PLOUGHING MATCH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18624, 21 July 1930, Page 11

PLOUGHING MATCH

Seventeenth Fixture. A GREAT SUCCESS. Officials.—President: Mr W. J. Bassett; vice-presidents: Messrs J. F. K. Jamieson and W. S. Jones; Committee: Messrs C. McPhedran, W. J. Bassett, A. Fraser, W. S. Jones, A. Copland, A. M. Compland, jnr., A. F. Stocker, E. Hide, J. Nicol, J. R. Doak, W. Divan, W. Gray, W. King, A. Gibson, M. Maze, W. Blackwood, Wm. Blackwood, j. K. Jamieson, A. Grant, R. J. Edgar, J. Hunter, F. Squires, C. H. Black, J. Parry, J. Stowell, J. Stack, C. H. Johnstone, Arthur Ward, J. Hart and R. Davie; Ground Committee: Messrs A Gibson (chairman), A. M. Copland, W. J. Bassett, W. Divan, A. Fraser, J. Nicol, W. King, R. J. Edgar, W. Blackwood and the secretary; ploughing judges: Mr J. B. Lindsay (Drummond), Mr C. R. Hay (Halcataramea), Mr W. M. Skevington (Ashburton), Mr J. Wyllie (Sefton), Mr J. C. Hay (Morven), Mr W. Wright (Christchurch); horse judges: Mr W. Letham (Lauriston), Mr W. J. Doak (Wakanui): dog trial: judge, Mr G. Evans '.Feel Forest), timekeeper—Mr J. Aitken (Fairlie); horse stewards: Messrs A. Ward and A. M. Copland; treasurer, Mr W. Divan; hon. secretary: Mr E. Cartwright.

The weather on Saturday morning did not promise fair for the seventeenth annual match of the Timaru Ploughing Match Committee. However as the day wore on conditions improved, and by noon or a little afterwards the sun shone out from under the bank of clouds that had hung over the district during the forenoon. Although operations commenced early, very little had been done before members of the public began to arrive, ana long before competitions were well under way there was a good attendance. As time sped by, cars and buses continued to land people at the scene of so much activity on Mr Donald Grant’s farm at Washdyke, until by midafternoon the ground was thickly peopled with spectators. Here could be seen magnificent Specimens of Clyde dale horses dressed in their best, with their manes and tails adorned with ribbons—some red arid white, and the others red, white and blue. The horses were well groomed, and it was a treat to look at their sleek coats, there being scarcely a hair wrong. The condition of the harness, too, was something which appealed to those who looked on while teams of twos and threes and fours were competing. The turning of a furrow to the layman does not appear such a wonderful business, but to the experienced man, or. for that matter a woman, bred on a farm where agriculture is the key of the situation, there are furrows and furrows. Many individuals not skilled in this work on Saturday had revealed the fact that the opening up of a furrow can be made a work of art. As

