OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3168, 2 December 1914, Page 17

OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY.

The thirty-eighth annual Metropolitan i Summer Show of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral .Society was commenced at Tahuna Park on 25th ult. The weather was dull throughout the day, but there was at no time any sign of imminent rain, and the work of all officials was performed underpleasant circumstances. Since last show the ground has been through a severe ordeal, the large body of men who formed the Otago quota of the Expeditionary Force having been encamped on it for some weeks. On their departure it was, naturally, somewhat the worse for wear, the grass being worn down in many places, while the fences and stalls, etc., had not, in spite of the oax-e of the soldiers and their officers, succeeded in escaping all damage. However, the ground last week, having been top-dressed, was in excellent order, all the injuries having been repaired, and the grass having sprouted forth pleasantly green again. The ground has been enlarged since last year, an additional area at the south-western corner having been reclaimed from the sandhills; and the stall accommodation has also been improved and the ring enlarged. It is always gratifying to find that the entries, if not increased, are at least sustained, and not inferior to those of former years. Whatever may be the differences of politicians, it will be conceded by them all that the ultimate source of the prosperity of New Zealand is the land, and there is the utmost unanimity amongst statesmen as to the necessity for continued increase in the volume of production. The development of the resources of the land is regarded as of the utmost importance, and it is admitted that the ramifications of commerce and trade are but an artificial superstratum built on the economic foundation afforded by the produce of the soil and the stock it supports. The success of agricultural and pastoral pursuits is dependent in a largo measure on the methods employed, and the best results can be obtained only by scientific methods and constant efforts to evolve the highest quality obtainable in produce and stock. The chief importance of agricultural and pastoral shows lies in the fact that they tend to encourage such efforts, and a substantial increase in the number, of entries, unaccompanied by any abnormal increase in population of the district concerned, may bo taken as indicative of a corresponding augmentation of the general interest of farmers and pastoralists in the improvement of their productions. It is true that the > increase this year is not large; but it is, nevertheless, an undoubted increase, as the following table, showing the entries for this year’s show, and for that of last year, indicates:

The number 114, given for the competitions, represents merely those appearing on tne clficial programme; but, as post entries were received for these events, the real number is very much larger. The total entries in the sheep and cattle sections were slightly in excess of those of last year, exhibitors of high-class stock coming from points as far distant as Christchurch in the north and Invercargill in the south. -There was, indeed, one of the best shows of sheep yet seen on the ground, and competition in all sections was very keen. Great interest centred in the horse sections, and the display of draughts, while not so strong numerically as last year, was one of the finest ever brought together in the dominion. There wore many excellent entires in the harness and hackney classes, and a fine stamp of animals appeared in the ring. The competitions were introduced for the first time on the first day of the show, and attracted much interest. The jumping of the ponies and hunters was good, and, although the general standard was not particularly high, there were some excellent performances. The competitions are the most spectacular events in the show, and should provide a great source of interest to-day, when there will be a large number of spectators to witness them in progress. Last year’s list has been added to, and there arc now several more classes, in which entrants will exercise themselves to-day. There was a very good display of cattle, the Ayrshircs being the finest seen here for some years past, and the dairy cattle were also an excellent lot. The fat cattle were only medium. Wool-cLassing competitions, open to students and cx-studenls of classes hold under the direction of the Otago Education Hoard, were held in the morning, and will be continued today, commencing at 10 a.ra. While the results are not yet available, it was seen that the standard of proficiency displayed by most of the competitors in this important part of the sheepbreecWs business was very ■atisfactory.

ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW. SPLENDID EXHIBITION OF STOCK. ENTRIES LARGER THAN LAST YEAR.

