Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXI, Issue 3331, 10 November 1906, Page 2

Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association.

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL SHOW.

Patrons : Messrs W. H. Hemes, P. W. Lang, Alex. Aitkeu, John McCaw, N. I. Hunt and John Gordon.—Past Presidents: Messrs Jas. Hume, John Fisher, I. Coates, Jos. Barugh and John Gordon.—President; Mr. Jos. Barugli. VicePresident: Mr H. 8. Hawkins.—General Committee: Messrs John Gordon, John Knight, Isaac Coates, W. G. Park. E. B. Cox, C. Day, T. Hinton, Sam. Steele, P. J. Marshall, E. C. Shepherd, Eobt. A. Lamey, John Clarkin, R. J. Pauli, John C. Allen, F. R. Seddon, John Primrose, Arthur Storey, A. H. Waring, G. Runicmau, M G Farrer, Wm. Newell, R. D Duxfield, J. W. Anderson, F. Quin, W. Chitty, A If. H. Storey, R. Dodd, Allen Bell, Wm. Dibble and Thos. Powell.—Supplementary Committee: Messrs Donald McKinnon, W. N. Sturges, A. Bowler, F. McGovern, John Allen, John Smith, Thos. Martin, Jas Riddell and Thos. Paterson. —Executive Committee. Messrs Jos. Barugh (President), H. S. Hawkins (VicePresident), John Gordon, I. Coates, Allen Bell, E. B. Cox, A. H. Waring, Thos. Hinton and M. G. Farrer.—Secretary ; Mr Arthur J. Smith.—Treasurer: Mr Jos. Barugh.

The fifteenth annual show held by the above Association on their lovely grounds at Glaudelands on Thursday and yesterday, cannot be pronounced as ol her than a success, and no doubt can any longer exist as to whether Waikato can run two shows. The one great factor in the success of all outdoor gatherings is, undoubtedly, the weather, and the sample turned out during the past two days left nothing to be desired, although yesterday morning’s appearance no doubt caused some little anxiety to those at the head of affairs. Thursday was a peifect day, and the showers in the night laid the dust, so that travelling on the second day was much more pleasant, although the westerly breeze aoen dispersed all traces of the rain. The genial spring, combined with the work of the committee, had brought the ground well ahead and those who remember Glaudelands in the early days of the show can hardly realise that it is the same ground. On Thursday the attendance was larger than on the first day of any previous yea r , and this was also the case on the “ People’s Day,” when it is estimated that nearly 8000 people were present. They poured in from every direction by train, which service by the way was excellent, motorcars. buggies, waggons, carts and various other means, every portion of the district contributing its quota. To anyone who has been connected with the gathering since its beginning the attendance yesterday was an object lesson on the influx of new settiers, for time was, and not so very long ago, when it was little more than a re-union of triends, all knowing and known, but now—well, though they were all friendly, the majority were strangers to each other. The old hands were there, but they were outnumbered and lost in the large crowd. The takings at the gate amounted to £212, or £2O more than on any previous occasion, but even this we think could have been considerably increased by judicious booming. As mentioned above, the train arrangements were excellent, the various excursion trains arriving up to time, and at the close of the day no time was lost in the despatch of the homeward bound. A strong force of police, under Sergeant Clarke, of the Thames, was present, but their services, beyond assisting the officials, were little required, the crowd being an orderly

in such a splendid agricultural district and in a number of classes there was no competition at all.

