ROMNEY MARSH.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 1 November 1912, Page 3

ROMNEY MARSH.

HOW K. SHORT SAVED HIS OWN CUP. The Romuey Marsh competition was unquestionably the keenest "in the show, and exhibits were shown from Marton, Paraparaumu, Parorangi, Clarev.ille, Mangamaire, Porirua, Kiwitea, Oarterton, Marton, Longburn, and as far north as Waiorongomai, beyond Te Aroha, in the Thames Valley. Of course, the stakes were big and included the Wheeler Memorial Challenge Shield, donated by the New Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders' Association for the champion Romney Marsh ram over 21 months, and bred in New Zealand; the McDougall Cup value 15 gns., donated by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Co. for the best Romney ram on the ground irrespective of age, and the Short Romney Marsh Ram Challenge Shield, valued at 100 gns., presented by Mr. E. Short for the best Romney ram according to certain conditions, the ram to be bred and owned by the exhibitor, and from a flock registered with the Jew Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders' Association, to be won three times at intervals before being won outright, the. donor to be excluded from wittmng outright, but (may compete and have his-name inscribed in the event of a wm. The first competition took place in 1908, when Gray "Bros, won--1909, E. Short; 1910, W. Perry (Mas-' terton); 1911, W. Perry. As the latter only had one moro win to secure complete ownership of the magnificent trophy, Mr Short thought that he would have a run for it, with the result that he won sail the big trophies above mentioned, which make a magnificent and valuable collection. Mr Short's win saves the cup for future competition. Mr W. Perry won the championship for ewe over 30 months; Mr Short did not compete for this honour.