PHOSPHORUS AND DAIRY FARMING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3426, 11 November 1919, Page 13

PHOSPHORUS AND DAIRY FARMING.

Many dairymen live in a .fool’s paradise so far as their complacency is concerned in regard to the maintenance of the fertility of their soil (writes. Grin Crocker in Hoard’s Dairyman). Since their herds produce comparatively largo amounts of manure, whiqh is returned to the soil with more or less faithful observance of the rules governing such procedure, a false sense of security is produced. This is further when it is observed that others are producing large crops of grain to bo sold from the farm, and often with but little assistance save cover crops and legumes to keep up the supply of organic matter. Yet a careful consideration or the matter must reveal that whatever the apparent success which attends others in their efforts at soil robbing, the dairyman must expect to pay the same penalty which follows the depletion of a soil in phosphorus no matter what form of husbandry is carried out upon its surface. Phosphorus has been called the key to successful and permanent soil fertility. So long as a soil contains enough of this element it is comparatively easy to keep up the nitrogen and release sufficient potassium. But when phosphorus begins to run low an abundance of the other two will not overcome the hampering circumstance of a lack of that element which insures the ripening and full maturity of the corn, wheat, and other grain produced upon the farm. Though the dairyman may not often think of it in this way* it is none the less true that ho is selling phosphorus from his farm in every pound of milk)*just as certainly as does the grain farmer in every pound of wheat or the corn raiser in every pound of corn which goes to market. A thousand pounds of milk carries .71b of phosphorus. Assuming that a dairyman’s cows will average 6COOIb cf milk a year, it follows that the milk of each cow _ takes from the farm 4.21 b of phosphorus in the twelve-month. If he has 40 milk cows in

his herd their milk will hold 1681 bof phosphorus. Since a bushel of wheat carries 3joz of phosphorus, the 1681 b of phosphorus carried to market in the milk from the herd is equal to the phosphorus held in 763 bushels of wheat. A herd of high-producing cows would greatly increase this Migure. It will be well for the future of agriculture in the dairy districts when it is more generally recognised that dairy demands its toll of phosphorus from the soil. One feature of dairying is that there must bo lota of feed available. This necessitates largo crops, and' crops of thra bumper sort are not obtainable onoe the phosphorus content of a soil begins to run low. It still •remains true that the dairy districts of the corn bait possess land that has not "run out" to the point that prevails In eastern sections. But this condition cannot prevail for all time unless dairy farmers begin to replace some of the phosphorus -which has been withdrawn from the soil through the past generation or two. And it should bo remembered that barnyard wastes ordinarily are low in phosphorus, though the amount of this element depends much upon the sort of feeding the dairy animals receive. The only offset atfaixM* the_ phosphorus which goes from the farm; in the milk is the phosphoius that comics to the farm in the purchased feed and that which- is added in some of the various forms of commercial phosphates. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL DISPLAYS. SHOWS AT GISBORNE AND PALMERSTON NORTH. (From Our North Island Corresfovdent) Both the Gisborne and Palmerston Agricultural Shows have just been held, and in each case fanners' interests were well catered for. Gisborne Show was the fortieth and the Manawatu the thirty-fourth, so that it will bo seen that both districts have had their shows well established. GISBORNE. The Gisborne Show was an improvement on last year's, though it did not reach the standard of pre-war days as far as the number of entries were concerned. There was a good display of horseflesh in the blood, light saddle and harness horse classes, and the animals appeared to be quite up to the average fot shows in the North Island. The winning horses were all of a very good type, and. numerically they were a bit stronger than most shows, and one pleasing feature from the judge's standpoint was that they were beautifully mannered. Ponies made a good all-round display, and the winners were a credit to the district.- The entries were very satisfactory. Cattle and sheep made an interesting exhibition, though it is felt that the district could do much more towards making, those sections of the show more representative of such a fine resourceful district as Poverty Bay. .Farmers do not exhibit as they should in their own interests. Mr W. Gadsby, judge of the Lincoln sheep classes, considered that some of the exhibits of a useful nature. He predicted a good future for that type of sheep, which had such good wool-produc-ing capabilities. The champion ram exhibited by Mr G. V. Short, was really a fine specimen of the Lincoln, with a magnificent fleeae. He advised farmers going in for sheen to have a Lincoln strain in the Romneys, as he had always found them to be very useful both for wool and fattening. Mr P. Mungavin, who judged the Romneys, was also enthusiastic concerning the exhibits which cam© before him for inspection, Mr J. O. Field's exhibits, which gained the championships, being well bred and true to type* Border and Southdowns were not strong features of the sheep display. Mr J. Mitchell was the only exhibitor of Leicesters. whilst honours in Southdowns were divided' between Messrs C. A. Fenwick and W. Jobson, the former gaining one first, two seconds, and two thirds, whilst Mr Jobson secured three firsts, two seconds, and one third. ( The trade and industrial exhibition made a strong feature of the show, there being several new inventions calculated to assist the farmer in ptoducing more. PALMERSTON NORTH.

The Monawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Show, which opened at Palmerston North on Wednesday, sth inst.. and concluded on Friday evening, 7th inst., may be classed as one of the biggest shows yet held under the auspices of the association, but it does not follow that it was the best —in fact, from; an agricultural and pastoral standpoint the Palmerston Show is not increasing in value. There is not the number of entries in the stock sections tihat |such a. big district served well by railways should command. For instance. Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Wanganui. laranaki, and ev?n the Main Trunk and Waikato districts should all contribute substantial quotas to the pens and show rings. There is not, however, the practical interest taken in' the show _ by the farmers of the Manawatu district; otherwise there would have been a much biggjr display than there was. Out of a little over 400 entries fully two-thirds were supplied by the soldiers, home industrios, and doer classes, so that after all the stock exhibition, which should bo the most important of Ihe show, is not helped bv the farmers as it deserves to be. The officials of the association have done everything possible in the way of providing housing accommodation for the stock, and in that direction the appointments are equal, if not superior, to anything of the bind in the. Dominion. Producers should therefore rally round the association and help more a.nd still more by sending along quality stock for exhibition. All sections of the horse division were fairly well supported, but there is not the showing of draughts that .there used to be. Perhaps the development of the motor is responsible for the shrinkage. The Donald Estate's (Featherston) Buchlyvie's had no rival in the class for stallions four years and over, and if there had been other competitors in the ring this beautifullyproportioned and well-cared-for animal would have given them a biff run for championship honours. The harness and saddle horses in the ring made a very fine display, and the vnrious competitions were keenly contested. The championship or harness horses was captured, by Miss G. Maher, of Hastings, with Batche'ior, which has won so many prizes at cojistal shows. Mr W. Howard Booth's (Carterton) Lonely was adjudged to be the horse most suitable as a troop horse up to list. Close on 50 ponies lined up in the vari-

ous classes (open), and the judge was very enthusiastic concerning the breeding of some of the miniature horses.

The cattle pavilion enclosed some very valuable stock, a-id the pedigree section was probably one of the best exhibitions yet seen at Pa-merston North. The entries worked out as follow: —Shorthorn, 40; Hereford, 27; North Devon, 9; Ayrshire, 84; Jersey, 85; Friesiar., 63; milking Shorthorns, 80. All thy breeds were very well represented by quality animals, and the judges were onthusiastio concerning; the good breeding that is now manifesting itself. It seems a great pity that the New Zealand breeders do not support and encourage a Royal show, so that the champions of both islands could compete for supremacy. Milking Shorthorns made a_ particularly fine display tkb year, and it is quite evident that the breed is becoming more popular. The cattle championships were awarded as follows:

Shorthorn—Bull: W. Gray's (Colytonl South Star; reserve,. J. Knight's (Feilding) Pitlochie Jock. A special award of a silver cup was also made by Mr W. Gibson, of Kiwitea, for the best yearling bull, and this was annexed by G. A. Turner's (Eltham) Baron 20th. Champion oow: Dalziell Bros.' (Kunterville) Athol Derremutt 2nd; reserve, Dakiell Bros.' Blair Ath.ol Duchess 139th. Fricsian —Bull: cR. R.' Pearson's (Kaimatarau) Dominion Kruger de Kol, by Oak do Roy 2nd and Olga; reserve, W. J. Lovelock's (Palmerston North) King of Dominos. Cow: W. Bevan's (Manakau) Friesland Maxkye, by Ciiffside Ladic—Gypsy Queen; reserve, W. I. Lovelock's Domiino's Friesland Belle.