Roadsters and carriage HORSES. The light horses were very good and equal to anything shown in the province for some time. In the thoroughbred stallion class the Greenhill stud scored with the grand horse Musketry by Maxim dam Flattery, bred by Mr G. G. Stead. Musketry has never yet been beaten in any show ring, and has nearly a dozen championships to his record. He was first at Waikato and Auckland last year. The second horse was owned by Mr H. Harris, of Cambridge, a chestnut, St. Crispin by St. Leger, dam Tingara. Mr T. B. Reid, of Waiuku, took first for carriage stallions with Agamemnon by Orpheus, dam Maggie, and Mr H. MacKinder’s Killeymoon Swell came next; bnt in the hackney or roadster stallion class the latter gained the red ribbon. The hacks, roadsters, carriage horses and special classes were very large. Standing out conspicuously was the class for re-mounts, in which were included some splendid animals. There was also some fine quality in the pony and polo pony classes. The heavy weight and light weight hunters were good all round. The entries in the horse section number 333. CATTLE. Shorthorns.— ln the cattle section the numerical strength was with the shorthorns, and they were a really fine lot all through, of very even quality, and of a thoroughly good type. In the aged bull class an importation took the championship. This was. Mr W. Taylor’s dark roan Master of Euddington 11. by Drummond, out of Duchess XV. by Master of Ravenswood, bred by Mr P. Mills, of Euddington Hall, England, a very nice bull, even in every point, standing well and in the pink of condition, but he was closely run by the yearling bull owned also by Mr W. Taylor and named Frederick Edward. This youngster was by the imported bull Frederick Edward XXII., out of Freda 11., and was bred by the exhibitor. He shows great promise and if he keeps on as he is going he should prove a very famous champion. The second bull in the aged class was Messrs McKinnon Bros.’ Duke of Ormond, by Dube of Manchester XV, There was only one two-year bull—Mr W. Taylor’s Sir Edward Hercules, which was first at Waikato last year as a yearling. The yearlings as a class were good. The championship for cows went to the Government Farm’s Lady Wallace, by Langford Wallace, dam Delight, bred by the Agricultural Department, showing very fine breeding. At this show last year this cow was beaten by one that received a commended this year. The cows were a good strong class and generally showed even quality. Mr W. Taylor scored all the other prizes, except the first in the two-year heifers, which went to Mr W. G. Park, of Roto-o-rangi, for his Rose of Ormond 11., by Duke of Manchester XVI., bred by exhibitor. The heifers were all good and of fine promise. Grade Shorthorns —Unfortunately there were not many entries in the Grade Shorthorns, as in dairying districts the milking strain should be encouraged. A very nice animal belonging to Mr W. R. Booth took first and special in the bull class, and a yearling, by Red Lord, owned by Mr G. Jack, scored a first and special also. The grade heifers showed nice even quality. Herefords. —The only exhibitor in pedigree Herefords was Mr G. W. Vercoe, of Ohaupo, and he showed animals bred at the Freshfield Estate stud. These included a very good specimen, which secured a champion ticket. Pedigree Angus. —Pedigree Angus classes only induced two exhibitors, but they brought forward some good stock. The championship in bulls went to an imported animal—Pope Boniface—bred by the Rev. Bolden (England) and owned by Mr J. C. Allen, of Annandale, an animal showing a lot of quality. It was first last year as a two-year-old at Waikato, and this year it beat one of Lord Rosebery’s breeding, Esmond of Dalmeny, shown by Kereone Estate. Mr Allen also beat the Kereone Estate in the yearling class with a Loadstar bull of his own breeding, a typical animal showing splendid promise. One of his two-year heifers also - Mable, by Morrinsville—was singled out for special merit by the judge and awarded a championship, although facing no competition. Pedigree Jerseys. —There was fair competition in the pedigree Jersey classes ; but the aged bulls were beaten hollow by a two-year animal shown by Mr C. Day, of Tamahere, a silver fawn bull named Viola’s Dairyman, by Doctor out of Viola’s Duchess, bred by Mrs F. L. Wright, the owner of Wild Cherry, an imported bull bred by Lord Braybroob and first in the aged class. Thisjbull beat Mr W. J. Hall’s Sweet William, which secured the championship over it at last show, but Sweet William’s downfall was owing to an accident, and this is probably the last appearence of the old champion. The two-year-old should have a very great show future before him. There were also good yearlings. The cows were of exceptionally even merit, and a first rate class all through. The champion cow, Mr C. Day’s Retford Girl by Retford Boy, one of his own breeding, was a typical cow only for her horns which showed too much of the Ayrshire. Two-year-olds were fair, and the yearlings were of special merit. Ayrshires. —There was a good showing in the Ayrshire classes, and a feature of this section was the excellent manner in which the animals had been prepared for the show, but, indeed this applied to all the cattle sections. Ayrshires were splendid both in bull and cow classes. The championship in bulls went to Mr W. J. Hall’s Prince of Wales by Prince Charlie out of Beauty. This animal is a famous prizetaker. He was champion at Hawke's Bay, and at last Waikato Show, and is generally regarded as a specimen of the right type of Ayrshire. The second aged bull was Mr F. C. Litchfield's Ferguson, which was placed in the same position at the Waikato Show last year. Mr W. J. Hall scored a first in two-year bulla with King Robert, by King Edward out of Sapphire, and this and his second bull Prince should make two first-rate show animals next year. The Government Farm’s Tulip, by President, took the championship in cows, just scoring a point or two over two shown by Mr Litchfield, the three being very difficult, indeed, to separate. The two-year-olds were the best of the cow classes ; in fact it would be difficult on any show ground in New Zealand to find a finer or more even lot. There was not one bad animal amongst them. Holsteins The Holsteina were fairly numerous, but the competition was confined to Messrs W. T. Woods, F. C. Litchfield, W. J. Hall and G. W. Luxton. The first-named secured the champion award for the bull, and Mr Litchfield a similar distinction for the sow. Mr Hall only showed in the class For heifer, one or two years old, in which 80-peep, bred by Mr Woods, was awarded first prize. Fat Cattle. —Fat cattle were excep:ionally fine, the judge remarking that he fat cattle could stand comparison