The general attractiveness of every show is very largely due to the efforts of the business people, who provide variety by installing booths and stands on the ground, advertising their wares. There was yesterday, as usual, a good assortment of these stands in various pax'ts of the ground, and it is probable that more will be visible today, when their advertising value will be rendered greatci' by the fact that the attendance will bo so largely increased. Farm implements and appliances, preserved foodstuffs, and vehicles of all descriptions, including many motor cars, all figured in attractive exhibits. The number of articles of machinery was again regrettably short of what might be expected. The show is a great opportunity for the cnterpxdaing manufacturer or importer to bring the latest and most scientific labour-saving devices under the notice of the farmer, and it is unfortunate that more do not avail themselves of it. Of a dozen farmers who would see, and, possibly, be attracted by the sight of an up-to-date implement at a show, there ax'c not more than one or two who would be likely to single the same implement out for inspection with a view to purchase in the course of a visit to town. The sideshows, of course, were not prominent yesterday, fox- it is on the day on which the inhabitants of the city pour out to the ground in their thousands that they make their presence unmistakably felt. However, there were one or two on the ground yesterday, and there was a promise of several more to spring up during the night. They all make the fun of the fair on “People’s Day.” During the aftexmoon of the first day the Hon. J. Allen (Minister of Defence) and the Hon. W. Fraser (Minister of Public Works) visited the ground, and were shown round by the president (Mr T. T. Ritchie). They both expressed thenxselves as being hignly pleased with what they saw. The St. Hilda Band rendered selections, and to-day its efforts will bo supplemented by those of the Fourth Regiment Bi nd and several school bands. In the office the secretary (Mr H. V. Fulton) had a busy time supervising the even running of all affairs. HORSE'S. Draught horses were in evidence in fairly large numbers, all the entries coming from Otago. It was expected after the manner in which Otago horses, headed by Mr J. Patrick’s Baron Bold, invaded Canterbury clurxixg Carnival Week that several northern breeders would have sent x’eprosentatives south. Only two of them had the temerity to do so, however, and, as it turned out, neither put his exhibit in the ring. This certainly robbed the contests ox L ... intorpx-ovincial aspect that was looked for and Loped lor. The famous Baron Bold, who achieved great success at Christchurch a fortnight ago, was not a competitor, but his stock was fully represented, and with conspicuous success, as a glance at the prize list will show. In the class for entire horses, four years old or over, there were four entries, and the judges, after giving careful consideration to their task placed St. Simon, by Baron Bold, first. It was a popular decision Mr Charters’s representative was certainly in line fettle, and no one was heard to say the honour was not deserved. Thomson and Co.’s Wairongoa Footprint, a well-moulded black, and auotti.r ot Jiaron Bold’s progeny, was close up, and Mr J. W. Blair’s imported High Mark, a spirited and robust animal, had many points which commended him to the judges. Baron Bold’s progeny was again prominent in the threc-ycar-old class, in which Mr Charters’s Bold Baronet secured an award with something to spare from Mr J. S. Tisdale’s colt by Baron Winsome. The two-year-old colts and the yearlings were forward in good numbers, and the judges appeared to have some difficulty in arriving at a decision as to the relative merits of the exhibits. The competition for the Breeders’ Cup was confined to four entrants, of which Mr W. Chartors’s two-year-old Ronald’s Lad, by Squire Ronald, was awarded the chief honour. In the class for mares, Lc foa! this season or with foal at foot, icur excellent exhibits entered the ring, and again the judges seemed to hesitate before making the award, which finally went to x iiumson and Co.’s imported Baron’s Br'lbarit, by Baron’s Pride—Scottish Brilliant, which was selected as the champion at the Canterbury show Another imported mate, Mr J. W. Blair s Eileen, was second, Mr Blair’s imported Moireen third, and Mr P. W. Borric’s Lady Rowerxa, by Black Knight (imp.), next. The dry mare class brought out tlxrcc contestants —Mr W. Garri.'vK'r’s Lad'- Elizabeth (Baron Fyv : o — Emerald); Thomson and Co.’s Agatha (imp.), by Imperialist—Chickabiddy; and Thomson and Co.’s Ena of Wairongoa. by Sir Thorn ley. The three-year ami two-year-old (lilies made up two eam’tal classes, and no fewer than 17 very promising animals entered the ring in the yearling class. It took the judges over an hour to dispose ot this lot. The classes for mares excited keen interest. The competition in the throo-ycar-old class for a pair of mares resulted in Thomson and Co.’s Baron’s Brilliant ami Agatha gaining a narrow victory over J. W. Blair’s splendid pail —Eileen and Moireen, with Mr Macauley’s entry well up in th’rd place, Mr P. W. Borvie’s Lady Rowena was the only entry in the

