THE SHOW.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7369, 17 November 1898, Page 2

THE SHOW.

NORTH OTAGO AGRICOLTDRAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

President: J. Mitchell, 2?sq.; vice-presi-denb: W. Gardiner, Jun., Esq. ; hon. treasurer: W. Milne, Esq. ; general committee: J. S. Holmes, D. Borrie, Thomas Little, A, Murdoch, J. Macpherson, G. Brownlee, E. Menlove, T. Y. Duncan, W. Cowan, P. Orr, G. Ledingham, 0. B. Taylor, A. Thomson, W. W. Wylie, J. Buckley, J. Johnston, John Donaldson, G. Livingston, D. M'Gregor, J. Henderson, J. Williams, M. Morton, R. Baird, W. Gardiner, Sen. ; secretary : John Church ; auditors : G. 8. Hialop and R. 0. Skeet.

The thirty-sixth annual exhibition of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association opened this morning in fine weather and under most favorable auspices. The morning was still and hot, but at noon the sky clouded over and a shower of rain fell. The afternoon was fine, though a gusty wind made things at times a little unpleasant. Though it is only judging day, the attendance of the public is not up to the average. ! lhe judging proceeded slowly and it was well on in the afternoon before the sheep classes were finished, ahe ring was kept busy with the light horses and cattle, which were, of course, a strong attraction for the public. The shed where the produce was lodged was also well patronised. The Garrison Band was in attendance and enlivened the proceedings by discoursing some excellent music.

The summary' of entries for this year's show discloses an increase over that of last year, the numbers being respectively 795 and 770. Last year's figure curiously enough represented exactly the average for the past decade, so that on this occasion the Show starts out with ihe initial advantage of an entry appreciably over the average. A closer analysis, too, shows that this increase is divided fairly evenly over what may be termed the representative classes of the Show —horses, sheep, and implements. A glance througn the catalogue shows a slight decrease in draught horses, but not one of so material a nature as to affect its representative character. The thoroughbreds, as usual, are simple a mockery as a class, numerically speaking. It seems that though the district can breed the winner of the Welcome Stakes and other giants of the racecourse, the victories of its blood stock are to be achieved upon the turf and not in the show ring. Light horses it is pleasing to note have materially increased. This is a section which is always interesting owing to tbe individual competition and to find a good array of useful hacks and harness horses coming forward argues that the importance of breeding a good stamp ot light horses is appreciated locally. The section is one of the most popular of the Show, and is distinctly the "poor mans opportunity." 'J he cattle show a decrease, taken all round. The Shorthorns have almost ceased to exist as a olas-, the Polled Angus, as usual, are confined to the representatives of one herd, and the General and Fat are far from ippresentative. The Ayrshires have gone up again, and the show of this popular breed is something like its old character. It i's among the Alderneys that a decrease is to be noted, and this is the more regrettable inasmuch as with the increase of settlement in the neighborhood it had been anticipated that this would become a strong and representative feature of the show. Despite the absence of several noted breeders the sheep classes are of a thorough character and the entries are well sustained, although the competition in several sections is not what might be desired, individual owners securing the barren honor of " walking over " for prizeß with stock which might well secure the awards in face of keen competition. The Merino classes, thanks to a good entry of the fine combing type, which were entirely absent last year, make a good showing. Ihe Border leicesters suffer from the absence of several old friends, but the remaining classes are well up to their usual standard. There ia a substantial increase in implements, bat the classes for pigs, dairy produce, cured meats, and bread all show decreases. This year the Wellington Show has not clashed with the local gathering, the former having gone to an untimely grave, but this has had no effect upon the general entries. Indeed the show seems to be growing annually more local. This, of course, is not a reproach upon the excellence of the stock shown; rather the reverse, indeed, it may mean that local breedets hold such a Btrong hand that those a-field are not anxious to enter the lists with them. The following table will show the entries for the last two years, together with the increase or decrease in individual sections ;

Wo next, as usual, take a brief review of the individual classea of the catalogue. The draught horses are a strong section, the Awamoa Estate of course being; to the fore with its customary challenge to all comers, a challenge which has readily been accepted by a number of local breeders, bub which unfortunately remains practically unanswered fro;n outside North Otago. A contest between the renowned .ashburton draughts and these of JNorth Otago would be well worth a Sabbath day's journey to witness. The fields are hardly as strong as last year numerically speaking, but the excellence of the stock is as pronounced aa ever. The thoroughbreds, as in previous years, are so few as almost to demand the extinction of what would be an immensely popular class were it better patronised by breeders. A quartette—two horses and two mares—are the only entries. Of course the erstwhile turf champion Euroclydon and the well-performed Cajolery are a host in themselves, but even they are hardly " swallows" enough to constitute an equine summer.