one. As usual, there was a large number of attractions to catch the sixpences of visitors, and they all seemed to have a strong patronage. One matter. however, which came under our notice was the presence of several cheap-jacks, and, if our memory serves us right, it was decided by the annual meting in 1905 not to allow these on he ground. The Hamilton Muniipal Band, under Bandmaster Booth, ilayed a choice selection of music, /hich was greatly appreciated. The refreshment of the visitors was mply catered for by Mr J. Molloy, itiblican’s booth ; Messrs Tidd and >tanton, refreshment booths; Mr J. V. Speight, Strand Cafe, luncheon nd tea rooms; and one and all appeared to give general satisfaction. Throughout the two days the rrangements passed off without a itch, the officials all working to ttain success, and this they no doubt id. The judging, which proceeded ight up to noon yesterday, was losely followed, and though in some ases the awards were not the popular ancy, on the whole these gentlemen’s fforts met with general approval. The entries, as the following table /ill show, are on the increase : HOESES— 1905 1906 Thoroughbreds ... 5 11 Roadsters, carriage horses, etc 253 283 Draughts 45 39 Total 303 333 CATTLE— Pedigree Shorthorn 19 32 Grade Shorthorn ... 21 14 Pedigree Herefords 9 3 Pedigree Angus ... 6 10 Pedigree Jersey ... 24 21 Ayrshire 21 24 Dairy 33 37 Holstein . . ... 9 12 Grade & other cattle 2 5 Fat 17 22 Total 161 180 SHEEP— Lincoln 10 18 Leicester (English)... 47 49 Komney Marsh ... 19 29 Shropshire 27 15 Southdown 23 10 Fat 52 33 Total 178 154 PIGS— Black Berkshire ... 15 21 Tamworth 9 8 Total 24 29 HOME INDUSTEIES— Butter 22 26 Bread and Scones ... 29 104 Judging ... ’ ... 14 25 Produce 24 57 Total 89 212 Grand Total—l9os, 755; 1906, 896, bowing an increase of 141 on last ear’s figures. One noticeable feature in looking trough the catalogue is the absence f old familiar names with which the arlier years of the show were closely ssociated. In past years Woodlands [state, Matamata Estafe, Eockerie Estate, Eukuhia Estate, and Koto--rangi Estate appeared in almost re ry sections ome classes being wholly ppropriated by them ; but they have isappeared—the victims of closer ittlement, and new names have taken ieir places. HOUSES Draughts—ln this class the chamon entire was found in the weighty iy horse Glenturet, owned by Mr W. aylor, of Greenhill, Te Awamutu, his horse, which also took first in the oged class, is byClyduide—dam Maggie, and was bred by Mr R, Dane, of Washdyko, Timaru, He was first at Oamaru and Timaru last year, and reserve champion to the famous Dalmuir Prince. The Department of Agriculture took second to the above in the aged class with Resolution, an imported horse, bred by Lord Rothschild, by Anchorite out of Sweet Echo. The champion won on size and weight, the other horse showing better quality but was a liitle on the light side for breeding heavy draughts such as farm and waggon horses and shatters. The draught ■dock as a whole was disappointing, and there has been much better shown here in previous years. There was very poor competition in the entire colt classes and nothing of very striking quality. The mares were very ordinary, out this is accounted for by the fact

that this year many of the classes were not open to breeders of stud horses, and thus the well known To Awamutu stud was shut out. A very good mare was shown amongst the dry mares by Messrs Jolly and Clements and scored the jhampionship. The farm horses were medium lot and included nothing rery great. There was nothing like ;be competition there should have been

on any showground in New Zealand. They wore very creditable to the Waikato and one, shown by Mr J. Taylor could not be beaten anywhere, and the three year old pen was very good all over. Dairy Catti.e. —The greatest iu« terest was taken in the testing clasi which may bo fairly designated the blue riband of our district’s staple in*

dustry, and it is strange that more entries were not attracted. Thirteen entries were received and the honour of owning the champion dairy cow in the district goes to Mr O. Day, of Tamahere the well known breeder of Jersey cattle, with his own-bred cow Retford Girl which also secured the championship in the Jersey class. This animal in two milkings yielded 43.251b of milk containing 2.785 of butter fat. a percentage of 6 4 the morning and evening’s tests being 5.4 and 7.4 respectively. Mr C. Lake was second, his cow’s record being 2.5121b of fat from 531b of milk. The other classes in the section contained some good animals, but it is to be regretted that the entries were not more numerous. Subjoined are the particulars of the dairy cow class :