•he efficient tradesman views his handicraft with an artistic eye. so the ploughman who prides himself upon his ability to till the soil, examines critically the work done. He walks back over a length of furrow to put in place portions which have not turned Just as neatly as might be desired. The displacements are du& to a variety of causes. A horse’s hoof, a piece of loose soil, and so on, may put out of alignment an otherwise excellent cut. and it is here that the ploughman adds the finishing touches. All these were present on Saturday. So much depends upon a ploughman being able to give of his best. For instance, control of his team is a big factor . It may readily happen that lack of command over his horses at a critical moment may haye the effect of spoiling an otherwise fine piece of ploughing. As the spectators stood by viewing the work done, the impression was forced upon them, rhat it was not the trophies or the prize money that induces these men to take such wonderful pains to achieve their best. The monetary gain is nothing compared with the expense involved in preparing for the match. It is the friendly rivalry and the desire to win that impels men to strive to the utmost. Ip is a legacy that has been handed down to most of the descendants of the hardy pioneers who came to this country years ago. The sporting spirit too occupies a high place in the make up of these men. It mattered not on Saturday where a man finished in the competition or competitions in which he took his place. There was ever present the hearty handshake for the men who “got into the money,” to u vc a sporting phrase. With respect to the actual work done, generally it was good. As strip after strip of brown earth was turned up and exposed to the elements, it became evident that the men who were doing this work were masters of their business. The champion ploughman on the ground was discovered in the person of W. J. Gibson, of Papakaio. It was stated by the judges that Mr Gibson’s work would compare favourably with any in the Dominion. There was no doubt that he did excellent work throughout. The feering done by A. Brown in the same class was better than the former’s, and J. G. S. V.yllie, of Sefton, had the best finish on his ploughing, but taking all the points awarded, Mr Gibson, was a good winner. In Class B, open, “Cut as you please, with coulters and plain cast shares,” R. Fraser of Rosewill, won well securing the awards for straightest ploughing, best feering. and best finish. In Class C D.F., open, coulter cut, plain cast shares, open to those who had not won more than two first prizes (youths’ class excepted), K. Boyle, of Springton, was the winner, the only section of this competition in which he was beaten being in streightest ploughing, which award went“ to W. Oakley. In the south’s class. D. Fraser, Rosewill, in a field of three, was the succsesful contestant, being only beaten in the best feering and straightest ploughing in this class bv G. Fraser. Another small field contested Class E., coulter cut, plain cast shares, three furrows, open, and J. B. Wyllie, of Sefton, won comfortably with a good margin of points. The two district classes attracted good entries. In the first A. J. Fraser, of Hadlow. was the winner, and he annexed the champion cup for best plain ploughing and best finish: while the award for the straightest ploughing went to G. C. Murray. The second district event was in the tractor class, and the award in this instance went to E. J ilium of Temuka. with H. Fort second, J. Fraser did the best feering. The open tractor class only attracted three entries, and J. Merrin of Tinwald carried off the honours. The spluttering or the “chug, chug” of ihe tractors lent variety to the ploughing operations, and announced the fact that the mechanical horse .has thrown down the gauntlet to the beautiful equines who reigned supreme in this department of farming operations for many years. While large numbers of farmers followed closely in the wake of the machines, many more congregated round the stately draught horses, and admired not alone their tractability and dignity. but also the almost human-like intelligence with which they answered every call made upon them. Collie Trials. If many people were interested in the ploughing, a great many more assembled at the point froiji which the collie dog trials could be witnessed. ’The sheep used for the trials were good strong half-breds, and the fact that not one sheep was knocked up during the hours over which the trials extended shows the “condition” of the “woollies” used. It follows, that to yard these, the dogs would have to be about their business. That many failed to

