GERALDINE PLOUGHING MATCH

Temuka Leader, Issue 5290, 26 August 1905, Page 2

GERALDINE PLOUGHING MATCH

The Geraldine ploughing match was held on Thursday in a paddock owned by Mr D. Lewis at Kakahu, when the weather was most favourable and the match was the most successful one ever held in the district. The attendance of farmers and others was exceptionally good and keen interest was\ taken in the match all day. The paddock was a very suitable one for a match, but was a little on fhe wet side owing to the damp season. Considering all things, however, it was thebest the committee could have obtained this year and Mr Lewis' paddock had the advantage of being centrally situated for Geraldine, Temuka, Winchester and Orari districts. The match commenced at 10.30 a.m. The first competitor to finish was one of the boys in Class D and the last man finished at 4.30 p.m. The pioughrng taken all through was very good, and the decisions of the judges met with public approval. The judges were :—Ploughing, Mr W. White . (Papakio), J. Ross (Hooke), and W. Stevenson (Levels); Horses, Mesprs R. Irvine (Albury), and John Paterson (Seadown). Mr A. Kelnian

acted as judge of the best dressed lady on the ground. The arrangements of the Committee were all well carried out and much credit is due to the President, Mr R. Skinner, and the able secretary, Mr J. Kennedy, fc r the j capable way in which they conducted the proceedings. Mr Sharpe, of the Commercial Hotel, Geraldiae, had a booth on ' the ground and. provided luncheon. At the close of the match

the secretary read out the decisions of the judges, and Mr Skinner made an announcement in regard to the dinner at night, and thanked the public for their hearty support at the match. The results of the match are as follows :

Class A, Cut as you please. Open to all comers.—W_ Brown (Uolfield) 1, A. Brown (Waikakahi) 2, 11. Brophy (Orari) 3. The champion class had the pick of the land, it being much more friable at their end of the paddock. Prom the start Messis W. Brown and M. Brophy, the old timers were seen to be putting in some very good work against the young man, A. Brown, who this year took tho championship in class B in Southland. Before the finish, however, Brophy went off badly and had no hope of winning. Young Brown, although handicapped with a scratch team, ai d a poor one at that, ran his namesake very close for first place and the opinion of many was that he would probably have won if the conditions had been equal. W. Brown took the C.F.C.A. (Timaru) trophy valued at £2 15/, Mcllroy and Turner's trophy, valued at 12/6, Mrs Mulhern's trophy valued at 6/, and cash prizes \o the amount of £4 5/. A. Brown took the Christcluii-eh Meat Company's trophy, valued at £2 6/, and cash prizes £1 14/. W. Brown got specials for best ploughed land on the ground and best fcering and finish in his class. Class B. Cut as you please. Open to those who have never taken a first prize in a similar class.—F. Donnithorne (Winchester) 1, J. Maze (Pleasant Point) 2, R. Davis (Washdyke) 3. The other competitors were F. Hawke (Winchester) and J. Edgar (Temuka). This was the largest entry in class B that the Association had ever received and the ploughing was very creditable all through. F. Donnithorne took Messrs Morrison Bros trophy valued at £1 2/6, W. Barrett's trophy valued at 15/, F. J. Prouting's trophy valued at 10/, ■ J. M. Sutherland's trophy valued at 7/, and cash to the amount of £3 2/6. J. Maze took Mr W. .Mason's trophy valued at £1 1/, Mr Hoskins' trophy valued at 10/, and cash to the amount of £7 6/. R. Davie took Messrs Kempthorne Prosser's trophy valued at 15/, and cash prizes 30/. Donnithorne got specials for best fcering and finish in his class, and Maze specials for best team and harness on the ground. Class C. Plain ploughing. Open to those who have -never taken a first prize (boys excepted). Cast share to bo used. D. Horgan (Temuka) 1, A. Watson (Ashburton) 2, J. W. Benbow (Temuka) 3. J. Scott (St. Andrews) also competed. This Was a satisfactory entry and' the work done was gratifying to the committee in view of the fact that they particularly wish to foster plain ploughing which,, of course, is most serviceable on thefarm. A great deal of interest was taken in this class by farmers especially as Horgan throughout the match put in splendid work and in the end made the best finish on the ground. Horgan took Mr H. Pyo's trophy valued at IS/, Mr H. W. Cole's trophy valued at 7/, and cash to the amount of £3 17/. A Watson took Mr Ronaldson's (Timaru) prize valued at 12/6 and cash £1 7/6. J. W.Benbow took Mr C. Borrell's trophy valued at 15/ and cash 5/. Horgan got specials, for best fcering and finish in his class, and for straightest ploughing and best ins and outs on the field. Class D, plain ploughing for boys under 20 years of age ; cast share to I be used—H. Brosnahan (Rangitira Val ley) Ist; W. Ford (Belfield), 2: The boys had the wet end of the paddock but theydid fairly good work. Brosnahan took Kempthorne Prosser's trophy valued at 10/ and cash £2 10/, Ford took the C.F.C.A. (Geraldine) trophy and Mr W. Turner's trophy. Brosnahan got the special for best feering in this class. SPECIAL PRIZES. For best team of "horses on' the ground, presented by, Messrs Guinness

