SOUTHLAND SHOW

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 14

SOUTHLAND SHOW

(From Our Special Reporter.) INVERCAIIGILL, December 11. The fifty-first annual summer show of the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association was opened to-day in cold weather, j-iicro was a iairly strong westerly wind, and intermittent rain fell late in the afternoon. Sir Joseph Ward, who arrived by the afternoon express from Duncdin, was present, and took a,, keen interest in the exhibits. The attendance was only moderate, being much below that of last year. The entries showed a considerable falling off as compared with the last two years. In 1915 the total entries were 1068, in 1916, 954; in 1917, £2O. This year horses were responsible- for 283 entries against i2l last year; cattle, 215, as against 235; sheep 251, as against 287 j and dairy produce 100 as compared with 64. Although there was a ditnunition in the entries, the quality was fully maintained in practically every section judged, and in some cases the quality was superior to previous years. This may be said to bo the caso with Border Leicester sheep, which were said by competent judges who were present at all the metropolitan shows, to be equal, if not superior to anything shown in the dominion this year. SHEEP. Border-Leicesters were judged by Mr J. Linton, of the Lincoln .* gricultural College, who pronounced them to bo a superior section. The following were the principal exhibitors: —Messrs J. N. Boag (Fcndalton, Christchmch), D. M. Sutherland (Waimate), Thos. S. Little (Corricdale, Windsor), John M'Kerchar (Woodlands), and W. Kennedy (Otautau). The judging was interesting from the point of view that some of the decisions of the Christchurch Show were reversed. At the Canterbury centre Mr Little scored most points in the section, but on this occasion Mr Sutherland was" awarded that distinction, and repeated h ; access of last year by winning the association's cup. Many of the best sheep in this section were showing signs of travel, having been exhbited at the principal South Island shows. In aged rams there were nine entries, Mr Little taking first prize with a sheep strongly typical of tho breed. He was a nice low-set animal, and is well planted on his legs, and for an old sheep he carried a good fleece of -wool.

This sheep was subsequently selected for champion honours. Mr Kennedy took second pion, Mr Boag being third. Mr Little won in four-tooth rams, Mr M'Kcrehar being second, and Mr Boag third. There were 10 entries of shorn hogget rams, which was a very even class, csiiecially the three placed sheep. Mr Sutherland was fust and third, and Mr Little second. Mi; Sutherland won in two-tooth rams with a good-framed sheep, low-set, and carrying a good fleece. Mr Little was second, and Mr M'Kcrehar third. In the class for pen of two-tooth rams, ■ Mr Sutherland won with two nice sheep, another pen shown by this exhibitor failing to find a place owing to one of the pen being of indifferent quality. Messrs M'Kcrehar and Johnston, who got second and third respectively, exhibited wellmatched pairs. Mr M'Kcrehar won in the five rams class with a pen of good saleable animals. In the aged owe class MiLittle annexed the red ticket with an animal which pleased the judge immensely. She has a L r ood spread and carries a good fleece. Mr M'Kcrehar was second. In the pen of two ewes Mr M'Kcrehar beat Mr Sutherland for first prize, and in allotting the championship honours Mr Little's prize-winner m the previous section gained the coveted distinction, Mr M'Kerchar's exhibit getting the reserve championship ribbon. Mr Boag won in two-tooth ewes with squarely-built low-set sheep, Mr Little being second and Mr M'Kcrehar third. Mr Sutherland had an easy win in pen of twotooth owes, and in pen of two-tooth ewes (shorn) ho just beat Mr M'Kcrehar. Mr Boag won the silver shield in the class for two-tooth ewca registered in the flock book. Mr T. S. Little (Windsor) judged the English Leicesters, which were a small section. Messrs M'Kcrehar and Kennedy being the only exhibitors. The judge considered them true to type and well brought out, his only regret being that thero were not more of them. Mr M'Kcrehar got first and champion in aged rams with a specially good sheep, bred by Mr E. Kelland (of Canterbury), Mr Kennedy being second. In two-tooth rams (aged) and young ewes _Mr M'Kcrehar annexed first and second prizes, Mr Kennedy being third in the latter. As is usual at most important shows, the male and female divisions of Romncys were judged by different judges. Mr R. W. Mathews " (of Featherston) allotted the awards for the rams and Mr John Miller (of Maungatua) for the ewes. This section was a particularly good one. Th»: principal exhibitors were the Trustees of'the late Mr T. L. Barnhill (of Castlcrock), Messrs W. Kennedy (Otautau). W. D. Hunt (Invcrcargill), Alex. Peat (Dip'ton), W. G. Ladbrook (Charlton), and D. Murray (Clydevale). Barnhill's Trustees go.t first and third for aged rams, Mr Hunt securing the second award. The first prize sheep carried an exceptionally nice fleece of fine quality and showed a lot of character. Mr Hunt's sheep possessed good carriage, but was not so well brought out. Mr Peat won in fourtooth rams, Mr Murray being second and Mrs James Grant third. In one-shear twotooth rams (shorn) Mr Ladbrook took first and second prizes, Barnhill's Trustees being third. Two-tooth rams was the best class of the section, there being 15 entries, all of which were forward. Mr Hunt secured first prize with an animal of his own breeding, which carried exceptionally heavy fleece. Mr Ladbrook was second, his entry failing in comparison with Mr Hunt's sheep owing to slightly defective wool on the back. Barnhill s Trustees were third, and Mr W. J. Johnston, of Maitland, fourth. Mr Ladbrook won in pairs of two-tooth rams, and Mr Johnston was successful in pen of five ram hoggets, thus gaining the Edendale Cup, valued at 20 guineas. Mr M. R. Lawlor (Gore) won the Castlerock Cup of the same value with a pen of ewe hoggets. Barnhill's Trustees' aged ram defeated five others, and won the red ticket and the championship of his division. This sheep carried a very even fleece of good wool, with a correct crimp in it. The second prize-taker was also exhibited by Barnhill's Trustees, Mr Murray being third. Two-tooth ewes were a strong class, several particularly nice hoggets being shown. First honours went to Mr Murray's exhibit, which beat her competitors in carriage and style. She also carried a heavy fleece of good wool. Mr Ladbrook's sheep, which was awarded second place, was deficient in carriage. Barnhill's Trustees were third. The pen of two-tooth ewes was also a strong class, the three placed pens being very evenly matched, Mr Murray's entries, which obtained first, beating Barnhill's Trustees, who were awarded second and third. Mr Murray was first and second for shorn two-tooth ewes, and Mr Ladbrook third.

