The Annual Show of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Society

The show was held at the Elizabeth-Theodosia St location from 1866 to 1880
Wai-iti Rd from 1880-1897
and then to the Smithfield location until 2004.
Southern Canterbury A&P Association held its first show 19 Nov. 2011 at the Waimate Showground's.

Timaru Herald, 16 February 1866, Page 2 TIMARU AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.
On Saturday morning last a public meeting was held in the Mechanics' Institute Timaru, for the purpose of taking steps for forming an association in connection with the agricultural and pastoral interests in this district, and for the purpose of holding an annual show of stock &c. in connection with the association. W. K. Macdonald Esq., was voted to the chair and there were present gentlemen representing both agricultural and pastoral interests from all parts of the district. The Chairman said they were aware of the purpose for which they had met together. He believed that the time had fully arrived when an annual show should be held in the Timaru district. Many of them had yearly subscribed to neighbouring shows, especially to the one held in Christchurch, but he believed that no person south of the Rangitata had ever exhibited at it, from the fact that it was so far removed as to preclude them from doing so. He (the Chairman) was well aware that there were close neighbours in the district who were in total ignorance of the qualities of the stock possessed by each other. They had had no opportunity of comparing one with the other: of meeting together. He believed that no difficulty would be found in the way of obtaining money for the prizes which were generally offered were not very high but it was the advantage derived by comparison, which made such show of value to exhibitors. They would require to have a good secretary, backed up by a good working committee. He thought the proper course would be for some gentleman to propose a list of names as a committee. In the working of the association, there was no reason why many hints should not be obtained from our neighbours both north and south. It was for them to say also where the site of the show should be. Mr. Howell suggested that the most central place would be the proper one to hold the show. Mr. Howell resided at the Point, and Arowhenua would be more convenient for him personally but he would much prefer to see it held regularly in the most central point. Proposed by Mr. Williamson, and seconded by Mr. Howell, "That the Society be called the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Society." Carried. Proposed by Mr. Leslie Thomson, and seconded by Mr. Luxmoore, "That Mr. Alfred Cox M.H.R., be Patron; Mr. W.K. Macdonald, President; Mr. Gosling, M.P.C, Vice-President Mr. H. J. LeCren, Treasurer Mr. Belfield, Hon. Secretary." Carried. Proposed by Mr. Cox. and seconded by Mr. Howell, "That the following gentlemen be requested to act as a Committee, with power to add to their number— Messrs. Slack, Howell, W. K. Macdonald, Hayhurst, Gosling, Turnbull, Inglis, H. J. LeCren, Stubbs, Leslie Thomson, M. Studholme, H. Parker, Buchanan, French, T. W. Hall, and Burrell Parkinson." Carried. Proposed by Mr. Parker, and seconded by Mr. Cox, "That the meeting be held in the month of October m each year, the date to be determined by the Committee." Carried. Mr. Cox moved, and Mr. Parker seconded, That the annual subscription for membership of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association be £1 1s life members, £10 10s" The motion was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.

Timaru Herald, 14 July 1866, Page 6 Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association
A meeting of the Committee of the above Association was held at Hooper's Royal Hotel, on Monday, the 9th instant Present— Messrs Buchanan, Inglis, Hassall, French, Hall, H. J. LeCren, Luxmoore, Patterson, Stubbs, Studholme, and the Secretary. Mr Studholme was moved to the chair. The SECRETARY then read the report of the Sub-Committee, which recommended a block of land offered by Mr Rhodes for the use of the Association. Mr Hassall moved, That the report of the Sub-Committee be adopted," which, being seconded by Mr LeCren, was carried. Mr Luxmoore moved, and Mr Stubbs seconded, That the Secretary be requested to apply to Mr Rhodes for that portion of Sarah street, lying between the two blocks of land offered to the Association, for the use of the Society, at the same rental." Carried.  

The weather is always an important element in the success or failure of the Show.

Timaru Herald, 14 July 1866, Page 2
We are glad to note that the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association have decided on holding a show of stock in the month of October next. The advantages derived from the inauguration of an association which has for its object the periodical exhibition of stock, and also we should conclude that of grain and farming implements, are manifold, and it will not be out of place briefly to enumerate them in the hopes that by so doing public interest may be aroused in the matter. In the early days, at the commencement of sheep farming, quantity and not quality were looked for, as the former gave more ready returns, although the latter in the course of time would have proved the most lucrative. Those early days are past, and sheep farmers and stock breeders are now beginning to turn their attention to the more improved breeds, being content to wait a longer time for their profits. Without the means of periodically showing their stock, the breeding of first-class animals would be confined to a few individuals, who would breed entirely for their own wants and necessities, and who would neither know or care for the wants of their neighbors. A Pastoral and Agricultural Association is the means of not only directly benefiting those whose peculiar hobby it is to breed good stock, but largely benefits the entire district, as the knowledge and experience of a few is diffused amongst the many. The wants too of all classes are by the means of such an association more directly known, and the requirements of each individual sheep farmer, stock breeder, and agricultural farmer have every chance of being more immediately satisfied. Not only do such associations prove of great advantage to individuals, but the country is directly benefitted by them, as the more stock is improved, the more will be the value of the exports, the produce of that stock, especially in wool, for in the English markets quality and not quantity is, in that commodity, sought after. We have thus briefly sketched the advantages to the stock breeder and the farmer when they have the opportunity of exhibiting their stock and produce, but beyond this, the holding of periodical shows is the means of bringing the agricultural and pastoral classes together, not only for the discussion of their own particular wants and requirements, but also for the discussion of topics of general interest throughout the district an advantage of no mean importance. We conclude these remarks with the hope that the Association now started will prove a success, but it can only be so by the hearty co-operation of the two classes, the pastoral and agricultural. In all such associations the one thing needed most at first is ample funds, as the expenses for the first year are necessarily very heavy, in fencing, and the putting up of cattle and sheep yards. If the farmers and squatters throughout the district have any regard to their own individual interests, each of them ought to lend a helping hand by becoming annual members, if they cannot afford the price of a life member's ticket. The annual membership is but one guinea, and we venture to guarantee the subscriber of that amount good value for his yearly ticket, provided he is not too proud to take a hint from his neighbor....The receipts at the entrance gate exceeded all anticipations, reaching close upon twenty-six pounds, a most satisfactory proof of the interest the public generally take in the show.

24th Oct. 1866 - day of the first Show. A red letter day for Timaru. The weather was auspicious, the attendance large and the exhibits numerous and of the first order. The entries in sheep comprise no less than fifty different exhibits, some of which are said to equal those shown in any part of New Zealand and to be much superior to those exhibited in Christchurch last year. In horses there are twenty-four entries, and in cattle sixteen.

Timaru Herald, 27 October 1866, Page 2
The influx of visitor from the up-country districts and from Otago, was great, filling the hotels in town to a very uncomfortable degree, the town itself, at other times very quiet, assumed on this particular occasion quite a busy appearance, but the only topic of conversation with all appeared to be the success of the show, and whether, good or indifferent exhibits would be made. Scarcely any, however, expressed an opinion but what was highly complimentary to those who had originated the idea, and carried it out so successfully for many had seen the sheep as they were driven or carted through the town to the pens on the ground of the Association. Early in the morning the stock was placed in the pens allotted to the different classes, and at ten o'clock the judges assembled on the ground to perform their labours. The gates were thrown open to the public at twelve o'clock, when numbers, whose impatience to know the successful exhibitors had caused them to congregate on the ground, were admitted. As was expected, the show of sheep proved the most attractive feature of the exhibition, and they were admitted, by every person understanding the merits, of sheep, to be first-class, and far superior to those shown in Christchurch last year. Amongst, the visitors on the grounds were many ladies, who, appeared to take considerable interest in the Exhibition. The prize pen in he first class (Mr. Elworthy's) would have taken first class rank in any show in the southern hemisphere; individually they were excellent, although of different strains one of Rich's breed showed great profit one of the American strain was a model of symmetry, and beautifully clothed. The other sheep, especially the young rams, shown by the same exhibitor, warrant us in expecting from him yearly a class of rams to take first rank in Canterbury, we may look forward to saying, in New Zealand. Next to those we should rank Messrs. White and Selfe's exhibits, although a strong affection for the negretti has led Colonel White to pay more than due attention to closeness at a sacrifice of length, yet we venture to state that his pens of young hoggets could hardly be surpassed in New Zealand. No pen of sheep in the yards turned up so well, the sheep shown by Messrs White and Selfe (colonial bred) were Superior to all others under the same conditions, excepting one single pen of Mr Elworthy's, and we would strongly recommend Colonel White to sustain his rank as a breeder, to cultivate greater length of staple at as little expense of closeness as possible. We admit two pens of his hoggets had great length and beauty of pile, but at the expense of closeness. The sheep exhibited by Messrs. George Gray Russell and Co., from the Levels station, were nearly perfection they were selected with great care and judgment, and the young rams show well for the future character of the breed. They seem to be chiefly got by Rich's and Julius's blood, by first class ewes the result a most profitable wool, with a compact symmetrical frame. One pen of Rich's breed, exhibited from the Levels, contained sheep of first class value for the stud flock, but from their wretchedly low condition there was scarcely the amount of attention paid to them they deserved. Mr. Studholme's exhibits showed the usual characteristics of his wool, beauty and regularity of serration with closeness and length, producing a most profitable fleece.

Timaru Herald, 27 October 1866, Page 3
Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association. GENERAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of this Association was held at the Royal Assembly Rooms, yesterday morning, at 11 o'clock. The attendance was small, only eleven gentlemen being present, viz., Messrs King, Raine, Paterson, Gibson. Macdonald, Turnbull, Hassell, Luxmoore, Belfield, French, and Colonel White. Mr Macdonald in the chair. The first business was the election of gentlemen to serve on the Committee in place of Messrs Buchanan, T. W. Hall, Hassell, Hayhurst, Inglis, Luxmoore, H. Parker, Stubbs, Studholme,  and L. Thomson, who retired according to rule 6. Mr E. Gibson moved, and Mr A. Paterson ascended "That the gentlemen who had retired be re-elected." Carried. Mr Hassell proposed, and Mr Luxmoore seconded,— "That the President and Vice President be also re-elected." Carried. It was moved by Mr Paterson, and seconded by Mr French,— "That Messrs Stericker, E. Pilbrow, and Landsborough be elected members of the Committee, vice Messrs Ormsby, Slack, and A. Wilson, who cease to be members from non-attendance." Carried. Mr Luxmoore moved, and Mr Turnbull seconded That the Secretary and Treasurer be re-elected, and that the thanks of the Association be tendered to the Secretary." Carried. The Secretary then read a report of the financial position of the Society, which was highly satisfactory. Colonel White moved, and Mr Hassell seconded— That the accounts be received by the Committee that day fortnight, duly audited by Messrs Luxmoore and Turnbull; and that they be published in the Timaru Herald." Carried. Colonel White moved, seconded by Mr Turnbull— That for the present year the medals be of bronze, and that the medals for the year 1867 be of silver and bronze for each class in which medals are awarded. That two dies be struck for horses— draught and blood— and also for the two classes of sheep— merino, and sheep adapted for paddocks." Carried. Mr Hassell moved "That the Secretary be empowered to get a live fence planted round the ground leased by the Association, and also to have the section ploughed up." Seconded by Mr Turnbull, and carried. Mr Luxmoore moved, and Mr Turnbull seconded— "That the Secretary be empowered to let the show yards as be may see fit." Carried. The meeting then separated.