Hereford—Bull: E. Short's Feilding) Champion 50th; reserve, Donald M'Kenzie's (Masterton) Mansel Helmsman (imp.). Cow: E. Short's Monkton Lass sth; reserve, E. Short's Happy Rosa 6th. North Devon —Bull and cow: W. J. Birch (Marton). Ayrshire—Bull: Porirua. ?£ental Hospital's Welcome Lad, by Ellesmere Lad—Virginia; reserve, Mental. Hospital's Kirkland King 11. Cow: C. B. Morgan's (Woodville) Unita of Ashleigh Park, by The Laird— Sprightly 111. Milking Shorthorns—Bull: Mrs J. Wall (Hastings). Cow: S. Bolton's (Oete) Joyce II (imp.).

In fat cattle the exhibits were confined to the representatives of the herds of Messrs G. F. Moore (Kai Iwi), T. W. M'Kenzie (Masterton), P. A. M'Hardy (Palmerston North), and T. A. Duncan (Hunterville). The points prize was won by the lastnamed exhibitor. There was a fine display of sheep, Rominey Marsh being very strong. Both the ram and ewe Romney championships went to Wairarapa, Mr W. Perry exhibiting the male that pleased the judge most, and Mr W. Howard Booth (Carterton) the ewe. The Perry Challenge Cup was won by the donor. A' championship 'awarded to the Romney exhibited in the wool or in natural condition went to Mr A. R. Tannin, of Taihape." Shropshire Downs had good representation from the flock of Sir James Wilson, of Bulls, who gained all championships. The championships in Southdowns Were won by Mr J. Knight, of Feilding; whilst Moumahaki Stats Farm: penned a magnificent collection of Ryelands in the wool, the judge being delighted with the very fine specimens exhibited.

Messrs T. A. Haycock, of Martinborough, and W. J. Birch, of Marton., were the only exhibitors of Corriedalcs and Devon longwool respectively, and were awarded accordingly. • Fleece . wool exhibits commanded gfreat attention, the, judge observing that the Romney fleeces were the best he had seen in the Dominion, and possessed great spinning qualities. Mrs J. Wall ,and the Porirua Mental Hospital were the only two exhibitors of pigs, honours being well divided, particularly in Berkshires. Mrs Wall was the only exhibitor of the Tamworth breed. The industrial section received great support, and, in conjunction with the display of motors, agricultural machinery, and dogs, the show was made very attractive. KELSO SHOW The Otago show season was commenced on Wednesday by the holding of the Kelso show, which took place under the auspices of the Kelso A. and P. Association on the association's grounds. A cold wind was blowing, and sleety showers fell at intervals throughout the day. Notwithstanding these unfavourable conditions, there was a good attendance, £4O 7s 9d being taken at the gates. These receipts do not, however, give a fair idea of the niunber of people present. The association has a membership of 180,'and as several persons are admitted oa a member's ticket, it is quite reasonable to assume that a largo proportion of the attendance were admitted to the ground by this means. . The show itself —the ninth held under the auspices of the association—may very fittingly be classed with many successful exhibitions which have taken place at Kelso. Held in a prosperous district as it is, the> Kelso show could reasonably be expected to be good, and this no doubt contributes in a large degree to the success of the annual exhibition, but the principal factor among several which may be said to have made these displays successful is the outstanding faot that there are practically no drones in the hive as far as the Committee of # Management is concerned. On this occasion the members of the committee, headed by the president (Mr R. H. Edie), had spared no effort to make the show the success it undoubtedly was. They were on tho ground the day prior to the show doing the work which most show societies pay to have done, such as the erection of sheep pens, the untrucking_ of exhibits, and the preparation of the judging ring. On the day following the show the same energy was displayed in the demolition of the sheep pens, the stowing away of the hurdles, and the trucking and consigning of stock to be returned to exhibitors who make use of the railway for the conveyance of their animals. So long as the Kelso Association is controlled by a committee so keenly interested in its progress so long must it be classed as a live and successful institution.