We have already referred to the value of breeding a good Btamp of light horses in the district, and the names of the exhibitors in the various classes of the section show that the competition is not confined to one or two, but is widely spread. It is one of the most satisfactory features of the show to find that this ever-popular class is growing in size and consequently in general interest. Turning next to the sheep it is satisfactory to find that the entries show such an all-round excellence, not only in numbers but also in quality. The stock are in splendid condition, and thoroughly suited to maintain the reputation of the local flocks. Last year there were, no fine merinos shown, but thiß year Messrs M'Master, John Feid and F. H. Smith are all represented, and there ia good competition as between the latter two. The strong-combing class results in a duel between Messrs A. A. M'Master and W. Gardiner for the most part, Mr F. H. c'mith stepping in in occasional classes. Messrs Campbell and Sons are notable absentees from the merino classes.

Messrs J. S. Holmes and Little Bros, resume their old battle royal with Border Leicesters. Mr Murdoch, having left the district, is not represented, consequently the two old antagonists are left a fair field, and to judge from the quality of the exhibits will require no favor. The competition here is exceptionally keen. Mr Murdoch being no more, so far as the North Otago Show is concerned, the Fnglish Leicesters have Buffered, Mr Donald Grant being the only exhibitor, and having a clean feweep in all classes. Mr Menlove is the notable absentee from this class.

The Lincolns afford better competition this year, the N.Z. and A.L. Co., who were

not showing at the previous Show, h&ving again entered the ranks in competition with Meaara J. 8, Holmes and John Reid. The competition here is also very keen. The Romney Marsh class as usual provides a benefit for Mr John Reid, who iB the only breeder represented. Mr Menlove seema to have permanently retired from the Oatnaru Show, his Shropshirea being again absent. Messrs Aitken and Heth-Smith, however, who are coming rapidly to the front as breeders of this type, are well represented. Southdowns are once more unrepresented, and the show of shorn and fat sheep is unimportant. The cattle classes have filled only fairly well, except as regards Ayrshires, where the show is excellent. Mr G. Rutherford saves the Shorthorn class from absolute extinction by a couple of entries. In Ayrshires Messrs Rogerson and Flemiug have again entered the list, and as Mr Cowan is liberally represented the competition promises to be lively. Messrs R. B&ird, Williams, Milne, Donaldson, and Smylie are also minor exhibitors. Mr Jas. Gemmell is, unfortunately, still noil est. The Polled Angus class is, of course, representative of the district, the pens beiDg filled by a draft of five animals from tho Totara herd. As üßual, however, there is no competition. Mr R. Baird has the Alderney class entirely to himself. The implements are more numerous than ever, and thiß method of advertising seems to grow annually in favor with manufacturers. The other classes are comparatively unand are dealt with under their respective headings. We append the customary table showing [ the entries for the last 27 years, which will j be found useful for purposes of comparison :

