WANGANUI AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15976, 19 November 1919, Page 5

WANGANUI AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

* GRAND ANNUAL SHOW.

FIRST (JUDGE’S) DAY.

The year 1919 will be memorable in the annals of the Wanganui Agricultural Association by reason of the fact that there were two shows during the year, just as 1918 was marked by the fact that there was no Show at all. All arrangements were completed for the 1918 Show, in fact the fixture was only three or four days off, when the influienza epidemic put a stop to all gatherings of any land. Rather than let the season pass, the Association held a Show in the autumn, which, considering all the circumstances, was a great success.

This year, happily, there is no • untoward happening to interfere with the Association. Not only is there no epidemic, but we are now free of the war, and free from a great many of its after effects. Realising the necessity for launching the Association once more on a career of prosperity, the officers and members have put extra enthusiasm into making its first peace effort a success. Some few months ago the prospect was scarcely bright, indeed the heavy loss which the previous year’s ill-fortune had entailed upon the Association made it look as if it would be better to wind up. Such a proposal was, in. fact, seriously considered, but the influence of the more optimistic spirits prevailed. It was decided to carry on, and once the decision was taken, all hands put their backs into the task ahead. The result shows what can be accomplished by the combination of enthusiasm and hard work. Many supporters of the Association came forward with assistance of various kinds, and the officers bent all their energies towards ensuring a good exhibit in the various classes. The result is seen in to-day’s Show which, if not leaving those of previous years a long way behind, at least well maintains the old standard, and will, it is hoped, prove the precursor of still bigger things in the future.

j T£ie Show is, as in previous years, reing held on the Racecourse grounds. As our readers are aware, the question <if the Association obtaining a site of its own has been much discussed during the last few months. There is no dpufct such a thing is needed. The present grounds, though they have served the purpose, and served it well, ii the past, are not suitable for an agricultural show, and till a ground specially laid out and equipped for the purpose is provided, the Wanganui Slbw cannot be all the success it should bei Realising this, the Association has not let the matter rest in the discussi<p stage, but has taken the practical st«p needed. An area of 47 acres of the Paul Estate has been purchased at the price of £7OO. In effecting the purchase the Association has been splendidly assisted by its country friends, the farmers of the district al ready subscribed no less than £SOOO 'or that purpose. A balance of £2OOO ;s required to enable the Association to acquire the ground free of debt, ind an. appeal is being made to the i>ubli>'htn find this. A canvass for übscctptions to realise this £2OOO is o be made during the Show, and the Association hopes that those who have penefited by the Show in the past, as jvell as those likely to benefit in the juture, will come forward and enable •t to complete the deal so that, without strain on its resources it can go jdiead with the task of equipping the hew gdound, in order that the AVangaSmi Show in future years may have a proper home of its own. with, the object of putting on an exhibition that jtill be worthy of this important and prosperous .district. It is safe to say that all will wish the Association sucj?ss in its venture.

In the meantime, of course, the Association has to do the best it can ,-nder the circumstances in which it jnds itself, and as the public is quite imiliar with the usual lay-out of the I how, it is unnecessary to refer particularly to it. Taken by and largo, ihe Show is creditable to the Association in every respect. The entries are thead of anything for some years, the ; uality of the exhibits displays abound’ excellence, the arrangements re good and work smoothly, and in no respect does the Show fail to compare more than favourably with previ■us fixtures.

There is a large number of visitors >0 the Show from other centres, and ’i addition there was also to-day a •sry fair attendance of the public,who Manifested much interest in the exexhibits and the events in the competitions ring. Considering the weather pnditions. the attendance was a satisfactory first-day one, but will, of ccurse, be quite eclipsed to-morrow, “hen it is sincerely to be hoped, more uvourable conditions will prevail.