The management of the- show was in most capable hands. Everything went with a swing, and ran with a smoothness which is quite a characteristic of Kelso's annual exhibitions. Mr R. G. Foster had charge of the secretarial _ arrangements, and, as on previous occasions, capably fulfilled the multifarious duties -which fall to the lot of a show secretary. A .good many visitors were present from Dunedin, Invercargill, and Gore, 'including Mr H. V. Fulton (secretary of the Otago A. and P. Society) and Mr John Craig (inspector for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). There -was a slight falling off in entries in some of tho eectiona, notably cattle,

sheep, and dogs, but in.other departmonta of the show tho number of exhibits forward exceeded those of last year. iNotwichstaudmg a diminution in the number of entries, cattle, which- were judged by Mr A. Aitkon (of Gore), wore quite a good was the only exhibitor in Friosians, and gamed a prize with, each of the 11 animals toward, in addition to both championships. Most of the exhibita were of iijj-LOp quality, but some oi the adult animals exhibited signs of age. The section for crossbred dairy cattle was an exceptionally good one, and despite the unfavourable season most of the animals were si.own in excellent condition. The covr classes, in -which Mrs G. H. Stewart won with some nice specimens of the Shorthorn cross, -were quite a feature. There wer» only two fat bullocks shown, both of whiob -were really prime. Sheep are invarably a good section at Kelso shows, and on this occasion this was especially the case. Mr ft. T. Edward* (Pukerau) was the only exhibitor in Border Leicesters, and annexed prizes with each of his six entries. Romney Marsh was th»strongest division of tho sheep department, Mr W. A. Baxter annexing the bulk of the prizes -with some typical specimens of this popular breed, all of which were well brought out. Mr Baxter, in addition to winning the lion's chare of the prizes, was also awarded both championships and bothi reserve championships. The champion ram (winner in the one-shear class), which was one of Mr D. Murray's (Clydevale) breeding, was a specially well-woolled and stylish, animal. There were eight entries in the ram hogget class, the winner being one of Mr C. W. Body's entries, with one of Mr Baxter's second, and one of Mr E. D. Mackenzie's third. The last-named is a beautifully framed sheep, showing a deal of character-, and had his wool been in better order he would doubtless occupied a higher position in the prize-list. Crossbreds "were quite a large division, and most of the placed sheep, were of good quality. As is usual at most shows there were not a few purebred sheep included in the entries, and these were very properly disqualified by the judge. Fat sheep wore not numerous. Mr J. F. Herbert (Heriot) was the most successful exhibitor, his pen of three heaviest wethers (shorn) being well-bred Romneys, and carried an Immense amount of condition. v

Draught horses have alw iys been a feature! of Kelso shows, and the exhibition of Clydesdales this year was no exception to the rule, notwithstanding- the fact that thero is a slump in the draught horse market. Messrs Fleming Bros. (Grcokston) took the bulk of the prizes, and Mr Alex. Thomson ran these exhibitors ( very close in some cases. There was only one stallion forward —Messrs Fleming Bros's Springfield Stamp. He waa allotted the red ticket, and was subsequently decorated with the championship ribbon. The reserve championship went to Mr Alex. Thomson's yearling colt, which had gained first prize in a class of three for yearling colts or geldings. The championship in the female division went to a two-year-old filly bred and exhibited by Messrs Fleming Bros. It is a noteworthy fact that both she and Springfield" Stamp are full brother and sister, being sired by Mr MT/ean'a Scotland Success, and claim as their dam tha successful show ring mare Harniestoun Rita. The fact that Scotland's Success ha* «irod two such champions stamps him as a horse of some note.

The light and harness section of horsed was a good.one, and keen competition wu, witnessed in some •of the classes. This was the case particularly in the classes for 13,stone hacks, and for 11 stone hacks. In the former Mr ~W: A. Yardley won in * class'of 10 with a stylish animal,, Mrs Hugh Sinclair's'entry being second, and Mr H. Cookerill third. The red ticket in tha 11 stone class was awarded to Mr A. C. Sim* Mr John Haugh, jun. (Brydone) being* second, and Mr. G. Totter . (Greenvale) third. There wore a number of good harness horses on exhibition, the prizes being distributed between a large number of exhibitors.

