The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

WIRRAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. + The members of the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society are deserving of the sincerest sympathy. They promote what is admittedly one of the best shows in this district, and for a series of years they have been deprived of that measure of success which is unquestionably their due by unfavourable meteorological conditions. The fifty fifth annual exhibition, opened at Bidston, near Birkenhead, on Wednesday, was as unlucky in this respect as any of its predecessors. A threatening sky in the morning, was fol- lowed shortly after noon by a heavy downpour of rain, which continued with- out cessation the whole of the afternoon. Thanks to the excellent system of drainage carried out by the society, matters were not so bad underfoot as might have been expected, but the wretched weather made enjoyment impossible. It is satisfactory to learn, however, that the receipts were a slight improvement on those for the opening day last year, the takings at the gates and stands during the day being S337 2s. 3d., as against E316 19s. 8d. There was a slight falling off in the entries compared with last year, as will be seen from the following figures:— Machinery and implements, 79 this year, against 71 last year; pigs, 23, against 25; sheep, 45, against 51; cattle, 78, against 89; horse, 343, against 382; pigeons, 1,441; against 1,460; poultry, 887, against 970; dogs, 1,135, against 1,424; grain and roots, 86, against 59 cheese, 60, against 53; butter and eggs, 109, against 109; horticulture, 790, against 765; bees and honey, none, against 47; making a total of 5,076, against 5,505 in 1896. As at the Cheshire show, there was a fine display of horses. The society have done much within recent years to encourage the breeding of heavy horses, and it was gratifying to note the marked improvement in this department. An expert expressed the opinion that there had never been anything to equal the exhibi- tion of heavy horses at any previous show. The most successful competitor in this section was the society's vice-president (Mr. J. W. Kenworthy of Kelsall), who simply carried all before him. He captured no fewer than six firsts, five seconds, and two thirds, while in addition he won for the third time in succession the fifty guinea challenge cup for the best shire mare with foal at foot. The cup thus becomes his property, but Mr. Kenworthy has generously intimated that he will present the cup to the society, and that next year he will refrain from competing in the heavy-horse classes. Ercall Countess, with which Mr. Kenworthy won the cup, is a magni- ficently built bay mare. She has taken firsts all over the country, her career having been one of almost uninterrupted success. Mr. Kenworthy's closest competitor was Earl Egerton, of Tatton. In the open class for shire stallions foaled in 1895 or 1896, his lordship had matters his own way with Tatton Victor, a handsome bay; while in the open competition for mares foaled in 1893 or 1894, his lordship took premier honours with that noted prize-winner, Tatton Queen. Other successful heavy horse exhibitors included Messrs. J. Bentley, Stoke Farm, near Chester, and T. J. Dutton, Saltney. The light horses were well up to the average. In the hackney brood mare class Mr. Austin C. Carr, Broxton, distinguished himself. The chief trophies in this section fell to Mr. G. W. Ziegler, of Landican, who took the 100-guinea challenge bowl for hunter brood mares, and also the hackney challenge cup. In the hunter open competition, Mr. Ernest Brassey, of Stamford Bridge, took a first with a neat looking grey gelding. The jumping competition proved very interesting, and resulted in the first prize being taken by Mr. T. Roberts, Liverpool, with his bay mare, Diana; the second by Mr. J. J. Ward, Birkdale, Southport, and the third by Mr. H. Jagger, Wakefield. Animals of excellent quality were shewn in the open cattle classes, but it must be con- fessed that the local classes were disappoint- ing, and that they would suffer by comparison with the exhibits at the county show. The open class for shorthorns did not produce a large entry, but finer animals have seldom been seen in a ring. Particularly keen was the competition in the class for bulls calved in or before 1895. and the judges experienced con- siderable difficulty in deciding between Mr. Thomas Atkinson's, of Bury, Master Ailesbury, and Mr. William Heaton's, of Bolton, Moun- taineer. Master Ailesbury was first at the Royal Show, and though he seemed somewhat stale, the verdict was finally given in his favour. The district class for yearling bulls was a strong one in point of quality. Mr. Heaton was placed first and second with two animals which were greatly admired. The second prize winner, Lord High Chamberlain, should be heard of again. The district dairy cows did not call for particular mention, but the Channel Island cattle made an exceedingly good dis- play, a cow and