North Otago Times, 2 November 1866, Page 2
Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association FIRST ANNUAL SHOW.
The above event was held in the Association's Yards at Timaru, on Wednesday 24th, last week, and as was anticipated, was in every sense a success, taking into consideration that it was the first exhibition held under the auspices of the Society. The exhibit of sheep formed the principal and most attractive part of the show. In cattle, there were few entries; but the show of horses, particularly of entries, was good, though limited. We take the following particulars of the show to sheep from our Timaru contemporary. The sheep exhibited by Messrs George Gray Russell and Co., from the Levels station, were nearly perfection; they were selected with great care and judgment, and the young rams show well for the future character of the breed. They seem to be chiefly got by Rich's and Julius' blood, by first-class ewes, the result a most profitable wool, with a compact symmetrical frame. One pen of Rich's breed, exhibited from the Levels, contained sheep of first-class value for the stud flock, but from their wretchedly low condition there was scarcely the amount of attention paid to them they deserved. Mr Studholme exhibits showed the usual characteristics of his wool, beauty and regularity of serration with closeness and length, producing a most profitable fleece. The only draw back to his pens was their irregularity, a ___ fault, but which in this case may have arisen from hasty selection. The sheep were principally imported pure-bred Leicesters, those shown by Messrs G. G. Russell and Co., Pareora, being from the well-known flock of Lord Polworth, one of which had taken a prize in England, but was here beaten by a sheep owned by Mr Macdonald. The ewe exhibited in Class 12, by Messrs G.G. Russell and Co., of Pareora, was certainly the best exhibited in long-wools, and would hate proved a credit to any exhibition. In this ewe there was very little to be desired in either wool or symmetry. The Cotswold rams shown by Mr Macdonald, justly carried off the prize. In short-woolled sheep there were no entries. The judges for the different classes of stock were the following: — For the merino sheep, Messrs Charles Meyer, James Macdonald, and Andrew Paterson; for the long-woolled, Messrs Matson, Brown, and Studholme; for cattle, Messrs Bristol, Paterson, and Lockhart; for draught horses, Messrs W. K. Macdonld, Hyde, and Buchanan ; for other horses, Messrs Selfe, Ford, and Colonel White; for pigs, Messrs Woollcombe, Moorhouse, and McBratney ; for poultry, Messrs Moorhouse, McBratney, and Colonel White; for dairy produce, Messrs Hooper, Drake, and Munro; for implements, Messrs Stevenson, Dyson, and McKay; for sheep dogs, Messrs Fraser, Paterson, and Studholme. A prize medal is given for each class of cattle, sheep, horses and pigs, and the value of the money prizes for other exhibits is shown below. The receipts at the entrance gate exceeded all anticipations, reaching close upon twenty-six pounds, a most satisfactory proof of the interest the public generally take in the show.
DRAUGHT HORSES
1st Class — For the best entire draught horse — 6 entries. Mr James Thomson, of the Otaio ; highly commended, Studholme Bros.
3rd Class — For the best draught mare — 3 entries. Prize, Mr Hassell ; highly commended, Mr A. Paterson.
4th Class — for the beat filly or gelding, foaled since July 1, 1864 — 1 entry. Prize, Mr Couch's yearling filly.
6th Class — For the best draught pair in regular work — 2 entries. Prize, Mr A. Paterson. Tasman's prize, Mr A Paterson.  

Nov. 1962 - I would have been there. "Whites Aviation Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library". Ref. No. WA-58581-G. It must be early in the day as the parking has not filled up yet and cars are still coming in.

Timaru Herald, 28 October 1920, Page 7
A change was made yesterday in admitting motor cars in the Show ground. They were parked close to the fence at the top of the hill along the northern boundary of the grounds, thus relieving the congestion in the paddock at the southern end of the grounds.

Temuka Leader 1 November 1924 Page 3 TIMARU SHOW. PEOPLE'S DAY.
A gloomy morning, sky much overcast, rain showers occasional (and very heavy at that) was the kind of weather .that ushered in People's Day at the Timaru Show on Thursday. Naturally enough, the populace of Temuka, and especially the feminine portion, were at daggers drawn with the clerk of the weather. Old and young eyed the barometer eagerly, but it refused to shift, and as the special steamed away at 9.18 a.m. bound for the Showgrounds, it was hardly half full. Only half a dozen in the "smoker" did not look like paying for engine coal. But it sped on, and as the weather clerk donned better garments towards noon, the incoming trains were well laden with human freight, and the grounds were not long in assuming a busy appearance. The sideshow people (of whom there were a great many) did not appear to be in the best of good humour, and naturally so, for the sunshine is everything to them. However, the rain cleared off, and although the ladies could not don their best attire, they took matters very calmly and bowed to the inevitable. The air was filled with the raucous shouts of the sideshow men, who drove their "bargains" for all they were worth; one enterprising individual going to the length of offering one pound notes free to give him a start. It followed, as a matter of course, that he was not long in getting a customer. But who knows that the "customer" was not of his own clan. However, that is only by the way. The showmen did big business all day. Turning to the ring events, one could only feel a little disappointed. A great many of the ponies in the jumping competitions would not take kindly to the business at all, and a consant series of baulks made that part of the show a rather hollow affair. It may be on account of the nervousness of the ponies themselves, or their riders, or both, that made the animals act otherwise; at any rate, it required a good deal of moral suasion, with the addition of the nickel "persuaders" and whip to entice the ponies to take the jumps. This exhibition was to a certain extent "squared" when the older horses came into the ring, and the jumping by them, especially in the classes for ladies, was with few exceptions of a very high order of merit.
    It will be noticed that the competitors from this part of South Canterbury did fairly well, and taken all round the Show of 1924 can be looked backward upon as being as successful as any of its predecessors. Among the stands we noticed Mr A. Newlan Hancock with a good display of his cattle remedies and appliances for use on dairy farms.
    The Ford car is so well known that comment is really needless. Mr W. Hally, of Temuka, had on view all Ford products and accessories. In the exhibition the Ford Forder held a prominent place, and the Ford chassis with a country van built thereon attracted the attention of the passers-by, who were loud in their praise of the workmanship and neatness of this vehicle. There was also to be seen the redoulbtable Fordson tractor; also a Ford touring car fitted with five wire detachable wheels. On exhibition was the Oliver plough, which is extremely sturdy and fitted with skimmers, and in ordinary ground the Oliver ploughs but once and the ground is then ready for seed. It consists of a double-furrow, and attached to a Fordson tractor is capable of covering five to eight acres daily. Neatly displayed were shown also Ford spare parts and accessories, whilst offset against each the price of same was marked. Mr Hally is the sole Ford dealer for the Temuka and Geraldine territory, and it may be of interest to state that Mr Hally placed the first Ford in South Canterbury, and since ,that sale he has been selling strongly ever since.
    An exhibit that attracted considerable attention was a delivery van on a Ford chassis, built to the order of Messrs A. E. Smith and Co., by Mr A. C. Watson, Coach and Motor Body Builder, Temuka. It is well up to the standard of Mr Watson's best work. The framing is of hardwood with Oregon pillars and Kauri panels, and the painting is done in Harley green with centre panel of red, the lettering being in gold with black and green shading. It is Mr Watson's intention to cater more largely for the motor trade. We may add that this exhibit compares very favourably with work done in the larger centres. Following were the awards gained by exhibitors from this district:
    DRAUGHT HORSES. Champion stallion —J. M. Smith's Western Hero. Res. champion—J Patrick's High Tide.
Entire colt, 4 years—High Principle;
colt, three years—J. Patrick 1, F. Caswell 2, H. Forward 3;
colt 2 years—J. Patrick 1, A. Brown
2 yearling colt—A. M. Copland 1, J M. Smith 2, J. Patrick 3;
best walk Jng stallion —J. Patrick 1, J. M. Smith 2.
Maiden 3-year-old filly— J. Patrick 1;
3-year-old filly—. M. Smith 1, J. Patrick 2, J. W. Torham 3;
yearling filly—W. Smith,  D. G. Wright 2, J. Patrick 3;
three draught horses up to 3 years age, the progeny of the same sire J. Patrick 1 and 2.

THOROUGHBRED HORSES. Thoroughbred stallion— H. Forward's Ace of Diamonds 1.
ARMY HORSES. Troop horse, mare or gelding — Miss Betty Harper's Challenger 1, G. Jackson's Gay Lad 2, B. Murray's Surprise 3.

SADDLE HORSES. Hack, 13st, any age, mare or gelding—Miss B. Harper's Challenger 1; do., 11 st, A. Beattie's Randum 2, C. L. Orbell's Across 3; best paced hack, mare or gelding— A. Beattie's Randum
1, Miss B. Harper's Challenger 2.

PONIES. Pony stallion, 14.2 hands or under —J. F. Hayhurst 3; pony, mare or gelding, over 13.2 hands and not over 14.2 hands, to be ridden by boy or girl, not over 16 years— Misses June and Nan Orbell 1, Miss Cecil Elworthy 2, J. F. Hayhurst 3; pony, mare or gelding, over 12.12 and not over 13.2, to be ridden by boy or girl not over 14 years—A. R. Tait 1, A. Bain 2; pony,- mare or gelding, under 13 hands, to be ridden by boy or girl not .bver 13 years (open only to ponies that had not won a first or second prize at any previous show) —A. Bain 1, A. G. Scott 2, Miss J. Young 3 and 4.
PRODUCE. Honey in 21b bottles —Wm. Goodman 1 and 2;
granulated honeyWm. Goodman 1;
beeswax—Wm. Goodman 1.

COOKERY.
Sponge sandwich—Mrs F. Ward 1, Miss N. Burgess 2, Miss S. Goodman 3;
light fruit cake—Mrs J Austin 1, Mrs Moir 2 and c, Miss Dwan 3;
seed cake—Miss M. Martin 1, Mrs Moir 2 and 3, Mrs Taylor c;
best decorated cake—Mrs A. C. Watson 1 and 2.

SEWING. Best (plain sewing, washed or unwashed—D. Taylor 1 and c, Tui Goodman 2, Amy Shields 3; best darned sock or stocking—Doris Taylor 1 and 3, Tui Goodman 2 and c; best patch calico (worn garment)—Frances McCann and Doris Taylor (equal) 1, Tui Goodman 2.

WOOLCLASSING. Class 3 (over two years)—G. Berry (135) 1, D. Pemberton (133) 2, D. Wilson (130) 3.

SHEEP DOGS. Short-haired slut —A. Beattie 1, G. P. Johnston 2, W. J. Black 3; long-haired dog—C. Ley 1, McKerchar Bros 2, R. W. Trotter 3; bearded dog—A. Beattie 1, R. W. Trotter 2, J. Douglas 3.

PIGS. Berkshire boar (over 12 months) —E. C. d'Auvergne 1, J. F. Hayhurst 2; boar (under 12 months) —E. C. d'Auvergne 1 land 2, J. V. Hayhurst 3; sow (under 12 months) —E. C. d'Auvergne 1, J. F. Hayhurst 2; sow (with litter of six) E. C. d'Auvergne 1 and h.c, J. Briggs 2, J. Topham 3. Any breed. —Sow (any age)— H. Simon 1.

6th April 2011 Timaru Herald
The Timaru and Waimate A&P Associations are no longer; replaced by the Southern Canterbury A&P Association. They have combined after four years of negotiations, with Waimate providing the showgrounds and Timaru bringing $1.2 million from the sale of its showgrounds site on Evans St in 2006. "Basically Timaru didn't have a showgrounds and didn't have anywhere to go so we ran a few shows down here [Waimate] and they decided the infrastructure was pretty good." Kitchener Park will now be the setting for the shows, with the main Southern A&P show on November 19-20, the Waimate association's old calendar slot, and an equestrian show on October 8-9, the Timaru association's slot.

Harry Prescott-Ballagh, of Waimate, with his favourite Highland bull at the CHCH A&P Show 11 Nov. 2011, during the grand parade, it was a cold and windy day.

