FLEECE COMPETITION

Wairarapa Daily Times, 18 February 1935, Page 6

FLEECE COMPETITION

MATTHEWS MEMORIAL CUP. WON BY MR 11. F. COOM. A limited number of entries was received for this year’s Farmers’ Union fleece competition, owing largely to the fact that the very low prices in 1933 made it necessary to abandon the competition for the past two years. Nevertheless, some very good fleeces will be on exhibition in the ram ring at Solway Showgrounds during the Masterton Show this week.

The Alfred Matthews Memorial Cup for the champion fleece of predominant Romney typo was won for a second time by the last holder, Mr H. F. Coom, of Te Ore Ore. The winning fleece, although not so outstanding in type and character as some previous winners, is nevertheless one that will attract considerable attention, and is quite worthy of championship honours. Another most outstanding fleece was shown by Mr Geo. Sha-w in the class for hoggets of 44 count and under. This fleece is of Lincoln cross type, and will be much admired. Detailed results, together with the judges comments, are as follow: —•

Class 40 count (open). —First prize: Geo. Shaw (To Ore Ore); splendid type of Lincoln cross, with strong and characteristic staple and good tips. Points: Quality 45, value 6M, weight 121b5.; total points, 71. Class 44 count, open. —First prize: Geo. Shaw (Te Ore Ore); excellent type' with good length and quality. Points: Quality 45, value 7id, weight llAlbs.; total points, 734. Class 40 count, open.—First prize: W. G. Groves (Bushgrove); distinctive character, nice soft handling. Points: Quality 42, value 74d, weight 141b5.; to- • tal points, 77. Class 48 count, open.—First prize and champion fleece: H. F. Coorh (Te Ore Ore). Points: Quality 47, value Bid, weight lllbs.; total points, 784. Hogget class, 46 count and over. — First prize; H. 33. Maunsell (Tinui Station); very distinctive crimp and type in staple. Points: Quality 45, value 9d, weight 841b5.; total ponts, 704. Hogget class, 44 count and under. — First prize: D. S. McKenzie (Wangaehu); good commercial type of fleece, but uneven distribution of yolk. Points: Quality 42, value 7d, weight 141b5.; total points, 74. The heaviest fleece was grown by Mr J. M. James, 211bs. ( The judging was carried out by Sir William Perry for quality points, and Mr C. Traill for commercial value, while the classing was effected by Mr Eric Shaw. Points were allotted as follows: —Length, strength and quality, maximum 50; with one point for every 3d of value.

The small entry will not permit of a cash prize for second place, but a certificate will be issued. Second place honours were filled by: —Open 40 count, J. M. James; open 44 count, J. M. James; open 46 count, H. G. Groves; open 48 count, 3ST. W. Groves; hogget, 46 and over, H. G. Groves; hogget, 44 and under, Geo. Shaw.