Shropshiro Downs were judged by Mr Linton, who them up to the average. Mr W. Gardiner, of Papakaio, and Mr W. Kennedy, of Otautau, were the only entrants. The former won the ewe championship and the latter gained a similar distinction in rams. Mr Gardiner, who had tho greater bulk of the entries, got all the prizes except two, which were gained by Mr Kennedy.

Mr Little allotted the awards in Corriedales, which were confined to one exhibitor, Mr J. P. M'lntyro, of Maitland, who gained all the tickets and both championships. The judge said the sheep were typical of the breed, and were well brought out. Mr Walter Murray (Warepa) judged the crossbred sheep, which were a good lot. taken as a whole. Mr W. Kennedy (Otautau) won first and second in ewes and strongwool hoggets, the Knapdale Estate in wether hoggets, and Mr W. A. Edwards in finewool ewe hoggets. There was only moderate competition in the fat sheep section, but the quality met with the approval of the judge (Mr Walter Murray). Mrs J. L-. Herbert (Kelso) won the pen of five wethers with heavy-weights of the Romney breed, Mr Kennedy being second. Messrs Kennedy, W. J. Gurpin (Invcrcargilh, Henderson Bros. (Kennington). and Mrs Herbert took all the'prizes in the fat and freezing sheep classes, and in freezing lambs Mr James Swale (Limehills) and Messrs Henderson Bros, were the most successful exhibitors Although Lincolns and Southdown3 were provided for in the schedule none were forwarded. CATTLE. This was an unusually good section, but this applies more particularly to the Shorthorn and Friesian sections. Mr J. W. Blair (Outram), who adjudicated upon the former, thought the section was a most creditable one. Tn the cows in milk class the Knapdale Estate won with a cow possessing a beautiful head and showing no signs of beefinpss. This animal gained the championship in her division. Mr G. Anderson (Wright's Bush) was second, and Mr Alex. Anderson (Tuatnpere) third. In the dry cow class the Knapdale Estate again de-