1866 - 2004

Timaru Herald, 28 October 1874, Page 4
Timaru gets excited twice a year first at the meeting of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club in May, and secondly at that of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association m October. No other occasions approach these two great festivals in interest. The opening of the school was tremendous, but it did not carry the people away, or interfere with their ordinary pursuits to any serious degree magnates speechified to their heart's content children rigorously tested the elasticity of their skins with buns and ginger beer ladies trilled and warbled, and the light fantastic toes worked their passage all night long with unusual bovority. But the fever was very transient, and did not extend far into the country. Wrecks, again, have great attractions, and are so unusual as to possess peculiar charms, but then they come so suddenly that the pleasure of anticipation is destroyed, and after all the spectacle can only be enjoyed by a limited circle. The Sports and the Show," on the other hand, are fixed feasts, and afford as much occupation and excitement m being talked about before and after the event, as at the actual moment of consummation. Each has its preponderating merits the Sports last longer than the Show, bring more visitors from abroad, and draw ladies more into the range of their influence there is perhaps, also, a greater atmosphere of haut ton, and blue-blood about them, though nasty exclusiveness is happily unknown in their operations. But for breadth and variety of interest, and good healthy gratification, the Show no doubt predominates over the Sports. There is certainly no event in this locality which is so largely or so cordially entered into by all classes as the Show, and we observe with pleasure that very judicious efforts are being made to furnish the concourse of people brought here by this annual exhibition, with the means of passing their spare time and spending their surplus money pleasantly. A ball, a bazaar, and a cricket match have been provided for the Show-time, and we are assured that only circumstances over which the local caterers for amusement had no control, prevented the dates of the eclipse of the Moon and the transit of Venus beings altered, to suit the arrangements of the Show. We have an impression, however, that this failure to combine the various attractions was partly premeditated, and that consideration for the wellbeing of a young society, unaccustomed to the dissipations of a giddy world, had a great deal to do with it. Printed by Frederick Osborn and published by Herbert Belfield of Church Street, Timaru, at his office, great South Road, Timaru. Wednesday 28, 1874.

Otago Witness, 5 November 1870, Page 10
The Annual Show of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Society took place on, the 27th ult. and wan numerously attended by Tipitora from Otago and other parts of Canterbury. The Judges of merino sheep were Messrs Petera (Ashburton), Hurat, and T. Macdonald. They had to begin, their duties on the previous day on account the large number of entries. The principal exhibitors were Messrs Camp bell and Low (Mr Rich's late flock), Mr W. A. Tolmie; Messrs Studhohne Bros., Mr Elworthy, and the Otago and Canterbury Association, Levels. The merinos were truly magnificent and were pronounced on all hands to be the finest collection ever brought together in New Zealand. In many cases however, the effects of the wet winter were visible. The number of entries in merinos was 128 against 107 last year. The following are the takers of the first prizes in each class:
1st Class— For the five best ram, 4toothed, or over the Otago and Canterbury Association
2nd Class— For the five best rams, 2toothed, or under—Mr W. A. Tolmie
3rd Class— For the best ram, 4- toothed or over— Messrs Campbell and Low
4thClass— For the best ram, 2-toothed, or under — Messrs Campbell and Low
5th Class —For the best New Zealand -bred ram; 4- toothed, or over— Messrs Campbell and Low
6th Class— For the best New Zealand bred ram, 2-toothed, or under — Mr W.A. Tolmie
7th Class — For the five best ewes, 4toothed, or over — Messrs Campbell and Low
8th Class— For the five beat ewes, 2toothed, or under— Mr W. A. Tolmie
9th Class —For the best ewe, 4- toothed, or over — Messrs Studholme Bros.
10th Class— For the best ewe, 2toothed, or under, Mr W. A. Tolmie
11th Class- For the best New Zealand bred ewe, or over — Mr W. A. Tolmie
12th Class— For the best New> Zealand bred ewe, 2-toothed, or under.— Messrs Studholme Bros.
13th Class— For the best pen of 20 rams, 2-toothed, and under. Mr Elworthy
14th Class— For the best pen of 20 ewes, 2-toothed, and under.-— Mr Elworthy

In bronze (45mm), by W.J. Taylor, reverse inscribed 'Thos. Chapman, 2nd Prize, Best Draught Mare in Foal 1871

Otago Witness October 26 1872 pg14
Timaru, October 19th. The show for Wednesday promises to be a great success. There are 178 entries of sheep, 31 of cattle, 51 horses and 26 pigs. Other entries are proportional. Oct. 23. The weather was fine. The cup, value £30, for merino sheep, was taken by the Canterbury and Otago Association (Levels); the cup, value £20, for woolled sheep, by Mr John Grigg, and the cup, value for cattle by Mr W.U. Slack.

In bronze (45mm), by J. Moore, reverse inscribed 'C. & O.A. (Pareora), 2nd Prize Best Roadster, 1872

 Sold in Sydney in 2005 for $340. In bronze (45mm), by J. Moore, reverse inscribed 'John Paterson 2nd Prize Best Draught Mare in Foal 1872'

Otago Witness, 8 November 1873, Page 13
(Timaru Herald, Oct. 31.) The eighth annual show of stock, &c., came off on Wednesday last, 20th inst., at the Society's grounds, and certainly — taking it as a whole — it was a most successful affair. The general improvement in the various classes of exhibits was remarkably noticeable, the long-wool classes of sheep showing to great advantage, and the whole arrangements were perfect throughout : class boards for every separate class of stock in sheep, horses, cattle, and pigs, were conspicuously placed either on poles planted in the ground or affixed to the various pens, so that visitors had merely to look at the class on the board to see the number, and then by reference to the carefully prepared catalogue, the corresponding class, numbers, and names of exhibitors, afforded them all the information required. At a very early hour, the various exhibits of sheep began to arrive, and under the active and willing hands of those in charge of the pens, with the aid of the persons connected with the care of the different entries, all the sheep were penned securely by 8 o'clock. Then followed in an intermitting stream, the horses, cattle, pigs, produce, implements, &c, until about 10 a.m., every exhibit — animate and inanimate — was in its proper place. The sheep judges commenced their arduous duties about 8 am., and the other judges of stock, implements, &c, about two hours later. Flags and streamers decorated the booths and different elevations in that quarter, whilst outside the gates, carts, buggies, and vehicles of every description, were arriving with family parties, waiting for the time of admission to the show. As the time wore on, whilst going over the grounds inside, and whilst gazing from different points of view at the animated scene, the beholder could not but admit that the pone and surroundings of the different little groups studding the grounds both within and without the gates were pretty and picturesque ; and when all the different entries had been safely placed and the judges were seen busily at work among the several exhibits, the coup d'oiil became not only interesting but impressive, conveying to the mind of the beholder, a pleasant feeling of satisfaction and hopeful content at the sight of the living picture thus spread out before him, showing what care, energy, and perseverance can accomplish in the space of a few years, and affording manifest evidence of the wealth, prosperity, and increasingly flourishing condition of the district. The time having arrived for admission of visitors, the scene became more animated as group after group came crowding through the gates into the grounds, changing the hitherto comparatively grouped picture into a dioramic display of ever changing variety, which beheld from some point of advantage resembled nothing so much, in its ceaseless changes of aspect, as the vivid transformations of the kaleidoscope, each shifting picture standing forth momentarily clear and bright, yet simple and symmetrical, forming as a whole, a pleasing and harmonious picture. Throughout the day the crowd, of visitors increased until at from 2.30 p.m. to 3 o'clock about 1500 persons must have been present, Ample refreshments, solid and liquid, were obtainable from last year's caterer, Mr M'Rae of the Club, who held the general booth license and other privileges (as- on a former occasion) by purchased right from the Society, and judging from the crowds who flocked to his temporary restaurant and hotel, we are inclined to believe that his speculation was by no means a losing concern, notwithstanding the good price paid by him for the privilege. Prom time to time throughout the day, select pieces of lively music were played by the T. V. A. Band, under the skilful direction of Mr Hunter, the bandmaster ; and the wild strains of the "piobh mhor" might be heard also at intervals proceeding from a skilfully handled set of pipes, the piper himself being almost invisible, as standing in the centre of a dense crowd in front of the booths, he played reels and jigs to several sturdy votaries of Terpsichore, who evinced their devotion to the cause by dance-steps of every variety, to their own immense satisfaction, amidst the merriment of the crowd. We give the cash takings this year as against those of last year, viz. , 1872, cash received for entries, £166 11s, this year, £185 10s ; gate receipts, 1872, £59 13s 6d, this year, £82. 

North Otago Times, 30 October 1878, Page 2
TIMARU SHOW. (BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)
The attendance at the above show, yesterday, was very small, owing to the exceedingly high charge for admission, made no doubt by the Association with the idea of deterring the majority of the public from crowding round the exhibits while being judged. The Association have adopted a very wise plan in not declaring the successful exhibitors in the different classes of sheep until the second day of the show, and so precluding though possibility of their being removed from the ground until the close of the show. Amongst those of though largest exhibitors in Merino sheep, which wore all exceptionally good, were the following : — The Hon. R Campbell, Messrs Meyer, Rutherford, Parker Brothers, Elworthy, and the N. Z. and A. Land Company. There were in all 143 exhibits in this class. The only exhibitors in English Leicesters were Messrs Menlove (Oamaru), Tancred, Sealy, and Russell, the number of exhibits being 72. In Border Leicesters, Messrs Parker Bros., the most of whose exhibits were bred by Gillies and Street, Paterson, and the N.Z. and A. Land Co., competed, the Company's exhibits hailing from their Ardgowan and Pareora estates. In the Lincoln Class, in which 67 pens were shown, Messrs Menlove, Hall, Grigg, and Russell, wore the largest exhibitors. The other classes were not strongly represented. In Implements, Messrs Reid and Gray were the largest exhibitors, Messrs P. and D. Duncan, Booth, and Miles, Archer and Co., coming next. The principal attractions in this class were the reapers and binders, Messrs Wood's, M'Cormick's, and Osborne's being represented, the first named having the largest number of admirers during the day. Since last year Wood's harvester has been fitted up with a new wire spool, which regulates the tension more accurately than hitherto, and makes the machine less liable to stoppages through the breaking of the wire than formerly. Today being the day on which the public turn out in great force, it to be hoped that the weather will continue favorable. The following are the numbers of the exhibits in the classes to be judged to-day, viz. :— In Cattle, 65 ; Draught Horse's, 81 ; Other Horses, 51 ; Pigs, 4 ; Poultry, 13 ; Dairy Produce, 18 ; Agricultural Produce, 42.

