OPOTIKI SHOW.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2455, 20 March 1909, Page 5

OPOTIKI SHOW.

A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING

The Opotiki Agricultural and Pastoral Association's eighteenth annual show was held in the Association's picturesque grounds, situated on the banks of the Otaro River, on Wednesday, March 10th. The attendance was large, between 2000 and 0000 persons being present, the sum of £6O 12, a considerable increase on last year, being taken at the gates. The number of entries almost, if not quite, established a record, the total number being 1034. This is a very considerable advance on last year’s entries, and when allowance is made for there-being no chopping events on the present occasion, the increase appears all the more marked. According to the “East Coast Guardian,” most of the public interest was taken in the leaping" matches and driving competitions. More side-shows than usual were in evidence.

The entries-of draught homes were fairly . numerous, and many of them were of excellent quality, and in good condition. Mr. E. H. Kelly met with great success with his fine stallion, ‘\Ettrick Shepherd,’ and Mr. J. P. Murray’s horses were, in excellent condition. The largest prize-winners in this section were Messrs J. P. Murray, Moody Bros., and Sisam and Sons. The draught foals were greatly admired, and were described a being fit to compete in any ring in New Zealand.

The entries of cattle considerably exceeded those of last year, and on the whole were of better quality. A fine selection of Holstein cattle was shown. Messrs J. B. Gow, J. H. Parkinson, and J. P. Murray being the principal prize-winners in these classes. In Alderney and Jersey classes Messrs W. McFarland and R. Thompson, junr., were most successful. Mr. H. Appleton exhibited a fine dairy cow, and Mr. J. B. Gow was very successful with his two dairy heifers. For fat cattle. Messrs Sisam and Sons, A. Reid, and A. Steele were the largest prize-takers. The fat cattle showed a considerable improvement on last year- exhibits in these classes.

The slieep showed a considerable improvement on last year’s exhibits, the Romney Marsh being particularly good'. Im this breed Messrs C. Gordon, Wm. Walker, and W. Hedley showed a lead, their prize-winning stock showing fine quality. Very few Lincolns were in evitlonce, but what were exhibited were good, Messrs H. R. Hogg and J. Connor taking all the prizes. Mr. C. Gordon carried oft the prize tor the chainpion rani. There* was & &ood exhibit or iat sneep, and m those classes Messrs J B Gow, W. Hedley, J. Connor, Black Bros., and E. M, Hutchinson took first prizes.