heifer shewn by Miss Greenall, of Warrington, being greatly admired. There was a creditable display of that much- talked-about article-cheese. The recent hot weather has somewhat adversely affected the flavour of cheese, but taken as a whole the exhibits were of excellent quality. The class for the heavy cheeses attracted the large entry of 28, among the exhibitors being some of the best-known makers in the county. The judges, however, had little hesitation in awarding premier honours to Mr. Richard Dutton, of Old Marton Hall, Ellesmere, who secured the champion prize at Crewe on Saturday. His exhibit was of capital flavour, fine in texture, and it possessed good keeping qualities, so much so that Mr. Dutton was adjudged worthy of the Joseph Hoult' challenge bowl, value 25 guineas, for the best exhibit of long-keeping Cheshire cheese. Mr. Dutton also won a first in the class for smaller cheese, and the challenge cup for long-keeping cheese. The class for Lancashire cheese produced only six entries. Both the butter classes were well filled. The quality was good all round. In the class for the slightly salted article, Mrs. Jos. Stokes, of Tilstone Heath, near Tarporley, was placed first, and the same lady also won the gold medal, no mean achievement when one con- siders the formidable array of competitors she had to meet. In the free-from-salt class, the invincible Mrs. France, of Spurstow, was first. Pigs and sheep were well up to the average so far as quality was concerned, but the entries were limited in number. Sir Gilbert Greenall swept the boards with his pigs, while in the sheep section Mr. Cheers, of Barrow, was successful with his Leicesters, and Mr. J. W. Kenworthy with his Shropshires. One of the most interesting parts of the show to the general public was the dog tent. The quality was decidedly good throughout, some of the best known animals in the county being benched. Pigeons and poultry too made an excellent display, as also did the horticultural exhibits. With regard to the arrangements, they were perfect, and too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the executive and the efficient secretary, Mr. Arthur H. Edwardson. THE LUNCHEON. THE PRESIDENT'S ADVICE TO FARMERS The President (Mr. Joseph Hoult) occupied the chair at the annual luncheon. A large company included the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, Colonel Cotton-Jodrell, M.P., the Mayor and Mayoress of Birkenhead (Mr. and Mrs. John Pennock), Messrs. J. W. Kenworthy (vice-president of the society), William Laird, John Laird, G. H. Cox, Edward Evans, junr., J. J. Evans, E. H. Harrison, H. H. Nicholson, Thomas Johnson, T. Davies, John Davies (Mollington), T. J. Dutton, J. Beecroft, the secretary (Mr. Arthur H. Edwardson), &c. The PRESIDENT proposed the usual loyal toasts, and afterwards submitted the toast of The Bishop and the Clergy of all Denomina- tions.' The BISHOP of CHESTER, in responding, said that the clergy always took a great interest in agricultural matters, not only because they were obviously interested in agriculture them- selves, but they did it as men who were interested in the concerns and welfare of their parishioners, and what he said of clergymen was true also in regard to ministers of every other denomination. He noticed that Lord Londonderry seemed to think that the pros- pects of agriculture in this country were not so dark as some people believed, and he seriously hoped that his view of the matter was a sound one. He concluded by proposing the toast of The Local Members of Parliament.' Colonel COTTON-JODRELL, M.P., replied, and said that as the report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture was not published until just at the close of the session he had not had an opportunity of studying that voluminous docu- ment to the extent he wished to do, so that he was not prepared to say anything about the matter. The only question affecting agricul- turists which did come before the last session of Parliament was one which would be equally impossible for him to treat of upon that occasion. He referred to the proceedings in regard to the Agricultural Produce Marks Bill. He was afraid if he touched upon that measure he would be sowing the seeds of dissension between the Birkenhead supporters of that society and the Wirral supporters. He had been asked by letter that morning what the position of that Bill was at the present time, and his answer was that the Bill was dead, that the committee was now non-existent, and if the Bill should be re-introduced next session every- thing would have commenced de novo. He hoped that in each succeeding session of Parlia- ment something would be done to forward the science of agriculture in the country. science of agriculture in the country. The PRESIDENT, in proposing. The Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society,' said they were told that agriculture was still depressed, and there were unmistakable evidences in the country that that was so, because vast tracts of land in various