* Discontinued in ISOI. t Now included under heading of implements. Having dealt thus in general terms of the Show, we will now proceed to review the several classes as they oome before us. Hobsbs. THOROUGHBRED, As usual, the show of thoroughbred horses was small, but the class was redeemed from reproach by the indisputable high quality of the two entires shown. These were Mr John Watt's Cajolery and Mr John Henderson's Euroclydon, both of which were brought out in excellent condition, and would have done credit to any show ring (The judgment went in favor of Mr Henderson's winner of the New Zealand and Otago Cups. The only other representatives of thoroughbred stock were two rather small mares, showing plenty of quality. These were Mr J. Carter's Ma Belle and Mr J. R. Sewell's Miss Otley, which were placed in that order, HACKS, HONTHBS, AND PONIES. The display under this heading was a really good one, quality and nutnberß being both present, and the excellence of the breeding stock shown afforded reason for anticipating that future shows will disolose ,1 further advance in a class of Btock which has made considerable improvement In late years. Of the two hackney stallions Bhown, the judges preferred Mr Goodall'B Weioachten to Mr O'Brien's Young Pinole Patchon. Mr J. Henderson's Emerson waß selected as the best of a good lot of carriage stallions, Mr Goodall's Weinachten being placed second, and Mr F. Henry's Boomerang third. Miss Dora Milne was the only exhibitor of a yearling colt, gelding, or filly ; but in the two-year-old section Messrs J. Carter and J. Miller tried conclusions with two good animals. Three exhibits were forward in the three-year-old class, and so close was the contest between Mr Henry's Boomerang and Mr Henderson's Northwood, a son of Emerson, that the judges were unable to agree. Mr Craig, of Lawrence, was therefore called in, and he decided in favor of Mr Henry's representative—another son of Emerson, rather better grown than his opponent. The hacks shown were an excellent lot. For hack to jump 3ft 6in the whole of the nine entered competed, and some good jumping took place, most of the horses taking the hurdles cleanly. The first prize was won by the New Zealand and Australian Land Company's Darkie (shown by Mr D. M'Farlane), Mr Orbell's pair, Colonel and Captain, which pretty well carried off everything last year, being put second and third respectively; while Mr W. A. Gardiner's Windsor was commended. The contest for the highest jump was a very keen one, and unfortunately resulted in i painful accident, as recoided elsewhere. One by one the competitors went out, including Mr Orbell's pair, and the conclusion was left to be fought out by the Land Company's Darkie and Mr W. A. Gardiner's Windsor, an unlikely looking cob, who cleared sft 4in comfortably, and won the first prize.

I .' Cattlb. . . $ AVESHIRB. The show of Ayrshire cattle was a good one, and between Mr W. Oowan and Messrs Rogerson and Fleming there waa a keen competition in most of the eeotiona. Considering the hard winter in respect to the paucity of feed, the animals were generally shown in fair condition, though not up to customary show form in many cases. In this respect Messrs Rogerson and Fleming had a slight advantage, their stock not showing the effects of want of grazing to so marked an extent aB did Mr Cowan's. The proceedings opened with a ring of four good quality cows in milk, which gave the judges not a little trouble to place, more particularly the three representatives of Mr Cowan. 'I he first prize went to Messra Rogerson and Fleming's Beauty of Chetnole, whioh, as a two-year-old was awarded the champion prize two years ago, when shown by Mr Cowan, her breeder. Five dry cows in calf were showD, Messrs Rogerson and Fleming claiming three, and Mr Cowan two. After a long discussion, the judgeß awarded the premier place to Messrs Rogerson and Fleming's Young Birthday of Chetnole, by Heather Jock—Birthday; Mr Cowan's Princess Louise being second, and Messrs Rogerson and Fleming's Alice Hawthorne of Cheonole third. For three-year-old heifers in milk, Mr Cowan had a clean field with three good animals, Messrs hogerson and Fleming's entry not coming forward. The three heifers shown in the class for three'year-olds in calf were a nioe even lot, and gave the judges some little trouble. They ultimately awarded the first prize ticket to Messrs Rodgerson and Fleming's Flower 11., by Lord Glasgow—Flower, and consequently showing the same blood on the dam's side as the champion milk cow at tho late Hobart show. Mr Cowan's Adeline was placed second. Five competed in the olass for two-year-old heifers, in milk or in oalf, Messrs Rogerson and Fleming securing the first and second awards with Primrose and Daisy, two forward heifera showing undoubted quality. The whole of the eight)

