Southland Metropolitan A. and P. Association.

Southland Times, Issue 13090, 12 December 1894, Page 3

Southland Metropolitan A. and P. Association.

annual show. Officers of the Association President, John McKerchar, Esq. ; vice-pt evident, H Carswell, Esq. ; directors, Messrs J. Affleck, A. Dunlop, A. Beaven, G. Young, P. L. Gilkison, J. A. Mitchell, John Grant, J. Crombie, G Froggatt, J. C. IrviniT; B. 'S. Hunter, W. Rankin, John Russell, J. B. Taylor, James Fleming, John McCrostie, K. Finlayson, VV alter Blskie, R. Grieve, J. Batger,Wr Cumngham Smith ; secretary, Mr R. F. Cuthbertson. z ’■ i«". ' • ■' 5 '• ■> *' * FIRST DAY. The twenty-eighth annual show of the Southland Metropolitan A. and P. Association was opened in the Park Reserve yesterday, under auspices distinctly more favourable than those of last year. It will be remembered that the, first day of the 1893 show was gloomy and occasionally unpleasant ; the sky overcast all day long, and rain descending frequently in drenching Baowers. Notwithstanding all] this, despite the unfavourable climatic conditions, the show proved a great success, and the interest shown in the exhibits was proof positive that such trivial matters as cold, rain, and personal discomfort cannot damp 1 le enthusiasm of the Southland agriculturist or deter him from the enjoyment that an (xcellent exhibition of stock, implements, and all that appertains to his calling alone can afford. When results so highly satisfactory were attained last year under circumstancesjso generally discouraging it will be easily understood that yesterday s proceedings, smiled upon as they were by tine though cloudy weather, proved eminently more successful, decidedly more interesting, and infinitely more enjoyable. The sky was just sufficiently clouded to cool the ardour of the sun’s rays ; while thejtemperaturewas quite warm enoughforthose actively engaged among the exhibits, it was not hot enough to cause any degree of discomfort. Thus the officials of the Association had every opportunity of displaying their energy and zeal; thus the owners of (stock were enabled to show their animals to the best advantage; thus the exhibitors of implements, manufacturers, etc., were permitted to arrange their large variety of wares in the most alluring and attractive stylo ; and thus the Invercargill show of 1894 opened in a manner most satisfactory to all concerned and indicative of a triumph which should eclipse even the greatest success of former years. , • The entries received up to a certain time were recently published in these columns, but since then a number of other exhibits have been entered which materially alter the figures. The following statement shows how the entries compare with those of the two previous years : — 1892 1893 1891