JUDGING COMPETITION There was a large entry in this class and some good work was done by the aspirants to future honours in the judges’ office. This was especially so in the cattle classes as the following report of the judges will show : Placing. Descrip- Total tion. Sheep—lst ... 4 ... 3 ... 7 2nd ... 3 ... 3 ... 6 The placing and description, in this class were not quite as good as in former years. Cattle—lst ... 5 ... 5 ... 10 2nd ... 5 ... 4 ... 9 The placing and description are beyond the average of other years, in our opinion being first class on the part of the prize winners. Horses—lst ... 2 ... 2 ... 4 2nd ... 1 ... 2 ... 3 This class was rather difficult to judge and placing and description were both very poor. At the request of the judges we publish the remarks of the winner in the cattle class, in which the yearling shorthorn bulls were dealt with ; No. 341. Ist—This bull has the richest and nicest colour, and by far the nicest action. He has a very nice back, square all the way, deep in the flank and of a great length. Behind the shoulder he is better than his mates and also across the loins. His head is not as good as No. 343 and he is not as good in the brisket; but in general conformation he is hard to beat. His tail is a bit high, but nothing to speak of; his touch is not as good as 343. None of this bull’s mates carry themselves as this one does. No. 343, 2nd—This is the biggest and best grown bull, and in the best condition. He has a true shorthorn head and a good horn, and is of a beautiful dark red colour. Across the loin he is not as good as No. 341 and he dips a bit towards the tail. He is a great depth and of good length, bnt not as long as 341. He has a great brisket and nice short legs, but behind the shoulder he is a bit deficient; his touch is perfect and he is strong over the shoulder. This bull’s action is a bit sluggish 342 3rd—A smaller bull than the others, but of very nice symmetry. He ranks as good as the others anywhere in colour and size, though his colour is not too good He is a wee bit weak behind the shoulder. He comes down to the hock the best of the lot, but he is not as lengthy as he should be. His carriage is really good. MILITARY EVENTS, These were made a feature of the second day, and made an interesting interlude between the ordinary events. There was not a large number of competitors, but each section was keenly contested. In the class for best-turned-out volunteer Private J. Richardson was easily first, his equipment and general turn-out being fully equal to any regular. AGGREGATE PRIZES. These were offered in several classes, but so far the secretary has not had time to calculate them out, and the results will be published later. WOOD-CHOPPING. As usual this event caused considerable interest, and was closely followed by the spectators who lined the large ring in rows three and four deep, while both stands were well filled. The winner was found in the scratch man Sibley. There was a good deal of difference of opinion as to the verdict in the competition, many of the spectators being of opinion that Peterson, the limit man, who was placed first, was the winner, but being at the end of the line may account for'this as there was very little difference in the times. WEIGHT-GUESSING COMPETITION. Messrs H. Waring and K. Bollard superintended this, and there were a large number of competitors, but the results will not be known for a few days. JUMPING COMPETION. The second afternoon was filled in with this section, and though the competitors, except in the boys’ class, were not numerous the exhibition was a good one, and the events were closely contested, some splendid jumping and riding being exhibited. THE PARADE. Certainly among other improvements the conduct of the parade must be regarded as one of the first. This was well arranged and admirably carried out, and the display was one of which any district might be proud HOME INDUSTRIES. The home industries section was all through a really good showing of what can be turned out in the ladies’ department on the farm, but unfortunately this section was hampered by the programme arrangements. For instance, the butter classes were all specified as “ rolls ” and there was no opportunity for a display of fancy butter. As a southern visitor with a wide experience of shows, pointed out, there is little or no latitude given for originality in the home industries section, and almost every class is strictly specified. This sort of thing gets tame for the exhibitors as well as the public, and the committee would be well advised to secure catalogues of some other large show in New Zealand, and make a few comparisons in the home industries section as well as the horse classes. In so important a dairying district, why is there no class for factory butter, with awards on grading points ? The plain cooking—scones, bread, etc.—was very good, and no one could ever desire better bread than that showed by Mr Ashby in the baker’s class, or by Miss Eyre and Mrs McKnight in the settlers’ wife or daughter’s class, or better scones than Mrs McKnights’ or Mrs W. O. Davis’s. The fancy cooking however was rather weak. The butter was good, on the whole, but a few of the lots lacked body. The flavours were excellent, and the section was really a fine sample of famers’ butter. Miss K. Little carried off two firsts with two very good lots, in which the texture, flavours, and moisture were just right; while Miss Eyre had two seconds with some nice samples which, however, had not the body or the fine taste on the after palate of the first prize lots. In the salted butters Mrs W. Kothwell came first with a good sa >iple. The cakes were all good ; in fact, there could not be said to be a bad one amongst them, while what there was of pickles and preserves was splendid. One of the features of the home industries section was the dressed flax and kits, all made by Maoris. Mrs I. Hemopo in particular staged some beautiul specimens of work. The relief wood carving shown by M. McDermott junr., although it was the only specimen shown, was worthy of special mention. It was a really capable and artistic piece of work. In the Home Industries building Mr J. Holmes, of Huntly, had a fine collection of mounted heads, comprising red deer shot in Nelson, fallow deer shot in various parts of the Waikato, and merino sheep. THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT’S EXHIBIT.

SHEEP. Lincolns —Sheep were a disappoint'ment in point of number of entries. The Lincoln classes were small and there was not very keen competition. Mr C. T. Barriball, of Waiuku, took the championship in rams with a most even sheep of good bone and very true to type. He also won in ewes, while he and Mr W. G. Park scored various other prizes. Leicestebs —These were good and the wool showed well, but there was very little real competition. The Assets Realisation Board’s Nixon Y„ bred by Mr Nixon, of Canterbury, was awarded the championship in rams, a very fine even sheep of sound bone, good size, and first-class wool. Mr J. Taylor’s ram was second and the Government Experimental farm third in the aged section. Mr J. Gordon, of Eureka, scored firsts in both classes for rams under 18 months, while he also took the championship in ewes with a very nice true English Leicester type wet ewe. He had the rest of the ewe section all his own way. Romney Mabsh. The Romney Marsh sheep showed fine quality, and the judge remarked that he would like to see some of the rams sent to the Hawke’s Bay ram fair. Mr H. S. Hawkins, of Hamilton, showed the champion ram, one of his own breeding, shown in the aged class, and it won on its splendid wool and fine condition from the same breeder’s second ram and Mr J. C. Allen’s Gordon I. Mr Hawkin’s scored first in all the ram classes, and he also took the championship in ewes with a very pretty sheep under 18 months. Mr J. C. Allen took first awards in the aged ewe classes. Shropshibbs. —Mr George Ballard’s Wheaton Hero, bred by Mr Williams, was awarded championship in aged Shropshire rams, and Mr Ballard’s young ram by Cooper’s Record took first in the other class. Mr C. Day, of Tamahere, took all the other prizes, having no com petition. The Government Experimental Farm had a c*ear field in Southdowns. and showed some animals of very fine breed. Fat Sheep— Some very good classes were included in the fat sheep section ; but some of the butcher’s sheep were shown too fat. and there was a poor display of freezers, short in weight and not prime enough for export purposes. Some pens of crossbred ewe-hoggets were remarkably fine. In the fat lamb section there were two classes for freezers, one for a pen of 5 and the other for a pen of 10, and Messrs McGovern and Quin scored the first and second in both, and also the award in the pen of 6 for local trade. All the lambs were crossbred, and they were an exceptionally strong section in point of quality. In the case of the 10 freezers a second award has to be made on the report of the London agent when the lambs have been placed on the British market.

Speaking individually of some of the exhibits, the judge, with reference to his award in class 159, pen of five crossbred ewes (shorn) suitable for local trade, won by Mr Jno. Gordon, said the sheep shown by Mr Park were too fat. The Assets Board exhibit in nhe class for crossbred ewes, under 18 months, in wool, most suitable for breeding purposes, was very fine, both for wool and mutton, and the breeding was excellent. The five crossbred wethers in wool shown by the Board were really splendid hoggets r and should prove most profitable, both from wool and carcase standpoints. They were the only hoggets, but were beautiful animals. The prize for the pen of five crossbred wethers, most suitable for freezing, was won by Mr W. G. Park. Speaking of the prizewinners, the judge remarked This is how sheep want to be topped off for freezing, and they are a very fine lot all through.” PIGS.