entered in the clms for two-year-old heifers, dry and not in calf, constituted a fine ring, the animals showing good breeding. Messrs Jtogerson and Fleming carried off first honon with Beauty HL, Mr J. Williams' Fair; Maid being second, and Messrs Rogersoc and Fleming's May Qaeen HL third. _ A fall ring of yearling heifers afforded indications that the Ayrshire breed of cattle is not is a state of decadence in the district, the quality of the exhibits being generally good. .Messrs Rogeraon and Fleming carried off all the honors, their Beauty IV., Jean L, and Princess 11, being placed in that order. In the class for two of her progeny Messrs Jtogerson and Fleming scored another win, their cow Beauty, with her daughters Beauty 111. and IV., all three first prizetakers, being, as was to be expected, awarded the first prize. Mrs Cowan's Princess £L, accompanied by Princess Louise and Princess Victoria, was placed second, and the same owner's Annie, with Adeline and Adela, third. There wa3 a strong competition in the class for cow or heifer bred by the exhibitor. Here Mr Cowan scored a win with Princess Victoria, the winner of the first prize in the class for heifers, three years old, in milk. The second and third places were filled by Messrs Bogerson and Fleming's Young Birthday and Beauty I, respectively. '1 he female championsh p was awarded to Messrs Bogerson and Fleming's Beauty, the winner of two first prizes earlier in the day. The bulls were generally a lot of excellent representatives of the breed. For bulls, three years and upwards, llesars Bogerson and Fleming carried off the first and second honors with Our Jack of Chetnole and Duke of Argyle, the third place being filled by Mr John Donaldson's Fergus. Messrs Bogerson and Fleming also secured the first for two-year-old bulls, their Fantin' Rovin' Bobin beating Mr B. Baird's Bollengiech. The competition in the yearling bulls class wa3 given a special interest owing to the presence of Mr W. Cowan's recent purchase King Robert IT. This young bull lately came from New Plymouth, where he wa3 bred by Mr Poison, bis sire and dam—King Bobert and Princess May—imported from the famous herd of Mr Bobert Wallace, of Ayrshire, a great breeder and successful exhibitor. The local stock, however, was not to be denied, Messrs Bogerson and Fleming's Kitchener, a fine son of Dnncan and Coquette, being awarded the red ticket, while Mr J. Williams secured the Eecond award with Lord Kitchener, a son of Mr Gemmnll's Captain (selected for New South Wales) and the same breeder's Biddy. The youngster from New Plymouth had to be content with third place, and that a bull of such breeding could get no higher shows the excellence of the North Otago stock. Messrs Bogerson and Fleming's Our Jack was awarded the championship, and a right worthy holder of the honor he is. 'J he cup for the largest number of points in Ayrshire cattle was won by Messrs Bogerson and Fleming with 45 points, Mr Cowan having scored 21. ALDEBXETS. Mr B. Baird is the only exhibitor of this breed of cattle, of whieh he showed some good samples. TT™ stock was awarded aeven first prizes. general cattle. The only exhibit under this heading was Mr P. Orr's Lily, to which two first prizes were awarded. FAT CATTLE. The N.Z. and A.L. Company were the only exhibitors of fat eattle, showing a pair of bullocks and a pair of cows. Sheep. The sheep classes are generally very strong, and, as usual, are quite a distinctive feature of the show. Considering the unfavorable winter, the sheep are in extraordinarily good condition. They have wintered splendidly, and are in capital show order. FINE-COMBING MEEISOS. Last year there were no fine-uombing merinos shown, but on this occasion Messrs A. A. M'Master, F. H. Smith and John Beid are to the fore with some good specimens of the hardy Vermont sheep. Mr M'Master has only one representative—a fine, robust ram—which secures the red ticket in the aged ram class, but has to go down in the competition for the championship before a nice, even four-tooth shown by Mr John Reid. Mr Reid takes all the other awards in rams. In the ewe classes he has