parts were comparatively out of cultivation. But it seemed to him some- what paradoxical that, while on all sides they heard that the condition of the agricultural industry was very much depressed, at the same time they had it that at no time in the previous history of the country had the imports of agri- cultural produce been greater than they were at the present time. This shewed clearly that there was no lack of market, at any rate in this country, for agricultural produce. In this respect the agricultural industry was very different from most other industries, which became depressed for the want of a market. The English farmer had a market at home, his land would produce considerably more than the land of almost any ether foreign farmer with whom he was in competition, and he therefore ought to be able to hold his own. They were told that the Cheshire cheese industry was dying out. Why was that ? The importation of cheese was greater than it ever was before. It was given in evidence a short while ago, by a Mr. Hill, before the Committee of the House of Commons appointed to inquire into the mark- ing of foreign produce, that Cheddar cheese formed one quarter of the total consumption of the cheese in this country. When he was a boy Cheddar cheese was hardly heard of. Cheshire cheese was the cheese that everybody wanted. It was a very serious matter that Cheshire cheese should have got into bad repute, because the production of Cheshire cheese was some- thing like 20.000 tons per annum, which at 50s. per cwt. represented an income of something like one million pounds. Now what was the cause of Cheshire cheese losing the reputation it had ? There was very little doubt in his mind that the cause was to be found in the dairy; the same careful attention was not now given to the making and maturing of cheese that it was given to it 30 years ago-(hear, hear)—and he wished to ask the Cheshire farmer whether it would not be better for him to give more care and attention than he had been doing, in order to produce good cheese. (Applause.) They were living in what one might call an age of luxury, when people would pay an exorbitant price for a high-class article, but if the article was not high class it was simply merged with the foreign article and brought no better price. While he was inclined to think that perhaps rather more was being made of agricultural depression at the present moment than the circumstances warranted, still it was a question which demanded the attention of the people of this country, because it was of national interest that their agricul- ture should flourish. (Applause.) They must not forget that it was the first industry of the country, and he thought there should be some means devised by which the representatives of agriculture should be placed in a position. to compete with all the competition they were likely to meet with from foreign countries. It seemed to him that the remedy was to enlighten the farmers, so that they could make use of the very latest and very best means of carrying out their vocation. (Applause.) In his opinion the proper course to bring this about was by the county councils paying more attention than they had hitherto done in distributing know- ledge as to the means available. (Applause.) What had been done during the past twelve months bearing on agriculture ? They had had the report of the Royal Commission on Agri- culture, which was instituted in 1893 by Mr. Gladstone. He did not think, however, that there was anything in that report which was likely to benefit the farmer very much. (Hear, hear.) There were many suggestions, some of which might be good; but in this connection he wished to point out for the serious reflection of some people that, recently, while wheat had been advancing, silver had been falling, and now at the present moment they had wheat on a higher basis than it had been for years, and silver on a lower basis. Then they had had a committee of the House of Commons inquiring into the question of the marking of foreign produce. He was afraid he must say as regarded that also that very little good was likely to come from that inquiry; though, of course, this was only his own opinion. Then they had the visit of English dairymen to Holland, Denmark, and Sweden. He believed that some good would come of that. He believed that the representatives of English dairymen had seen something in those countries which would open their eyes, and if they came back here with a determination of making known what they had seen and profiting them- selves by it, then they would see a con- siderable improvement in the dairying of this country. (Applause.) This was the direction they should move in; send represen- tatives to the places where the competition came from, see how they did it, and profit by it if they could. (Applause.) He would conclude by giving it as his opinion, and he had that opinion very strongly, that the English farmer had to look, not to the Government, not to the recommendations of any Committee on Marking, or