The pig classes were exceptionally fine, and there was really good and close competition in the Berkshires In the class for the aged boar there were four penned, but there was little doubt as to the result. Mr P. Crosby’s fine black King Quail, by Lord Windsor, scoring the first and also the championship. This boar is rising six years old, and in every way a typical type of a Berkshire. Mr G. Edgecombe showed a grand well-proportioned boar bred by Mr J. Allwill, and it was awarded second. The young boars were good, and Mr Crosby again proved the owner of the winner, a fine well-bred pig named Royal Plush. The sows also were excellent. Mr EL H. Shaw’s black with an excellent litter of healthy promising youngsters, was awarded the first in the aged class and also the champinship, while Mr A. W. Day’s sow was second. It also had a good litter, but the sow was inclined to a coarse type. In the young sows Mr P. Crosby’s Black Bess and Ebony Queen, both daughters of the champion boar, were awarded first and second respectively. There was not such good competition in Tamworths and only one good boar was forward —Mr G. \V. Luxton’s fine big pig, bred by Mr Jams of Palmerston —and was awarded the champion card. Mr Luxton scored first in all the other classes, and secured the champisusbip in sows. Mr Crosby was the only ex* hibitop of dtes-sed figs,

One of the most interesting, attractive, and unique displays was that provided by the Department of Agriculture, through the thoughtful agency of Mr E. Clifton, news of whose departure from the Auckland province was received with widespread and genuine feelings of regret. While pleased to see him elevated to a position which he s v ould have occupied years ago, the farming community recognise that with his removal they are losing a good friend, and one who has unostentatiously done a great deal for the Waikato. It is just possible, however, that now some of the restrictions by which he was hampered will be removed, he will have a freer hand, and will therefore be able to do even more for his farmer friends. The tent was large, and the exhibits are prettily arranged on a soft, mossy bed. The grasses shown comprised over 100 varieties, including the following: —Creeping bent or florin, false florin, brown dog’s bent, Australian blue grass, tall oat-grass, down oat-grass, narrow-leaved oat-grass, sweet vernal, meadow foxtail, bent-stemmed fSxtail, field foxtail, Mitchell grass, U.S.A., yarrow, prairie grass, sterile brome, giant brome, quaking grass, Rhodes grass, Indian doob, cocksfoot, sand or upright sea lyme grass, giant bearded fescue, various leaved fescue, darnel leaved fescue, sheep’s fescue, tall fescue. Chewing’s fescue, floating sweet grass, cueping soft grass, Yorkshire fog, birfisfopt trefoil, birdsfoot trefoil ereo

