could not be improved upon." Much the same remark applies to the instructive collection of exhibits staged by tine Department of Agriculture. The collection of sheep was, save in one where quality made up for lack of competitors, very disappointing. Competition among the shorthorn classes,. more especially among the young stock, was decidedly keen. In the Hereford olasses Mr Frank Reynolds, of Tooal, practically swept the board, securing both championships. Competition was not as good as it had been in the past, but the quality was of a high order. The great preponderance of Mr Reynolds's imported bull made itself very generally felt. The dairy classes filled well, and the judge's comments on the allround improvement to be noted in every breed and grade exhibited were of a very eulogistic nature. Competition was good throughout, the collection of young Jerseys being one of the best on record. Guernsey, thanks to the enthusiasm of Mr -*nthony Hordtern, were a classy lot. Victorian visitors were much interested in the Illawarra breed, a local evolution of a very profitable description. The collection of fat cattle, both single ox and pens of three, was as good as anybody could wish to see. There are some very heavy weights among them, the majority of which show plenty of breeding. This is a section which invariably evokes great interest here, and breeders and graziers seem to have risen to the occasion. The fat sheep classes introduced nothing special among the British breeds exhibited. The Lincolns were fair, Romneys good, and Border Leicesters fit to will high distinction at any show. S. Brunskill, of Wagga, had sent in a bery choice lot. On the other hand', Shiropshires made a miserable show, and evoked no competition. Mr George Doyle won all the prizes for Romneys. Hampsliire classes failed to evoke a single entry. Among blood stock there was. a fair number of entries in the stallion olasses, but mares and fillies were not as numerous as one would have expected with so much current interest at this time of year in racing matters. The imported horse Sir Aymer, now seven years old, repeated 'his performance of last year, and secured the championship. He was looking his best, and certainly 6tood out as being one of the finest specimens of the English thoroughbred in appearance that has come to this country. Hackneys, Welsh cobs, and ponies commanded an unusual amount of interest, owing to tho opportunity afforded of a meeting between the teams of several noted breeders. The improvement made in the several classes open to Clydesdales and Shires was one of the most encouraging features of the show. Competition was good in every class, and quality better represented than lias been the case before. There have been some valuable importations made during tho past year or two from tho Old Country anid from New Zealand. Suffolks were few, which was rather surprising, seeing the hold they have in Now South Wales among both farmers and teamsters. One of the wisest pieces of show legislation was inaugurated here this year in the compulsory veterinary examination of all mares entered for exhibition. Most societies are enforcing this law with regard to stallions, but no other has yet extended it to include mares.