1 Unfortunately the weather was not C the best, being in keeping with the iTatic behaviour during the past few ecks. During the greater part of the corning there was a “Scotch mist,” -Rich occasionally developed into a teay drizzle. Several times it looked |ce clearing up, but after lunch it fas still overcast, with misty condirons. The weather however, was hot efficient to keep the enthusiasts away, pd they inspected the Show as tholughly as if it had been sunshine inieaii of cloud. We wish to express our appreciation j the courtesy and assistance renderji to our staff by the obliging Press leward, Mr A. J. Hyder, and also by fr B. C. Smith, of the Printing Com(ittce. (OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. For the gratifying result above retted to the members of the Associaipn, as well as exhibitors and the ■.aceral public, are particularly indebted <; the officers of the Association who S r e, one and' all, worked with a will, 1 who are to be complimented on fie success of their efforts. The names j? the officers are as follow; j Patrons; Messrs E. A. Campbell, Bines Higgle, R. Russell, F. Moore, i V. Hammond, J. T. Sinclair and i G. Russell President: Mr H'. V. -[ammond. Vice-Presidents; Messrs feorge Smith, Donald Ross and G. F. Sjoore. Committee; Messrs N. F. A. H. R. Amess, S. L. Cameron, •Vi E. Collins, David Craig, J. W. Ot m, W. G. Doyle, F. C. Fantham, , ft" vcm Moore, James Grant, Fred. Wibidky, G. H Handley, J. D. Graham, I Hutchinson, D. McGregor, Gregor J; rregor, D. McFarlane, R. Lilburn, ji.es Hodges, T. W, Lonsdale, B. C. l

Smith, G. Hammond, Rua T© Man a, F. W. Ward, P. Snowden Taylor, A. T. Hunter, H. Ziesler, Roy Campion, C. M. Cresswell, Allan Robinson, J. C. Paterson, Imlay Saunders, G. C. Glenn, B. dwldecott, L. P. Sheriff, C. G. Ross, H. Middleton, L. O. Ingram, M. Murphy and H. R, Jones. Hon. Veterinary Surgeon; Major Maxwell Edgar, M.R.C.V.S. Hon,* Surgeoit: Dr. Halherley. Hon. Treasurer; Mr G. S. Vance. Hon. Architect; Mr T. H. James, F.N.Z.I.A. Hon. Solicitor: Mr T. Allison. Auditor; Mr W. Hall. Secretary; C. T. Gifford Moore. • THE STEWARDS. Outside the secretarial office, the bulk of the work at Show lime falls on the stewards, who have to keep the wheels moving, and on whose attention to their duties or otherwise depends a great deal of the success of the Show. Today, as usual, the stewards were early in their places, and kept arrangements well up to date The following acted in the capacity mentioned in the various classes: Horses.—Messrs D. McGregor (chief), C. D. Fraser, Gregor McGregor, Norman F. Moore, Gordon Hammond, T. R. Bond, W. B. Outfield, Maurice Campbell, W. Burr, A. S. C. Anderson, W. E. Collms, T. G. Aitken and Miss I. Nixon. Cattle.—Messrs F. C. Fautbam (chief), C. Hair, A. Caines, Wyvern Moore, John Watt, Claud Smith, A .P. Mullins, W. Mi G'llics, L. McGregor, J. T. CrosSj E. D. Hammond, Stan. Billinghurst, G. Ormond and F. R. Cowper. Sheep.—Messrs L. P. Sheriff (chief), C G. Ross, S. L. Cameron, P. V. B. Cameron, J. Paterson, W. T. Wrigley, P S. Taylor, D. Mackintosh, R. McKenzie, F. W. Ward, E. A. Morgan, Cliff. Hammond, R. Burnet, G. Burnet and W. W. Wilson. Pigs.—Messrs Fred Handley (chief) and John Rountree. Parade.—Mr J. T. Sinclair. Fodder —Mr Wyvern Moore. Amateur Judging.—Mr N. B. Garner. Home Industries. —Cooking and Produce: Messrs James Grant (chief), E. O’Meara, Miss She wan, Miss Deem and Mrs Crawford. Art and Technical.—Messrs A. H. R. Amess- (chief), T. Smith and W. R. Taylor. Needlework. —Miss Higgle (chief) and Miss Scott. Weight Judging.—Mr Ruahoata Te Mana. Measuring.—Mr N. F. Moore. Gates. —Mr George Spriggens (chief). Press.—Mr A J. Hyder. THE JUDGES. Tile Association has always paid particular attention to the capacity of the gentlemen it appoints to act as judges, and to-day those filling that ■ duty proved their ability to fill their positions, decisions leing given promptly, and appearing to give general satisfaction. Those judging the various classes were as under;