fcatcd Mr G. Anderson, Mr W. Waddell (Waikaka VallcyJ be ; ng third. In the class lor cow showing the best milking qualities, Mr A. Anderson beat his namesake; Mr Angus Campbell (Wyndhani) being third. In the judge's opinion tiie three-year-old heifers were an excellent, class. There was practically nothing to choose between tho placed animals. Mr G. Anderson was first and Mr D. Murray (Clydevale) second and third. Mr Murray beat Mr G. Anderson in two-year-old heifers with a beast that stood cut prominently, Mr A. Anderson being third. Mr Blair was immensely pleased with the yearling heifers. First Honours went to tho Knapdale Estate and second to Mr Waddell. i3oth were wellgrown animals, and were well brought out. J.he judge had difficulty in coming to a decision. Tiie aged bull class was won by iVh „. W \, A - Cox (Kauana) with Earl of \Vyndhain, a massive bull full of quality. Mr Waddell was second and the Knapdale Estate third. Tho latter walked badly •and arched his back awkwardly. Mr G. Anderson won in tho yearhng bulls, his name-sake being second and third. Tho judge found it difficult to come to a decision in this class. In tho class for bulls under 12 months the Knapdale Estato won with an imported bull, which was third at Duhcdin and first at Gore. The championship was allotted to Mr Cox for his aged bull.

Ayrsnires were judged by Mr J. Parlane (Hororata). Messrs Rankin Bros. (Underwood), A. W. Rodger (Birchwood), aiid Allan Gait (West Plains) took practically the whole of the prizes with good quality animals. Messrs Rankin Bros, took both championships. Mi' Parlane was also allotted the awards for the Jerseys, which" were a small section. Mr F. E. Hcilyer (North-East Harbour) was an entrant, but none of his animals was forwarded. Mr W. S. Fleming (Enwood) exhibited the champion cow, and Mr, Albert Cross (Invercargill) the champion bull. Mr D. Wishart (Ryal Bush) took first and second prizes for two year old heifers, and second for cow in milk. Mr T. Norman (Otautau) won in aged bulls, and was placed second for young bulls. Mr R. Sayer (Dalefield) judged Fresians, which were a particularly good section. Mr W. D. Hunt (Invercargill) was the most successful exhibitor, and won both championships. The judge said Oakwood Topsy, the champion cow, had one of the finest escutcheons he had ever seen. She was a beautiful animal all over. The same owner's Model Queen and Burnfield Queen were second and third respectively. Mr Sayer, in referring to these animals, said he had judged at shows from Auckland southwards and he had not seen better animals than Mr Hunt's. This endorses Mr Lovelock's opinion after he had judged them at Invercargill last- year. In three year old bulls Mr Norman E. Leighton (Lochiol) won with a Hunt bred bull, and Mr J. G. Leitch (Orawia) was second with a Grigg bred animal. Mr R. K. MacDonald (Edendale) beat Mr Jas. Pirio (Woodlands) in aged bulls with a beast bred by Mr Loyelock. Mr Hunt's champion bull, Bainfield Model, was described by the judge to be as near perfection as it was possible to be, and ho considered him the best two year old bull he had ever seen. Mr Alex. Peat (Dipton) won in yearling bulls with a four month old calf, which gives excellent promise of developing into a good sire. Mr Ben Ward (Fairfax) was the only exhibitor of Polled Angus cows, and in bulls Mr Jas. Clay (Mokohua) competed against him successfully in the aged class, and won the championship. In the older division Mr Ward took tho rest of tho prizes. Mr Walter Murray judged the fat cattlo, which 'were of good quality and were shown in excellent condition. Messrs Henderson Bros. (Kennington) won in bullocks, Mr P. Clent (Balclutha) being first and second in cows, with two tip-top animals. Mr R. J.' Potter (Pukerau) annexed both red and blue tickets for Fresian bullocks. There were excellent entries for the competitions. Mr W. Crowe (Centre Bush) won the Maiden Jump. Mr M. Roche (Mandeville) was second, and Mr Jas. Swale third with The Gunner. In ladies' jumpers Mr A. E. Boult (Mandeville) won with Rome Rule, Mr H. E. Pannett. (Wniprihi) being second with Hector. Mr M. O'Brien (Otautau) won in the IL-stone jumpers' class out of 18 entries, with Mr G. Aitcheson (Hampden) second. SECOND DAT. INVERCARGILL, December 12. The Southland Metropolitan Show was continued to-day. The climatic conditions last night were atrocious, and did not augur well for tho success of to-day's gathering from the attendance point of view. Early this morning rain showers fell and a galo blew from the west, but before 10 o'clock the rain had ceased, and the conditions continued to improve to such an extent that by the middle of tho afternoon _ the sun was shining brightly, the wind had moderated to a light breeze, and altogether the conditions were almost ideal from the spectators' point of view. It is questionable if the attendance was equal to that last year, when over 10,000 people were estimated to have been present. It will probably be found that over 9000 were present to-day. The townspeople turned out well, but the unfavourable weather conditions early in the morning prevented many country people from attending. - ~'■«., Sir Joseph Ward, m responaing to tho toast of his health, referred to the benefits derived from shows. Speaking of the future prospects of the war, ho said we were bound to have our difficulties and reverses, but the men who were responsible for carrying on operations were hopeful, and ho did not* believe they would turn back in connection with the war until a happy and lasting peace was restored. New Zealand would not lag behind in assisting the Allies, but would be right up alongside tho forefront in this Titanic struggle. In regard to taxation, ho was sure the dominion would meet her obligations as cheerfully in tho future as she had done hi the past, and those who were bearing taxation at present did so cheerfully, and realised that if tho war continued for another two years many would perhaps have to consider themselves lucky if thev came out with anything. If matters went against us we might lose all, and New Zealand would be but a pawn m the game. It was our duty to stand four square to every wind that blew, and if we did that we had nothing to fear. Regarding politics, he said the National Government in this' country would not step aside for party purposes. They had on one hand people complaining because meat was too high, and others bewailing the fact that it was too low. There were many momentou* problems which required to bo settled afte*