also first and champion and second in aged ewes and first in pair of ewe hoggets, Mr F. TT- Smith scoring first and second for single ewe hogget, second for pair of ewe hoggets, and third in the aged ewe class. STRONG COMBING MERINOS. The strong combing Merinos provide good competition as between Messrs A. A. M'Master and W. Gardiner. Mr Gardiner has the best aged ram with a sheep that was champion at Christchurch this year. He also has the first four-tooth ram, this lellow being adjudged champion. This sheep was also first in his class at Christchurch, and many judges there thought that he should have secured the northern championship in preference to the aged ram. Mr M'Master takes all awards in the ram hogget sections, Mr Gardiner not showing. Mr Gardiner has the best aged ewe and also fiUs the places. The aged is adjudged champion. i>he was passed over entirely at Christchurch, but the ewes placed second and third were first in a pen of three at the northern show. Mr M'Master has the best dry ewe, she also having been firßt at Christchurch. Mr Gardiner has the best single ewe hogget, but Mr F. H. Smith comes to light and appropriates the red ticket in the pairs. Over the whole of the Merino classes Mr Gardiner scores 30 points, and takes the cup, Mr John Beid being runner-up with 26 points. BOKDEB LEICESTEBS. The Border Leicesters are once more the best class at tbe show. Messrs Little Bros', sheep, which are shown in splendid condition, are first right down the line, beating those of Mr J. S. Holmes. The champion ram Achilles, who has a long list of successes behind him, is once more first and champion among the rams. The Ngapara breeders easily account for the cup, securing 39 points as Bgainst Mr Holmes' 12 points. ENGLISH LEICESTERS. Mr Donald Grant, a Canterbury breeder, practically has this class to himself, showing the same line of sheep as was succcessful in Chriatchurch last week. He takes all the awards except the second ticket in fourtooth rams, which is appropriated by Mr C. Reid with a ram bred by Mr J. Little, Allandale, and which was third in its class at Christchurch. The champion ram here was third in Christchurch and the ram hoggets were second. The aged ewe here was not shown at Christchurch, bat the one now second in the class was champion at Christohnrch. The pairs of ewes were first in a pen at Christchurch, and the ewe hoggets the same; In the single ewe hogget the Chriatchurch judging was reversed, LINCOLN'S. Lincolns also are an excellent exhibition, three competitors entering the lists, namely, Messrs John Beid, J. S. Holmes and the N.Z. and A.L. Company. The last-named are the most successful, taking all the first awards throughout and both championships, together with the cup." Mr J. S. Holmes secures the bulk of the place awards, Mr Reid only scoring commended tickets and one second. The points for the cup are— N.Z. and A.L. Company 36, J. S. Holmes 16. ROMNEY MARSH. Mr John Beid is the only exhibitor of Romneyß, showing practically the same line as shown at Christchurch. At the northern show these sheep were beaten by Messrs Beabyßros., but the distinct difference in the combing between the two classes of sheep no doubt was responsible for this, the local sheep being of an appreciably stronger type than those of the winners. Mr Reid now takes all awards. The champion aged ewe at Christchurch this year is again first and champion in her class here, while the ewe placed second to her was champion last year. (The sheep are in excellent condition. SHROPSHIRE DOWNS. In the absence of Mr Menlove, the Shropshire Down classes are well represented by Messrs Aitken and Setb-Smith, who are rapidly asserting themselves as breeders of this type of sheep. They take awards in all classes, and also secure the Shropshire Down cup. SHORN SHEEP. There is only one exhibit under this section, Messrs Little Bros, showing two longwoolled rams of a high type which secure a first reward. FAT SHEEP. There are a number of fine quality fat sheep shown, though the competition is not keen. The Totara Land Company exhibit seme " prime Otago " fattened on their own