Horses.—Thoroughbred and Light Horses: Mr IT. A. Russell (Hastings). Draught: Mr R. D. Knight (Longburn). Cattle.—Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus; Mr Alex. McKenzie (Feilding). Hereford; Air C. A. J. Levett (Feilding). Ayrshire: Mr D. Buchanan (Tiakitahuna). Jersey; Mr A. Buchanan (Palmerston North). Friesian: Mr W., I- Lovelock v Palmerston North). Alilkmg Shorthorns. Mr D. Buick (Palmerston North). Fat: Mr Hugh Gillies (Palnierston North). Sheep.—Lincoln : D. AfcDonald (Dannevirke).,. Romney Mr J. E. Hewitt (Mangamaire). Leicester and Conicdale ; Mr G .Elliot (Hastings). Wowns and Ryelands; Air P. Cooper (Gladstone). Fats; Andrew Peters (Dannevirke).

Pigs.—Mr J. H. Sellers (New Plymouth).

Home Industries.—Cooking: Afiss Hopkinson (Waverley). Schools Cooking; Mrs J. Evans (Palmerston North). Needlework: Afiss E. Souter (Wellington). Produce; Mr J. G. Sharpe (Wanganui). Art and Technical: Air C. Hay Campbell (Wanganui). Schools Classes; Mr L J. Watkin (Wanganui). Native Classes: Mr Gregor McGregor (Wanganui). Wool Classing; Mr F, B. Clark (Wellington). Alilk Testing: Messrs R. H. Thomson (Wanganui) and C. Dickinson (Eapanui). Returned Soldiers 5 Classes: Mr George Law (Wanganui). THE ENTRIES. Comparison of entries with those of the Autumn Show of nine months ago are ecarcely satisfactory, inasmuch as the conditions during the two seasons of the year are very different. Probably the best form of comparison will include the autumn Show and that of 1917, the latter being held at the same period of the year as at present. First, it may be said that in point of numbers the entries are about a record, the total number being 3507. At the same time it is regrettable to see that the live stock entries continue to decrease, the total, 695, being 39 less than at the autumn Show, and 29 less than, in 1917. Horses show a slight improvement, but cattle are down, and while sheep hold their own with the 1917 figures, they are below those of the autumn Show. Pigs are slightly ahead of the autumn Show, there being no exhibit in 1917. Doubtless the. significance of the figures will not be lost upon the officers of the Association, inasmuch as it is these classes in particular which must justify the Association's existence. That portion of the Show run under the auspices of the Wanganui Canine Society continues to be as popular with exhibitors as with the public, and still is the best and largest dog show in the Dominion. The entries this 'year total 631, as against 638 last autumn, and 602 in 1917.

Home Industries and Schools entries are mainly responsible for the big entry total, and these two divisions make np half the exhibits of the' Show. In all classes of Home Industries—needlework and cooking (adults and schools) —there is a total of 989 entries, beating the last two Shows in this respect. The Schools 5 display is again a prominent feature. This, is will be remembered, was missing from the autumn Show, save for a few special entries. This year's entry total is 965, a long way ahead of

the 1917 exhibit, which totalled 653. Produce also shows a considerable improvement, while the two new classes—amateur judging for boys, and returned soldiers’ classes—are very satisfactorily filled. . Following is a comparison of this year’s entries with the two previous shows:— 1917 1919 1919 (Aut’m) (Spring) Horses (including competitions) ... 274 278 292 Cattle 274 200 184 Sheep 176 221 180 Pigs Dogs 602 638 631 Home Industries... 938 709 989 Produce 47 36 76 Photography ...... 6 Schools 653 51 965 Amateur Judging... Returned Soldiers Totals 2970 2168 3528

HORSES. 'The display in the' horse sections was well up to the high standard usually associated with Wanganui Shows, the saddle classes especially being very fine. The ponies were a splendid lot, and the judge had difficulty in arriving at his decisions. It was the same in the back classes, and it was a very close tiling between the two first in the mounted rifle horse class, in which the competitors included several prizewinners at other shows. The award was finally given in favour of Mrs D. Betker’s Gale, Mr A. P. Wilson securing second honours with Exchange. Gale was subsequently disqualified owing to being over the height, and first prize therefore went to Exchange. CATTLE. Cattle made a good display, particularly in Shorthorns, and to a lesser degree in Aberdeen Angus. Shorthorns were responsible for Over 60 entries ont of 113 in the pedigree section, the beef type contributing 27, and milking 34. Aberdeen Angus came next with 20, and Friesian following ■up with 12. Herefords, Ayrshires, and Jerseys made a very poor display, though some of the cattle exhibited were worthy representatives of their breed. For instance, Ayrshire representation was small, but it came from Moumahaki State Farm, and the standard reached by Mr T. W. Lonsdale, manager, in the development of the Ayrshire is one that? the State has occasion to feel some pride in. It is a great pity that there was not the competition the section deserved, but in this particular breed, Moumahaki State Farm authorities can feel satisfied that their position in the breeding of Ayrshire cattle is second to none in the Dominion. The State Farm entries, particularly the champion were conspicuously big in comparison with the general type of Ayrshires.