It will be noticed that the total appreciably exceeds that of last year, although there is a total absence of poultry, the Association having determined to reserve the competition in fowls, ducks, geese, etc., until June next, when it is intended to hold a winter show. In the sheep dog class there is a small decrease, and in agricultural produce a considerable one, but in every other department of the show, there is a marked and healthy improvement. This is most noticeable in the cattle classes, which show in numbers as well as in quality a gratifying advance on last year’s exhibition. The only classes judged yesterday were the sheep and cattle, and those who carefully and intelligently inspected them had nothing but what was eulogistic to say. The features of the day were undoubtedly the long-wool sheep and the Ayrshire and dairy cattle, but in other classes there was also strong and ‘keen competition. Comment on the merits of the stock will be made further on. The implements and manufactures will also come in for special mention later, but it may here be said that the display was more than usually good, and that it attracted a great deal of interested attention. The attendance on the first day of a show in Invercargill is not expected to be particularly large, the second day being that which the public claim as their own, and upon which they flock in thousands to the ground. Taking this fact into consideration the number who were present yesterday must be accepted as except ionally satisfactory. It is true that the greater proportion may have consisted of officials, exhibitors, and attendants, but still many were there, including a few ladies, whose only object was to see all that was to he seen, to form their own opinions as to the nature and quality of the show. The amount taken at the gates was L 8 10s fid—about the same as last year. To-day the horses, pigs, agricultural produce, and all other exhibits will be on the ground. Besides the JucTging there will be the customary horse-jumping contests and a driving competition. The Brookside patent milker will be shown in operation, and there will be a host of other ingenious contrivances to engage the attention of the visitors. Mrs Tulloch has a booth on the ground, and the excellence of the refreshments provided therein secured for her many customers yesterday, and will ensure greater patronage t ° Wi'th regard to the classes judged the following remarks are made : — CATTLE. As is not unusual at the Metropolitan show of Southland the exhibits in what may be termed the beef breeds were far outnumbered by those shown in dairy cattle, and at the present show this , was more marked than heretofore, there being only 29 Shorthorns, Herefords, and lolled Angus entries as against 87 Ayrshire, crossbreds, and milkers. Taking into consideration the demand at present existing for well grown voung stores it seems unlikely that this state of affairs should much longer continue as well bred bulls of the beef breeds must be required by those who do not make dairying their sole object. At the present show, although the numbers referred to were but few and the competition very limited, there were some good specimens of each breed shown, yet there still is room for improvement. In Shorthorns-Class I, old bulls— Mr J. Mclntyre beat Mr Beavan and won the championship with i» big quality but deficient in hair, decidedly weak behind the shoulder, and flat in the ribs. Beavan’s bull has better hair, is better sprung in the ribs, but is a little slack m his quarters, and is not nearly equal tn scale, fn two-year-old bulls Mr Beavan had his revenge, winning with a nice young animal, with plenty of hair of good colour, we sprung ribs, and well packed behind the shoulder. Although at present rather high on the leg he should grow down by next season. The yearling bulls were a nice P ”n cows and heifers Mr Carswell had it all to himself. His first and champion cow is of capital quality, and would win in a wood class. His winner in the 2 year old heifer class is remarkably well grown, and very stylish-a bit leggy, but will improve. She beat a nice heifer in Jessie the oth. Herefords were but a short show, and it is somewhat strange that a breed of cattle so well adapted for second-class pastures should receive so little attention in this district. Hardier than the Shorthorn they are but little behind them in early maturity, and the quality of their beef cannot be surnassed Of course they are not dairymen s ST and this may'have affected their popularity. Mr Cleave shows a good bull, and his winning cow is a very nice one ; the rest of the class is rather patchy and if of better colour Mr Vyners No 212 should have been second. In Polled Angus the Hon. M Holmes was opposed by Messrs R. and A. Officer only an§ very excellent stock was exhibited all through. The Messrs Officers as new hands deserve great credit for their exhibits. There was only (one entry in each of the three bull classes, but all were good. Mr Holmes beat Messrs Officer in the cow in milk class, after a struggle, and in the twovear old heifers he showed a pair of beauties. In y eat ling heifers the Messrs

Officer fairly beat him, their] Marchioness being a very well grown j and handsome heifer.

Ayrshii-es were a very excellent show all through, as might be expected from a list of exhibitors comprising the names of such well known breeders as Messrs Galt, Rankin, Campbell, Hamilton, McCallum, Grant and Hannah. The competition was very close in most of the classes. Messrs Galt and Rankin, however, held their own against all comers and annexed most of the prizes. All; the prize winners in the bull class were bred by Mr Rankin. J Crossbred cows were a great show and with the milkers and cotters’ cows were as nice a lot as one could wish to look over. ] Messrs Bennie, Maud, T. Fleming, H. S. Hunter, and Crombie winning in the crossbreds and, Messrs Maud and Fleming in the cotters’ class. In thia class however, the judge remarked that he considered Mr Fleming’s cow the better one, but as she was dry there was a doubt as to the vessel, so placed Mr Maud’s first. It may be mentioned that Messrs Fleming and Kissell’s cows were bred by Mr Galt. The fat stock were not up to the standard of former years. Messrs Leckie beat the Hon. M. Holmes in fat bullocks—a somewhat doubtful win if quality were taken into consideration. The pair of fat steers shown by Messrs Leckie certainly looked rather old for animals of that denomination, and the nicest and best of the fat cattle were the two fat steers not over three years old shown by the Hon. M. Holmes. SHEEP. The great feature of the show was doubtless the grand exhibition of long-woolled sheep. In Lincolns and Border Leicesters the breeders of Southland have long held pre-eminence throughout the colony, and although in their own district the competition is almost always confined to the local breeders, yet when Sutton meets Sutton or McKerchar, McCrostie and Grieve struggle for supremacy in the prize ring it is well-known that the exhibits can more than hold their own at any show in the colonies. The Hon. M. Holmes is known far and wide as a breeder of Romneys and Cheviots, and although the Birchwood flock was not in evidence this year some capital sheep of the Romney breed were exhibited by the trustees of the Hon. James Fulton and ethers. The Shropshire Down flock of Messrs John Reid and Son were unopposed. No merinos were shown.