and LeCren, cash £5 5/, was won by M. Maze (Pleasant Point). There wo e some splendid teams on the ground, in fact the best seen in the Geraldine district, according to competent i neks of horse flesh. Mr Maze luul i«n-.-.•■•e chestnuts but the public thought Lint they would be beaten by the team from Ashburton, which certainly appeared to have better quality th-um perhaps they were not so stylish as the winners. Best Kept Harness, trophy—Won by M. Maze. Mr Maze certainly deserved this prize. Best Ploughed Land on the ground— W. Brown. Best Feering, Class A.—W, Brown. Best Finish, Class A.—W. Brown. Best Feering, Class B. F. Donnithorne. Best Finish, Class B. —F. Donnithorne. Best Feering, Class C.—D. Horgan, Best Finish, Class C.—D. Horgan. Best Feering, Class D. —H. Brosnahan. Straightest Ploughing on the ground —D. Horgan. Best Ins and Outs on the field.—D. Horgan. 'Best dressed lady on ground, Mrs A. Toomey. THE DINNER. .—The dinner in connection with the ploughing match took place at night in the Commercial Hotel, when Host Sharpe provided an excellent spread and a very enjoyable time was spent. Mr R. Skinner presided, there was a good httendanCo and a toast list was gone through as under : Mr R. Skinner proposed the health of “ His Majesty the King,” after which Mr Geo. Ward sang “ Daisy Bell.” Mr K. Brophy proposed “the Judges,” coupled with the name of Mr Stevenson. He considered that the judging that day could not have been fairer, and as for the match itself he considered it better than the ones held at Waimate and Washdyke last year, and one held at Oamaru 3 years ago, which he had attended. It was a better turn out and better work was done Mr P. Brophy, a song, “The Bugler. Mr Stevenson, in responding, said that, taking the ploughing all round, it was excellent. The land was a little bit soft—rather too soft to stand the high cut—but they might have had it a much w'orse paddock. He trusted if he came bade this way next year he would see still farther improvement. Mr Watson, Timaru, proposed “ The Geraldine Ploughing Match Committee” and spoke highly of the good work they had done. The committee had worked very hard, and their effort bad been crowned with much success. Mr R. Skinner (chairman) said he had been a member of the committee ever since the first ploughing match was held in Geraldine. They had always had good ploughing match committees here, but the one this year , was the most enthusiastic they had Yever had, and had done splendid work. Their success, however, was largely due to the work of their excellent sec-