Otago Witness, 2 November 1878, Page 10 THE TIMARU SHOW.
Timaru, October 30th. The thirteenth annual show of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held to-day. The morning was cloudy, but the afternoon was fine. This is the last time the show will be held in the ground occupied by the Association, as it will be cut up, and sold for quarter-acre sections, being part of Rhodes Town. In future shows will be held on new ground more to the northward of Timaru, and near H. J. Healey's land. Owing to the facilities now afforded by the railway being opened between Christchurch and Dunedin, a large number of persons arrived here and visited the show. L220 was taken at the gates. Among the extra exhibits was some splendid specimens of Kakahu marble, and freestone from Coal Creek, both of which places are situated in the south of Canterbury. The following is the prize list :— SHEEP. Judges: Messrs Mathias, Gardner, and Pitt. Merino : Class 1, for two best rams above 18 months old, 13 entries— Hon. Campbell, 1st and 3rd prizes; Parker. Bros, 2nd.
Class 2, for two best rams under 18 months, 13 entries-Hon R Campbell, 1st and 2nd prizes: New Zealand and Australian Land Co, 3rd.
Class 3 for best ram above 18 months, 22 entries— Hon R Campbell, 1st and 3rd prizes ; Parker Bros, 2nd.
Class 4- Hon R Campbell, 1st prize ; New Zealand and Australian Land Co; Levels, 2nd ; C Meyer, 3rd.
Class 5 for two best ewes above 18 months, 12 entries— Hon R Campbell, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes. Class 8- Hon R Campbell, 1st prize; Meyer, 2nd; Rowley, F Hamilton,- 3rd
Class 7, for best ewe above 18 months, 16 entries, Hon R. Campbell, 1 and 3; Mayer 2 and 3
Class 8, for best ewe under 18 months, 10 entries, Hon R Campbell, 1 ; Meyer 2 and 3.
Class 9, for best pen five rams under 18 months, 14 entries, Meyer, 1: New Zealand and Australian Lind Co. 2 and 3
Class 10, for best pen five ewes under 18 months, 11 entries, Meyer, 1 ; Hon R Campbell, 2 ; New Zealand and Australian Land Co, 3
Leicester Sheep.— Judges : Messrs J Grigg, Reynell, Cook, and McBeth.
Ist class, for two best rams above 18 months old, P H Russell, 1; H J Sealey, 2.
2nd class for two best rams under 18 months, 9 entries, C.W. Tancred, 1 and 2.
Class 3, for best ram above 18 months, Tancred, 1 ; Sealey 2, Russell, 3.
4th class, for best rams under 18 months, 10 entries, Tancred, 1 and 2
5th class, for two best ewes above 18 months, with lambs at foot, 10 entries, Tancred, 1 ; Sealey, 2; Russell, 3.
6th class for 2 best ewes under 18 months— Tancred l and 2, Sealey, 3.
Class 7, for the best ewe above 18 months, 12 entries : Tancred, I, 2, 3 ; Bealey, commended.
Class 8 for best ewe under 18 months, 10 entries: Tancred, 1 : Sealey, 2; Tancred, commended.
Border Leicester.—
Class 1, for 2 best rams above 18 months, 2 entries, no awards.
Class 2, for 2 best rams under 18 months, 9 entries : NZ and Australian Land Co., (Ardgowan estate), 1 ; NZ and Australian Land Co. (Pareora), 2 and 3.
Class 3. for best ram above 18 months, 5 entries : Parker Brothers, 1 : New Zealand and Australian Land Co. (Ardgowan), 2 and 3.
Class 4, for best ram under 18 months 9 entries : NZ and Australian Land Co. (Ardgowan), 1, Parker Brothers, 2 ; NZ and Australian land Co. (Pareora), 3.
Class 5, for two best ewes above 18 months, with lambs at foot, 4 entries : Parker Brothers, 1 ; Ardgowan Estate, 2.
Class 6, for two best ewes under 18 months, 10 entries : Ardgowan estate, 1 and 2 ; Parker Brothers. 3.
Class 7, for best ewe above 18 months, 12 entries: Parker Brothers, 1 and 3 ; Ardgowan Estate, 2.
Class 8, for beat ewe under 18 months, 7 entries: Ardgowan Estate, 1 and 2 ; Parker Brothers, 3.
Lincoln Sheep.— Judges : Messrs Ford, Gray, and Marcroft.
Class 1, for two best rams above 18 months, 4 entries : Menlove, 1, 2, and 3. Class 2, for two best rams under 18 months : Menlove, 1 and 2. Class 3, for best ram above 18 months, 7 entries: Menlove: 1 and 2; Russell, 3.
Class 4, for best ram .under 18 months, 9 entries : Russell, 1 ; J Grigg, 2 ; Menlove, 3.
Class 6, for two best ewes above 18 months, with lambs at foot : H J Hall, 1 ; Menlore, 2 and 3 Class 6, for two best ewes under 18 months, 11 entries : Menlove, 1 ; Hall, 2. Class 7, for beet ewe above 18 months, 9 entries : Hill, 1 : Menlove, 2 and 3.
Class 8, for best ewe under 18 months, 13 entries : Hall, 1 and 3 ; Menlove, 2.
Romney Marsh —
Class 1, for two best rams above 18 months, 1 entry: Parker Brothers, 1.
Class 2, for two best rams under 18 months, 4 entries, Gamack, 1; Parker Brothers, 2.
Class 3, for best ram above 18 months, 3 entries, Gamack, 1 and 2 ; Parker Brothers, 3.
Class 4, for best ram under 13 months, 3 entries, Parker, 1 ; Gamack, 2. Class 6, for two best ewes under 18 months, 4, entries, Barker, 1 ; Cox, 2. Class 8, for best ram under 18 months, 3 entries, Cox, 1 and 2 ; Parker, 3. Cotswolds.— 2nd class, for two best rams under 18 months, no award.
Cross-bred. -For best three crossbred ewe hoggets, by any pure long-woolled ram out of merino ewes, only 1st cross, Sealey and M'Laren.
Fat Wethers.- 1st class, for five best fat merino wethers, 1 entry, Parker Br others, 1.
2nd class, for five best fat wethers of any age or breed, 1 entry, Parker Brothers.

Pigs. Judges, Messrs E. J. Gould and J. M'Leish.
Class 1, for best boar of any age or breed., 1 entry, Russell, 1.
Class 4, for best sow for breeding bacon pigs, W. Stevenson, 1.
Class 6, for best young bow farrowed since January 1st, 1878, 1 entry, A. Blanchett, 1.
Class 8, for best litter of pigs, not less than 6. 1 and not exceeding 12 months old, entry, W. Herbert,

CATTLE. Judges : Messrs Garforth, Mack, and G. Brassell.
Shorthorn. —
Class 1, for best bull calved since July 1st, 1877, 4 entries, J. Sealey, 1 and 2.
Class 2, for the best bull calved since July 1st, 1876, 4 entries, Grieg, 1 ; Marcroft. 2.
Class 3, for best bull of any age, 7 entries, Russell, 1 ; P. C. Threlkeld, 2 ; McDonald
, 3.
Class 4, or best heifer calved since July 1st, 1877, 4 entries, Russell, 1 ; Sealey, 2 ; Fleming and Hedley, 3.
Class 5, for best heifer calved since July 1st, 1876, four entries, Russell, 1 : Fleming and Hedley, 2 and 3.
Class 6, for best heifer calved since July 1st, 1876, 3 entries, Sealey, 1 ; Fleming and Hedley, 2.
Class 7. for best cow any age, in milk or calf, Fleming and Hedley, 1 ; Sealey 2.
Herefords.—
Class 8, best bull any age, 1 entry : Cox; J.
Class 9, best cow any age, 2 entries : Cox, 1 and 2.'
Devon.— Class 10, for best bull any age, Sentries: Barker Bros, 1 and 2; Class 11, best cow any age, 1 entry : Barker Bros, 1.
Ayrshire.— Class 12, beat bull any age, 6 entries : Stevenson, 1; Fleming and Hedley, 2; R Davie, 3.
Class 13, best cow any age, 4 entries: J Macfarlane, 1 ; Fleming and Hedley, 2 and 3.
Cattle Any Breed.— Class 14, best milk cow, 4 entries : J Pringle.
Fat Cattle.-
Class 17, best fat steer, 5 entries : Cox, 1 ; Landsborough, 2
Class 18, best fat cow, 5 entries Cox, 1'; Fleming and Hedley, 2 ; extra, A Cox's' two year-old Hereford heifer.

HORSES. Judges : Messrs Boag, Stark, and Amery.
Draught.—
Class 1, best entire horse, 12 entries : R McAuley, 1 ; Fleming and Hedley, 2 ; James Johnson, 3.
Class 2, best entire horse foaled since July 1st, 1876, 6 entries : Fleming and Hedley, 1 ; J Balfour, 2.
Class 4, best entire horse, foaled since 1st July, 1877, 8 entries : R Davie, 1 ; N.Z. and A. Co. (Pareora), 2.
Class 5, best gelding 3 entries: Fleming and Hedley, 1 and 3, D 'Jones; 2. Class 6, best gelding, foaled since 1st. July, 1876, 7 entries : Fleming and Hedley, I, 2, and 3.
Class 7, best gelding, foaled Since 1st July, 1876, 4 entries : Fleming and Hedley, 1 and 3 ; Balfour, ,2,
Class 8, best mare in foal; or with foal at foot, 7 entries : Fleming and Hedley, 1 ; Stevenson, 2; Davis, 3
Class 9, best mare, 5 entries: J C Mackerrow, l ; Fleming and Hedley, 2. Class 10, best filly, foaled since 1st July, 1875, 6 entries: Davis, 1: Fleming and Hedley, 2 ; J M'Farlane, 3.
Class 11, for beat filly, foaled since 1st July, 1876, 6 entries : Fleming and Hedley, 1 and 3 ; J Goldie, 2.
Class 12, for best filly, foaled since 1st July, 1877, 4 entries : J Davian, 1; Fleming and Hedley, 2; Stevenson, 3.
Class 13, best pair in regular work, 4 entries : Fleming and Hedley, 1, D Jones. 2 ; R R Sibrey, 3.
Class 14, best brood mare, with three of progeny : Fleming and Hedley, 1 ; Divie, 2.; Stevenson, 3. Judges : Messrs Brabazon, Gillott, and Taggart.
Other Horses.—
Class 1, best thorough-bred stallion, 4 entries : F D Rodgers, l ; Jas King, 2 and 3.
Class 3, best hackney stallion, 5 entries : Orton, C. Massey, 2
Class 4, best coaching stallion, 2 entries : R Barton, 1 ; Worthington Bros. 2.
Class 6, for best thoroughbred brood mire, 3 entries : Rogers, 1 and 2.
Class 7, best thoroughbred colt or filly foaled since July 1st, 1877, 1 entry : Davie, 1.
Class 8, for best hackney colt or filly foaled since July 1st, 1876 : C Massey, 1.
Class 10, best roadster or hack, any age, mare or gelding, up to 11 stone, 6 entries; J Rutherford, 1; A Perry, 2; Walker and Clogstoun, 3.
Class 11, best roadster or hack, any age, mare or gelding, up to 14 stone : McDonald, 1 : Rutherford, 2 ; Cox, 3.
Class 12, best lady's hack : 6 entries— J Gibson, 1 ; Thorne, 2; J McPherson, 3.
Class 13 —For best roadster, hack, mare, gelding, foaled since July 1st, 1874, 1 entry : L A McPherson, 1.
Class 14.— Best boy's pony, mare, gelding, not above fourteen hands— D M Ross, 1 ; J Martin. 2; Barker Bros, 4.
Class 16.— Best pair carriage horses, 1 entry: Gamack. 1.
Class 17. — Best pair buggy horses, 3 entries : James King, 1.
Class 18, Best mare breeding weight-carrying hacks : 3 entries : F Archer, 1 ; James King. 2 and 3.
Class 20. Best pony entire-horse, under fourteen hands, 4 entries : R R Pitt, 1.

POULTRY. Judges— Messrs Perry, Bristol, and Gamack.
Class 3, best pen of three ducks, 1 entry : Mrs Dale, 1.
Class 4, best pen three Dorking fowls, 1 entry : J Petrie.
Class 7, beet pen three Hamburg fowls, 1 entry : Mrs Dale.
Class 9, best pen three game fowls, 3 entries; Dale, and 2.
Best pen three bantam fowls, 4 entries : J Holmes, 1.
Class 13, best pair tumbler pigeons, I entry : J C Perry.
Class 16, best pair Jacobin pigeons, 2 entries : J C Perry.

IMPLBNENT3. Judges— Messrs W Gosling, J A Anderson, and W J
Best and cheapest single-furrow plough, any maker, 3 entries : Duncan, 1. Best and cheapest double furrow plough, 3 entries : Reid and Gray, 1 ; Henry and Findlay,..

DAIRY PRODUCE. Judges : Messrs Stubbs, Shepherd, C Green.
31bs fresh butter, 11 entries : Rutland, 1 ; Davie, 2.
28lbs potted butter, 2 entries : Davie, 1 ; Stack, 2.
561bs Colonial cheese, W Crow, 1 ; Stevenson, 2. N
New Zealand cured bacon, D M'Callum, 1.
Best two hams, New Zealand cured, D. McCallum.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE.
Judges: Messrs H Green, B J Lane, G D Lovegrove.
For Largest Aggregate Scorer in Agricultural Produce Classes — Society's Prize, £6 10s, G. Bnusel.
Red wheat : J Guscott, Tuscan, 1 ; N Z and A. Land Company, Pareora, 2.
White Wheat : N Z and A Land Company, Pareora, 1, with special prize of £6 10, and National Mortgage Agency Company prize of £10 10s ;
Four bushels short oats : Martin Brothers, 1 ; Kelland. 2.
Sack potatoes : Brasfell, 1.
Sack mangold wurtzel : Brassell, 1.
Sack carrots : G Brassell, 1.
Three bushels rye grass seed : Martin Brothers, 1.

EXTRA EXHIBITS.
1201bs wool: W Halsted, l and 2.
Best 3 loaves bread, made from colonial wheat, J B Witt, 1.
Private prizes, £10 103, for largest prize taken for Lincoln sheep, Menlove; £10 10s for largest prize-taker cattle, Fleming and Hedley ;
£10 for best broad mare in other horse 3, P Archer;
£3 33 for best dairy cow in the yard, McFarlane ;
£10 10s, for best bull (imported or otherwise). P H Russell ;
£10 103 for best 4 bushell of wheat grown in South Canterbury, New Zealand and Australian Land Co, Pareora ;
£5 5s for best tandem, Gamack ;
£2 2s prize-taker best turnwrist plough, G Booth.