Lincolns—The old ram class was a very good one throughout, Mr F. Sutton winning first and champion from Messrs Marris and

Sutton. Mr F. Sutton’s No. 271 was placed before the present winner at the last Christchurch show, and many good judges would have maintained that position here. The second prize sheep is of great size, with capital quality. The class for young rams comprised only four entries, two from each of the Thornbury flocks, Marris and Sutton winning with a very good sheep. Class 9, for pairs of two tooth rams, was a good one. For best ewe, with lamb at foot, Marris and Sutton swept the board and got the championship. In this class was a very nice ' ewe bred and owned by Mr G. Sutton. All the prizes for 2 tooth ewes, for pens of two ewes, 4 tooth or over, and for pens of two ewes, 2 tooth or under, fell to Marris and Sutton. The Border Leicesters were in great force, and it would be difficult to get a better lot ( together. The competition was most keen throughout. Old rams were headed by McKerchar Bros, with a beautiful sheep; they also got second in this class, with McCrostie a good third. Mr McCrostie turned the tables in young rams, with McKerchar Bros, second. The old ewe class was a remarkably good one, headed by a ewe bred and shown by Mr R. Grieve, ■ a sheep of great size with a good fleece. Mr Grieve has the honour of having bred the Border Leicester ewe that won the cham- I pionship at the Christchurch, Oamaru, and . Dunedin shows this season and the Invercargill winner is by the same sire. A very beautiful ewe was shown in this class by the McKerchar Bros. The young ewes were a nice lot and in both classes the Woodlands flock was successful. | Romneys were well shown by the Hon. M. , Holmes and the trustees of the Hon. James , Fulton, the latter winning the old ram prize , with a very good specimen, while the first I for young rams fell to the Hon. M. Holmes whose exhibit was a wonderfully well grown youngster. The old ewes were good and the young ones shown by Messrs Holmes and Beattie very good indeed, but Mr Boyd’s seem to have lost the true Romney char- , acter. j Southdowns were but indifferently represented, while of Hampshires there were none at all. Shropshires.—The Monte Christo flock : sent some good sheep, particularly the champion old ram and the winning two tooth —a remarkably level compact sheep. The championship for ewes goes to a very i nice 2 tooth. I . Mr Holmes had it all alone with Cheviots, ' showing some capital specimens of this hardy and useful breed. Crossbreds were few in number. Mr Hare showed a good pen of Lincoln-merino ewes, and Mr G. Sutton two pens of comebacks by merino rams from Lincoln ewes. Mr Hare , exhibited three pens of halfbreds—by half- i bred rams from halfbred ewes. This at- i tempt to make a breed is well worth watch- 1 ing. Starting with stud merino ewes got by an imported merino ram bred by Messrs Dennis and VVithenhall, which Mr Hare purchased in Melbourne for LlOO, Mr Hare first crossed with a Lincoln ram bred at Merri- : vale of Sutton’s blood. On the halfbred '• progeny was used a halfbred ram purchased ; from Mr Little, of Canterbury, who for 10 ' years had used halfbred sires and dams from i an original Lincoln-merino cross. j Fat sheep were not numerous. John Reid ' and Sons showed some capital Down’s I crosses, winning in both classes, but suffer- ' ing defeat in the freezers, where Mr Hare’s , pure halfbreds won after a hard tussle. THE; IMPLEMENTS. The rules of the Association state that, inter alia, all implements must be placed on the grounds by noon of the first day of the i show. This a good many exhibitors appear i to take to mean that their goods must be within the gates by that hour, but nob ■ necessarily in position for exhibition. Hence I the area set apart for implements, manufactures, etc., was yesterday, till well on in j the afternoon, in a state of confusion and ' unreadiness. This may be,from the exhibitor’s , point of view’, a small matter, seeing that j the public do not patronise the show largely on the opening day; but they must not com- I plain if a newspaper report of their show is incomplete and if the reporter fails to take! cognisance of what is not to be seen. Both in numbers and variety the show this year indicates the now almost dreaded march of the inventive faculty, which seems destined to leave nothing for human hands to do and to reduce the race almost to the position of lookers-on. The most prominent new thing on view was the WOLSELEY SHEEP SHEARING MACHINE, which was shown in operation. It is not claimed that this clever invention deprives mankind of a chance to toil, for the swiftmoving clipper must be guided by hand. What is claimed for it is closer work and, of course, greater weight of wool per fleece, and the wrist of this operator does not tire as the sun goes down. The operation of undressing sheep was watched with great interest and the machine was without doubt the attration of this side of the show. ANDREWS AND HEAVEN, who;e district agents ’are Messrs Tothill, Watson and Co, have been for years consistent supporters of the local show. No doubt they find it to their interest to do so, but they have always something good and substantial to put forward. There is not much that is distinctly new on their stand this year, but their, machines are always worthy of inspection, their makes of chaffcutters and baggers specially so, also the handy and safe firewood saw bench and horsepower they turn out. Another steady supporter of these shows is the firm of I>. AND D. DUNCAN, LTD. Since the last Invercargill show Mr P. Dun" can has paid a visit to the Old Country, but there cheap labour has discouraged the use of advanced machinery and he found ithatwecolonistshadnothingto learn,frombut rather something to impart to our brethren across the seas in methods of cultivating the