retary, Mr J. Kennedy. (Applause.) In conclusion, Mr Skinner stated that he believed that ploughing matches had done a lot of good for the district. Mr A. Herman, in responding, said he was very proud of the success of the match that day. He was glad also to hear that Mr Mee at the Point had been one of the best collectors this year and although he (Mr Kelman) was in the background, his time would come again. As judge of the ladies' dresses he would point out that in the past the shopkeepers who , gave considerable support to the match were not represented by any competition, and the "lady's dress" prize was the first step in that direction. , • i Messrs K. Brophy, W. 1 ltzpatnck G. B. Creemer, G. Ward, Hall, and J. Kennedy, also responded. Mr Kennedy mentioned thbt he had been secretary of the committee for seven years and had pleasure in stating that the Geraldine Ploughing Match Association had been advancing gradually year by year, financially and otherwise. Last year the match was held at Washdyke, under an arrangement by which they had agreed to hold their matches year about m the two districts. In addition to the _ special prizes enumerated in tho prize list there were several smaller donations in cash given by private individuals and business people. Amongst donations received had been some which were given voluntarily by people who appreciated the efforts of the commit.2? Two years ago Mr J. Malmg was so pleased with the match that he offered a cash trophy of £o osfor the best team on the ground, and this had been held over till the match was aJS held in the Geraldine district and it now appeared in the name of Gum. ness & LeCren. Mr Kelman had been rather modest when he stated thaU» he was in the Recollecting money, and he would re then collected over £3O. In speakin ß of the value-of the ploughing match. Mr Kennedy advocated encouragmg Sain everyday ploughing as much as FissibL Their object in promoting matches was in the interest of farmers generally. The' distribution of the prizes won a £ the match then took place. Mi K. Skinner making the presentations. Mi IS? made the remark that he was peaTef to see the young men coming & fho front to take the places of the Sdtes-iohadsetthemagoodex ample in the past. Atthe close of the G . B. + j^^. C ° mP fotue g"od"orkof the two ence to the; go° class , and of Hoian who had provto the work oi iioig n as ed himself as good a hG i W - M Xone.Mr Creemer also spoke admirable one. lur tohcß in of the value of P loU {or the ir educating young farmers W Mrs Sharp contributed a song and the successful competitors responded. Mr J. Kennedy proposed " Unsuccess ful Competitors" which was responded to by Mr Scott. _ . Mr A. Kelman, in speaking to this toast said he was sorry to see Mr At. Brophy unsuccessful this year, seeing fhathe was an old time champion of Oamaru and Geraldine He trusted however, that Mr Brophy would come forward again next year and regain his laurels. (Applause.) _ Mr Colin Mackenzie proposed " The Visitors" responded to by Messrs W. Fitzpatrick and A. Watson (Asbbur°Mr K. Brophy proposed "The Secretary" responded to by Mr Kennedy. Mr Creemer proposed " The Host and Hostess" and Mr Watson (Timaru) proposed the " Press." The function was brought to a close in the usual manner with " Auld Lang Syne*'*