, pastures and not " railed " to tbe northern , province for feed. They take awards in all 3 sections. Mr W. Gardiner, jnnr., takes s second for pen of ten wethers suitable for r freezing purposes, with his only exhibit, i The sheep in the class are a credit to the i district and would score anywhere. " Pigs. ' The pigs this year are practically a dead ! letter, there being only one exhibit, Mr • Belcher securing a red ticket for a sow in ' the open section. 1 Dairy Produce. 1 The dairy produce is, as usual, the centre 1 of attraction from the housewives' view > point, and the judging, owing to the keen ' competition, was anything but a sinecure. The butter is exceptionally good this year. ' In the section for butter without salt Mrs | W. Gardiner is first, Miss Mitchell second, • and Mrs W. Cowan third. Other competitors followed in close order, thus:—Miss ■ Mary M'Anley, Mrs J. B. laylor, Miss 1 Gemmell, and Mrs M'Tainsh. In the salt butter Mrs W. Gardiner is again first and Miss Mitchell second, but Mrs J. B. Taylor is third. The others securing tickets are, in order:—Mr John Rainforth, Mra W. Cowan, Miss Mary M'Anley, Mrs Robb, and Mrs M'Tainsh. In the section for 101b of salted butter Miss Mitchell is first, Miss Morton second, and Mrs Dovey third. The others taking tickets are Mrs M'Tainsh, Mrs Cowan, and Mrs W. Macaulay. The Enfield Butter Factory show two nice boxes of butter, for which they are awarded red and blue tickets respectively. In fancy bntter Mrs W. Gardiner again asserts herself, taking the first ticket, and also fourth and fifth places, Miss Gemmell being second, and Miss Morton third. Mrs Gardiner scores a veritable triumph with three firsts, and appropriates th 6 dairy produce cup with nine points, Miss Mitchell taking the second cup with eight points, and Miss Morton the third with three points. Cored Meats. There is only one exhibitor in the class for cured meats, Mr W. Bee being to the fore in each section wi h a line of appetising viands, which won the judge's strong commendation, and for which he awarded first prize tickets throughout. Mr Bee also has a special exhibit of cured meat, locally-made biscuits, wedding cakes, etc., for exhibition only. This forms a handsome trophy, and attracts considerable attention. Bread. The competition in the bread classes this year is not by any means as keen as it has been in some previous years, but there is still a very respectable entry and some good samples of the housewives' work are forward Mrs Johnston is first for home-made loaves and Mrs Townsend second. In oatmeal cakes Mrs Townsend takes first place, with Mrs Belchsr second. For girdle scones Mrs Hutchison is first, Mrs Macauley second and Miss M. Gray third. For oven scones, Mrs Townsend again scores the coveted c*rd, Mr 3 Hutchison being second, Mrs W. Macauley third and Mrs Belcher fourth. Implements, etc. There is as fine an exhibition of implements this year as has ever been seen at an Oamaru Show, and the variety comprises all the latest improvements from a fourfurrow plough or manure and Beed drill to a patent roller bearing harvester. Some of exhibitors have displayed a large amount of enterprise. For instance, Mr C. W. Cooke has the whole of the frontage on the north side of the yard, from the main entrance for vehicles to some distance on the east side, for the display of the implements of his various agencies, which comprise those of the Massey-Harris Company, and booth, Macdonald and and Co., and Marshall and Co.'s traction engines. In front of Mr Cooke Messrs Andrews and Beaven and Messrs f. and D. Dnncan, both of Christchurch, each have very extensive stands. The former show their chaffcutters and baggers, corncrushers, etc., and the latter their variety of tilling and sowing implements. On the east side of the enclosure will be found the wellknown and favorite farmers' favorites. Messrs Reid and Gray have one of the largest stands on the ground, stocked with their useful and improved manufactures, in addition to which are the White Flyer and Budge-Whitworth bicycles. Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co., who are represented by Messrs Fleming and Hedley, exhibit a number of implements, the most noticeable being the M'Cormick reaper and binder and the Southland Manufacturing Company's famous manure and seed drill—the machine which seenred so much attention at the Chiistchurch show. Messrs Darling and Milne exhibit the Spalding-Robbins disc plough, which continues to attract a good deil of attention, and Messrs N'immo and Blair (assents for the Planet Jr handy little cultivators) have a variety of those implements on exhibition. Messrs Kempthorne, Prosser, and Co.'s chemical manure and pat9nt sheep-branding liquid, and the Otago Farmers' Agency with the Walsh Paten b Electric Wire also have stands. The Shag Point Coal Co. (Mr T. Eilliker, agent) exhibit some of the coal from the Company's pit, which coal has greatly improved of late. Carriages. The show of carriages this year is one entirely of local manufacture, and comprises quite a number of vehicles from the establishments of Mr John Cunningham, Tyne street, and Henry Miller, Wansbeck street. The first-named exhibitor has, amongst his useful lot, dog carts fitted with ball and roller bearings, which is a novelty in this district if not in all Otago. Another departure he has made is in the painting of a station waggon, the under portion of which is painted white and it is claimed that this color will wear clearer and longsr than the darker ones. Mr Miller's exhibits are also well worthy of inspection, and show that he takes special pains to build vehicles to suit the district. Grain. Considering that this is a prominent graingrowing district the exhibition of grain is distinctly weak, although the few samples forward are of excellent quality. 'Xhe New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company are the only exhibitors, and secure first awards in all classes. A beautiful sample of big, clean, hard velvet is awarded first in its section, and a'so deservedly scores the champion ticket for the opeD class. A fine exhibit of long Danish oats of A 1 quality scores a similar performance in the class for oats. Seeds. There is a beautiful collection of seeds on exhibition in the grain shed and, though only one exhibitor is forward, the seedß are fit to hold their own in any company. Messrs Nimmo and Blair are the growers represented, and their exhibits are put forward in an exceptionally pleasing manner. They are awarded red tickets in each section. The perennial ryegrass is a specially nice sample, and in a collection of colonialgrown seeds comprising red clover, cowgrass, suckling clover, white clover, and alsyke the judge (our old friend Mr A. Murdoch) especially commends the white clover and cowgrass as being " almost perfect." A fine collection of agricultural seeds, comprising over 70 varieties of grass and root seeds, also won his unstinted commendation, not only for the quality and cleanliness of the samples, but equally for the manner in which they are got up.