soil. The firm’s drill» for sowing seeds and distributing manures are well known implements and they also show several cultivating tools, such as hoes, grubbers, ana spading harrows of substantial make and excellent design. Messrs Tothill, Watson and Co., are also their local agents. ... ROPE AND TWINE. The most imposing exhibit in this class was that of Donaghy and Co., who showed from hawsers fit to hold a 2000 ton ship down to seaming twine. The Southland Rope apd Twine Factory take an effective way to bring their makes of binder twine before the farmers, ; exposing it .in neat boxes in different parts of the ground. All the exhibits in this class are remarkably good. KITCHENERS. The show made by Messrs Scott Brothers, Christchurch, of cooking ranges is the finest ever seen on these grounds, whether taken as examples of fine casting or as efficient kitcheners. Some of them are evidently got up for exhibition, not for use, but they are creditable in the highest degree to the colonial workmen, and were greatly admired. The luxurious character of the mountings is indicated by the fact that one range has plateglass panels, so that “cookie may see whether her cap is awry or her face smudged as she proceeds. BOOTH, MACDONALD AND CO. This up-to-date Christchurch firm have appointed Mr A. Storrie their local representative, and have, as usual, a full range of their specialties on exhibition. These include a single furrow digger plough and a double furrow of the same type, with patent wheel lift. They are strong in ploughs generally; also drills, wool presses, windmills, etc., of excellent design. Mr Storrie,as agent, exhibited a traction engine of the wellknown Invicta (Aveling and Porter) make, fitted with the Bowmar patent attachment, the invention of a Southland man. LOCAL PRODUCTIONS. A surprisingly fine exhibit is that of the Benjamin Edwards Company (Kennington), whose array of cold steel in the shape of hedge knives, slashers, axes, etc., of all conceivable forms and weights, excites visions of a French revolution. Mr Henry Wilson shows some serviceable dairy utensils,locally made and extremely modest in price. The S.F.M. and P.E. Co. fill a neat tent with by products of the frozen meat industry in the shape of manures and neatsfoot oil and the Southland Chemical and Manufacturing Co. make a liberal display of their Premier sheep dip.

HARVESTING MACHINERY.

Never before at these shows has so much been done in the direction of showing machinery in motion and this applies more particularly to the exhibition of binders, mowers, etc. Of these it may be said that the most distinct changes are the constant tendency to reduce the height of the elevator and to substitute steel for timber in the framing. Taking the machines all round they seem to be approaching perfection,every little requirement or fad of the agriculturist being provided for. The Buckeye Harvester Company (Messrs Tothill, Watson and Co., agents),make a small display of this the first of the lowdown order. The Massey-Harris Co. (J. G. Ward Association, agents) make a great display of their binders and mowers, and also of the remarkable Canadian implements they are introducing to the colony. The McCormick reaper and binder is on exhibition by the N.M. and A. Co. The agent for the Walter A. Wood machine is now Mr A. Storrie, and a full assortment of the implements is shown. Mr Richardson, the New Zealand manager for the firm, is also present, and a very effective display is made. The Southland F.I. and E. Co. , who are now agents for the Hornsby binder, have several on view. This machine, following the demand, is now a *’ lowdown ” and has been so much altered in appearance by the substitution of steel framing as to be unrecognisable. It is a machine stamped with the approval of many judges and attracts a good deal of attention. The N.Z.L. and M.A. Co. as agents show the Deering machine, and Messrs Carswell and Co. also submit the Hornsby binder for criticism.

