EARLY SHOWS IN CANTERBURY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19329, 2 November 1932, Page 8

EARLY SHOWS IN CANTERBURY.

To the Editor of " The Timaru Herald." Sir—The first show in Canterbury was held on Wednesday, 14th September, 1859, at Shepherd’s Bush, on the north bank of the Rangitata River. Shepherd’s Bush was then owned by the late Dr Moorhouse. It is situated about three miles below the Mount Peel homestead, but on the opposite side of the river, and about seven miles above the present traffic bridge. I am informed that there were 28 pens of sheep at the show, but I cannot find what cattle or horses were there. The second show was held at the late Mr Turton’s on the Ashburton river on 15th August, 1860. Mr Turton then held a lease of 300 acres from the Provincial Council, and on this 300 acres the Town of Ashburton now stands. The third show, I am informed, was held in the Square where the old Post Office formerly stood in Christchurch, now known as Victoria Square, where the Cook Memorial is. The fourth Show was, I am also informed, held in the late Judge Gresson’s paddock Christchurch, where the destructor now is. The fifth Show was held in Latimer Square. I have not heard when the Show was removed to Sydenham. The following is the part of the diary of the fate C. G. Tripp which refers to the first two shows. Mr Tripp then, with the late Honourable J. B. Acland, owned Mount Peel Station. Shepherd’s Bush Show. “1859 September 13th, Tuesday— Leonard (Harper) seeking lost horses (Dick and Young Charlie) rode to Mr B. Moorhouse's to see our five ewe lambs penned safely for the night. Met Mr Williams, Mr Thompson (auctioneer), Fereday. Chapman and R. Maclean going to Mr B. Moorhouse’s. Brought Poindestre back to sleep. September 14th, Wednesday.—-Sheep show at Mr B. Moorhouse's. Innes carried off most prizes. Dowling’s sheep beat all I have ever seen. Gave our men a holiday got drunk. Deßenzy came and slept here.” Turton’s Show at Ashburton. “1860, August 14th, Tuesday.—Nor’west, started for Turton’s (sheep show) did not take any sheep. Fereday and Dowling angry for not bringing any. Cox A., Kennaway, Adams, etc., there. Slept at Dunford’s. August 15th, Wednesday.—Wilson, Harding, Dowling, Fereday, T. Moovhouse, George Hall, McDonald were exhibitors. McDonald’s sheep the best there. Kennaway's next. Dowling's finest wool. Wilson in the chair at dinner. Bad news from Taranaki, Maoris beseiging the town.” I understand the Wilson referred to was afterwards the late Sir Cracroft Wilson.—l am, etc., C. H. TRIPP. Timaru, November 1.