THE PIGS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18411, 1 November 1929, Page 2

THE PIGS.

The entries in the pig section, 27, although a decrease of one, when compared with those received at last year’s show, were a pleasing Increase on those of the two preceding years, when 13 and 12 entries, respectively, were received. Having, as it does, a close relationship with the dairying industry in South Canterbury, the support given to pig breeding in the district, and in the matter of exhibiting at the show, is very pleasing. Not only in South Canterbury, but throughout the Dominion generally, the pig industry is gradually expanding and every year the increased interest taken and the extra trouble now being gone to, by farmers, in securing the right type of pig, is a matter that should tend to place the industry of a still stronger footing, and make it of a more profitable nature. Taking the exhibits at this year’s show, the judge expressed the opinion that they were the best that he had seen at the show for many years. The classes were for the following breeds— Berkshire, Large White, Yorkshire and any other breed. The champion Berkshire sow the judge considered fit to win an award at any A. and P. Show, being one of the best sows he had seen for a long time, and a beautifully formed beast. The champion Berkshire boar, too, was a nice pig, showing plenty of character. Both the champion and reserve champion sows in the Large White class were excellent types. The sow, although not in show bloom, was a very fine specimen of the type. She was nursing a litter which would naturally tend to detract from her appearance. In the class for any other breed, Mr J. E. Ashworth showed two beautiful pigs with his Tamworths, with which he secured champion for both boar and sow. They were full of quality, true to type, in excellent show condition, and beautifully brought out. Competition in this class was not what would be desired, however.

WOOL-CLASSING. A big improvement in the number of entries, and in the quality of the work in the wool-classing competition was noticeable this year. The three sections were for first, second and third year pupils. A total of 44 competed in the first year class (23 last year), 30 in the second year class (15) and 20 in the third year class (9). The judge (Mr H. Harris), expressed pleasure at the standard of the work, and said the entrants, all of whom had received technical instruction, had performed creditably, the standard of work in general being much higher than that of the previous year. The first year pupils did very good work, three tieing for second place. The second year class also produced excellent work. The requirements of the third year class were higher than the other two classes, and a knowledge of general shed pupils showed that they had been under careful instruction

DOG TRIALS. When the dog trials were being conducted, almost half the people on the ground congregated around the area on which they were being held. These trials have always proved popular, and yesterday proved no exception. A good deal of interest was taken from yesterday's trials, through the nonappearance of the first day’s winner, Mr J. Welsh’s “Guide.” The dog escaped from his chain overnight, and although Holme Station, where he is housed, was communicated with, no trace was found. The three remaining competitors provided excellent exhibitions, however, the work being, perhaps, of a higher standard than that of the previous day. All three dogs completed the course. Yesterday’s winner was Mr G. Keeffe’s ,( Tui.” Both the dog and his master are frequent competitors at Timaru Show, and the win was a very popular one. The dog was unfortunate in losing points at the finish. He yarded safely, but the sheep escaped before the gate was shut. He again yarded, but had lost a few points. His total of 41 points, out of a possible of 45, was the result of splendid all round work. Both second and third dogs also gave good exhibitions. The time allowed yesterday was twelve minutes, as against eight minutes on the first day. The placings were as follows: Mr G. Keeffe’s "Tui,” 40pts 1 Mr W. McConnell's “Lloyd,”. 38pts. 2 Mr R. Davie’s “Way,” 35pts 3

ADULT COOKERY. The judge had some very complimentary remarks to make in regard to the classes in adult cookery, which, for the most part were of a very high standard. In regard to scones, the judge stated that at least five plates of exhibits were spoilt through the use of too much soda. Outwardly, the scones had an excellent appearance, but on being cut they were “just full of soda,” and very yellow. There was only one entry in biscuits—a very good one. In shortbread, the judge said the first and second prize getters would be hard to beat. The two exhibits were delicious. In regard to sponge sandwich, in which there were fourteen entries, the judge said they were a vast improvement on those she had seen at other shows. Judging in this class was difficult. From appearances, the winning exhibit in the plum pudding class, suggested that the exhibitor had, at some time or other, had experience in catering for the public on a large scale. The exhibit was exceptionally rich in quality, the contributing ingredient being one associated with festive occasions. All the other classes were well patronised, and the standard of the exhibits was favourably commented upon.

CHILDREN’S CLASSES. In the opinion of the judge, the children exhibiting in the classes for sewing, darning, raffia work and plasticine showed commendable originality and cleverness. In many cases excellent work was done In hand sewing, but the exhibitor stated that the exhibits should not have been washed. The darning exhibited was splendid, but the judge pointed out that she would like to see other than all square darns. The material should be darned as it would be worn or torn, as the case may be. The judge also recommended, for cases of exhibiting, that a different colour of dam, to the specimen, be used. With one exception, all the patches were square. Here again, patches should be put on as the material would wear. A hole Is never torn square. The judge was of opinion that different shaped patches should be taught by teachers. The raffia class (own choice), produced exhibits that were, for the most part, tastefully done’. The first and second exhibits were’especially good. The baskets, in raffia, were, without one exception, all excellent. The class in plasticine, for standard 1, showed, for such young exhibitors, commendable initiative, while those of the elder scholars were cleverly and artistically done. Prom the designs, it would appear that the children had studied the daffodil family from nature, and not from pictures.