A black rooster.

North Otago Times, 27 October 1880, Page 2
Yesterday was the first of two days fixed for the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association's show, being the fifteenth annual exhibition of stock, agricultural produce, and farm implements. On Monday the weather prevailing in Timaru was anything but auspicious. Driving showers fell, and the wind was so high as to oblige the erection of tents to he postponed for twenty-four hours. Yesterday, however, the weather was breezy but enjoyable, and the sun continually contrived to dart his rays through an overcast sky, so that the Wai-iti ground looked to advantage. The Committee of Management were — President, Mr Wm, Evans ; Vice-President, Mr E. Acton ; Hon. Treasurer, Mr R. Stewart. Committee — Messrs F Archer, H. Belfield, R. A. Barker, W. Balfour, J. Campbell, H. Ford, J. Guscott, J. A Gamack, J. Goldie, V. J. Hardie, J. Kelland, D. Maclean, J. M'Farlane, J. C. M'Kerrow, D. M'Laren, C. N. Orbell, A. C. Pringle, W. Stevenson, H. J. Sealy, A. Turnbull, T. Teschemaker, F. Tavender, A. W. Wright, and G. H. Wildie. This list, however, voluminous and excellent as it is, would be incomplete without the mention of the indefatigable Secretary, Mr F. W. Stubbs, who certainly deserved premier award for hard work, had any competition taken place for exhibits of that commodity. Yesterday being essentially a judge's day, the number of people on the ground was of course limited. Messrs Andrews and Bedven, of Christchurch, exhibited a variety of implements their Australasian chaff-cutter has the frame built solely of wood, to obviate breakage and secure stiffness, the knife wheel cutting above the end of the machine at the extremity of the driving spindle. It is claimed that a sufficiently large riddle is thus attached without projecting outside the frame, and that the effectiveness of the riddle is increased. The knife-wheel can be removed for sharpening, and an extra one fixed in its place to save loss of time. ..

Otago Witness, 30 October 1880, Page 19
Timaru, Oct. 27th. The Agricultural Show to-day was a great success, and was Superior to any previous one, not only a regards the quality of the exhibits, but the attendance. Fully 5500 parsons were on the ground. The cattle and horses were exceptionally good. The champion medals in sheep were taken by Joseph Pearson for merino, P. S. Russell for Leicester and Lincoln, and John Reid for Romney Marsh. Jas. McDonald carried off the champion medal for cattle, and E. Menlove for horses.

North Otago Times, 27 October 1881, Page 2
The sixteenth annual exhibition of the above society took place yesterday on the society's grounds, near Timaru. The day was fine for the occasion, and there was a large attendance. Many residents of this district were present, and the morning train going north from Oamaru picked up at the wayside stations a full complement of passengers. The different sheep classes were judged on Tuesday, and, as the prize list will show, the lion's share of the prizes comes to this district. The Hon. Robert Campbell carried everything before him in the merino class, scoring over 40 points, the exhibitor who came next only obtaining 11 points. For the best ram above 18 months, Mr W. H. Teschemaker secured a first, as also the prize for the champion ram in the yard. There were several exhibitors of merinos from this district, viz., Hon. R. Campbell Mr J. Borton, Mr Alex. M'Master, and Mr W. H. Teschemaker. The principal prizes for Leicesters were carried off by Mr Wm. Marcroft, after a close contest with the N. Z. and A. Land Company (Pareora). In Lincolns, however, the company had it comparatively all their own way, the Moeraki Station taking almost all the principal honors. In this class Mr Menlove and Mr John Reid also exhibited. Mr John Reid exhibited in the Romney Marsh section, that gentleman taking firsts in every section, besides other inferior prizes. Down breeds were represented by two animals, probably good specimens of their class, but not sufficiently taking to the eye to make this particular kind of sheep the subject of any great amount of care or attention in increasing their numbers, Crossbreds, fat wethers, and extra stock were also shown, and were good representatives of their kind.
    The competition in shorthorn cattle was confined to Messrs Menlove, Reid, Russell, and Marcroft. Mr Monlove, in points, was considerably ahead of his opponents ; a fact which proves the it this gentleman has one of the finest Shorthorn herds in the colonies.
    For the best pure-bred Clydesdale horse, entered in the New Zealand Stud Book, Messrs Fleming and Hedley's Young Vanquisher was placed first, out of a ring of eight competitors ; and the prize for the best mare entered under the same conditions was awarded to Mr J. H. Rhine's Duchess. The prize for the best entire horse was taken by Mr R. Mathow's Lord Castlereagh ; Mr Alexander Graham's (Maheno) Souter Johnny being second, and Mr Robert Davie's Time-o'-Day third. The class for the best three-year-old entires had three Oamaru horses in it —Mr Spence's Argyle, Mr Manlove's Clansman, and Mr Chrystal's Avon Chief. The red ticket was given to Mr R Mathew's Young Wellington, Argyle coming next, and Luck's-All third. In the next class (for two year old entires), Messrs Fleming and Hedley's King of the Bankers was placed first, and he also secured the prize for the best entire on the ground. ....  

89th Class For the best roadster or hack of any age, mare or gelding, up to 11st weight, to be shown in saddle and ridden - Vide Rule 12— (sixteen entries) John Reid one, Arthur Perry two, J. Macandrew one,  J.S. Rutherford one, Jas. Ralston one, R. Rutherford one, Jno. Moorhead one, C. N. Orbell one, Henry Ford one, F. Abram two, T. Hall one, W.S. Armitage one, Dr McIntyre one, Alex. C. Lean one. First prize John Reid; second J. Macandrew; highly commended A. C. Lean.

North Otago Times, 1 November 1883, Page 3
The eighteenth annual show of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association commenced on Tuesday and was concluded yesterday. Since 1875, when the exhibits numbered 309, there has not been so poor a show of stock, implements, etc., as at the show just hold. It has been asserted that the present depression has something to do with this, but it will probably be found that there are other factors at work tending in a more direct way to cause the falling off in the number of exhibits. The Association has a in practice a scheme of retrenchment; this seriously affects the amounts given prize money. This has made plain the fact that stockowners do not altogether care so much for the honors of competition as for something more substantial to recoup them for the expense and trouble they are put to in bringing animals out for the show. For some time back it has also been seriously considered by many stookowners whether it would not be advisable to hold only one show each year in the South Island, changing the place of exhibition annually. The expense of sending stock to three or four exhibitions in different parts of the colony, with a considerable interval between each, makes up a heavy item — an item that could be partly dispensed with were there but one annual show where breeders and stock-owners could learn the decision of competent judges. Be this as it may, it is evident that both Timaru and Oamaru will have to rally, to a greater extent than hitherto, on local stock, etc., to make up the attractiveness of their shows, and for many palpable reasons this will fall much heavier on Timaru than on Oamaru, The absence of exhibits from this district was a great loss to the attractiveness of the show..

    The judging of the draughts commenced with all-aged entire horses, and for this there were five entries, Mr Chrystal's Druid, however, being absent. The exhibits were first class. The award was as  follows : Young Wellington first, Luck's All second, Strathmore third, and Sir Arthur Gordon fourth. This decision was given after a good deal of consideration on the part of the judges, but a new set of judges could just as reasonably have made it entirely different without calling forth any disapprobation. Mr Thomas Mee, of Maheno, took first in the section for entire horses foaled since July, 1881, with a grand colt by Young Bauker. This colt was much admired. There was only one entry in the yearling colt section. The gelding were without special merit, but the section for mares in foal or with foal at foot brought into the ring two grand specimens of Clydesdales, the prize being awarded to Mr A. Martin's exhibit. The fillies were a fine lot, and the entries being more in number than in many of the other sections the interest in the decisions was of course creator. The draught class was not as full in entries as last year. The thoroughbred class was a capital one, and showed no falling off in the excellence of the exhibits. Betrayer, Jangler, and Daniel O'Rorke, in the all-aged section, first absorbed the attention of the judges, whose decision placed them in the order given above. The other sections in this class were well filled, the stock being of first-class quality. Mr George Butters secured a first for weight-carrying hack, with Jack. The sheep classes showed a serious depreciation in numbers. The exhibits of Messrs Teshmaker, Reid, Holmes, Menlove, and the New Zealand and Australian Land Company made up much of the attractiveness of these classes, and the absence of their exhibits this year left many of the pens' without tenants. Mr A. Murdoch, of the Tables, had a few exhibits in the Leicester class.  Messrs Fleming and Healey, in the Shorthorn class, took first in the nil-aged bull section, with their fine bull Prince Ribey. Mr John Forrester, of Papakaio, swept off the principal prizes for bull with several well bred and nice conditioned animals. Mr Norman Lane took first for both long and short herded wheat, with fine samples of Hakateramea grown grain. R. Wilkin and Co. and Miles, Archer and Co. had collections of seeds on exhibition.
The following is that portion of the prize 1stt, which we think will be of interest to our readers :
Prize List
 SHEEP, Merino (A), housed and clothed— Two best rams, under 18 months : Joseph Pearson, 1 and 2 Ram, under 18 months : Joseph Pearson, 1 and 2. Two best ewes, under 18 month is : Joseph Pearson, 1 and 2.

Merino (B), grass-fed — Two best rams, above 16 mouths old : L Walker, 1 ; R.H Rhodes, 2; NZ and A Land Co, Levels, 3.
 Two best rams, under 18 months: E Elworthy;-, 1 ; R H Rhodes, 2; N Z and A Land Co, Levels, 3. Ram, above 18 months : N Z and A Land Co, Levels, 1 and 2 ; R H Rhodes, junr, 
Rum, under 18 months : N Z and V Land Co, Levels, 1 ; E Elworthy, 2;R H  Rhodes. Level 3, 1 and 2 ;  G Tripp, 3.
Two best ewes, above 18 months  R H Rhodes, junr, 1 and 2 ; N Z and A Land Co, Levels, 3.

Cattle
Ayrshire— Bull of any age : John Forrester (Oliver Twist), 3 years sire Brogden, dam Daisy, by Dan), 1 ; W R Clarke. 2. Bull calved since July, 1882 : W R Clarke, 1 and 2 John Forrester ( Young Douglas, by Teviot, dam Rosey, by Brogden),

Horses
Draught horse— Purebred entire horse : Robert Matthews (Voting Wellington), 1.
Purebred Mare : John Goldie, 1.
Entire horse : Robert Matthews (Young Wellington), 1 ; Robert Davie (Luck's All), 2 ; .Robert Matthews (Strathmore), 3 ; Keen and Finlayson (Sir Arthur Gordon, 4.
Entire horse, foaled since 1st July, 1881: Thomas Mee (Springbank), 1 ; Robert Mathews, 2; A Chrystal, 3.
Entire horse, foaled since July, 1882: John Miller, 1. Gelding :  Rees Thomas, 1 ; James Wilkinton, 2 ; A Perry, 3 ; J Bradshaw, 4.
Mare in foal, or with foal at foot — Andrew Martin,1 ; A Perry, 2
Dry mare : Robert Mathews (Violet), 1.
Filly, foaled since July 1st, 1880: William Stevenson, 1; Robert Davie, 2; M'Goverin and Hardy, 3. Filly, foaled since July 1 at, 1881 : Robert Mathews, 1 ; William Stevenson, 2 ; Robert Mathews, 3. Filly, foaled since July 1st, 1882 : A Perry, 1, 2, and 3.
Brood mare, with two of her progeny : Robert Mathews, 1 ; A Perry, 2.
Other Horses. — Thoroughbred Stallion : O Mathews (Betrayer), 1 ; R, H. Pearpoint (Jangler), 2 ; R H Pearpoint (Daniel O'Rourke), 3.
Hackney or coaching stallion : Charles Nicholson (Vingt-et-une), 1 ; G H Thompson (Cotherstone), 2; James. Hollan (Discretion), 3.
Roadster or hack of any age, up to 14st weight, to be shown in saddle and ridden : George Butters (Jack, by Westover), 1.