tus, perennial rye grass, water meadow grass, meadow grass, guinea grass, Louisiana grass, rib grass, ordinary plantain, Timothy, scarlet clover, yellow trefoil, alsyke, red clover, trefoil, Natal red top. A very nice collection of roses, seeds, dried grasses, Victorian flax and hemp, and an excellent exhibit of New Zealand flax from Mr Johnson, fibre expert in Auckland, showing the green leaf and the various grades—superior, good fair, fair common, and condemned. This was a specially interesting corner. Most of the plants came from the Government Experimental Farm at Wairangi. The ducks and fowls, however, came from Ruakura, and they were indeed beautiful specimens. Mr Boucher, Government entomologist, was in charge of an exhibit which drew farmers and orchadists like a magnet. We were always under the impression that New Zealand was fairly well provided with pests; but one required to have a peep at Mr Boucher’s collection to realise what this really means. He showed no less than 80 distinct specimens of insect pests and parasitic fungi. The codlin moth parasite and the method of its propagation was shown ; also the syrphus fly, the natural enemy of the woolly aphis and the black aphis of the peach. Spraying materials, seeds, etc., and wattle trees and bark in its various stages before becoming a marketable commodity were also exhibited. Questioned as to his success in breeding codlin moth parasites, Mr Boucher states that bis only trouble is to obtain enough grubs to keep them going, and consignments would be thankfully received. In the interests of the community, orchardists should do their utmost to assist the Government expert in this matter. Mr Boucher also states that no moths will be liberated until he has mobilised enough forces to supply every district throughout the colony; but this will be done before the season is over. The entire collection will be exhibited at the forthcoming Auckland Show, and it is ti be hoped that the Auckland association will see that more publicity is given to the fact than in Waikato, for we feel sure that hundreds of people who would have been deeply interested did not even know there was such a tent on the ground. Amongst the weeds shown were the following: —Sponge, plantain, Scotch thistle, penny royal, groundsel, Canadian flea-bane, cudweed, catsear, wood groundsel. May thistle, sow thistle, Australian linum, fireweed, mouse-eat chickweed, sorrel, wart cress, buttercup, self-heal, rib grass, ragged robin, narrow-leaved cress, herb robert, spurry, stone crop, tarweed, dock, ragwort, fumtory. IMPLEMENTS, ETC. Messrs Cousins and Cousins, Ltd., ■ of Lorne-street. Auckland, make an attractive display in a large marquee, 1 All the vehicles are finished in this i firm’s well-known style. The exhibit is a varied one, consisting of double and single-seated buggies, phaetons, ralli carts, and the popular roadster. The [ single-seated Raleigh cart, finished in natural wood and trimmed in green leather, has a very pleasing appearance, and with a good strapping horse between the shafts would make an | ideal .turn-out. A station buggy in scarlet, with spring cushions and pull J backs, is a comfortable, as well as use- ' ful trap, the back seat coming off when ! not required. Two exhibits of the s popular Queen roadster, one on twe and the other on three springs are 1 shown. This firm has upwards of twe 1 hundred of this class of vehicle on the 1 road, which speaks for itself. A low • pony phaeton, finished in blue leather, and a spindle buggy in tan, are also 1 shown, both being useful traps of theii kind. The firm’s celebrated Thorne roadster is shown in the form of s model, with horse attached, attracts s ‘ lot of attention. By a very simple 1 contrivance it can be made to carrj 1 either two or four passengers, at the ’ same time ensuring perfect balance. The Waikato Farmers’ Supply Stores, as local agents for the Inter 1 national Harvester Company, exhibited some very up-to-date implements, in- • eluding a Deering grain and fertilisei J drill, the special features of which are numerous. It is of light draught, and yet very strongly constructed, the great advantage being the large quantity ol fertiliser it is capable of distributing— I up to over 10001b per acre—and the ■ adjustment can be made without stop > page in work. Everything is tnanipu--1 lated by lever, there being no cof i wheels to change. The Osborne flexible and reversible disc harrow also attracted considerable attention and was I in much favour. A Cockchatt single rotary disc plough and a Benena three • i arrow disc plough were much admired and information sought as to the clasi s of work they were intended for. Othei , exhibits were : Deering bayrake, Deer ! ing mower, Deering disc and tine har r rows, Deering cultivators, and Storrie’i i ridger for turnips and mangolds. Thii > company was unfortunate in not boinc ) able to land their Deering, McCormick i Osborne and Plano binders in time foi I this show, otherwise their exhibit . would have been a very large one. ' The Canadian manufacturers, Messrs • Masset-Harris and Co., Ltd. 1 for whom Mr B Restell is local agent 1 had a good representative display o: L harvesting machinery and agricultura ! implements. The Massey-Harrii 1 reaper and binder specially constructed ’ for the New Zealand trade, has aftei sixteen years of severe testing in at ' conditions of crops, proved itself equa' • to all requirements. From the ground 1 up the machine is strongly built, the 1 draught light and the mechanism is 1 simple. Everything works smoothly > the cutting is close and cleanly done 1 the grain elevated without being shaken and is tied securely into neat bundles of any required size. The 1 binder adapts itself to all lengths and thickness of crops. Seveial improvements in dividing, elevating and tying the grain will be noticed on the new No. 3 Binder, The latest pattern of No. 4 mower has a strong frame, high wheels, with broad faces, and is fitted with roller and ball bearings, which ensures light draught. The drive-rod has oil-cham-bers at each end, from which the bearings are oiled automatically. The No. 3 rake has two high well-made steel wheels, enabling the teeth to lift clear of the windrow ; the raking is cleanly done and the hay dumped without jerking or jarring. The new seed and manure drill with rape and turnip attachment will be found a serviceable implement on the farm. Large ranges and quantities of seeds and fertilizers can be sown. The drill is simply but strongly built. The No. 5 disc harrow is substantial throughout, the lever convenient and easy to operate. The discs are of the best tempered steel and the bearings are fitted with patent oil

caps. In ploughs, scufflers, etc., thei was ample variety, and the work an quality of the implements are gui ranteed. Messrs Hunter and Hoc were in charge of the exhibit. Messrs Kempthorne Prosser an: Co.—This well-known firm had an al tractive exhibit of manures, etc, whic. proved of interest to farmers. Th Westfield manures have such a world wide reputation that it is not necessar; to go into details regarding theni suffice it to say that the tent was large!; patronised during the show. Mr J. Pomeroy, coachbuilder, o Hamilton, confined his exhibit tosprin; drays; but the excellence of the work mansbip and general get-up of thi vehicles could not fail to appeal to i farming community. Mr Pomeroy hai established a reputation for thorough ness and attention to detail, and th« drays shown were a fair average specimen of the work generally turnec out by him.

Messes Wm. Coopee and Nephews gave a practical exhibition with a mos( useful and up-to-date shearing machine outfit, styled the “ Little Wonder.’ This consists of a 2-b h.p. motor with shearing-machine attachments for twe operators, who work independently of each other, the machine being easily thrown in and out of gear by means of a very simple device. It is, in fact, a two-stand installation in itself. The ■work done by this machine certainly warrants it a place in all shearing sheds were from 600 to 2000 sheep are shorn. Forcrutching it would be invaluable. When not used for shearing the little engine is powerful enough to drive a small chaffcutter and saw-bench. Farmers who wish to keep abreast of the times, and to get their shearing done as speedily and economically as is SMfilble, should certainly invest in the oogev outfit, Th 9 "WfctU WPBfier,"