The competitions consisted of jumping over three flights of hurdles and a high jump. An unfortunate accident happened in the former, one of the competitors, Mr H. Cockerill, being rolled on by his horse. He was rendered iuiconscioU3, and was promptly conveyed to the Tapanui Hospital by Constable Beadle, primary medical attention being given by Mra- R. Lochhead (Balclutha), a qualified medical practitioner. An examination at the hospital showed that Cockerill was suffering from slight concussion, and was progressing favourably yesterday. The dairy produce section attracted a) large number" of entries, and the womenfolk are deserving of great credit for tho very handsome display made. The following is the prize list: CATTLE. Judge: Mr A. Aitken (Gore). SHORTHORN. Bull, tlrree years and over. One entry—M'Qillvrav Bros. 1. , _ _ Bull, ono year. Two entries-J. 0. Herrou 1, W. A. Baxter 2. '.,.„•. Heifer, one year. One entry—M'Gikvray Bros. I. FRIBSIASS. Bull, throe years and over. Ono entry—S. D. Mackenzie 1. , ' Bull, two years. One entry—E. B. Mackenzie 1. Bull, one year. One entry—E. D. Mackenzie 1. Cow any age. Three entries—E. D. Mackenzie 1. Heifer, two years. Two entries—E. D. Mackenzie 1 and 2. . Heifer, one year. Three entries—E. D. Mackenzie 1,2, and 3. DAIRY CATTLE. Cow, any ago. in mi'lk or in calf. Five entries —W. A. Baxter 'l and 2, Alex. Thomson 3. Best Cotter's Cow. Two entries—John Kitching 1 \. M'Kinnon 2. Best Heifer, two years. Fh'o entries—W. A. Baxter 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Heifer, one year. Three entries —J. 0. Herroa 1 and 2. Best Dairy Cow in the show, to bo shown in milk. Nine entries—Mrs G. H. Stewart 1 and 3, W*. A. Baxter 2. Pair Dairy Cows, in milk, any breed or cross. Four entries —Mrs G. H. Stewart 1, W. A. Baxter 2, Alex. Thomson 3. Fat Cattle. Fat Steer, any age. Two entries- -M. M'Auley 1, K. M'Kenzie 2. Special Awards. Champion Cow—Mrs G. H. Stewart. Champion Bull—E. D. M'Kenzie. Most Points in Purebred Cattle—E. D. Mackenzie. Most Points in Dairy Cattle—W. A. Baxter." Most Points in Cattle—E. D. M'Kenzie. SHEEP. Judges: Messns Joseph Murdoch (Waltahana) and JuTacs Millar (Maungatua). BoitnEß Leicester. One ewe hogget. Three entries—H. T. Edwards 1,2, and 3. Two ewe hoggets. Three entries—K. T. Edward* 1,3, and 3.

