THE MANAWATU CARNIVAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8290, 3 November 1905, Page 6

THE MANAWATU CARNIVAL.

Twentieth Annual Show.

(From Our Special Reporter.)

Twentieth Annual Show of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which commenced on Wednesday and concludes to-day, is a record one in very many respects. During recent years the Society has made rapid strides of progress, and deservedly so, for they have displayed exceptional enterprise. A great amount of money has been spent in improving the grounds, which are now amongst the best-appointed in the Colony. A very considerable space has been brought under cover, and the result is that the comfort of stock, judges, exhibitors and the general public is much added to. Last year the fine large industrial hall was built, and this year a sum of about £1000 has been spent on a building which includes secretary's office, stewards room, Press room, telegraph office, etc. As a result, the work of the officials and others concerned is greatly facilitated. A big sum has also been expended in erecting a pavilion over a portion of the sheep pens, and it is the intention of the Society to cover portions of the remaining pens each year till the whole are roofed. Places in the covered pens are drawn for, in order to avoid any dissatisfaction amongst exhibitors. This year the Southdowns and some of the Lincolns were in the covered pens.

The entries this year total 8293, compared with 7-116 last year, an increase of 877. The advance in the number of entries in the horses and the competitions is very marked, the figures being 720, compared with 195 last year. In the stalls the number of entries has sprung up from 5000 to 5670. An increase is also shown in clogs and pigs.

The first day being devoted principally to judging, the attendance of the general public was not large. The weather, however, was ideal for an Agricultural Show, and this fact, and the number of interesting competitions which were on the programme, resulted in a very enjoyable day's outing for those who were present.

On the second day, the weather clerk was not so kindly disposed, especially during the forenoon, the heavy rain on the previous night being followed by a dull, threatening morning, with a chill wind blowing. In the afternoon the prospects were brighter, and the attendance swelled considerably—a large number of visitors coming in by rail from all parts. The Premier arrived by the mid-day express, from Wellington, and was met at the station by the President (Mr Maurice Cohen), Vice-presidents and other officers of the Association. During the afternoon he visited the Show Grounds, and, after a look through the various sections, congratulated the Association on the general merit of the exhibition and the improvement which was apparent. At night) Mr Secldon was a guest at a smoke concert in the Lecture Hall, on the Show Grounds, tendered by the Association to judges and visitors. The grounds, to those concerned only from a spectator's point of view, present an animated and attractive spectacle ; but to agriculturalists or pastoraliHs—even if not exhibitors —these is a much greater interest. From department tocbpartmint, and section to section, there are a series of objectlessons, showing 1 he rapid strides which are being made in matters directly and indirectly connected with this important industry—the backbone of the Colony. If only as an education to farmers, the heavy expense which must necessarily be attached to such a large Show would appear to be fully justified. In the stock departments an opportunity is afforded of comparing the types bred by the various exhibitors, and of learning the points or features most favoured by the experts. The space alloted to implements, machinery and vehicles contains, perhaps, one of the finest displays ever seen on any Show Ground in the Colony; or, at least in the North Island. It would hardly be possible to imagine any farm requisite of which there is not at least one make shown. In most cases there are several, from which—after witnessing the demonstrations which are given, where possible, and hearing the explanations of the never-tiring showmen and experts —the intending purchaser can make his choice. One of the exhibits to which special interest, for obvious reasons, attaches at the present time, is the potatosprayer shown by the Department of Agriculture. The sprayer, which is drawn by horse-power, treats five rows of potatoes at once. Professor Kirk was present yesterday, giving advice to those concerned. The .exhibitors of machinery from Masterton are the Farmers' Implement Company and , Mr Donald Donald. The former are showing Zealandia and Cockatoo woolpresses ; and the latter, in addition to his wool presses and wire-strainers, etc., has a novel shearing machine and engine combined for two shearers. The machine, •which is the only one of its kind in'the Colony at the present time, has many features which commend it. There is also on exhibition a patent cocksfoot thresher invented by a Fernridge farmer. .

The spacious produce hall is a hive of in-

dustry, there being, in addition to the exhibits, a host of craftsmen and salesmen carrying oh their various businesses with evident success. A feature is, of course, made, of dairy utonsils; but this does not by any. means comprise the Show, for the variety would almost give one the impression that the proverbial needle and anchor are included. Adjoining this hall are, in turn, those in which the flowers, etc., dogs and poultry arc exhibited, while ia the large room over the Secretary's office is a splendid collection of needlework and schoolchildren's exhibits. Thoso halls are continually thronged with people, and there is sufficient contained within them to profitably employ two or three hours of time.

The entry of sheep, which is about the same in number as that of last year, includes some very iiue stock, and is representative oE some of the best-known and most successful breeders. Generally speaking, the stock is shown in good condition, but many of the East Coast exhibitors complain that they have been handicapped by the unfavourable season: This, however, applies to the East Coast only, the West Coast sheep looking remarkably well. It is a noteworthy fact that when an unfavourable season is experienced on the East Coast, it is usually the very opposite on the West Coast, and vice versa. The present season, for the latter district, has, so far, been the best for several years. The largest and most successful exhibitors of sheep from this district are Messrs Perry Bros., of Penrose (Lincolns and Leicesters), and Jas. Stuckey, of Te Rangitumau (Southdowns). Perry Bros, were particularly successful. In Lincolns the class was one of the strongest ever seen at the Show, such renowned breeders as lion. J. D. Ormond, T. Tanner, W. 11. Wybourne, W. Rayner, and W. Gadsby being represented. Perry Bros. , sheep were not in the best condition, but the judge (Mr J. B. Button, of Thornbury, Southland) adhered to type, and awarded them nearly the whole of the prizes. Their places included first and champion for 6-tooth ram, first for ram hogget, second for pair ram hoggets, first and champion and second for 4 -tooth ewe, first, second and third for ewe hogget, first for old ewe, pair ewo hoggets, and pair of old ewes. Mr Rayner also secured a place. In Leicesters also Perry Bros, secured five firsts and the championship for best ewo. In the Southdowns, Mr Stuckey, with some notable breeders to compete against, managed to secure six firsts, six seconds, and five thirds, a very creditable record.

There were one or two instances of the awards given at the Carlerton Show being reversed. In one class the sheep which was awarded first and champion at Cartorton was placed third at Palmerston, while the sheep which was awarded second in the same class at Carterton was similarly placed at Palmerston.

In horses and cattle there is not only an improvement in numbers, but some excellent quality is shown, keen competition resulting. Splendid fields have also been received for the competition events, and close contests have resulted. The judges have expressed themselves as being highly pleased with the quality of the jumping, which on the whole has been exceptionally clean and clever. A great deal of interest was centred in the leaping match for lady riders. Some of the ladies wore divided skirts and rode straddle-leg ; but those who rode in the orthodox side-saddle appeared to be most popular with the onlookers. There were some very clever horsewomen, who rode well and fearlessly ; but others again, seemed rather relieved than otherwise when they were disqualified on account of their steeds refusing to take the first hurdle, in competitions and classes this district is represented by such well-known owners as W. D. Watson, V. Wardell, R. Buick, W. H. Booth and R. J. Hodgins.

The Woodville Brass Band was engaged to play in the rotunda yesterday, and to-day the music is being supplied by the Palmerston North Brass Band. There are numerous side-shows dotted about the ground, and most of them appear to be doing fairly well. The only objection to them is the din caused by some of their " musical " instruments.