Dairy Produce.
3lbs fresh butter : Mrs Dalton, 1 ; Mrs James Young, 2 ; Mrs R Dawe, 3.
31bs powdered butter : Mrs Dalton, 1 ; Mrs S Mathews, 2 ; Mrs R Dawe, 3.
Jar of potted butter, 14lbs : Mrs Dalton, 1 ; Mrs M Stack, 2 ; Mrs W Stevenson. 3,
Display of fancy butter, not less than 21bs : Mrs D Heffernan, 1 ; Mrs Wm Balfour, 2 and 3.

Agricultural Produce
Four bushels of wheat (short-berry) : Norman Lane, 1 ; George Lawrie, 2.
Four bushels of wheat (long-berry) : Norman Lane, 1 ; E Kelland, 2; George Lawrie, 3.

A black ewe.

Otago Witness, 31 October 1885, Page 13
Timaru, October 28. The 20th annual show of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held today on the grounds, Wai-iti road. The weather was splendid. The attendance was about 4200, including many visitors from a distance. Though not so large in number this year, the exhibits compare very favourably with those of last year. In merino sheep the principal prize-takers, were Messrs Henry Hoare (Elworthy), R. H. Rhodes (W. Lyttelton), the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, A. Grant, and C. G. Tripp ; in English Leicesters the New Zealand and Australian Land Company and C. Threlkeld; in Border Leicesters the New Zealand and Australian Land Company and J. B. Reid ; in Lincolns the New Zealand and Australian Land Company; in Romney Marsh, the company and ; Reid (close competition) ; in Hampshire Downs Mr W. Moody had it all his own way, as also did A. Grant in Shropshire Downs, and G. G. Russell in Southdowns. There was very little show in .the other sheep classes.  In cattle here were only 33 entries, the marked feature being the polled Angus. R. Matthews and, R. Davie took the majority of prizes in draught horses, which were of a splendid stamp, and one gradually growing scarce in this district owing to recent exportations to New South Wales and different parts of New Zealand. Cassivelaunus pulled off first prize in thoroughbreds. The implement, dairy produce, and agricultural produce classes also showed up well.

Timaru Herald, 5 October 1888, Page 3
HORSE PARADE.
The following are the entries for the horse parade on Saturday received by the secretary to the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Possibly one or two more may be received: —
DRAUGHTS. Messrs McGovern and Hardy's Senfleld
Mr A. Copland's Otaio Jock
Mr R. S. Hay's Gipsy King
Mr E. T. Rhodes' Bonnie Breast Knot
N.Z. and A.L. Land Co.'s (Levels) King of Salisbury
Mr W. Moore'a Early Morning
Mr R. Davie's Marquis of Salisbury
Mr A. Balfour's Lord Haddo
Mr B. Edgeworth's Nobleman
Mr F. M. Rickman's Superior
Mr W. Sibbald's Young Castlereagh
Messrs Finlayson's Time o' Day
Mr G. G. Russell's Robbie Burns
Mr T. Nicholls' Tommy Knockdown
Mr R. Hunt's Prince Victor
THOROUHBREDS.
Messrs Anderson and Murdoch's Marmion
Mr T. Elliott's Hotspur
Mr James King's Quamby
Mr James Gibson's Hollyrood
Messrs Hobbs' Guy Faux
Mr J. S. Rutherford's Ravenscraig
Mr R. Hunt's Jangler.
COACHING.
Mr J. Murphy's Young Perkin Warbeck
Mr James Benbow's Waitohi
Mr G. H. Rhodes' Berlin.

Evening Post, 31 October 1889, Page 2
Timaru, 30th October. The Timaru Agricultural Show was hold to-day. The weather was fine and the attendance large. The sheep classes were the most important, the show being a grand one. Mr. A. B. Smith took chief and champion prizes in merino, fine, and combing, and Mr. M'Maater in strong combing. Messrs. A. M. Clark and Donald Grant divided honours in English Leicester, and Little Bros, in Border Leicester ; Messrs. Bruce and M'Laren in Lincoln. The cattle were few in number. In draughts Ben Lomond was the first in the aged entire class, and won the champion prize, and Quamby again carried off first prize in thoroughbreds.

Pet lambs.

North Otago Times, 27 October 1892, Page 3
The twenty-seventh annual show in connection with the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association opened in splendid weather on Tuesday.
The draught stock were an improvement upon former years, and this was the only point in the show tint indicated improvement. The special prize of L5 5s for the best entire with three of his progeny — the award to be given on the quality of the progeny only — was, after much deliberation, assigned to the stock of Mr James Austin's Craigievar (unp), by Old Tunes. The judges could not overlook the claims of Mr John H. Mitchells Hard Times to be the best entire in the show yard, and he carried off the red ticket against six others — a fine field in which Mr James Austin's Cragievar was second, Mr E T. Rhodes' Bonny Breast Knot coming third, beating Mr Small's Vanquisher, Mr John Dores Glenmore (by Young Banker), Mr Twomey's Banker, and Mr G. Stumble's Champion. Hard Times was also champion horse. There were four entries for the best entire horse foaled since 1st July, 1889. Mr James Austin's Temuka horse Topmast (imported) beat Mr James R. Mitchells Reginald very narrowly, the Hon. Matthew Holmes taking third place with Waverley. Thus the Timaru judges — Messrs Thomas Stevenson (Maheno) and Mr R. Smillie (North Taieri) — reversed the decision of the judges at Oamaru last year, when Waverley beat Reginald. In the two-year-old class Mr Wm Jamiesons horse Bloomfield secured a first, and the Hon. M. Holmes a second, with Prince Regent by Crown Prince, dam Miss Donaldson, in a class of four, beating a Craigievar colt, the property of Mr Michael Maze (Temuka). The best yearling was by Craigievar, and the property of Mr Alexander M'Kenzie. Among the mares Mr James Austin's Princess Royal, by Prince Royal, was a splendidly-built animal, and was awarded the premier place, but so near was the Awamoa mare to her that another set of judges might have reversed the positions. Flora M 'Donald, a dry mare, by Lord Salisbury, was the best in a class of four, Mr Austin taking second and third prizes.
Extra Exhibits: Mr W. Waddells specials for best potatoes and mangolds go to Mr Wm, Greenaway, Orari, and Messrs Stack and John Campbell (Pareora). There were 26 jumpers in three classes, and the total prizes amounted to L11 5s. The heavy weight went to Mr J, S. Rutherford's Mount Cook, and the light weight and best jumping prize went to Mr J. S. Rutherford's Lewis.

North Otago Times, 25 October 1893, Page 3
TIMARU SHOW. Timaru, October 24.
The twenty-eighth annual show of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association commenced to-day with the judging of sheep. The merino classes were very poorly filled with only 36 entries. F. H. Smith, of Albury, took most of the prizes. Mr G. Rutherford (10 entries) takes a fist and third for ewes, and a second for a young ram. There was a good show of English Leicesters by seven owners. Mr James Little was most successful where he competed, taking five firsts, three seconds, and one third R. Kelland, E. Kelland and W. Hay took the other prizes. Four specimens imported by R. Kelland were on exhibit, and received great attention. Little Brothers got honors for the best pen in Border Leicesters against the Company's Pareora Estate and F Douglas, who divided the other honors. The Pareora Estate, Douglas, Bruce Bros., and C. Withall (Selwyn) took prize in Lincolns. The Levels Estate were the only exhibitors of romney's. Downs were poorly represented. There was a good deal of interest in inbred halfbreds. The competition in 13 pens lay between the Levels Estate, James Little, W. Lyttelton, and R. Brookland. Little's three pens took 1st, and the Levels were the next best. These two strains were established 13 to 14 years, and are considered to have developed a good stamp of wool producing freezers. The other two are from 3 to 4 years old. The Levels and J. Hedly took the prizes for fat and freezers. There was a good show of implements. For the trial of seed and manure drills there were eight entries for the L60 prize, and it resulted in P. and D. Duncan's B drill taking first and Reid and Gray second.

The Erewhon station's team of eight Clydesdales perform during the 149th Show grand parade, Nov. 2011. CHCH Show.  60,000 attended on the last day.  "But we could have done with some better weather. This wind has been cold and awful. But, Oh well, it's still been a very successful three days.", despite cold and strong winds.  The Amazing Quake Race was a crowd favourite. Four teams of four were tasked with building a port-a-loo enclosure complete with fencing and plants. Civil Defence came last. The Young Farmers claimed the top spot, winning $2000 for their associated charity -St. John.

Otago Witness, 1 November 1894, Page 19
Timaru, October 30.
The twenty-ninth show of the Timaru A. and P. Association was held here to-day. The weather was showery and the attendance small. The entries showed a slight falling off. Only sheep were judged to-day. In merinos Messrs F. Smith and W. Lyttelton divided honours, Mr F. C. Murray was chief prizetaker in English Leicesters, Messrs R. Kelland, A. Grant, and D. Grant being the other first prizetakers. For Border Leicesters the Pareora estate scoured first place with 25 points, Messrs Douglas and D. Grant being equal for second. In Lincolns Messrs Brace Bros, swept the board, as also did the Levels estate in Romney Marsh. Messrs Rupert Perry and W. Grant had honours easy in Shropshires. Mr Stringfellow won the inbred halfbred class, while the Levels estate took the big prize for freezers. The horses, &c. are to be judged to-morrow.

Otago Witness, 4 November 1897, Page 7
October 26. The South Canterbury show was opened in fine weather. The entries are very much better than in the previous year. The show was the first on the association's new ground. Sheep only were judged to-day. The principal prize-takers were : Merinos, F. H, Smith ; English Leicesters, D. Grant ; Border Leicesters, J. F. Douglas and A. Murdoch ; Lincoln, O. Withell ; Shropshire Downs, R Perry. Leicesters were the strongest, and there was, a falling off in fat sheep.
    October 21. The thirty-second show of the Timaru A. and P. Association to-day was held on the grounds beside the railway, and the change unanimously, approved. There was an excellent show of sheep, horses, implements, and dairy produce, while cattle and farm produce were very poor sections. The attendance was larger than at any previous show, and the traffic by rail from Timaru to the ground (about two miles) took the department by surprise and it ran out of tickets. The weather was very suitable, and the holiday passed off without accident.

North Otago Times, 26 October 1899, Page 3
Timaru, October 25. The annual agricultural and pastoral show yesterday and to-day was about on a par, as regards number of exhibits, with recants show. The attendance today is believe be a record, but large numbers left early owing to the threatening rain, which, however, kept off till 7pm. There was a good show of long wools, which were the chief feature of the show. Mr D. Grant was the chief prize taker. Cattle ware not very numerous, but more so than usual, and an excellent lot. There was an excellent show of horses, draughts being particularly good, Messrs Small and J. Taylor, of Ashburton, were the chief prize winners. In these, In light horses the prizes were well distributed among local owners. The jumping contests were very good. There was a large collection of Implements, but only a few special commendation tickets were awarded. Dairy produce was an average, and collections of farm produce were neglected.

The Erewhon Clydesdales.

Otago Witness, 20 November 1901, Page 3
Timaru.  November 14. The attendance at the A. and P. show was reduced by a cold gale all day; nevertheless a record number was railed to the ground — nearly 4000. In horses there was an excellent show, Mr J. Small being the most successful in the draught classes. Mr L. Thyne's Experience got first for carriage horses. Mr J. W. Freeman's Conqueror was awarded first and champion in thoroughbreds. Cattle and pigs were poor in numbers. Berkshires of high quality were shown by Mr Silcock, of Ashburton. Mr F. R. Flatman, M.H.R. took first prize for fat bullock. As usual, there was good competition for farmers' butter and in bacon and hams. Grain and roots were, as usual, almost a one-man show.