REID AND GRAY are at “the corner” as usual. This firm has so well established itself throughout the colonies that it has quite sufficient to do in turning out its standard implements,without seeking for things new and perhaps not more effective. Among their exhibits is a. d.f. plough withseat, which goes toa Maori chief in the North. It is unpainted and is a grand specimen of forging. Swale’s patent turnip thinner will repay investigation, as will also the firm’s Eureka manure distributor, a most ingenious self-cleaning device. Of course the firm show a very large number of drills, harrows, disc and tine, chaffcutters and baggers, etc., for which they are in good repute, and altogether make a most creditable exhibition. They also show a Mercer harvester, notable as dispensing with canvases.

THE SOUTHLAND FARMERS I. AND E. CO, as was to be expected from the proximity of the show ground to their headquarters, make a very large and effective display of agricultural machinery of every description: indeed so large that simply to enumerate them without referring to their designs, would be a task of no small magnitude. Bloughs with and without all manner of attachments, drain makers, grubbers, rollers, harrows, chaff-cutters, and such like may be seen by the score, while their Colonial drills bulk largely on the catalogue and equally so in the eyes of the farmers. Two of Fowler’s traction engines were under steam ; this old firm’s locomotives have a worldwide fame, and are without doubt in (the front tank of their clasi. The Implement Co also exhibit a Wood binder, said to be the very latest.

OWLES AND CO., CHRISTCHURCH, show us something new in the shape of oilskin clothing for use on sea or land. This is known as the Yarmouth brand and it well deserves a distinctive name for no finer class of goods of the kind could be prepared. Some of the garments arc finished in a style that fits them for a gentleman's wear when driving or riding and the process of waterproofing is simply perfection ; the cloth may be wrung like a dishclout and will “ come up smiling” without a crease to show the spot so roughly treated. The “ skin ” upon the goods is like enamel and the sewing and trimming are worthy of high commendation. ARTIFICIAL MANURES The Kernpthorne, Prosser Co., showed a very full and fine assortment of the fertilisers for which they have justly gained honourable fame. These are to be seen in all grades of division and for all kinds of field and garden work and form an interesting class. The Production Manure Syndicate also exhibit their specialties, including component) parts of manures and Hunter’s patent disinfectant. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr Wm. Todd, the district agent, makes a display of Lawe’s sheep dip, recently introduced to the colony and which local testimony gives high credentials to. Owing to the delay in placing many of the exhibits set out in the catalogue it was impossible to ascertain what was and what was not on the ground and this must be sufficient excuse for shortcomings and omissions from this report. Following is the prize list for the day. CATTLE. SHORTHORN. Judge : Mr Geo Kelk. Stewards : Messrs Jenkins and Ma’tby Bull, 3 years old and upward—l and champion, John Mclntyre ; 2, A. Beaven. Two entries. Bull, 2 year old—l, A. Beaven. One exhibit. Bull, yearling—l, A. Beavan ; 2, H. Carswell ; 3, J. Mclntyre Three entries. Cow in calf or in milk—l and champion and 2; H Carswell. Three entries. Two year old heifer—l and 2, H. Carswell. Two entries. : Yearling heifer—l and 2, H. Carswell. Two entries. AYRSHIRE. Judge : Mr Neil Fleming. Stewards : Messrs Irving and Scott Bull, 3 year old and upward—l, J. Ward; 2, John Campbell; 3, Jas. Galt. Seven i entries.

Bull, 2 year old—l and champion, D. McCallum ; 2, Jas. Galt; 3, Alex. McPhail. Four entries.