BOMNEY MARSH. (For Unclothed and Unhoused Sheep.) Bam, any age. Two entries—W. A. Baxter 1 an d 2.' • •■, „ ■■ , Bam, one shear. Three entries—W. A. Baxter 1 .and 2. Two rani hoggets. entries—W. A. Baxter 1, E D. Mackenzie 2. One ram hogget. Eight entries—O. W. Body 1, W. A. Baxter 2, B. D. Mackenzie 3. On© ram hogget, shorn. Three Entries—E. D. Mackenzie 1 and 3, W- A. Baxter 2. Two ewes and lambs. Four entries—W. A. Baxter 1,2, and 3. ■ * One Ewe and Lamb. Four entries —W.. A. Baxter 1,2, and 3. ' Two ewe hoggets. Five entries —E. D. Mackenzie 1 and 2; One ewe hogget. Six entries— W. A. Baxter -1, E. D. Mackenzie 2 and 3. One ewe hogget, ehorn. Four entries—W. A. Baxter 1 and 2, E. D. Mackenzie 3. One-shear or two-shear flock ram. Earn to have been used by the exhibitor during the previous season. Stud breeders to be barred from exhibiting. Three entries—O. W. Body 1,2, and 8. Romney Marsh. (For Clothed or Housed Sheep.) Bam, any age. Three entries —W. A. Baxter 1. Bam, one shear. Three entries—\V. A. Baxter 1 and 2. Two ram hoggets Two entries —W. A. Baxter 1. One ram hogget. Three entries—W. A. Baxter 1 and 2. Two ewes and lambs. Four entries— W. A. Baxter 1 and 2. One ewe and lamb. Four entr>> - W. A. Baxter 1 and 2. Two ewe hoggets. Three entries a- Baxter 1 Mid 2. One owe hogget. Three entries —W. A. Baxter 1 and 2. SPECIAL AWARDS. Champion ram, Bomney—W. A. Baxter. Reserve champion lam, Romney—W. A. Baxter. Champion ewo, Homney—W. A. Baxter. Besorve champion ewe, Bomney—W. A. Baxter. Most points in Bomneys—W. A. Baxter. Crossbred. Judge: M"r D. Murray (Balclutha). One ewo hogg«t, fine wool. Eight entries —Alex. Jioberlson I and 2. One tvetLor hogget, fine wool. Eight entries—--o.' W. Body I, Alex. Bobertson 2, Alex. Haugh 3. Tvo «\»« lM>t)g6tS, strong wool. Nine entries — Zi».. Jw.klns 1 »nd 2. 0. W. Body 3. Ono »w« b<-Ji/jot, itrong wool. Twelve entries — Job. Jer-Vins 1 and 3, Edie Bros. 2. jVo tj«tiior hoggets, strong wool. Five entries. —!M!e a.-oa I lad 2, Alex. Haugh 3. 0n« wether hogget, strong wool. Nine entries — —Alex. Boberieon 1, Edie Bros. 2, E. D. Mackensln 3. 0:io .T-re. with lamb at foot, strong wool. Three *i-.lri*s--C. W. Body. Most points in crossbred sheep—Alex. Robertson. Fat Sheep. Judfre: Mr A. B. Allan (Warepa). Pen of three heaviest wethers, shorn, any age. One entry—J. F. Herbert. Pen of three wethers, under 30 months, to bo shown in the wool. Six entries —C. \V. Body 1, Edie Bros. 2, Alex. Thomson 3. Three heaviest wethers, shorn, under 42 months. Two entries—J. P. Herbert 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Three heaviest fat lambs, ram lambs barred. One entry—John Burnett. Three wethers or maiden ewes, any breed or cross, under IS months, shorn, most suitable for frozen mea ttrade. One entry—,T. F. Herbert. I Three wethers or maiden ewes, any breed or ! cross, under 18 months, in wool, most suitable for frozen meat trade. Three enEries—Edie Bros. ' 1 and 2. Three fat lambs, suitable for freezing; minimum freezing weight not less than 301 b, maximum freez- I Ing weight no{ more than 421 b, minimum average to be not less than 331 b. Two entries—Jas. Jenkins 1, John Burnett 2. Most points In fat sheep—J. F. Herbert. HORSES. Draught Horses. Judges: Messrs W. Wyllie (Sefton) and Thomas Logan (Otania). Entire horse, any age. One entrv —Fleming Bros. l. ,

