PLOUGHING MATCH.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 12 June 1926, Page 12

PLOUGHING MATCH.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. Tho Timaru Ploughing Mutch Committee mot yesterday afternoon. PreBent—Mr It. J. Edgar (chairman), ■ Messrs \V. King, W. Gray, A. Fraser, C. MePhedran, \V. S. .lones, W. Blackwood, X. Hide, A. Gibson, _ nnd tho lion, secretary (Mr E. Cartwright). Before commencing the business of tho meeting, a motion of sympathy was passed with tho relatives of tho late Mr W. Brown. The chairman also referred to tiro illness of an old and esteemed member, Mr A. Copland, who had been seriously ill, but was now, fortunately, well on tho road to recovery. The chairman then referred to the Conference df Ploughing Match Committees which was held in Christchurch recently, and said that although it was not a very representative one, a- good deal of important . business had been transacted. The Timaru remit with regard to the concession on railage of'ploughs by the Bailway Department, was in tho capable hands of Sir AV. Divan, and this also was fully discussed. It was eventually decided that the chairman and secretary -wait on tho Bailway Department with a view to obtaining a reduction on the railago of ploughs. Some time ago tho railage would bo about £l, hut since it had been increased to about £3, and it was time something was done in the matter. The question of a Boval Ploughing Match had been discussed, and it was found that .Bakaia. and Timaru wore the only committees who could undertake such a function. It was also decided that whichever committee undertook to run that match it would ho done, on their own responsibility. On a vote it was resolved that Bakaia, be given preference of bolding such a match. He hoped that the northern committee would meet with every success in their venture, and that tho Timaru Committee would support them as much as possible. The dates for the various matches had been set as follows: —Bangiora, July 10: Lincoln, July 20; Courtenay, July 23; Bakaia, July 27 (royal); Timaru, July 31. There were no representatives present from Methven or Ashburton, and their movements were at present unknown. Tho qirosflnn of holding the next conference had a'sn been brought forward, and an invitation had boon extended by the Timaru Committee to hold the conference here, but be understood that it would be held in Christchurch again. Ho said that one or two of the northern committees were very lax, and although they wero in a good position financially, they lacked tho necessary support to attain successful results.

Mr Gibson, on behalf of the Ground Committee, reported on having inspected several paddocks which had been generously offered for tho next match. Several of those wero not suitable, however, and he thought the committee could not do better than accept the oiler of Mr D. Grant, whose paddock was an ideal one, and very conveniently situated. Tho land comprised tho downs of Elloughton Grange, one mile from Timaru and two miles from Washdyke railway station. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Gibson, to accept Mr Grant’s paddock, and that the match be held on Juiv 31. It was decided to make two classes in tho farm tractor class—a threefurrow and a double-furrow, cut as you please . The question of cutting down the prize money was - discussed, members being of opinion that cups were more valued than monetary prizes. It was resolved that tho prizes in the fivehorse classes be a cup and £4 for first, and that the other two prizes be £4 and £3. The prizes in the farmers’ tractor classes, although no definite amount was fixed,--wore to bo good ones. The secretary said that there was good inquiry for display stands for the exhibition of ploughs, ears, etc., and it was decided that space be allotted, and that applications be received a week before the date of the match. The chairman said that lie was in favour of plain shams for the boys’ class, and this being the genera! opinion, it was decided that plain cast, shares be used in file boys’ class, as was the case last year.

Tt was resolved fliat fbe question of entering be left in the hands of the president and secretary, and that some arrangement be made with regard to r-nnolying hot water bv Die eafercr. Messrs O'. 4V. Wood. D. Grant. ,T. MeKeown, and O. Bladder were elected patrons of the committee, A hearty role of thanks was accorded Mr W. R. .Tones for ream donating a fat sheep for 'competition at Die match.