after keen competition, was awarded the gold medal at the Canterbury Show for improved farmers’ machinery. Messrs Cousins and Atkins, Ltd. (Hamilton Branch). This well-known Auckland firm, lately established in Hamilton, had the largest collection of vehicles on the ground, twenty-one vehicles of various kinds being shown, from the tiny pony sulky to the twoton farm waggon, Among the fourwheelers, we noticed a switchback double-seat buggy, the body of which is built of Waikato rimu, and is a very handsome trap. A siugle-s-at buggy, with butterfly wings, a new design, attracted a good deal of attention. A roomy lady’s phaeton was much admired by the fair sex. A rubber-tired roadster for Ohaupo is a stylish trap, and much taste is shown in the finish of same. The King of the Eoad sulky is a popular style, and well suited tc our roads. The lumber waggon is a useful farmer’s vehicle, the body lifts off and the under-carriage is made tc carry timber. Of milk waggons, mill carts and spring drays, there are quits a number, suitable for all kinds o: work and tastes. Of the 21 exhibits no two are alike, every requirement has been catered for. Messrs Cousins anc Atkin deserve the highest compliments for their display ; nearly all the worl has been done in Hamilton, the styb 1 and finish being equal to town produc tiou. Mr W. Atkin, the local manager informs us that this is the mos valuable exhibit ever shown in thi Waikato, .£7OO worth being on th ground. The stand of The N Z Loan ani Mercantile Agency Co,, Ltd., pre , sented a very attractive appearance | having in the foreground all descrip | tion of agricultural machinery; and a the back, in a tent, .ere displayed seei and manure samples, and a genera assortment of farm requisites. Th ; Wood’s “ New Century ” Binder was th centre of interest, as was also th | Wood’s all-steel self dump hay rake | The Loan Company, owing to recen demands were unable to show a Wood’ | tubular steel polwer, but shipments ar arriving shortly. The farmers’ “ Favor , ite ” grain and manure drill was als exhibited. This machine is termed b; , users as the best on the market, and i largely used all over the colony. A agents for Booth, McDonald and Co, the company had a large assortment o ploughs, discs, harrows, etc. Thes ; implements are noted for their dur ability, and a great number have bee: placed in the Waikato during the las ' two years. Imperial disc and spadini [ harrows and ploughs, Beaney and Son’ rollers, tine-harrows, and Crown separ ators and churns, with sundry imple ments for field and garden also formei , part of an interesting collection. M i A. G. Shand was in charge and wa , ably supported by his assistants. Ii i connection with the above firm, Messr s Cooper and McPherson gave an exhibi L tion of the Cooper sheep-shearer, etc. i Me 0. E Stoeer—Mr Storer, of th > Acme Carriage Factory, Hamilton, ha i a most creditable display of vehicle i suitable for the farmer, dairymar - tradesman, and pleasure • seekei ! Amongst them we noticed a very nic i cart for delivering meat which ha> i many advantages over the vehicle I usually seen on our streets ; this car • was splendidly decorated. Another fin i vehicle was an Auckland roadster, wit : Cupid wings and adjustable seat. Ever ) detail seemed to be in the best of tasti : and for comfort, elegance and goo > workmanship it must be hard to exce i A very popular trap is a vehicle whicl r Mr Storer has aptly named the “ hand , sulky,” and indeed it would be hard t > design a vehicle to suit the require • ments of our settlers better than it. I ; appearance it is handsome and beauti 1 fully finished. Mr Storer has orders o i. hand for several of them already. Ther } are also some fine farmers’ spring dray r on view. We also inspected a mil i waggon, and here again Mr Storer ha improved on present models by intrc r ducing Dennet bolster springs, whic . cause the waggon to ride very easilj [ Taking the exhibit as a whole, it i . greatly to the credit of Hamilton tha r we have a factory capable of turnin j out work of such a high standard. I Mb Frank Currie. —This gentle t man, who is agent for several firms an E companies, has an interesting collec - tion of exhibits. The first to com 5 under our notice was Messrs Harve - and Sons’ ideal factory milk cans an - seamless buckets. The next exhibit t ’ catch the eye was Messrs Bagnal 3 Bros.’ bee-hives and beekeepen - smokers and other requisites. Oi 3 behalf of Messrs Calder Bros, there is 3 fine exhibit of pipes and potterywan - which are worthy of consideration. Oi i behalf of Messrs Mclntyre and Co 3 Vulcan works, Onehunga, Mr Curri r shows a grass seed stripper, iro: - trough and patent washing boiler. Th - goods of this firm are all honestl s made, and are already well-know s amongst settleis. The two cow 1 Domo ; separator, is priced at 70s, and is wei , worthy of inspection by those with fei r acres and few cows. The Peui t separator is also shown. This i claimed to be the best separator on th 3 market at the price. On the sam stand Messrs John Burns and Co. shoi ’ the Eapid water heater. This produce E enough hot water for a bath in fiv 1 minutes with only the consumption o 3 a handful of fuel. The rapidity wit! I which it produces hot water shoul f commend itself to those engaged in th I dairy industry. This firm also shows i 1 fine line of syringing pumps for orcharI and field work. Messrs Beanej , through the agency of Mr Currie, shoi I a Cambridge roller and single am double-furrow ploughs, and other im piemen ts for which they have de ’ servedly acquired a favourable reputa - tion. ) Messes D. Flynn and Co., coacl 1 builders of Auckland, were, as in forme . years, well represented with a usefu ! collection of vehicles, beautifully fin I ished, elegantly trimmed and mounted They were displayed to advantage in ! i large marquee. The colours wen nicely blended, and the designs am general get up was excellent. Speci , mens of the coach builder’s art include! buggies, double and single-seated; gigs roadsters, a dog cart, and settlers’ am farm waggons. In the course of con versation Mr Flynn stated that thf expenses in connection with coming t< the Waikato Show are high, still ht was well satisfied, having done gooc business at the show, which is a striking indication of continued local prosperity. Other standholders were Messrs Beany and Sons, Nicoll Bros. T. and S. Morrin and Co.. A. Yates and Co., G. E. Clark and Sons H G. Lewis Cooper and Curd W. Souter and Co., Clifford Bros. Singer Sewing Machine Co., and Bell and McGuire.