Friesian, though confined to twelve entries, made a brave display, and the big black and whites were greatly admired, as were also the beefy Herefords. Mr H. Hodge, the well-known Jersey breeder, of Alton, exhibited the champions in both the male and female classes of the section, the bull, Beachland Admiral Brighton Livelish, being a very classy animal, and a worthy sire to he at the head of any herd. The championship cow was Waipiko Mozille Billberry Goddington-Mozille—a distinguished representative of her breed.

An exhibition of North Devons was given by Mr W.. J. Birch, of Marton, and the animals were much admired for their even conformation. The cows were good dairy types, whilst the bulls were animals well built and their faithfulness to type was evidenced by their resemblance in practically every prominent characteristic. The display was the subject of a good deal of inspection, and favourable criticism. GRADES AND FAT CATTLE. There were some nice looking cattle in the grades, and in the fat section there were some magnificent entries from the herds of H. Middleton, Waverley, T. A. Duncan, Hunterville, G. F, Moore and Bayly Bros., Kai Iwi; A. T. Wills, Hawera; and E. M. Cranstone, Fordell. SHEEP, One would have thought that now the war is over and that the tenseness and anxiety which laid over the Dominion for so many years would completely relax, and that sheep breeders would regain their accustomed'buoyancy and optimistic, progressive spirit to such an extent that on the occasion of the district Show; the sheep accommodation would be quite inadequate for the display of the kind’of stuff they can grow on our district farms. Only 17 4entries. however, came forward, though perhaps some of the sheep men are too busy with shearing to be bothered, with exhibits for Shows. The last dry autumn and the consequent shortage of feed naturally affected conditions also, but apart from the numerical aspect of the exhibition the great majority of the sheep penned have been brought oat in a stylo and condition which reflects the highest possible credit on those responsible for them. Although a good many well-known breeders did not have their flocks represented, the display of quality animals penned was excellent, demonstration being provided that a very high standard of breeding has been reached, Romney Marsh and South Downs headed the catalogue with 42 and 32 entries respectively, whilst Lincolns and Ryelands were eich represented by 14. Though not a very fashionable breed at the present time, Lincolns always attract a good deal of attention, and they have done a great service—and still do it—in the fashioning of the half bred. Some really good sheep were examined by the judge. The Ryelands from Moumahaki State Farm were an outstanding feature of the exhibition, and just as it was said at Palmerston North Show recently so it was repeated to-day, that the Moumahaki State Farm entries were of such a high standard of quality that they would bold a winning chance at any of the best sheep shows south of the line. As a matter of fact, the exhibit is probably the best collection of stud sheerp from one flock that has ever been seen on the Wanganui Show Grounds. Mr Lonsdale, the manager, was not present at the Show to-day, but he would have been gratified and encouraged in the breeding of good stock had he heard thp favourable opinions expressed concerning his exhibition, of, Ryelands—a typo of sheep that is steadily coming into favour. An authority at the pens informed a “Herald” representative that the live weight of the two-tooth wether must have boon easily 1601b, and the fc-ur-tooth in the vicinity of 2051b, and having been fed on grass only the exhibits spoke eloquently of the feeding value of the Mounrehaki pastures. Romney Marsh made a good display of well cared for animals, and some very fine sheep were penned by Blair

