HAWKE’S BAY SHOW.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15955, 25 October 1919, Page 5

HAWKE’S BAY SHOW.

FINE DISPLAY OF STOCK. A PEW REFLECTIONS. (From our Travelling Reporter.) Hawke’s Bay was looking its best for the annual Show, and one of the most noticeable and pleasing features observed was the increased number of men to what we have been accustomed during the past couple or three years when a dark cloud menaced the horizon. There was a happy meeting of old friends, and the resumption of old acquaintanceship, and a greater interest in the exhibition of stock, showing that once again these annual fixtures can be looked upon to maintain interest in the breeding of stock. As this was the first post-war Show, comparisons conld not be drawn with the coastal Shows of the past few years. Neither could it be said to have followed a beneficent season, for, as a matter of fact, Hawke’s Bay was badly scotched during the autumnal drought. A great deal of leeway has to he made up in the matter of rain, and though there has been a pretty good fall within the past few months, there has not been sufficient to give the country that thorough soaking it so much requires. There appears to be good sheep feed just now, hut cattle are not getting the bite they want. The hills are bare looking, and there will require to be a more adequate and soaking rainfall than the Bay is now getting if there is not to be a set-back during the months of drier weather ahead. So far as the Spring Show was concerned, however, it was good, taking it as a whole, and judging by increased interest on the part of breeders, it will he due entirely to had management if any of our stock exhibitions do hot make satisfactory progress in the future. HORSES. Ponies and hacks made a good display, and judging by the particularly large, number of settlers’ cars in the show-grounds, it is quite evident that farmers are re-modelling their interests. For instance, the draught horse section was lamentably supported, and many prominent exhibitors in the days gone by were conspicuous by their absence. A few years ago entries could always be relied upon from Mrs J. D. Ormond, Messrs Ernest Short, E. D. McLean, Hugh Campbell, Donalds’ Estate, J. D. Mitchell, and others, but for some reason or other there appears to be a declining interest in the heavy type of horse. Perhaps it is a case of coming events casting their shadows before. The tractor is replacing the draught horse, but it will be a great pity if the breeding of good draught horses is allowed to decline. The motor, furthermore, is responsible for another altered division, namely, the pony. It was a striking feature of, the Show to see the very large number of youngster ponies that lined up for the judging, the “school” being a very large one. Inquiries elicited the fact that -while parents provided themselves with motor cars, and the good old utility horse had “to go,” there was a corresponding demand for school poines. Hence the large assemblage on the Hastings Show-grounds. A large proportion of the exhibits showed good breeding, and it is confidently expected that the pony classes will show steady improvement in the future. Hacks and harness horse classes were well-supported, and while some of the exhibits were rough, the greater number would be hard to beat. Mr J. Bull, of Hunterville, who judged the light horses, was well pleased with the display, particularly the jumping competitors. CATTLE. The cattle classes filled up well, and proved one of the strongest sections of the Show, every breed on the catalogue being well represented. Shorthbrns, both in the beef and milking sections, showed np well, and Dalziell Bros., as indicated in yesterday’s issue of the “Herald,” had a good measure of support. In the beef classes, Mr Douglas McLean annexed the coveted' championship honours, but there were not a few good authorities who preferred the Kiwitea exhibit, Mr W. T. Jacob’s Te Marama Canterbury Prince, who won the championship last year. Dalziell Bros.’ team a very strong one, and the group, which gained the championship in ihat class would be hard to beat anywhere. In the Hereford section, Mr G. E. Moore, of Kai Iwi, was content with two entries of bulls, both of which secured awards— a first and a secondhut it is a pity that he and Mr Short did not exhibit in the stronger classes. The dairy breeds were well represenetd, and the champion Ayrshire cow was regarded as one of the finest animals and truest to type ever shown in Hawke’s Bay. The champion was exhibited by Henry Smith and Co., of Hastings, a mew competitor. SHEEP. . Sheep made a splendid display, and Sir James Wilson, of Bulls, and M. J. Knight, of Peiiding, are to be congratulated upon the very fine lot of sheep they sent over. MISCELLANEOUS, Dogs and poultry, needlework, etc., assisted in making up a fine Show, and it was very noticeable that the cessation of war has been responsible for a big increase of side shows. Many of tbe old-timers are still “calling their wares,” but there were several new attractions, and judging by the' crowds who were in quest of amusement, and apparently found it, the side-shows did a roaring business.