Otago Witness, 20 November 1901, Page 3 Timaru. November 13.
The thirty-sixth annual show of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association opened this morning. The weather was fine, with a cold breeze blowing most of the day. The show promises to be a very successful one in every way, and entries exceed those of last year by 60. To-day was devoted to the judging of sheep. The competition was all local, and there were but few competitors in each class, but sheep of very good quality were exhibited, many of them prizetakers at Christchurch. In merinos, the chief prize taker was Mr F. H. Smith in fine, and the executors of the late Mr C. G. Tripp in strong combing; in English Leicesters, E Kelland, with D. Grant second; Borders, N. M. Orbell and Co. were first; in Lincolns, Mr Elworthy was the only exhibitor; in Romneys, Mr W. Grant and the Levels estate took the prizes; in Shropshires Mr R. Parry was easily first. There was a good show of inbred and halfbreds, J. Stringfellow beating the Levels estate. The Levels estate won one special prize for freezers, and Mr Elworthy and Mr J. Hedley those for the best fat lambs. There was a fair show of implements on the ground for to-morrow.

A Colonial single furrow plough. Local engineering firms began to improve on the imported ploughs which were not robust enough for local conditions. Anderson’s foundry made successful colonial ploughs, as did P. & D. Duncan in Christchurch, and Reid & Gray in Dunedin, who both made double-furrow ploughs that became widely used for breaking up tussock grasslands. "A crooked furrow will grow straight wheat" but here in Canterbury you can find the best in ploughing NZ.

Otago Witness, 21 May 1902, Page 7
A meeting of the committee of the Timaru A. and P. Association took place on the 10th inst., Mr J. Mundell (president) in the chair. Messrs Hay and McLaren were appointed the association's delegates to attend the Agricultural Conference to be held in Dunedin next month

Otago Witness, 5 November 1902, Page 19
Thirty-seventh annual exhibition of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association took place on Wednesday and Thursday on the association's fine grounds at Smithfield.. Though the weather conditions were not all that could have been desired, the show was, nevertheless, a success from every point of view, except in number of exhibits.
SHEEP. Merinos - Mr F. H. Smith was there with two battalions of fine and strong combing, brought out in splendid condition, bearing evidence of careful selection and feeding; and with his17 entries, which included four imported sheep, he gained all the champions, 13 first, and four second-prizes. The other exhibitors were Mr C G Tripp and Mr John Withell. Coming to the special favourite of many farmers —English Leicesters —in this district, they have come to stay, and are yearly increasing in numbers and popularity. Mr Donald Grant, Mr E. Kelland, and Mr R. Kelland divided honours between them, and they showed exceptionally good sheep. Mr R. Kelland took the red ticket with a ram over 30 months old, a typical sheep; while Mr E. Kelland gained the coveted ticket in the class for ram over 18 months, and the same exhibitor secured a place with a ram which last year took first place both at Timaru and Christchurch.
    Border Leicesters were an exceedingly good lot, the beet that has been seen here for many years. Taking them all through they were typical specimens of the breed, and some of the exhibits were exceptionally good notably the pair of hoggets shown by Mr M'Laren and the single hogget exhibited by Mr N. M. Orbell, who gained the two champion prizes for this breed, the other prizetakers being Mr Donald Grant, Mr R. Kelland, Mr E. Kelland, Mr Wm. Grant, and Mr D. M'Lean.
    The Lincolns are losing ground in this district, Mr G. H. Rhodes being the only exhibitor, with nine entries. When competition is so low, interest is not maintained in the exhibits.
    Romneys were not present in great numbers either, but some very fine specimens were shown by the New Zealand and Australian Company's Levels estate, and a few by Mr W. Grant. -
    Shropshires.—Mr R. Parry, of Kingsdown, easily maintained the reputation of  his stud farm, where he has bred so many fine Shropshire sheep, and his exhibits this year do him every credit, and they give ample proof that he has now got about the best strain of Shropshire that there is in New Zealand. In the best of condition, and clothed to the eyes with a thick mat of good, quality wool, Mr Parry was quite prepared to meet, the eye of the most critical observer. He gained the two champions, nine first, and four second prizes. The other prize takers were Messrs W. Grant and Stringfellow.
    Halfbreds. — The exhibitors were the New Zealand and Australian and Company and Mr Stringfellow and Mr John Withell. All the sheep showed a marked improvement on last years lot.
    Fat Lambs. — The chief feature of sheepfarming in this district was represented by two pens, which call for no remarks.
    HORSES. The feature of the show on the second day — the people's day — has for many years been the horse, and yesterday it was more pronounced than usual. The entries were numerous, and almost in every class distinctly good. The weakest point was in the thoroughbred mares, but otherwise the display of horseflesh was the best seen at a Timaru show for some years, and come authorities said it was the best ever seen here. The draughts are a class that is of the greatest importance to any district. In the stallions seven horses were led into the ring, the majority being not more than six year old. The judge took his time, and made a thorough examination, his choice finally falling on the imported horse Dalmuir Prince, six years, by King Khoma. Dalmuir was some weeks ago shown, at the horse parade at Dunedin, and attracted a lot of very close attention. He is under lease, I understand, to the Waimate district, and owners are fortunate in being able to command the service of such new blood. The second prizetaker hails from Ashburton, Mr John Small's Captain Russell, another six-year-old, and another very good  quality horse. The three-year-olds were an even lot, but the two year were not all  seen at their best. Mr Small carried off chief honours, with sons of Captain Russell. The yearlings were very good. In this class Mr Edward Evans had a well-deserved win. Waimate and Ashburton were placed in that order. Some disappointment was felt that so many of the chief awards had gene outside the district, but, still, it was shown that there are some good horses in South Canterbury.
    The geldings were next paraded, and with one exception Mr Small took all the first prizes, the exception being Mr Rees Thomas's gelding in the three-year-old class.
    The Association's Guineas, for the best entire with three of his progeny, wept also to Mr Small, the young stock being by Captain Russell. The mares in foal were a very fine trio, Mr Small's favourite adding another big bracket to his list. Mr Barclay took the other prizes with excellent matrons. In mares and fillies Mr Small carried off four firsts and two second prizes.
    The spring-dray horses came next, the entries being from millers, coal merchants, and others, the awards for heavy weights falling to Evans and Co., and for light weights to Mr J. Murdoch.
    Thoroughbreds were few — a couple only ; and the first and champion went to Mr S. B. Wightman's Fulmen, by Castor, and the second to Waterloo. The winner is a  stylish horse, showing a great amount of quality, and Temuka breeders are lucky in petting such a horse for their district.            
    Hackneys. — The championship fell to Mr F. O. Mathews, with Lord Kitchener; Dugald, the famous hunter, being second. Among the colts visitors saw the first got by the imported horse Melitoes. They showed good quality, Mr M'Auliffe's three year-old being a particularly good one. The other colt, belonging to Mr Hoskins, is also a very good one.
    The ponies were a lively lot. Tom King won the first prize in the stud class, and first-prize takers in the other single classes were Mr H. A. LeCren and Mr A. G. McDonald. Miss Button was at the top with her pair of ponies, and Mr A. G. M'donald the single harness.
    CATTLE. The cattle section falls off year by year, and this year was quite dismal thing. Possibly when butter-making has become one of the staple industries of the district the cattle pen will share in the popularity now accorded so largely to the jumping horses.

Prize winning ribbons for Fairview Holstein Farms, near Timaru.

Taranaki Herald, 31 October 1907, Page 5
Timaru, October 30. The forty-second show of the Timaru A. and P. Association opened to-day. English and Border Leicesters were the principal sheep sections. The exhibits were declared to be as fine a lot as had ever been got together in New Zealand. All belonged to South Canterbury men. E. Kelland won both ram and ewe championships in English, W. Grant the ram championship and G. Douthwaite the ewe championship in Borders, both with imported sheep. In inbred half-breds, J. Stringfellbw's nineteen-year flock beat C. H. Orbell's, thirty-years in all classes. In horses the judging was confined to harness classes. The prize takers were all local men. W. F. Hamilton, of Ashwick Station, was the largest prize-taker.

Otago Witness, 3 November 1909, Page 21 Timaru A. and P. Association's Show
The forty-fourth annual show of the Timaru A. and P. Association was held on Thursday and Friday under favourable weather conditions, and was generally a success. Considerable improvements have been made in the show ground and the accommodation for the public. The entries showed an increase in all departments except horses, and it was agreed on all hands that the quality of the stock also showed an improvement on previous years. The public attended in large numbers, especially on the people's day, and the gate receipts totalled £396 13s 6d, an increase of £32 over the preceeding year Mr R. L. Orbell, the secretary, and an energetic committee, Headed by Mr R. H. Rhodes, as, president, carried out their many onerous duties in a satisfactory manner.
    In the sheep classes English end Border Leicesters were quite the feature. In English Leicesters Mr H. Tarbottom's ram secured the championship, with Mr E. Kelland's as reserve. Mr C. Kelland won the championship and reserve championship for ewes. Other prize-takers included Messrs D. Grant (Winchester) and W Grant (Timaru) in Border Leicesters the championship for rams was secured by Mr W. Grant, with a heavily-woolled animal while a ewe hogget belonging to Mr J. Dowthwaite (Waimate) took the ewe championship. Lincolns were a good class. The championships were secured by Messrs T. R. Brookland and Son for ram and Mr T. C. Withell for ewe. Merinos, though not numerous, showed an improvement in quality, Mr P. W. Smith secured both championships. In Southdowns Mr A. H. Besley showed some fine animals, and the same may be said of Mr J. Withell's Oxford Downs and Ryelands. In the inbred halfbred class Mr J. Stringrfellow was most successful. Messrs D. Macfarlane, W. Grant and C H. Ensor sharing second prizes. In crossbreds Messrs J. Withell N. Francis, J. Brosnahan, and R. Brooklands and Son divided the prizes. In Romney Marsh, Mr W. Grant swept the board. The fat sheep classes were all good.
    Judging the draught horse classes proved no light task. The principal prizes went to animals from Oamaru, Ashburton and Christchurch. Owing to a slight accident Mr Gardiner's Baron Fyne was not, able to enter the ring for the special prize for entire with three of his progeny, which was awarded to Mr J. Shearer's Premier Pride. In the entire class the first prize and championship went to Mr J. Weir's of North Otago horse Balgowrie, with Mr J. Shearer's Premier Pride second, and Mr J. Small's Baron Carlton third. For three year-old entries, Mr J Weir scored with Premier Balgowrie, the progeny of Premier Pride, who secured first place and the reserve championship. In the two year-old class Mr T. Taylor's Pride beat Mr A. Douglas's Evelyn Lad and four others. In the yearling class of 14 Messrs J. Shearer and T. Taylor secured first and second. Two geldings shown by Mr A. C. Kee took premier honors. The competitors in the section for mares were generally of better quality and sounder constitution than the entries, the majority of which showed signs of hard work and heavy travelling. The champion mare proved to be Mr T. Taylor's Jean Armour, a three year-old filly, and the reserve championship went to Mr J. Small's Nancy Lee, the winner of the class for mare in foal or with foal at foot. In the latter class Mr T. Taylor's May Queen took second prize, and the same owner was successful with Melrose Princess, a full sister to May Queen in the. class for dry mare. The fillies were a particularly handsome. The several classes were all well filled.
    In thoroughbred horses Messrs Elworthy's Finland was champion. Hackneys were a good class, the championship going to Mr Withell's Defender 11., while Mr J. William's Father O'Flynn gained similar honour in the carriage horses, though beaten in the stallion driven in harness class by Broadleaf. Cabs and ponies were probably the finest lot ever shown at Timaru. The competitions in the pony section proved very interesting. There was fair competition in the troop-horse section, and the jumping section proved interesting.
    The cattle section was not so well patronised as might have been expected, Shorthorns were the strongest class, Mr J. W. Chamberlain's Duke of Albany gaining the championship. Mr W. Grant gained the championship in Herefords, and Mr R. Brown in Ayrshires, with a yearling bull. Alderneys and Holsteins were represented. In fat cattle Mr A. J. Keith, of Oamaru, secured, first honours in all but one class. In pigs the principal prizes went to Mr C. Brice. There was good competition in the classes, for dogs, farm produce, cookery, cured and preserved meats, and agricultural produce.