and Hunter, Maxwell town; A. T. Hunter, MaJdrikiri; W. Peat, Pickwick; J. H. McLean, Turakina; M. R. Murphy, Whenuakura; E. A. Campbell, No. 1 Line; L. Higgle, No. 2 Line; Donald Ross, Brunswick; and James Knight, the well-known Pelleting breeder, who also contributed to the sheep display a very fin© lot of purebred South downs, in which he specialises. The sheep were in full wool, and carried good fleeces with a fine staple. In the Downs the Collegiate School also proved that the agricultural students there are bringing their flock on well, and that breeding is being carried, out on right lanes by the students. Mr W. J. Birch, of Marten, exhibited eight well-bred Devons. Farmers classes were not well supported. FAT SHEEP. There were some good fats in the Show, despite recent meteorological conditions, and the wethers and lambs penned fully, demonstrated the fattening capabilities of the land from which they were drawn. P. W. March and James Campion (Fordell), W. B. Connors (Wangaehu), G. H, Handley (Rapanui), H. V. Hammonds (Makirikiri), R. Farley (Westmere), and Brewer Bros. (W aitotaxa) were the main fat stock exhibitors. HOME INDUSTRIES. For the past two or three years the Home Industries building has been in use as a store for the wool commandeered by the Government, and during that time the exhibits in these classes bad to bo housed in temporary accommodation. To-day the buildings is once more available, and reedless to say the stewards having charge, as well as the public who flock the building, greatly appreciate the termination of the inconvenience, necessary though it was. As usual, ibis is both an interesting and a popular division of the Show, more especially, of course, with the fair sex, and, as is always the case, there is a splendid display. Indeed one visitor was heard to remark that, though she had visited all parts of New Zealand, she had never seen anything so good. The cooking classes show no sign of waning interest on the part of exhibitors. All classes are well filled, some of them particularly so, and competition is not only strong so far as number of entries go, but also in so far as the excellence of the exhibits is concerned. Surprisingly good is the entry of culinary exhibits from tbe various schools. The Standards 5 to 6 girls, to whom the competitions are open, have evidently taken the keenest interest* in them if one is to judge by the number of exhibits they have sent in, the quality of which is of high standard throughout.

The needlework exhibits, which are nowadays judged before the Show day arrives— a great improvement on the loss of time inevitable under the old system—were again the objects of keen inspection by the visitors to the Home Industries building. These classes are nowadays characterised by an absence of much of the elaborate fancy work which marked the exhibitions of years gone by. To-day we find many of the “fancy” classes cut out, and in substitution therfor is more attention to work of a plainer kind. This, of course, shows the influence of the war, during which time it was the plain but useful rather than the ornamental to which everybody gave their attention, and no doubt the Association is taking a wise step in encouraging the continued pursuit of this class of work, for the present at all events. Not that there is no ornamental work. Some of the embroidery and crochet work is most beautiful, but whether plain or fancy, all exhibits show the very best style of handiwork. Included in the Home Industries exhibits are some very good entries in the native classes, which, though not many in number, are all well turned out and deserving of attention. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. The primary schools entry list is of imposing propositions, and there are exhibits from all over this and neighbouring district, every standard also being represented. The writing exhibit is very large, and it must have been a big task for the judges to go through it, particularly in view of the excellent examples of penmanship which all standards have sent forward. Drawing, in all styles, is also another big exhibition, and in the upper standards especially, some splendid work has been sent in, the same remark applying to the speciments of brush work and of mapping. There are some special classes for Primer and Standard I. pupils, and ihe work of the little ones is creditable alike to themselves and their teachers. Awards as follow: ATT AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS. Art and Technical Schools and Colleges have as usual, sent in a display which, while not of the proportions of that of the primary schools, is nevertheless characterised by the very best class of work, art, applied art, and various kinds of technical work being all represented. The Technical College engineering students have- sent in another good exhibit illustrating the up-to-date instruction they get in this particular subject, and this attracted considerable attention. PKODUCE. The produce entries have doubled, due principally to the large entries in the butter classes, in deciding which the judge had no easy task. Entries in the other classes, thong* not so numerous, were of good quality. The prize list: Judge; Mr .1. G. Sharpe. Potatoes (one variety), named.—Mrs Crafer 1 and 3, F. Harrison 2, P. Alabaster v.h.c. Potatoes, 2 varieties (6 of each variety)) named.—George Smith 1, Mrs Crafer 2 and v.h.c., W. Hardman 3. Separator or non-separator butter.— Mrs W. Newland 1, Mrs J. E. Brunet 2, Mrs H. H. Grant' 3. Table butter.—Mrs H. H. Grant 1, Miss Hlyton 2, Miss D. Thompson 3. Best collection vegetables, not to exceed six varieties.—'Frank Smith 1, P. Alabaster 2, P. G. Jackson 3. Judge’s note On butter exhibits stated that all but one were, first-class.