class for mare with two of her progeny, and was deservedly awarded a red ticket, in the group of throe yearling colts or fillies, Air J, W. Blair scored first place with the imported High Mark’s first crop of yearlings—a .fine lot, with a future before tJicm. Thomson and Co. made a decided hit with their four marcs in the next class, their collection being Baron’s Brilliant, Agatha, Lady Buddy vie, and Ena of Wairongoa. Watson’s Challenge Cup went to Mr W. Macauley, of Maheno, and Ainge’s Challenge Cup to the same gentleman. Four fine mares came forward for championship! card, Thomson and Co. s Baron’s Brilliant, Mr W. Macauley s Winsome Ruby, Mr J. W. Blair’s Eiieen, and Mr W. Gardiner’s Lady Elizabeth. Baron’s Brilliant repeated her success at Christchurch, and once more annexed the coveted honour. A hasty computation of the points senued by competitors in the draught breeding classes shows that the cup for most points goes to Mr J. W. Blair, of Outram. AMATEUR JUDGING COMPETITION. In connection with the judging of draught horses the committee this year initiated an amateur judging contest in the breeding section, and the new event aroused a great deal of interest-. It was open to all competitors not over 25 years of age, and was designed to encourage younger judges, the result proving that there is much promise for the future in this direction. On the whole the judging was wonderfully correct, and three competitors—Messrs E. Cullen (Allanton), J. Andrew (Wingatui), and A. Gavvn (North Taicri) all arrived at a verdict which coincided with the decision arrived at by the judge, and therefore divided the first and second prize raonev. BARON’S BRILLIANT. This mare, which secured the championship award yesterday, has a splendid record in the show ring. We are informed that the sura of ICOO guineas has been offered for her on three different occasions. Mr Dunlop, the Scottish Agricultural Commissioner, when on a visit to New Zealand, stated that he doubted if there was a better rr.are living. Ow.ng to an accident she was r.ot shown during 1913. She was unbeaten in Great Britain before exportation. Her record in Great Britain is as follows: 1907: First and champion at Kirkcudbright; first at the Highland Show, Peebles; first and champion at Lanark; first and champion at the Northern Counties of England ; first at the Royal Show, London. Her Now Zealand record is as follows: 1909: First and champion at Taieri; first in the pairs; first and champion, Otago; first in pairs; first in group of three; first in groun of four; first and champion. Southland; first for the best type against allcomers, stallions included; first in pairs; first in group of three; first in group of four; first for the best working mare; first for most points. 1910: First and champion, Gore; first and champion. Southland; first for best type, against stallions and mares; first in group of three. 1911: First and champion, Christchurch; first in groun of four, Christchurch; first and champion, Taieri; first in pairs and first in group oi three; first and champion, Otago; first in pairs; first in group of four; first and cham--1 ion, Southland; first for best type, stallions included; first in pairs; first in group of four. 1912: First at the Clydesdale demonstration ; first and champion at Palmerston North; first and champion, Canterbury; first in pairs; first in group of four: first, and champion, Taicri; first in pairs; first in group of three; first and champion. Otago; first in pairs; first in group of four; first and champion, Southland; first for best type, stallions included; first in pairs; first in group of three. 