THE WAIMATE SHOW.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3455, 24 October 1885, Page 3

THE WAIMATE SHOW.

(By Ouu Ow.v Rki-obtbh.) President — llr H. Studholmo. Vice-Pregir!ont-Mr W. J. Hardio. Hon. Treasurer— Mr J. 8. D'Eniden. Hon. Secretary — Mr W. T. Middleton. Committee of Management— His Worship tho Mayor, Colonel Builcy, Messrs W. S. Armitngo, R. Bull, J. Bennett, R. Cameron, A. Carter, J. 8. D'Emclun, J. Dooloy, O. Qunn, A. Hayes, N. Hillary, 8. Medlicott, H. Middloton, J. Miller, J. Molloy, G. Morton, M. McGoverin, J. McCulloek, F. O'Biien, N. O'Brien, M. O'Brien, L. Price, A. Rottray, 3. S. Revane, F. M. Riokman, D. Rosa, J. B. G. Simpkinson, W. J. Ktoward, F. Slee, J. H. Taylor, E. Vickora, D. B. Whitnoy. Class Stowards —Cattle— Mr M. O'Brien j Draught horses — Messrs P. Ros« and John Millor ; Other horses — Metsra F. O'Brien and O. Mortonj Merino sheep — Messrs F. M. Rickman an<l A. Batlray j Longwool sheep — Messrs Molloy and A. Carter ; Shcop dogs and pigs — MessM 8. Green and W, Qunn ; Dairy produce — Meßsrs J. 11. Taylor rind 8. 8, Bevans ; ImplomontB — 'Meters H. Middloton and N. nillary. Tho fourth annual exhibition of stock, agricultural produco and farm implements of tho Waiinato Agricultural gnd Pastoral

Association was held on the Association's show grounds adjoining the racecourse yesterday. As usual on show dayß and other auspicious occasions the usually easy-going township was quit© en feie, a general holiday being kept by the majority of tho business people. The weather m the morning was very delightful, light fleecy clouds just tempering the sun's heat* enough to make outdoor exercise a thing of pleasure, but m tho afternoon the weather suddenly changed, and a keen north wind , made matters as unpleasant as they were pro- ' viously pleasant. The attendance of the public was very large, and compared most favorably with that at previous Shows hold under the Association's auspices. Many visitors from as far north M Christchuroh and as far 6outh as Dunedin were present, as was also a largo number from Oamaru and Timaru. The majority of these visitors were, of course, directly interested m agriculture or the breeding of the various kinds of stock Canterbury has got such a proud name for all OTer the colony. The arrangements on the Show Orounds were much the same as those of last year, everything m a way being complete of its kind. One thing, however, was very noticeable, and showed plainly that the Association are determined to make their grounds good ones. That was every care had been taken to put a good covering of grass on the grounds, the places where last year one sunk ankle-deep m a mixture of dust and soil being now well coated with a good sward. This is as it should be, and we trust the Association will be co liberally supported that they will be able to still further improve the grounds during the coming year. The Show itself may be at once set down as a success ; indeed when it is remembered that there are what are called " big Bhows " held annually within a stone's throw almost of Waimato, many are of opinion tho Waimate people have reason to be very proud that their Show always turns out such a good one. Many people think that practically very little good results from these smaller shows, but on tho other hand there are as many who hold jußt the opposite opinion. There cannot be a shadow of doubt, however, that if one largo show were held annually, say for the whole of Canterbury, or the whole of Otago, and such facilities provided as would enable people from the remotest districts to visit it, an immense benefit would result m every way. To return, however, to the Wairuate Show, we 6nd that the number of entries this year was 302, as against 315 last Tear,— a falling off of thirteen. Cattle showed tho greatest decrease, while implements and a few other classes showed a very slight falling off. The sheep classes filled well, especially those for Border Leicester and fat Bheep. In theso classes Mr F. M. Rickman was the largest exhibitor, and also the largest prize-taker. The cattle, as we have said, were very poorly represented, only eight animals m all being yarded, the Shorthorn class monopolising just half this number. Horses, as usual, were quite a feature of the Show, and wero of a class that taken altogether would be hard to beat at any exhibition m the colony. The pig classes also filled well, as also did the classes for dairy produce and sundrios j but tho classes for sheep dogn, implements, saddlery, etc., only brought out a few exhibitors. Before learing thia part of our report we must not omit to state that all the officers performed their duties most satisfactorily, especially thoso engagod m the sections for horses. One other pleasing feature wag the playing of the Waimate Brass Band, which, under the painstaking care and efficient leadership of Mr floaro, has mado wonderful progress of late. Following are details : — SHEEP. Judges — Messrs W. Grant and A. Turnbull. Sheep were again well to the fore, but it was a matter for regret that more competition was not shown m some of the sections. The Messrs Parker took a firot and second for I merinos, showing a couple of rams that had como from tho famous Gibson-Tasmania ! flocks. In English Leicester Air F. M. Rickman " scooped the pool," and m Border Leicester Messrs Parker secured all the chief honors. Mr F. M. Bickman was again well to the fore m the Romney Marsh classes, and also the class for any down breed ; but m tho Lincoln classes Messrs McGoverin and Hardie took two seconds and a first to Mr Rickman's first, but tho sheep wero so evenly matched that the judges were sometime before awarding the prizes. Mr Biekman, however, had it all his own way m croasbreds, and carried off three fifths of the prizes for fat sheep. Mr W. McLeod was given first and second prizes for pens of five fat wethers, all of which delighted the j heart of the stock dealors: Mr M. Studholin* took the only two prizes awarded for fit lambs, the youngsters being all m very forward condition. For the best pen of 10 owes or wetbera for freezing purposes Mr F. M. Rickman took two firsts and and two second prizes, also Mr Alpheus Hayes' special prize of a cup, value £10 10«, given for the 10 wethers best suited for freezing purposes. Altogether Mr Riokman took 18 first, 11 second, and 6 third prizes, next to him coming the Messrs Parker with four first and two Beoond prizes. Considering tho weather to have tad lately has not done postures much good, it was matter for surpriao to many that tho sheep canio forward m ouch good condition. Amoug^tho 92 sheep shown not a singlo one was at all low m condition, and thia fact is abundant evidenco that tho Waimate dißtrict fully dosorvos tho good name it has got among sheep breeders and dealers. CATTLE. Judges — Shorthorn and fat : Messrs J. Ferguson, J. Page and W. Grant j Ayrshire : Meesrs J. Gommoll and N. Fleming. Tho judges had vory little to do m this class, and, as a coneequonce, their duty was coon diecharged. For a cow m calf or m milk, three years old and upwards, thore were only three entries, all by Mr Rickman, who carried off the lot of the honors. In Ayrahiro cattle the only entry iv best cow of nny ngo class was not doomed worthy of an award. For tho best dniry cow Mr L. Prico's Daisy was given first prize, and for fat stock Mr Kickman again got v first. Tho cattle ho showed wero m splendid condition, and were most favorably commented on. HORSES. Judges — Draught horses: Messrs D. McGrogor, R. MeAuley, W. Stovenson j thoroughbreds and hacks : Messrs J. Pago and T. Tcßchemaker. Tho first horses to como into tho ring wero tho draught ontircs, but of tho four entered it was found that tho imported horse Ranfurly wus dn absentee. Tho judgc9 had somo difficulty m awarding tho prizes, but evontually gate promior position to that old favorite, Time o' Day j second placo to Young Conqueror, nnd a highly commpndod to Rantin Robin. Tho winner is by Young Vanquisher, out of Bonny Maggie, is n rich bay color, and has one while