yard within the prescribed time, shows these were not docile sheep with which they had to deal; but even in the face of the handicap presented, quite a number succeeded in performing the task imposed upon them. Others again did good work, but the luck “of the draw,” so far as the sheep to be penned went was against them. Some splendid performances were witnessed, notably that of J. C. Evans' Bob in the open class. This was to drive three sheep from the yards through two flags, through a maltese cross arrangement of hurdles, and thence to the pen, and hold them while the skipper opened the pen gate, and then yard them. Bob gave a good performance. He had a little trouble in getting his sheep through the flags, but from these onwards he kept the sheep in an almost good line, and put them through the openings in the “cross” and thence on to the pen and into it. It was a good all round effort. He was well under command and showed good style. M. A. Fraser’s Fan gave a smooth exhibition throughout, and but for getting rather too much assistance from her owner she might have been the winner. As the judge. Mr G. Evans remarked afterwards, this was a dog trial, and the dog must do all the work under the command of the man in charge. F. Newbiggen’s Bly was third. He took the sheep through the flags in good line, and without any loss of time. They overran the “cross” and went well out into the paddock, but he brought them back, and put them through the “cross” in fairly good line. They ran wide after leaving the “cross” and got a good distance away from the pen, but Bly brought them back and yarded in good style. J. Newbiggen’s Cooee, who was placed fourth, worked his sheep away to the left of the flags at the start. He brought them back to the right of the flags, but straightened them up and put them through. They circled the “cross,” but the dog settled down and put them through and then took them in direct line to the pen and yarded. These were the outstanding performances, and the placings of the judge gave every satisfaction. In the run off among the placed dogs, for Mr J. Jamiesons special prize of £2, Fraser’s Fan was the winner with an exceptional effort. The novice competition was poor by comparison with the open class. The trophies won during the day at the trials we*e presented by the president of the Collie Trials Association, Mr Jamieson, and cheers were* given for the different competitors. The member for the district, Mr Clyde Carr, M.P., at the invitation of the president of the Ploughing Match Committee, presented the prizes donated in connection with the different competitions. He complimented the committee on the success of their ploughing match. The Timaru Pipe Band played a programme of popular Highland airs, which was greatly enjoyed. The various officials worked well to ensure the success of the gathering, and the onerous duties of secretary were efficiently carried out by Mr E. Cartwright, who was ably assisted by Mrs Cartwright. Appended is the detailed prize list:—’ CLASS A—D.F., Open. Cut as you please. W. J. Bassett’s silver cup and £4; second prize, £4; third, £3; fourth, £2. W. J. Gibson Papakaio) ... ... 1 J. G. S. Wyllie (Sefton) 2 A. Brown (Waihao Downs) 3 J. Nimmo (Airedale) 4 Best feering.—A. Brown (Waihao Downs). Best finish and straightest ploughing—J. G. S. Wyllie. CLASS B—D.F., Open. Cut as you please with Coulters. Plain Cast Shares. A. B. Annand’s silver cup and £4; second prize, £4; third, £3; fourth, £2. R. Fraser (Rosewill) l T. L. Hayman (Studholme ) 2 M. King (Rosewill) 3 G. Wyllie (Sefton) 4 Best feering—R. Fraser. Best finish and straightest ploughing—R. Fraser. CLASS C—D.F., Open. Coulter Cut. Plain Cast shares. Open to those who have not won more than two first prizes (youths’ class excepted). Mrs A. Fraser’s silver cup and £4; second prize, £4; third, £3; fourth, £2; fifth £l. K. Boyle (Springston) 1 K. L. Pascoe (Aylesbury) 2 A. Leask (Allandale) 3 W. Oakley (Halkett) 4 V. Wilson (Tycho) 5 Best feering—K. Boyle. Best finish and straighest ploughing—W. Oakley. CLASS D—D.F. Youths under 18 Years. Plain Coulters, plain cast shares, silver cup and £4; second prize, £4; third. £2 10s. D. Fraser (Rosewill) i G. Fraser (Rosewill) 2 W. Nicol (Hadlow) 3 Best feering—G. Fraser, and best finish—D. F'raser. CLASS E—Three furrows. Open Coulter Cup, plain cast shares. Silver cup and £4; second prise, £4; third J. B. Wyllie (Sefton) 1 E. G. Hay (Morven) ... 2 G. R. Seaton (Courtenay) 3 Best feering—E. G. Hay. Best finish tand straighest ploughing—J. B. Wyllie. • CLASS F—District. Two or thru: furrows. Plain coulters, plain cast Shares. Silver cup and £4; second, £4; third, half a ton of manure; fourth, £2 2s donated by Mr T. D. Burnett M.P.,; fifth, 4-ton of manure. A. J. Fraser (Hadlow) 1 G. Edge (Hadlow) 2 G. C. Murray (Rosewill) 3 J. Porter (Rosewill) 4 M. Martin (Fairlie) 5 Best feering—G. C. Murray.' Best finish—A. J. Fraser. Straightest ploughing—G. C. Murray. Tractor Ploughing. CLASS G—District. Two, three or four furrows. Plain coulters and cast shares. Silver cup donated by Mrs W. J. Clarke and £4; second prize, £4; third, £3; fourth, £2; fifth, £l. E. Gillum (Temuka) 1 H. Foot 2 j J. Fraser (Levels) 3 J. Cross (Kingsdown) 4 Best feering—J. Fraser. Best finish and straightest ploughing—E. Gillum. CLASS H—Open. Three or four furrows. Cut as you please. Gold medal and £4—J. Merrin (Tinwald). Best feering and finish —J. Merrin. Special Prizes. Best ins and outs on ground (C. W. Cameron’s prize)—G. Fraser. Youngest ploughman on ground (R. Doak’s trophy)—D. Fraser. Oldest ploughman on ground (F. M. Shewan’s trophy) J. Cross. Ploughman with . largest family (F. Wilson's prize)—A. Brown. Ploughman from longest distance—J. G. S. Wyllie (Sefton). Youngest local married ploughman (A. S. Stewart’s trophy)--A. J. Fraser. Best threehorse team (silver cup) A Grant 1; [ second for Para Rubber Co.s trophy— R. J. Edgar 2. Best four-horse team (silver cup)-A. Grant; second (M« Warden’s trophy)—D. Grant. Best sixhorse team (silver cup)—D. Grant; second (Mr Warden’s trophy)— D. Grant. Best team for farmer holding 400 acres or under (silver cup)—R. j. Edgar. Best Groomed Three-Horse Team (RadclifTe and Co.’s trophy), A. Grant. Best Groomed Four-Horse team (G. Burton’s trophy), A. Grant. Best Groomed Six-Horse Team (Mr Warden’s trophy), D. Grant. Best Groomed Three or Four-Horse Team (Mr Warden’s trophy), A. Grant I. (South Canterbury Power Board’s trophy), A. G. Fraser 2. Best Decorated Six-Horse Team (silver cup given by Mr G. H. (trover), D. Grant 1. (Mr H E. Cook’s trophy), D. Grant 2. Best Harness on Ground: A. Grant 1, W. Dwan 2. Best Kept Harness in Everyday Use (Mr G .H. Hedges’ chair), A. Grant 1; (Mr G. M. Ireland’s trophy), W. Dwan 2. Tidiest Turnout on Ground- A. Grant I and 2. Best Feering.—A. Brown. Best Finish.—J. G. Wyllie.