tho war m the Motherland and elsewhere. Wo were in a crucible, and he felt certain we would be regenerated. Sir Josephs remarks were listened to with rapt attention, and he was frequently applauded. HORSES. The horses were judged to-day, and, although the entries were below those of last year and the year before, 'the exhibits, both in draughts" and light horses were decidedly good. Messrs W. R. Gawn and James Gow (both of Mosgiel) judged the Btud section, and Messrs James Stevenson (Glaxton) and Thomas Logan (Otamaj performed similar duties in regard to the working draught section. In the aged stallion class the Clutha horse Boquhan Kennedy outclassed his solitary opponent, and won tho male championship. Mr Kennedy s three-year-old colt, by GcneralJDouglas, had no onposition, but was shown out of condition. He is a stylish animal, and shows many good characteristics of his sire. Mr James Patrick (Outram) won m two-year colts with a Baron Bold colt named Napoleon, which won at. Dunedin and Gore, Mr R. Kennedy (Drummond) being second and third with animals sired by General Douglas. Mr Patrick and Messrs Gray and Son* (Waimatuku) were the only exhibitors Ot yearling colts, the former winning easily with a Baron Bold colt bred by Mr R. J- Sparks. Mr Kennedy had- a comparatively easy w-in in tho brood mare class with Lady Kate, bv Agitator. Mr M. Bulling was second, and Mr,' R. Kennedy third Mr Duncan M'Oallum (Ryal Bush) was the only exhibitor in the class for brood mare and two of her progeny. The yeld marcs were a splendid ring, the four placed animals being exceptionally good. Mr Patrick got first and second with Fanlight and Gay Las. respectively, both imported, and sired, by Scotland Yet. Mr R. Kennedy was thud and fourth with Lady Douglas and. Rosie Douglas resnectively. The plaemgs in the three-year-old fillies caused some consternation at the ringside. It was generally expected that Mr Patrick's Maggie which gained first honours at Dunedm and Gore, would occupy a similar position to-day, but the judges preferred Mr R. Kennedys Abbott fillv Flower and Mr M'Callum s entry, which they placed first and second respectively. Mr Kennedy's filly was certainly stylish and a fine mover, but far too high in the barrel. As one critic put it, it certainly looked as if a glorified hackney were to scoro over a typical Clydosda e. If there was justification for placing the Abbott filly -in the premier position thero appeared to be practically none for placing Mr M'Ca-Hum's entry in front of Maggie, who up till to-day had an unbeaten record. There was a strong ring of two-year filhes, ' Mr Kcoinedy again winning with Bell Douglas. Mr Patrick was second with Keynote, from the imported horse Baron Bute. Mr Patrick's filly had won in this class'at Timaru, Dunedin, and Gore, and Mr Kennedy's was unbeaten last year as a yearlinsr at'Winton, Otautau, and Invercargifl defeating Keynote at the latter show. A filly belonging to Mr John MacDonald, which was decidedly lame, was placed third, while a good quality. animal by General Douglas, exhibited by. Mr Kennedy (Otautau) was entirely overlooked. A magnificent ring of yearling fillies was paraded. Mr Patrick "winning with a Baron Bold animal, and Mr D. Wish art (Ryal Bush) being second with a well-grown filly by Scotland Stamp/and Mr MacDonald third. In the groups Mr Patrick and Mr Kennedy were tho closest competitors, the former winning in quartets and pairs and the latter in trios. I'n the class for the best type of Clydesdale Mr Patrick _ was first and Mr Kennedy second and third. In the working section the New Zealand Express Company (Dunedin and Invercargill) scored the greatest number of prizes. In aged geldings the company won first and third, with Mr Walter Blakio (Ryal Bush) second. There were only two threeyear geldings forward, the Express _ Company beating Mr MacDonald. In pairs the Express Company beat Mr Blakie, with Messrs W. Gray and Sons third. There were three exhibits forward in the pairs most suitable for artillery purposes, and the judges thought it advisable to consult their brother judges in the stud ring. Mr Blakie's pair were unqeustionably the most value, but one was a three-year-old. The Express Company's pair were rather .light for the purpose, and one was slightly lame. Tho judges eventually decided in favour of the former. Mr Blakie won in three-horso teams, and tho Express Company in fourhorse teams_ and pa : rs. Tho Express Company won in the spring van class up to 30cwt, and Messrs J. E. Watson and Co. in spring-van horses up to a ton, while the Express Company annexed first honours in spring-van horses up to half a ton. The Express Company was also placed first andsecond in the trades display. Thoroughbreds were not a strong: section. Mr J. S. Fleming (Titiroa) took first prize for mare or filly with Pretty Jane, who claims Martian as her sire, but Mr J. Graham (Kennington). with Wild Oats, beat Pretty Jane in tho brood mare class. Tn yearling fillies Mr W. Kennedy was the. only exhibitor, with a Soldier's Chorus filly from Quickstep. The light horse section included somo fairly good horses, but they were not equal to former shows. Mr A. H, Sim won with Pretty, Mr G. Aitchison (Hampden) being second with Tipperary. In the cob class Mr H. E. Patten (Waipahi) won with Nigger, Mr Walter Blakie being second. Mr P. H. Luscombe (Lime Hills) repeated his Winton performance by winning first prize in pony stallions. There were some good classes in boys' and girls' ponies, Mr J. P. Nicholson (Brydone), M. R. LaVlor and J. M. 'Jones (Invercargillk Mi- A. Home (Morton Mains), and Miss Eva Crump (Centre Bush) being tho principal prize-takers. Mr A. IT. Sim, jun., won in ladies' hacks. Mr Pannett being second, while Miss M'Kay was "adjudged tho best lady rider. Hackneys and roadsters were judged by Mr J. O'Brien (Oamaru). The 13st roadster class was won bv Mr R. IT. Bissct (Opio), With an upstanding, stylish grey. Mr G. Aitchison (Hampden) being second with Elaine, and Mr Pannett third with Trixie. Mr Bissct defeated Mr IT. C Allan (Wyndham) in 15st roadsters, and Mr Sim had to succumb to Mr Aitchison in the 15 hands ladies' hacks, Tipporary being the successful animal. Mr Jas. Swale's Gunrest was third. Messrs Bissct. Aitchison. and Pannett took the bulk of tho remainder of tho prizes in this section.