1914 : First and champion, Canterbury; first in pairs; first and champion, Otago; first in pairs; first in group of four. She has also won four 25-guinea cups and one 50-guinea cun, borides medals and other trophies too numerous to mention, Baron’s Brilliant, which is nine years old, is the only Clydesdale in New Zealand that lias journeyed from Palmerston North to Invercargill, winning all the championships on the journey. She has now wxm first for the best type in Southland against stalUciiiS and mares —a record which no other Clydesdale in the dominion can beat. CATTLE. The entries in the various cattle sections, with the exception of fat stock and Hereford —in the last of which there was no entry at all —were very good, both in point of numbers and quality. The fat stock were disappointing, except in regard to a race three-year-old heifer and another two-year-old shown by Mr W. Charters, of Mosgicl. In the case of four bullocks most suitable for butchers’ purposes, Mr Charters was the only exhibitor, and the judge classed the exhibit as poor, good enough in quality, but not enough weight. The entries in all classes were not good enough to merit an award for championship, and none was made. In Channel Island cattle competition was very fine, and some excellent stock was shown, all the classes being good. The judge was Mr A. Quortier (Mataura), an old breeder in this line and the winner of many prizes. Ho came from Guernsey many years ago, and was the first to land the Island cattle in Now Zealand, this being in the year 1860. He stated that the exhibits this year showed that steady improvement was taking place from year to year. The most successful prize-winner was Mr F. E. Hellyor, who showed some really fine animals, and gained the championship certificate for bull with Darkio’s Fox 11, and for cow with Lady of Collingwood. In the Shorthorn section the championship for bull went to Mr Arthur Chamberlain with Charming Count XXI, the same owner’s White Charming Duke VII being placed reserve champion. The same owner’s Snowdrop II was awarded the female championship, a two-year-old from the Riccarton estate being placed as reserve. The Polled Angus were a very fine section, the majority of the animals being exhibited by Messrs Roberts and Co., from Gladbrook Station. The bulls were particularly fine, and greatly pleased the judge, Mr J. Ross (Palmerston), who filled the place of the scheduled judge, Mr Macpherson, who was not in attendance. The championship was awarded to Bengal Light, sire Vcrderer, dam Belle XXXIII, by° Erops, and bred in Scotland. The owners are the trustees of the late Mr John Douglas, Mount Royal. The female championship went to Messrs Roberts and Co. with Marion, sire Heathen, dam Favourite, by Mistral. In the rod polled cattle the only exhibitor was the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, w'ho sent forward some good specimens. The Ayrshires were an exceedingly good lot, better than for some years past. Competition was very oven. Messrs Cowan Bros., of Enfield, and Mr Arch, Gillies, of Hampden, wore the principal exhibitors and prize winners. The championship certificate for bull was awarded to Auchenbran Ex-

change, owned and exhibited by Mr A. W. Rodger, of Birchwood, Nightcaps. The animal is an importation from Scotland, sire Lessnessock Goodgift, and the dam Cony. The female championship went to Lorna II of Haydowns, sire Victory, dam Stately of Haydowns, exhibited by Messrs Cowan Bros. The Holstein Friesian section was judged by Messrs Lee and Gillies, who stated that the dairy classes were very fine and the aged bulls an extra good class. Honours were nicely distributed among various exhibitors. Mr A. S. El worthy, of Timaru, secured the male championship with Cliffside Butter Laddie, sire Cliffside Laddie, dam Lady Lucy. The female championship went to the same owner’s Gipsy Queen. The first place for bull in the two-year-old and yearling classes went to Mr M. Leith, of Woodlands. SHEEP. The number of sheep forward was considerably in excess of that at last year’s show, and, as a result of the fairly good weather that has been experienced during the past season, the stock were brought out in good condition, and made a better display than for some time past. Ihe classes for Bolder Leicesters and Romneys were the strongest, and in these two sections keen competition took place between a number of well-known breeders. In the former class the trustees of the John Douglas estate secured a majority of tne awards, though they were in competition with such well-known breeders as Messrs J. Douthwaito, James Ross, and T. S. Little, and despite the fact that this stock has not shown up prominently in past years. Mr Little’s _ ram, which gained first place and championship honours, also won a similar distinction at Oamaru. The judge of the Border Leicester