Colt or gelding, one year. Three entries —Alex. Thomson 1, Fleming Bros. 2, H. C. Stevens 3. Brood mare, in foal, or with foal at foot. Three entries— Alex. Thomson 1, Fleming Bros. 2, Alex. Wilson 3. Filly, three years. Four entries —J. Edwards 1, Alex. Thomson 2 and 3. Filly, two years. Two entries—Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Filly, one year. Five entries—Fleming Bros. 1 and 3, Alex. Thomson 2. Gelding, four years and upwards. Two entries — Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Best three-year-old gelding. Two entries—A. Thomsor. 1, Fleming Bros. 2. Pair geldings, any nge. Two entries—Fleming Bros. 1, A. Thomson 2, Gelding, two years. Two entries—Jas. Jenkins 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Best dry more, four years and upwards. Two entries —Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Mare, 15J hands and under. Four entries —Alex. Thomson 1, Jas. Jenkins 2, Alex. Wilson 3. Pair fillies, two years and under, the property of one exhibitor. Two entries—Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Mare, with two of her progeny, the property of one exhibitor. Two entries —Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Three colts, fillies, or geldings, three years and under, the property of one exhibitor. Two entries —Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Best colonial-bred mare, two years and over. Five entries—Fleming Bros. 1 and 3, Alex. Thomson 2. Pair mares, three years or over. Two entries— Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Yearling colt or filly, to be bred and owned by exhibitor. Six entries—Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2 and 3. Clydesdale Society's medal for yearling or two-year-old colts or fillies. Two entries—Fleming Bros. 1, Alex. Thomson 2. Champion stallion—Fleming Bros. Champion mare —Fleming Bros. Beserve champion stallion—Alex. Thomson. Reserve champion mare—Alex. Thomson. Most points in draught horses—Fleming Bros. Lioht Horses. Judge: Mr B. Lochhead (Balclutha). Filly, or gelding, two years. One entry—W. A. Yardley 1. Filly or gelding, 1 year. One entry—D. Jenkins 1. Roadster or hack, up to 15 stofie. Five entries —A. M'Gillvray 1, T. D. Dalziel 2, Mrs Hugh Sinclair 3. Boadster or hack, up to 13 stone. Ten entries —W. A. Yardley 1, Mrs Hugh Sinclair 2 H. Cockerill 8. Roadster or hack, up to 11 stone. Ten entries —A. 0. Sim 1, John Haugh jun. 2, G. Potter 3. Three-year-old roadster or hack. Three entries —W. A. Yardley 1, James Jackson 2, Alex. Haugh 3. Boy's pony. 14.2 and under. Four entries—John Haugh jun. 1, Alex. Thomson 2, W. H. Lusk 3. Single buggy horse. Four entries—A. C. Sim 1, Charles Thomson 2, John Haugh jun. 3. Boy's pony, under 13 hands. Five entries— Jamos Simons 1, A. E. Ward 2 and 3. Best turnout (horse, gig, and harness). Three entries—A. C. Sim 1, Mrs Hugh Sinclair 2. John Haugh jun. 3. Dogcart horse. Two entries —Mrs Hugh Sinclair 1, T. D. Dalziel 2. Best paced,hack. Eight entries —W. A. Yardley 1. A. 0. Sim 2, George Russell 3. Mare or ge'iding, up to lOewt, to be driven in a srrfingoart or .other vehicle. One entry—Mrs Hugh ei-yclair 1. Lady's hack. Six entiles —W. A. Yardley 1, A. 0. Sim 2, T. D. Dalziel 3. Farmers' buggy horse, up to 7cwt, to be driven in the ring. Three entries —Mrs Hugh Sinclair 1, T. D. Dalziel 2. ! Troop horse, must be bona fide property of a mounted Territorial. Two entries —T. D. Dalziel 1, A. C. Sim 2. Most points in light horses—W. '.ii Yardley. PIGS. Judge: Mr A. Aitken (Gore). Porker. One entry—C. W. Body. DOGS. Judge: Mr Young (Gore). Bearded collie (dog). Three entries—o. Thomson 1, M'Gillvray Bros. 2, 0. W. Body 8.