There was a poor display of pigs, as far as numhora were concerned, .Vwt what was lacking in this respect was fully made lip in quality. Mr Cliis. P Rrnnt (Winton) showed some well-bred Berkshire?, which gained full honours. Mr M. Bulling (Toa) vra-i also a successful exhibitor in this breed. Some good sheep dogs wore forward, Messrs John M'Kenzio (Dipton), W.

Humphries (Rakahouka), and Jas. T. Marshall (Lumsden) being the exhibitors. Thero was a good display of dairy and farm produce, which was judged by Mr A. Milne (Government cheese grader). lhe Browns Dairy Factory was first >» 11CW cheese, Waia'niwa being second, and the Dominion Dairv Factory (Winton) third. Tho-Awarua Dairy Factory (Winton) was the only exhibitor ot old cheese. Mrs W. A. Gill (Browns) won in farm cheese, Mrs 11. MacDonald being second. In tho butter classes the following were tho principal prizetakers : —Mesdamcs Gill, R. M'Donald (Woodlands), IT. MacDonald (Kokonui), and Misses E. M. Gill (Browns), E. J. Fleming (Enwood), and A. Gill (Browns). There was a good display of hams and bacon, Mr J. M'Oullongh (Ryal Bush), and Messrs Lindsay and Co. (Invercargill) dividing the honours.