THE LUNCHEON. Daring the course of the judges’ an. stewards’ luncheon on the People' : Day, the customary speech-makin 1 took place. The President, Mr J Barugh, after proposing the usual loya 3 toasts, proposed the judges. He com ■ plimented the judges on the genera 1 satisfaction given by the awards, am 3 commented on the difficult tasks th ' judges must have had in very many o r the classes owing to the all-round ex > cellence in quality. ' Mr J. R Lanauze, of Napier, wh. judged the Shorthorns, and the Lincoln : Leicester, and Romney classes in th ; sheep section, in responding to thi toast, stated that he had had a tho i roughly enjoyable time, and referred t< , his visit to the district 20 years ago i He noted the wonderful improvemen the district had made in every line o agricultural pursuit, and complimented breeders on the remarkably fine classei of Shorthorn cattle. In the sheep section he thought there was some ex cellent quality, particularly in Romneys and Leicesters, but he would have liked to have had a few more Lincolns befor< him. The farmers were breeding th( right sheep, and many of the animals could not have been beaten in New Zealand. Mr Hector Booth (Fielding) judge ol Shropshires and Southdowns, said it was his first time in the Waikato, and he had been surprised and pleased to note the great prosperity of the district Some of the stock was tho best he had encountered and tho fat bullock without doubt, was one of the finest animals ever seen. Shropshires were also verj good, but he would like to have seen more competition. It whs very disappointing to a judge to si:end a long time over a class and then find that all the animals belong to one person. Hr W, Scott, of the Thames, who was Judging bread, icons, and cakes, etc.,

. said that the plain cooking included some very fine specimens indeed; bnt the art cooking section was rather weak. In cakes there was not a very great show, but every one was good, and not one exhibit could be said to be bad. Mr Thos. Wells, of Cambridge, expressed his pleasure at noting the improvement in the section, and considered the exhibits, as far as they went, a credit to any show or exhibi- ; tiou. The butter exhibits, although not quite as numerous as last year, were certainly equal to anything he had judged during the last 25 years, and the district was assuredly showing a great improvement all over. [ Mr S. W. Luxford, Palmerston North, complimented the Society on the very | high quality of the stock, and on the , condition in which the animals were—- , brought into the show-ring. - H(T TiSO i ticularly referred to and i Jerseys as being in tip-top condition as , cattle, and said he noticed a c ver y *reat improvement in dairying 5 s t° ck m £ , this district within the past E three or four years. He complimented 3 the committee on its hospitality which s he said, towns of much higher proton-’ j sions might emulate. 3 u . M L r / r ' Ca “ er °n. of Bulls, spoke in £ high terms of the jumping and the light 3 horses in general. JUDGES. The following acted as judges t Thoroughbreds and roadsters—Mr T e Cameron, Bulls e Draughts Mr F A Bremer. Okaiawa \ Olunteer classes Sergeant-Major 0 Rogers 6 J i- Cattle, Shorthorn—Mr J E Lanauze, Napier i- Hereford, Angus Jerseys, Ayrshire, t Holstein, and dairy cattle Mr S W 1 Luxford, Palmerston North .1 stock, cattle and sheep—Mr J e Marks Auckland e Sheep Lincoln I eicester, and Eome ney—Mr J E Lanauze, Napier i. Southdown and Shropshire —Mr t Hector Booth Feilding 8 Pigs-Mr E Burke, Waihou e Home industries, bread, etc— Mr W Scott, Thames 0 Dairy produce. Maori classes and suny dries—Mr Thos Wells Cambridge s Judging competition Messrs J H a Scott and Eobert Fisher Wood chopping— Mr Joseph Barngh. f president

Name of Exhibit and Weight of Test Total Points T otal Owner's Name and Address. when Test Taken Milk. lbs Calved Morn. Even. Morn, Even. of Fat Milk Fat Calvirg Points 1 C Day, Tamahere Be'ford Girl, Sept 28 October 24 20 75 22 5 5.4 7.4 2.785 43.55 64 107.25 2 C Lake, Fencourt Queenie. September 1 October 25 27 31 3.9 4.9 2.512 58 44 2 104 3 J Taylor Cambridg’ Blue Bell. September 18 Oc obei 25 29.5 30 5 4.3 4.3 2.472 57,5 43 1 101.5 4 J Taylor, Cambridee Lily, September 7 October 25 29 5 28 25 3.8 35 2.188 60 36.5 2 98 5 5. Kxperim'l Farm Claudelands... Knoeky, September 13 October 22 23 75 23 5 4.7 5.3 2.362 47.25 50 1 98,25 6 W. R Booth, Te Rapa Nell. August 18 November 4 24 23 5 4.8 4.1 2.11 47 5 44.5 5 97.5 7. G. Watt, Hautapu Red Rose August 31 October 23 25 , 28 3.4 5.0 2.25 53 42 2 97 8. Day Tamahere Pearl, October 1 October 24 21 75 24.25 4.0 50 2.08 46 45 — 91 9. W. J. Hall Matatoke Fancy, August 14 Ocober 14 24 5 20 4.0 4.6 1.9 44.5 43 3 90.5 10. C Day, Tamahere Flower Queen July 16 October 24 114 13 75 5.2 5.6 1.498 27.75 54 7 88.75 II I. Coates, Hamilton Daisy. September 20 Novembe 4 21 5 23 5 3.3 4.2 1,687 45 37.5 I 83.5 12 W. J Hall, Matatoke Duchess, rtUKiist 11 I'ctober 14 21.5 19 2.8 5.1 1.571 40 5 39.5 3 83 13 L O'Neill, Hamilton Easter, August 12 October 20 22 20 2.7 4.4 1.474 42 35 5 3 80.5