Smooth collie (dog"). Five entries —D. M'Kenzie 1 and 3, M'Gillvray" Bros. 2. Rough-coated collie (dog).' Nine entries—B. Marshall 1,0. Thomson 2, Thomas Potter 3. Smooth collie (hitch). One entrj-—Hugh Sinclair. DAIRY PRODUCE. ; Judge: Miss Callander (Mosgie'l). i One pound fresh butter. Pour entries—Mrs E. M'Donald 1 and 2, Miss Jean Stark 3. One pound powdered butter. Pive entries—Mrs R. M'Donald 1 and 2, Miss Jean Stark 3. Fanoy butter for tea table. Two entries—Miss Shanks 1 and 2. Salt butter. Pive entries—Mrs R. M'Donald 1, Mrs James Edgar 2, Miss Jean Stark 3. One pound fresh butter (open only to exhibitors who have never taken a first prize). Seven entries—Mrs Brown 1 and 2, Mrs T. Crossan 3. One pound powdered butter, open only to exhibitors who have never taken a first prize. Six entries —Mrs Brown 1 and 2, Mrs D. M'Beath 3. Plain oven scones. Seven entries—Mrs T. Helm 1, Mrs R. M'Donald 2 and 3. Plain oven scones, open only to exhibitors who have never taken a prize. Eight entries—Mrs T. Helm 1, Mrs H. M'Eeod 2, Mrs C. W. Body 3. Girdle scones. Eleven entries—Mrs T. Helm 1, Mrs R. M'Donald 2 and 3. Paney scones. Seven entries —Miss Braudigam 1 and 2, Mrs R. M'Donald 3. Oaten - cake. Seven entries —Mrs R. M'Donald 1 and 2. Miss Jenn Stark 3. Pruit cake, iced cake excluded. Four entries — Miss Braudigam 1 and 3, Mrs H. M'Donald 2. Light-coloured fruit cake, iced cake excluded— Six entries—Miss Jean Stark 1, Mrs R. M'Donald 2 and 3. Fruit cake, dark, open only to exhibitors who have never taken a prize. Seven entries—Mrs T. Orossan 1, Miss Jean Stark 2, Miss Mysie Fleming Fruit cake, light, open only to exhibitors who have never taken a prize. "Eleven entries—Mrs T. Crossan 1, Mrs T. Ferguson 2, Mrs A. Crossan 3. Sponge cake. Eleven entries—Mrs R. M'Donald 1, Miss Braudigam 2, Mrs T. Crossan 3. Collection of biscuits. Pive entries—Miss Jean Stark 1 and 2, Mrs J. A. Thomson 3. Home-made bread. Seven entries —Mrs R. M'Donald 1 and 2, Mrs T. Helm 3. Home-made brown bread —Mrs R. M'Donald 1 and 2, Mrs J. A. Thomson 3. Shortbread. Eleven entries—Miss Jean Stark 1 Mrs Jas. Cleshorn 2 and 3. Pikelets. >Tine entries—Miss Kerse 1 and 2 Mrs Hay 3. Best pastry. Three entries—Miss Kerse 1. Miss Jean Stark 2, Mrs T. Crossan 3. Dozen heaviest hen eggs. One entrv—Mrs Foster. COMPETITIONS. Judge: Mr R. Lochhead (Balclnthn). Best jumping hack, over 3ft 6in hurdles. Six entries—Miss M'l/ecd 1, R. J. Martin's Jane 2, J. A. Johnson's Pilot 3. High jump. Three entries —R. J. Marfin'3 Jane (4ft Bin) 1. IMPORTANT DISPERSAL SALE. On the 7th inst., the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, in conjunction with Messrs H. Matson and Son, disposed by auction at Sefton, the high class stud and pedigree- stock owned by Mr W. J. O. Coop. The high standard of the Newfields flock is known to breeders of Border Leicesters throughout the Dominion. At the late Mr John Douglas's Mount Royal dispersal sale ho purchased the highest class of ewes, amongst which waa the three-shear ewe bred by James Wallace, of Scotland, also the first and second prize winners in the shorn class at the 1915 Christchurch Show, and 63 selected stud ewes by the imported rams "Smith's Brilliant" and "Jeffrey No. 1." Amongst the stud rams of the Newfield's flock are Ross's ram. "No. 54" and "Record Heir," the latter being one of the highest priced rams in Australasia. With reference to the Shorthorn '

cattle, it may be noted that the foundation of the Ncwfield’s herd was from selected cows, heifers, and bulls from such wellknown breeders as the late Mr P. C. Threlkeld, the late Mr A. W. Rutherford, jun., of Brookdale, the late Mr William Chamberlain, Messrs Hight Bros., the late -Mr H. Pannett, and the late Hon. 11. M'Nab’s Knapclalo Estate, tho fashionably-bred “Knapdale Royal Diamond” being- the stud bull used with this herd. There was a large attendance of farmers from different parts of the northern district and also from distant parts of Canterbury. Bidding was brisk for most of the lots, and prices were on the whole fairly satisfactory. Two-ehear stud B.L. rams made from three to lOgns; stud B.L. ewes, 2gns to 19gns, tho latter price being paid for a four-shear ewe (imported) in lamb to Record Heir ; flock rams sold at 2|gns to 3gns; stud English Leicester rams, Iggns to 7gns; stud English Leicester ewes, Ign to l|gns; English flock rams, 3gns to Signs; stud Shorthorn cows (with calf at foot), made from 15gns to 40gns; yearling heifers, 12igns to 26gns; yearling bulls, Bgns to llgns; thrce-year-old filly (by Baron Bold), 66gns; two-year-old colt, by Baron Thrave, at 27gns; two yearling colts, by Baron Thrave, at ISgns and 12gns; a mare, Lady Everest, was passed in at 140gns; and Royal Ruby was passed at 85gns.