Evening Post, 30 October 1913, Page 10
Timaru, 29th October. The Timaru A. and P. Show opened to-day in wet weather with the judging of sheep and light horses, preliminary jumping, and produce. There is an excellent lot of sheep on the ground and good entry, chiefly of Border Leicesters, in which D. M. Sutherland, Waimate, was the chief prize taker. A sheep breeder who recently visited the Old Country said he had not seen better sheep there. E. Kelland led in the English Leicester class; D. and M. Grant were well up in both Border and English, and D. Grant, Timaru, led in Romneys. There were very few Down sheep shown, but a very fine lot of fat lambs, a few up to or over fifty pounds. The rain will be very welcome in the country.

31st. Oct. 1913 Timaru Herald
And yet South Canterbury itself does not figure largely in the catalogue and on the prize-list in regard to the heavy horses. If it were not for the fact that both from North and South the draughts at Timaru to fight their battles, the draught ring would probably be almost deserted, at any race as far as first class animals are concerned. It may be that if outside competition were not so keen and so excellent the local men would show more freely than they do, but then the quality probably would not' be present. It is about time that South Canterbury made a move in this matter. If anything in the direction indicated is done a start must be made by procuring mares of the first water. These we do not seem to possess many great numbers, at the present time. It must not be understood, however, that we have absolutely no first class stuff in the district, but a visitor at the Show yesterday would conclude from the catalogue and the prize board that it is not very numerous. Let us hope for better things in the future. What we want in the draught horse section is for some one to do for the heavy horse section what such men as the Kellands, Grants and others have done, and are doing, for sheep. It is noteworthy that Mr A. G. Hart, of Rosewill, Levels, was the only local first prize winner, he winning on the yearling filly class with a smart yearling by by Commander,

Grey River Argus 1 November 1913, Page 2
Timaru, Oct. 30. The Timaru Show on People's Day is a popular rural holiday, whole families coming in together. A wet morning today spoiled the show in this respect. The attendance was much reduced, and only a small proportion of the fair sex were present. The weather improved before noon, and the rest of the day was merely dull. The gate receipts were about less than last year. The prize for the champion draught stallion was awarded to J. Bray's imported, Black Douglas, and the prize for the champion mare was awarded to J. McCauley's Premier Princess. The show passed off well except for the weather.

Evening Post, 29 October 1914, Page 4
Timaru, 28th October. The A. and P. show was opened today in chilly and windy weather. The entries in sheep totalled 317, or 54 less than last year; horses 413, or 32 fewer. There were very few dogs, as the Kennel Club have a show in town. Other classes show improvements. In sheep the fat section particularly was good, including fine lambs. Mr F. H. Smith, M.P., was the only exhibitor of merinos. Mr. E. Kelland scooped the pool in English Leicesters, and Mr. D. Grant, of Timaru, in Border Leicesters. The latter divided with Mr, D. G. Wright in Romneys. Mr. E. Parry was first in Shropshires, Mr. T. Dowling in South downs, Mr. J. Stringfellow and Mr. D. Grant in Corriedales. Smithfield showgrounds 

TIMARU SHOW AGAIN OFFERS FREE ADMISSION
7 October 1998 Free admission for the second year in a row is being offered in a bid to draw the crowds to the weekend's Timaru A&P Show. A giant horse, a tiny horse, and show jumping events, along with food, entertainment, displays and a swap-meet should all combine for a good family day out. Show president Gary Sellars said entries for the show were slightly down on last year, but 1997 was an exceptionally good show. Compared with other years, 1998's show was shaping up to be a good one. The idea of not charging admission began last year and the committee decided to keep the show free again this year. He said the show had not been too badly affected by the rural economic downturn. It had simply shifted emphasis. "There used to be a lot of big trade exhibitors displaying such as tractors and farm implements. Now it's more craft type of things," he said. The equestrian events would continue to be a strong part of the show, and this year would again feature a show jumping derby. The equine contribution would be significant in other ways, too. There would be a shire stallion on show for what Mr Sellars believed the first time in the South Island. "It's the largest breed of draft horse there is. So he should be quite a feature." A very small horse would also be on show.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
6 October 2000 Timaru Herald
I am very proud of the effort our committee has made to make the 135th annual Agricultural and Pastoral Show a success. There's been a lot of hard work organising the facilities and compiling the schedule and catalogue of exhibitors, and I'm sure this will be clearly evident on October 7 and 8. I'm particularly proud of the way local business houses and sponsors have supported us. There has been a significant increase in sponsorship this year, and the committee thank you for that support. I welcome visitors to the show, particularly on Sunday, which is traditionally known as `people's day'. But I would point out that the excellent entries on Saturday will be well worth seeing. You'll see them at the parade on Sunday but to see their equestrian skills to best effect, be there on Saturday. The Timaru A & P Show is known for its 8family atmosphere. We estimate between 2000 and 3000 people attended last year during inclement weather. This year it could well be more if visitors to the region for the Masters Games decide to see rural South Canterbury at its best. It's your show. It's your town. Be part of a great public event. - Jeff Hewson.  

FRESH TIMARU A&P SHOWGROUNDS' VOTE
3 July 2003 Timaru Herald
Timaru's Agriculture and Pastoral Society members will vote again on Monday whether to sell its 12.2ha showgrounds. At a small meeting in December, members opposed the sale. On Tuesday, society president Lindsay Trounce said the issue had come up again for a decision by members. Details of any possible sale would be revealed at the meeting, he said. It would be open to all financial members and he hoped for a good attendance. "If we get a good response we know there are still people out there interested in the organisation," he said. The December meeting - where only eight people voted - rejected an offer by Christchurch construction company Calder Stewart Industries. The committee's discussions about the sale of the property at its annual meeting in May were closed to the public. The 138-year-old society first considered selling the land after declining support from the public and competitors alike generally saw it become largely a horse jumping and show event. However, its balance sheet for last year showed that, despite then-president Angus Woodhead referring to last year's show as "very good", it had lost nearly $1600. He also expressed concern about the condition of a number of buildings at the showgrounds. The local society comes under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, 1908, and so if there was a decision to wind it up, any surplus funds would be returned to the Crown. By Lindsay Mutch, Rural Reporter.

8 October 2004
Timaru Herald
Come one, come all to the 138th Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Show this weekend. The two-day show runs on tomorrow and Sunday and features a great range of attractions including horses, shetland and miniature ponies, cattle, dog trials, donkeys, and a range of trade stalls and food. Competitors will start at 8.30am both days and admission is free for everyone. Indeed, the Timaru A&P Show is a great day out for the whole family. There is a nice grassy bank to sit on and enjoy a picnic while thriving in the show's festive atmosphere. There is also plenty of parking, and lots of hot and cold food and drink available on site, however there will be no licensed booth this year. Despite the organising committee being plagued with flu in recent weeks, the show must go on . . . and on it will. This year's show has attracted a lot of new exhibitors coming from as far afield as Arrowtown and Wanaka, Balclutha and Invercargill. The grand parade, led by the Pipe Band, will be held on Sunday at about 2.30pm, followed by the official show opening. Following the grand parade there will be a sulky race. After the success of an impromptu sulky race at last year's show it has been requested that it be added to this year's show programme. A lolly scramble will also be held. Trade stalls include giftware, stone carvings, fossils, Rawleighs, gemstones, spinning, clothing, jewellery, and Krazy Quad motorbikes. The Order of St John will also be in attendance. The Timaru Equestrian Centre will again have a shop on the deck of Golf Addicts selling a wide range of equestrian-related products. Once again horse section entries are strong with 270 set to take the ring in the showjumping and showing events. Saturday is primarily a showjumping day, and Sunday is the day for horse showing events. The horse section includes miniature and shetland pony classes, standard bred classes, dry mare classes, led rein pony classes, and a pony club section. While cattle entries are similar to last year, donkey entries are down, but there is a strong contingent for the dog trialling, Janet says. This year's show will not have a goat section because after consultation with exhibitors it was decided it was not an ideal time of the year because the goats are kidding. Being the first show on the show season circuit, the Timaru A&P Show is sure to be an affordable family day out full of entertainment for all ages.

A & P PLOTS FUTURE AMID TENSE TIMES
Andrew Swallow -  Timaru Herald 6 April 2006
Million dollar figures, missing accounts, points of order and talk of hostile take-overs: Timaru A&P Association's annual meeting at Seadown Hall last night had them all. But despite what were some very tense proceedings at times the association has emerged with a newly- strengthened committee determined to find a positive future for the show. Newly-elected president Ian Gould said the options are to find a new site and continue running a Timaru show in its own right; to amalgamate with another association and run one show; or disband. Given the association has over $1 million in the bank following the sale of its Showgrounds Hill site last year, Mr Gould said the last option was unlikely and acknowledged that a request had been made to Temuka and Geraldine A&P Association for use of the Winchester showground on October 7, and possibly October 8 this year. However, he stressed that this did not indicate that Winchester will be the long- term home of Timaru A&P Show, or even that it will definitely be the venue this year. The liquidity of the association was revealed in a "balance sheet" at the meeting. However, several members complained at the lack of financial information available. "This is not a balance sheet -- all it is is a set of account totals," said one. "It is ridiculous that we are here without a set of accounts," said another. Secretary Janet Loach, who was later re-elected, defended the statement saying that it was all she had available. "It appears the association has had no treasurer for some time, and that there was no finance report presented at the 2005 meeting either. "All figures for that year and the current one are with the accountant, Richard White," said Mrs Loach. "We don't have audited accounts but we will have them to you very shortly. Anyone that requires them can put a tick by their name and I will post them," she promised. Mrs Loach was further upset by Mr Gould and David Hutton's nomination of 24 people for committee, omitting all bar a couple of the previous year's team. "It this was business this is what I would call a hostile take-over. They say that where there's a will, there's a relative, it is the same situation here."

Chopped!

FUTURE OF A&P SHOW IS STILL NOT DECIDED
4 December 2007 Timaru Herald
The future of the Timaru A&P show remains up in the air with the association tightlipped about future plans. Timaru Association president Ian Gould said the sale of the showgrounds meant that the association still had more than $1 million invested. He said the association was in negotiations with parties and these were at a delicate stage. Mr Gould was unable to say if an amalgamation with another A&P association or resurrecting a Timaru show were likely. If the association went into recess the money would return to the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand. For the last two years the Timaru association has held a horse-type show in Waimate. This means the association is still operating and can continue to hold the money. Mr Gould said an announcement about the association's intentions may be made early in the new year. Mr Lemon believed under the 1908 Agricultural and Pastoral Act the assets needed to be put towards the promotion of agricultural shows. The situation was a "wee bit open-ended" and holding horse events in Waimate for the past two years was an interim move. "Now they need to go out and do some community consultation, because members are part of the community." However, he believed a horse show was an agricultural event and some A&P shows had now evolved into largely horse shows.

The future

Timaru Herald 9 Nov. 2011
The newly established South Canterbury A&P Association will hold its first show in Waimate, with a new feature at this year's event. Alpacas will be on show for a series of competitions. The South Canterbury A&P Association was formed this year as a result of two A&P associations merging – the former Timaru and Waimate A&P associations. Timaru's A&P show has been held in Waimate for the past few years after the association sold its showgrounds. The South Canterbury A&P Show was held on Saturday, November 19.

Timaru Herald 26 Nov. 2012 The merged Show
Fine weather, a good crowd and an action-packed events programme made for another successful Southern Canterbury A&P show at the weekend. Show president Charles Ruddenklau said the fine weather on Saturday drew a reasonable crowd to the show to view the market stalls, livestock, entertainment and various events that occurred throughout the day. The show ran over the weekend at Kitchener Park, in Waimate. The main show day took place on Saturday while the equestrian events continued into Sunday. The event is in its second year since it was created following the amalgamation of the Waimate and Timaru A&P shows. The merger so far had proved to be a success. Livestock section entries were on a par while others were slightly up on last year. The school painting section was also well supported by entries. The home industries building was also officially re-named the Dempsey Pavilion in honour of the family's support of the show.  

Showing was an absolutely must.

There’s nothing like an A&P show to bring the two communities together - the townsfolk and the country folk.

Timaru Herald 8 Sept. 2009 Photos of Showgrounds

The Canterbury A&P Show

South Canterbury NZGenWeb Project