Most Points in Ploughing, Harness and Grooming (Mr A. Copland’s senr.) trophy—D. Fraser 1; (Mr W. G. Parry’s trophy), G. Fraser 2. Best Cared for Team in Local Class (S.P.C.A.’s trophy), M. Martin (Fairlie). Best Plain Ploughing in District (Rosewill Residents’ Challenge Cup), A. J. Fraser. Best Ploughman on 'round (SC. Woolbrokers’ and Auctioneers’ Association’s Challenge Cup), W. G. Gibson. Dog Trials. Open Class, maximum points 40. Awarded for working through the flags; passing through the “maltese cross” and yarding. First prize, £3; second, £2; third, £1 10s. J. C. Evan’s Bob, 7-0-5-8-8 (37) 1 M. A. Fraser’s Fan, 8-5-7-8-8 (36) 2 F. Newbiggen’s Bly, 8-75-6-6 (32) ... 3 J. Newbiggen’s Cooee, 7-7-5-6-6 (31) 4 D. Stewart’s Taieri, 7-6-5-6-6 (30) ... 5 Special Prize For Run Off. M. A. Fraser’s Fan. Novice Class. (First prize, £3; second, £2; third. £l.) G. Boock’s Tim 1, T. Proby’s Dick 2, R. A. Gibson’s Dick 3, A. Bain’s Mons 4. A REMARKABLE SOWER. An interesting exhibit at the ploughing match was the John Deere-Van Brunt lime and fertiliser sower. Strength, durability and simplicity are the strong points of this sower. It is made of standard size, to cover eight feet of ground. It is low and easy to fill. After the hopper is filled there is no more work for the driver to do; the feeding does the work the way you want it done. One of the best features of this sower is the simple feed control. By merely shifting a couple of levers, the quantity of lime or other material which is being sown can be regulated, and once the machine is set to sow a certain amount, there is no variation in the quantity dropped, regardless of how rough the field might be. The feed shaft is in two parts, and is driven by the ground wheels, each wheel driving one half of the machine. This double-feed shaft, with direct wheel drive, enables the operator to disengage half of the machine independently of the other for sowing narrow strips. Every application of material is assured by -the improved rotary wingfeed, which is recognised as the most efficient feed of its type. It prevents drifting of lime or fertiliser in the hopper, and compels an even flow from every opening. When lime or fertiliser is applied with this sower, none of the material is wasted. It is released close to the ground, and falls on scattering boards, which give further protection from the wind. These boards, one for each half of the machine, are hung on strong hooks, and are adjustable by means of chains, so that they can be raised or lowered as needed to meet varying conditions. Effective revolving agitators can be furnished for handling unusually light fertiliser. The agitators prevent the material from packing, and ensure an even flow. They are easily removed when not needed.