CliAfiS. 1897 1S98 Increase Decrease Horses*— Draughts Thoroughbreds Hacks ... Cattle— Shorthorns Ayrshires Polled Angus .. Alderneys General and Fat SheepMerino .. Border Leicesters English Leicesters Lincoln Romnev Marsh.. Shropshire Downs t ... Shorn Fat Dairy Produce Cured Meats Bread Implements, Buggies, and Harness Grain Seeds Dogs Extras 75 5 117 6 5G 10 25 S 19 51 1-2 31 10 15 2 5 5 99 14 39 J-119 7 14 10 10 06 4 141 '67 10 9 57 37 15 50 12 15 1 10 1 S4 7 18 164 6 5 11 8 24 ii 3S 19 *5 35 'i 9 1 4 ie 3 14 "1 i 15 7 21 1 9 's Totals 770 795 138 lis * Special entries for championships abolished in 1895 t Class added in 1893.

RETURN OF ENTRIES Received for Shows for 27 years. CLASSES. 1872 '73 1874 "75 '76 '77 1878 1879 '80 '81 '82 '83 '841 '85 '80: '87 '88 •89 '90 •911 '92 •93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '93 Horses .. _ 100 172 88 149 161 175 213 205 188 141 111 133 144 151 133 160;199 184 218 208 197 189 107 154 168 245 197 211 Cattle .. 69 102 130 117 137 129 173 106 124 124 125 222 159 1451139 106 117 73 86 86 72 151 7S 108 105 93 Sheep ,, 111 115 127 159 187 213 161 195 207 154 151 232 •226 186 132,220 169 219 200 191:208 139 246 186 105 145 197 Pigs 12 7 2 5 5 2 5 1 3 5 9 6 11 5 6! 10 11 14 — 10 2 4 6 8 3 5 1 Poultry* 14 2 10 44 41 85 51 49 26 55 40 30 SO 38 52' 33 26 19 14 81 102 - Dairy Produce.. 72 07 141 53 44 98 144 95 61 130 65 01 125 73 63 j 72 83 84 62 71 60 57 59 99 14 84 Cured Meats .. _I f 7 20 25 14 12 11 14 10 8 3 21 7| 26 11 23 18 19 6 11 13 11 1 7 Agricultural Implements 12 16 30 31 16 15 34 43 34 33 27 35 50 83 64j 73 76 75 103 95 107 107 96 113 108 119 154 Buggies and Har14 11 13 I ness! .. 9 7 3 3 3 0 3 I 60 42 35 39 18 Flour and Bread 15 11 17 16 20 10 8 4 5 28 22 20 29 31 35 27 30 28 25 Grain and Seeds — _ — 63 83 80 88 72 93 69 40 40 20 49 53 29 28 18 24 6 31 19 14 18 21 11 Malt 19 Wool .. Dogs 2 4 2 1 -! 14 _ _ _ _ 9 10 10 18 — 19 16 19 27 25; 24 29 20 10 11 17 9 18 13 15 10, 11 Extra Exhibits & i 47 26 21 18 16 Special Prizes. 6 64 28 43 10 123 208 139 38 78 8 14 14 28 17: 17 7 IS o 5 8 0 8 Totals 395 535 504 6581717 983 1068'l024 706 680 654 722 9191798 748.909 781 865 735 739 717 6G9 870 753 805 770 795