Bull yearling —I, John Campbell; 2, W. Rankin ;3, James Galt. Five entries. Cow in milk—l and champion,VS . Rankin, 2, James Galt; 3, W. Rankin. Six entries. Cow apparently in calf—l, James Galt; 2, John Grant; 3, James Galt. Five entries. Heifer, 3 year old—l, VV. Rankin ; 2 and 3, James Galt. Five entries. Heifer, 2 year old, not in milk—l and 2, W. Rankin D. McCallum. Four entries. Heifer, 2 year old, in milk—l and 2, James Galt; 3, W. Rankin. ■ ' Helfer, 1 year old—l and 2, James Galt; 3, VV. Rankin. Nine entries. Cow and two of her progeny—l, James Galt; 2, John Grant; 3, W. Rankin. Three entries. ” HEREFORDS. Judge : Mr George Kelk. Stewards : Messrs Jenkins and Maltby. Bull any age—l, R. Cleave. One entry. Cow in calf or milk—l and 2, R. Cleave. Four entries. POLLED ANGUS. Judge and stewards same as in Herefords. Bull, 3 years and upwards—l and champion, Hon. M. Holmes. One entry. Bull, 2 years—R. and A. Officer. One entry. ' i Bull, I year—l, Hon. M. Holmes. One entry.' Cow in calf or in milk—l and champion, Hon. M. Holmes; 2, R. and A. Officer. Two entries. Heifer, 2 years —1 and 2, Hon. M. Holmes. Two entries. Heifer, 1 year—l, R. and A. Officer ;2, Hou. M. Holmes. Three entries. CROSSBRED. Judge : Mr Neil Fleming. Stewards : Messrs Irving and Scott. Cow, in milk, best adapted for dairy purposes—l, John Bennie ; 2, George Maud ;3, Jas. Crombie. Eight entries. Cow, dry, bept adapted for dairy purposes —l, Thomas Fleming; 2, H. S. Hunter. Seven entries. Heifer, 2 years—l, James Crombie ;2, Alexander Watt; 3, Jas. Crombie. Six enHeifer, yearling—l and 2, Jas. Crombie; 3, John Bennie. Three entries. Cottar’s cow, in calf or milk—l, George Maud ; 2, Thomas Fleming ; 3, J. H. Kissell. Seven entries. FAT STOCK. Judge : Mr VV. Patrick. Stewards : Messrs Jenkins and Maltby. Fat bullock —1 and 2, J. and A. Leckie. Seven entries. Fat cow—l, P. A. Vyner ;2, J. and A. Leckie. Two entries. Pen of fat steers—l, J. and A. Leckie. One entry. Pen of 2 fat steers, not over three years—1, Hon. M. Holmes. One entry. SHEEP. LINCOLN. Judge : Mr A. Swhan. Steward : Mr J. McCrostie. Ram, 4 tooth or over—l and champion, Fred. Sutton ; 2 and 3, Marris and Sutton. Ten entries. - Ram, 2 tooth or under—l, Marris and Sutton ; 2 and 3, Fred. Sutton. Four entries. Pair 2 tooth rams—l, Marris and Sutton ; 2 and 3, Fred. Sutton. Five entries. Ewe, 4 tooth or over—l and champion, 2 and 3—Marris and Sutton. Five entries. Ewe, 2 tooth or under—l, 2 and 3, Marris and Sutton. Three entries.