Here is just one striking proof of the efficiency of these sowers. In the open top-dressing competition at the recent Papakaio ploughing match, the John Deere-Van Brunt lime and fertiliser sower won first prize by 40 points out of a field of six.

In the John Deere tractor, efficiency and simplicity begin with the big, strong, heavy duty 2-cylinder engine. This engine is the prime reason why the John Deere tractor gives more economical, efficient power, and at a lower cost. It meets all the requirements of balance, flexibility, and smooth operation. It is most economical—burning inexpensive, low-grade fuel

STORRIER AND CO. “HUSTLERS” AND GORSECUTTERS. That Messrs J. Storrier and Co. are keeping in touch with customers’ requirements was well demonstrated by the interest which was taken in their exhibits. The well-known Hustler cultivator was represented by a No. 11, 11-tine “Dreadnought,” showing the latest improvements, consisting of ten extra tines placed in the centre, so tmat the distance between points and tineS is but 3 h inches, yet allowing of 10 inches clearance. This attachment has been made to meet the demand for a close turnip grubber, and it can be used with excellent results on lucerne and grass pastures. Under suitable conditions 100 per cent, more work can be accomplished with this attachment in a given time. It is applicable to any No. 11 Hustler. The Hedge-hog Gorse Cutter and Mower is built by Messrs Storrier and Co. to the design of Mr A. B. Shipley, who has had considerable experience in this class of work. Seldom has so much interest been taken in any demonstration as was shown in this cutter on Saturday. The work accomplished met all requirements, and the only regret of the promoters was that they were not able to show the machine under conditions calculated to tax its capacity. The cutter is driven off the tractor pulley, and can be fitted in a few minutes. It will cut the heaviest fence and mow standing gorse to ground level. In reasonably good going, a mile of fence can be cut and topped in less than an hour. In several districts the effect of the use of the Hedge-hog is already apparent, and owners acclaim it a profitable investment.

The Hustler wheel track grubber is used on the tractor for taking up the wheel marks, as in drilling, harrowing, and like work, without giving trouble, automatically looking after itself. This attachment appealed to many practical farmers at the match, and it is satisfactory to know that in service they are proving quite up to Hustler standard JOHN JACKSON AND CO. The biggest wood manufacturing firm in South Canterbury showed by their presence at the Timaru ploughing match that they are not neglecting the farming community. Their main exhibit, of course, was their specially designed sheep feeder, which is practically the only one used in the district, having built up for itself a reputation as the ideal feeder, lasting long years as the outcome of using only inch timber of the best quality. Lately another a&quisition has been added to the sheep feeder, a wire netting screen being attached to protect the feed from birds, and still allowing the sheep to feed without obstruction. Their next well-known line on exhibition was the firm’s gate, built to last, and saleable at a price that appeals to the man on the land. Then, there were the usual bundles of hurdles, all specially selected and ready for knocking up. Two special lines drew a lot of attention, and kept representatives of the firm busy detheir- wonderful handiness.

The first was the Mote Extension ladder, made of light, strong wood, which enabVss the man on the land to extend a ladder to the size of two ladders by merely pulling a rope. This not only means a saving of time, but is a pleasure to work on account of its ease of manipulation, and its lightness. The second is the handy step ladder, which one second was an extremely useful step ladder, with steps on either side, and by merely throwing up one side it was immediately converted into an ordinary ladder of good height. Their five exhibits, the sheep feeder, the gate, the hurdles, the Mote Extension ladder, and the handy step ladder, are all essential to the man on the land, and all have been devised on practical lines, both from the point of view of service and reasonable cost