AUCKLAND:

Waikato Times, Volume II, Issue 84, 12 November 1872, Page 2

AUCKLAND:

(From: opk ows Cokrkspoxdent.) November 11. TAe great event of the past, week has been the Agricultural Exhibition, which was held in the grounds of the Albert Barracks oh Wednesday the 6th. Thfe morning proved remarkably fine and sunstfiny,- but in the middle of the day. immediately before the opening of the Bcenes, there was a golden shower of brief duration. Auckland was" fully alive to the importance of £ holiday, and had prepared- for ' it. Thousands of persbhs ponVecf into the city from all parts of the surrounding localities,-and' by twoo'olock crowds wtere seen in the Barrack-ground and Prill Shed, busy among cattle, sheep, horses, implements, flowers, fruits,-and vegetables. The shoes' and warehouses were c'osed by mid-day, in order that the employes as well as employees might have the opportunity of joining in the general holiday. The cattle and agricultural implements of the present year are universally acknowledged to be superior to the show of previous years". The entries of horses were considerably, larger than on fotiner occasions. In the thoroughbred class' iio first prizes were' awarded, but.in the seeond Mr Sharpd's '■ Jlclipse" was thfe successful horse. The sheep also, especially the Lincolns, Leieesters, longwools, and exWa stook, were'of a first-clsSs description.- In this departmeut there were 71 entries. The Cfttfele of various breeds made a fair exhibition. The show of swine was unusually small, being only 13 efitries,- and these escaped general notice, being penned in the iron shed. The poultry —25 entries— — looked well,- and attracted cob'aiderable attention throughout the day. The prizes consisted of 15s and 7s 6d : atld' the judges were lawyers. Why men of the law should be selected to arbitral on chickens is ridt known, unless lawyers are supposed to||rave fowl-like claws. The dogs, (76 entries), were arranged in 17 divisions. This department of tne sliow was very popular, especially with the ladies ,- and a great' inrpfbvemerit was observable from the shows of previous years. The sheep-shearing prizes were of two classes, and the prizes were of £2 and il. The time allowed for shearing was 40 minutes. Isine men and two boys competed, and Henry Rutley gained the first prize. The Mayor offered a prize for the most useful and best made article m local industry, and other citizeas also offered prizes for the best drainiog tiles, mowing and reaping machirtftS, and 1 other implements of local industry. Exhibits in th 6 local' industry department were made by raosi of the leading tradesmen of Auckland.

altaral Society held their show on day.ltot of merit, it, ww greatly inferior 66 the Agricultural show. It was certainly rattier early, espeoi-1 ally , for flowers'; but I olwrrad « great variety of forns' iniiganous to Isthmus of Auckland. In many prifftte gardens' maybe seen finer flowers than were exhibited at the Horticultural show. I hear that a Rose Show is contemplated next month, to be held in'the City Hall. Mr John G-. i'reor eipired at his residence, Queeh-Stre&t, on Friday last. The deceased had been 1 unwiall for sotae time past', suffering from inflammation of the lungs, but? no immediate danger was apprehended, and the ahnounbement of this death was therefore unexpected: Mr Freer had'been in the colony about ten years, and was' for some years 4 member of the" Provincial Council. His funeral, conducted with full Masonic honours, was largely attended. The deceased was 47 years - of age. The opening cruise of the Auckland 1 Yacht Club took place oh Saturday. The day was beautifully fine, with a moderate breeze blowing. There was a good assemblage of boats of every description, and the respective yachts as they passed TLM. man-of-war, the Clio, were honored with a response to'the salute" tendered.