rams (Mr N. M. Orbell) stated that the stock shown in that section was equal to anything ho_ had seen at a Dunedin show, and Mr Little’s ram was an especially fine animal, being well brought out and carrying a good staple of w'ool. The carcases in the shorn classes w'ere very good, and the exhibits as a whole reflected great credit on the breeders. Ihe ewe classes were strong numerically, and good competition was witnessed among a number of very typical sheep. The judge (Mr Cunningham) stated that there was so little difference between the various pens that he had to rely principally upon tne wear and constitution of the wool to decide the placing. The merino breed, which has been absent from the Otago Show for several years, made a welcome reappearance, ■ and it was pleasing to see a large entry and good competition in this section. This is a breed that could not well bo done without as they form the foundation of almost every other wool-producing breed. The sheep forward in the fine combing were well to the standard in the matter of type, and would stand well in any show in New Zealand. Mr Watson Shonnan’s first and champion aged ram was described by the judge (Mr W. Ayso.n) as_ a very fine animal, while the second prize winner, also owned by Mr Shcnnan. was an excellent animal. Mr Ayson also stated that many of the sheep showed a strong indication of the wellknown Tasmanian strain. The strongcombing class also brought out some splendid stock, most of which did not appear to have been specially prepared for show nurposcs. Many of the sheep exhibited in this section could, however, scarcely bo ca'lcd strong combing, and would have been equally suited in the fino-combing class. There was no competition among the Lincoln sheep, but a very fine exhibit of this breed was again forward from the New Zealand and Australian Land Company’s Moeraki Estate. All the animals were very typical, and the awards which were made in every case were merited. Many of these sheep were a’so shown at Oamaru and Christchurch, and gained awards in both of those centres. Good entries were forward in the Romney Marsh sections and competition was very keen among a number of well-known owners of this breed of sheep. The awards were also fairly evenly distributed, but Mr W. G, Ladbrook (Gore) and the trustees of the late T. L. Barnhill (Lumsden) seemed to be the most successful competitors. The judge (Mr W. B. Allen) stated that the section for medium-woolled sheep was especially fine, and the single ewe hoggets also stood out as being unusually fine types. The pairs of ram hoggets also reached a high level of merit, and on the average were really better than the single rams. The champion ram from the Castlcrock Estate at Lumsden was a good average sheen, ani! would do well in competition at any show in New Zealand, while the champion ewe also deserves the highest commendation. Shropshire Downs and Corriedales wore fairly well represented, and in each section a good class of sheen was forward, the latter being the best exhibit that has been seen in Dunedin for some time, and a credit in every way to brooders or owners. In the classes for fat sheep Southdown and Shropshire crosses were the most prominent, ana the exhibit was a remarkably fine one. especially that of freezing sheep. COMPETITIONS. Jud g(-s; Messrs H. Hassall (Hawke’s Bay and J. H. M‘Niven (Hawdce’s Bay). Pony Trot (half a mile), for nonies 14 herds and under, against time, run singly. Six entr : es—T. Fogg 1, G. Livingstone 2. Boys’ or Girls’ Pony Race Handicap, for ponies 13 hands and under, to be ridden by boys not over 12 years or girls not over 14 years of age ever such course as the stewards decide. Eleven entries—G. Aitchcson 1. A. J. White 2. Pony Trot, 14 hands or under, to bo ridden by boy under 14 years of age. Twelve entries —J. Alexander 1, R. Hudson 2, R. Cullen 3. Pony Trot, 14 hands or under, to be ridden by girl under 14 years of age. Six entries—J D. M‘Arthur 1, G. Livingstone 2. Trot, against time, in saddle, for straightout trotters only; such course as stewards mav decide. Nine entries—T. Fogg 1, J Alexander 2, R. F. Duckworth 3. Maiden Hunters’ Competition, open only to horses that have never won a first prize at any agricultural show. Thirteen entries— D. J. Robertson 1, J. D. M‘Arthur 2, Miss E. Roggors 3. , . Hunting Competition, open to lady riders only. Nino entries —Miss Mow at 1, Miss R. Mowat 2, T. Hobbs (horse ridden by Miss Oi ton) 3.

1915. 1914. Sheep .. 2G2 264 Cattle .. 169 144 Horses .. 374 367 Pigs . 52 38 Competitions ... . .. 105 114 Totals .. ,880 927