Pen of two ewee, 4 tooth or over, with, lambs at foot—l, 2 and 3, Marrin and Sutton. Six entries. Pen of two ewes, 2 tooth or under—l, 2 and 3, Marris and Sutton. Four entries. BOBDIR LEIOESTERB. Judge t Mr Thoe. tittle (Ngapara). Stewards s Messrs.J. B. Taylor, Jas. Blakie . and K. Finlayson. Ram, 4 tooth or over—l and champion and 2, MeKerchar Bros; 3, R. Grieve. Seven entries. Ram, 2tooth or under—l, Jno. McGrostio; 2 and ,3, MeKerchar Brothers. Nine enPair 2'tooth rams—l and' 2, MeKerchar Bros. ;3, John McCrostie. Five entries. Ewe, 4 tooth or over with'limb at foot—--1 and champion, Robert Grieve ; 2, McKerchar Bros. ; 3, John McCrostie. Four entries. , „ Ewe, 2 tooth or under—l,2, and 3, MeKerchar Bros. .. Eight entries. •1 Pen of’2 ewes, 4 tooth or over with lamb at foot—l, MeKerchar Bros.; 2, Robert Grieve ;3, John McCrostie. Four entties. Pen of two ewes. 2 tooth • 1 and 2, MeKerchar Bros. John McCrostie. [Five entries. ROMNEY MARSH. Judge : Mr D. Murray. Steward: Mr Jno. Grant. Ram, 4 tooth or over—l and champion, Hon Jas. Fulton’s trustees ; 2 and 3, Hon. M. Holmes. Four entries. Ram, 2 tooth or under—l; Hon. M. Holmes; 2, Hon Jas. Fulton’s trustees ; 3, Wm. Maoara. Five entries. Ewe, 4 tooth or over—l and 2, Hon. M. Holmes. Two entries. Ewe,2 tooth or under—l,Hon. M. Holmes; 2 and 3, John Beattie. Six entries. Pen of two ewes. 4 tooth or over—l and champion and 2, Hon. M. Holmes. Two entries. Pen of two ewes, 2 tooth or under—l, Alex Keir; 2 and 3, Hon. M. Holmes. Seven entries. SOUTHDOWN. Judge : Mr James Wylie. Steward : Mr A. Drysdale. Ram, 2 tooth or under—l and champion and 2, D. Murray. Two entries. Pen of two ewes, 4 tooth or over—l, D. Murray. One entry. SHROPSHIRE DOWNS. Judge : Mr James Wylie. Steward : Mr A. Drysdale. Ram, 4 tooth or over—l and champion, 2 and 3—John Reid and Sons. Three entries. Ram, 2 tooth or under—l, 2, and 3, John Reid and Sons. Three entries. Pen of two ewes, 4 tooth or over, with lambs at foot—l and 2, John Reid and Sons. Two entries. Pen of 2 ewes, 2 tooth or under—l and champion, 2 and 3, John Reid and Sons. Three entries. CHEVIOT. Judge : Mr Thos. Little. Stewards : Messrs J. B. Taylor, Jas. Blakie, atdK. Finlayson. Ram, 4 tooth or over—l and champion and 2, Hon. M. Holmes. Two entries. Ram, 2 tooth or under—l, 2, and 3, Hon. M. Holmes. Three entries. Ewe, 4 tooth or over —1 and champion and 2, Hon. H. Holmes. Two entries. Ewe, 2 tooth or under—l and 2, Hon. M. Holmes. Two entries. Pen of 2 ewes, 2 tooth or under— 1,2, and 3, Hon. M. Holmes. CROSSBRED. Judge : Mr Jas. Wylie. Steward : Mr Jas. MeKerchar. Pen of 5 halfbred ewes, any age, by any ram, out of merino ewes—l, A. R. Hare. One entry. Pen of five halfbred ewes or,wethers, under 18 months old, by any pure bred ram, out of long woolled ewes of a different breed—l and 2, Geo. Sutton. Two entries. FAT SHEEP. Judge : Mr W. Patrick. Steward : Mr Jas. MeKerchar. Pen of wethers—l, Jno. Reid and Sons ; 2. Menivale Estate ; 3, Jno. Reid and Sons. Five entries. Pen of five 2 tooth wethers —1, Jno. Reid and Sons. One entry. Pen of bn wethers, long woolled or crossbred, moft suit lb'e f -r the frozen meat trade (judges: Messrs Markley, Maltby, and B. Thomson : s’eward : Mr Jas. MeKerchar) — 1, A. R. Hare ; 2, Jno. Reid and S ns. Two euti its. SPECIAL PRIZES. Plate, va'ue L2 2-i, from Nicholas Jolins .11, Esq., Club hotel, for b- t Ayrshire cow and two of her progeny—James Gilt. L2 2s cash, from Geirge Prii tz. Esq , for exhibitor gaining most points in Shorthon s —H. Carswell. Plate, value L 3 3s, from W. Cuningham S nith, Esq, for the exhibitor gaining most points in sneep of his own breeding—Hon. M. Holmes. Plate or silver cup, value L 7 7s, from National Mortgage and Agency Co., for the lirgest number of points iu Leicester sheep —MeKerchar Bios. Piece of plate, value L 5 ss, from Tothill, Watson and Co., for most points in Romneys. Must be bred by exhibitor—Hon. Matthew Holmes. Six photos from Mr C. Gerstenkorn, of champion animals, or their owners, in each of the following classes—viz., Ayrshire bull, D. McCallum ; Leicester rams, MeKerchar Bros. Drum sheep dip, value LI ss, from the Southland Chemical and. Manufacturing Company, for best pen of fat sheep, class 52— J. Reid and Sons. Drum oil, value LI ss, from the Southland Chemical and Manufacturing Company, for best pen 2 tooth fat sheep, class 53— J. Reid and Sons. From Mr H. S. Hunter, for best crossbred cow—J Bennie.

Horses •• •• 1G8 155 1G9 Cattle Sheep 102 152 90 137 126 145 Sheep dog Pigs Poultry 9 18 11 20 23 Agricultural produce .. 59 144 111 Implements and machinery 180 207 234 Totals •• • • 693 771 813