SOUTH CANTERBURY ACCLIMA-. TI SAIT ON SOCIETY, A special'meeting of tho Council of the above Society was held in the Royal Hou-l, Teinuka on Thursday afternoon. There were present—Messrs W. G. Aspinall (president), F. Palliser (vice-president), W. H. Brown, W. Beckiugliani, Dr Hayes, P. Coira, P. Foster. •). Pigotl, J. S. Rutherford, D. Taylor, and L. Aspinall (secretary). An apology for absence was received from Mr F. Brown. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read From the Acclimatisation Association, forwarding statement of accounts for the year. The receipts were £33 IS/S), and the balance after paying expenses was £5 10/7. From Mr J. M. Tripp, resigning the rangership at Raincliff. From Mr M. Kuubley, reporting - that the ease and albums of fishing photographs had been left by him at the office of the Agent-General in London. Mr Knubley also mentioned that in his voyage home ho had made good use of' the album to advertise New Zealand as a fishing resort. From Mr Maling, asking permission to kill opossums, on his property at Geraldine; as they were becoming a pest, and doing much damage in (lower anh vegetable gardens. — Tho chairman said the Government proposed to protect opossums, therefore the' Society could not give the permission asked for. Dr Hayes said a request had been made for some opossums for Kakahu Bush, and it was agreed that arrangements be made to have some trapped at Mr Maling’s to be transferred to Kakahu, where they will be well out of evervone’s wav. 'RANGER’S REPORT. A report by the chief ranger, F. A. Franks, was rend, regarding steps taken to protect Rangitata reserve from stray cattle ; assisting Mr _ Ayson to collect ' oVaV Ttws"‘successfully than last season, as tho nets' were washed away on several occasions. The Canadian geese and pintail ducks were keeping well and becoming tamo. Mr Avson had suggested that a further quantity of Mallard could be got from Waimatc, as readily tamed and almost sure to breed in captivity. Since the Hood he had shifted trout from pools to streams in the Opihi. As the fishing season was approaching he asked the Council to notify that every angler must carry ,his license, the mere entry of names in the register was not sufficient. A request to" carry it could be printed on the license. Ho suggested that a person named should be debarred from procuring a license as he only used it as a cloak for poaching. He ?cportod on the watch kept on certain rivers against poachers. The Opihi mouth had been kept straight out, and there was a good run out at present. He had visited the Hakateramea' hatchery and Mr C. Ayson crave him much information relative to the treatment of ova. Most of tho Opihi ova is on the point of hatching and some has been sent away. He saw some three-year-old quinnat salmon, .sock - 'evc and Scotch salmon, and there are about 73,000 yearlings ready to be released. , . The Parcora ranger reported that last fishing season was exceptionally n-ood from' Fraser’s crossing to the dam. Ho had heard of poaching at different points, but had been unable ; to track the offenders. A fresh in the river had well cleaned it out, and there was every prospect of a good : season. He had planted trees m the reserve, but they required fencing to o‘ive them from hares. ,' ACCOMMODATION HUT& FOR ANGLERS. Mr W Beckingham moved that the Society build huts for anglers at < Rangitata, Pareora, Oran, and Suthcr ; lands, for the use of visitors and that ■ two double closets be erected at the Rangitata and Opihi. The mover said ; visitors were compelled to obtain commutation from private hut "' some of whom did not care to lend their huts to peoplethey did no i know. He suggested at Ra. ngitata and Opihi, and £2O hats at Sutherlands, Pareora, and Oran, in closets were really a necessity. Mr Palliser seconded, if accommodation for cyclists were added, and tins W So a S£«2: stated position. there was £PSofrom ami he anticipated at lle st licenses this year, say £IOOO W had voted £IOO for deer and £SO fox quail, and if they bought a duck hatchery at £330 these would absoi£6oo, and they might be called upon t 0 pay £IOO for big game. The -question was discussed-whether a charge should be made for the use of the huts, and several membcis held that a charge should be made, bay 10/ a week —It was agreed to inquire of other societies who have erected huts what charge, if any, they make It was unanimously resolved that huts for accommodation be erected, as funds permit, from year to year, and a sub-committee— the chairman, Mess . s Palliser, Foster, Dr. Hayes and the mover (Mr Beckingham)—was appointed to decide Mherc-hnts -shall-Tic erected this year, and fix charges after hearing from other societies. Dr Hayes recommenced that a n\\ i bo erected at Noah’s Ark, as a very B,,it Tho ANNUAL CONFERENCE Mr F Palliser, who was tho Association's deleqate to the annual conference at Wellington, submitted the results of their deliberations, which were read out by the chairman who remarked that the rocomuionualiona made were excellent. The questions of gun licenses and cold storage of game and fish were discussed. Mr Palliser said that delegates who were members of the House had told him it wasno use attempting to get this gun license idea adopted by the Government at present, owing to the nearness of the general election. Game is prohibited from sale or .-.orage except during the open seasons, eat the prohibition can be taken off by consent of the local Society for the AND FISH PONDS. The Council then discussed the question of the purchase of a section of land, with water supply, for 'ho purpose of erecting a duck hatchery, nsn ponds to bo added later on. 1' oiur offers had been received, two of winch had been inspected previously. Mr Prcddv now offered six acres _ with cottage, over the rivet - , for £6OO, but the creek that runs through He pioperty is dry at times. Mr Coira. offered f acre/' with cottage, on ie Matakahu Creek, on Swamp toad, ic muka borough, together with a Crown lease over 2* acres adjoining, at £<Lo. The Council who had inspected Mr Coira’s property before the meeting, considered it an excellent one »r tne purpose, as the creek is overflowing, has a good shingle bottom, ana there is no danger of floods. Mr W. H. Brown moved and Mr W. Beckingham seconded, that the/ property be purchased.

Mr Beckingham said it was an ideal site for the purpoiei. f There; was a Government. leasq adjoisdng it. and the. Society might be*abJigSto' get a gift of the Crown landeqdjoining the freehold, or at leastygpt the ground from Lthe Government *a>t ui»-peppercorn rental. "•• 'ittm ■■::: ...:■. It was decided to: purchase the property4i?oni Mr Coira, and it was left in to settle matters.-■'■——-•■>■•-Arrangements' -•\>viss"lja. made, at once for shifting the-'aqjaaitio? birds cow. at the ranger's house? ff<g\this proPerfcy, DEEBIA9JCALBUEY. Some arrangements were made for a visit .to Albury ftti«n early date for the purpose of seeing .- about, shifting some fallow dear that have rbccome a nuisance to the farmers. • *-■.-i The Council then rose." •■•'- ,