anything of that sort, but to his own individual exertions. (Applause.) He would give him ample protection for all the skill fad capital he brought into his business. (Applause.) That was only fair—(applause)— and he ought to have it at the earliest moment from the Government, and with this protection he should be able to face every competition he was likely to meet with, and as an Englishman he had not the remotest doubt he woultl do. (Applause.) He could say this much for his comfort, that during the eighties and early nineties there was a continuous combination of circumstances, all of which tended to reduce the price of agricultural produce from foreign countries, and the farmer had consequently to constantly face a reduced income. He be- lieved that period had passed; he believed they could not again see such a combination of adverse circumstances, and he had little doubt the agricultural interest was entering upon a period of comparative prosperity. He believed the time would come, and before long too, when it would be worth while cultivating all the land in this country. (Applause.) Mr. J. H. KENWORTHY submitted The Town and Trade of Birkenhead,' and said they had a good market for agricultural produce in Birken- head, and he hoped that a still closer connec- tion would spring up in the future between the trade of the town and the agriculture of the outlying districts. The MAYOR responded, and referred to the fact that the unfortunate weather which the society had experienced for a number of years had not damped the spirit and enthusiasm of the public men in the neighbourhood in regard to the society and the show. Mr. EDWARD EVANS, jun., proposed 'The Judges,' to which Sir RICHARD GREEN PRICE, Bart., Shrewsbury, responded; and Mr. LAIRD proposed The President.' THE PRIZE LIST. Appended is a list of the chief awards :— IMPLEMENTS, MACHINERY, &c. Gold medals J. A. Lawton and Co., Liverpool, collection of carriages Richard Hornsby and Sons, Limited, Grantham, oil engine Joseph Bramham, Liverpool, collection of wire work. Silver medals D. Emmerson, Oxton, wrought- iron gates G. Hickson, Grimsby, collection of feeding troughs the Cheshire Cycle Company, Limited, cycle accessories John Cooke and Sons, Lincoln, collection of ploughs Tuck and Co., Limited, Liverpool, Warry patent pneumatic tyre Sutcliffe and Co., Halifax, egg incubator Reuben Cluett, Tarporley, dairy appliances; Wm. Calway, Sharpness, poultry and kennel appliances Ransome and Marshall, Liverpool, syringes and pumps; Kelsey and Co., Sheffield, chaff-cutter; J. A. Lawton, Liverpool, brougham, and another for dogcart Pickering Bros., Liverpool, floats Peter Shone and Son, Liverpool, lorries and the Bristol Waggon and Carriage Company, Limited, collection of carriages. Bronze medal Lea, Steer and Co., Birkenhead, collection of carriages. PIGS (OPEN). Large white boar: 1, 2, and 3, Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Large white sow.- 1, 2, and 3, Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Middle or small white boar 1, 2, and 3, Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Middle or small white sow: 1, 2, and 3, Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Berkshire boar 1, 2, and 3, J. Jefferson, Peel Hall, Chester. Berkshire sow 1, 2, and 3, J. Jefferson. SHEEP. Shropshire or any other Downs.-Shearlinz ram (open): 1, A. Tanner, Shrawardine, Shrewsbury; 2, A. E. W. Darby, Little Ness, Shrewsbury: 3. T. Fenn, Downton, Ludlow. Pen of three shearling ewes (district): 1, J. W. Kenworthy, Castle Hill, Kelsall; 2 and 3, Capt. C. Rowley Conwy, Bodrhyddan, Rhuddlan.. Pen of three ewe lambs (district) 1 and 3, J. W. Kenworthy 2, Capt. C. Rowley. Ram lamb (open): 1 and 2, A. Tanner; 3, T. Fenn. Leicesters or any other Long-woolled— Shearling ram (district): 1 and 2, J. Cheers, The Hough, Barrow; 3, W. Parker, Groat Stanney Hall, Sutton. Pen of three ewes (district): 1 and 2, J. Cheers; 3, W. Parker. Pen of three ewe lambs: 1 and 2, J. Cheers; 3, W. Parker. Ram lamb (district): 1 and 2, J. Cheers 3, W. Parker. CHEESE AND BUTTER. Three cheese, other than Lancashire, each 501b. or over: 1, R. Dutton 2, Harry Denson 3, Jos. Nicholson; 4, John Hobson; v h c, John Lloyd, Richard Bourne, George Platt, and Evan Langley h c, Samuel Holland, Mrs. Mary Mullock, and H. S. Walley (2); c, Peter Dutton and W. Toft; r, Joseph Emberton. Over 201b. and under 501b 1, R. Dutton 2, George Platt; 3, William Smith; 4, Joseph Emberton v h c, Joseph Jones and Mrs. Mary Mullock h c, Joseph Nicholas, James Hobson, Wm. Evans, and H. S. Walley c, Thomas Greenway, H. J. Wilson, and Earl Rutter; r, Harry Denson. Three Lancashire cheese, any weight: 1. Robert Seed 2, J. Keyton; 3, J. Wilding 4, J. Cook. Butter (open): 1, Mrs. Joseph Stokes; 2, Miss Kate Clegg 3, Mrs. Thomas Jackson. Free from salt: 1, Mrs. France; 2, W. G. M. Townley; 3, Mrs. T. H. Miller; 4, Miss Frances Stokes. Eggs (open).—Hen eggs (white): 1 and 2, Thos. Welsby; 3. A. Love 4, Henry Johnson. Coloured: 1, Thomas Welsby; 2, Mrs. Thomas Jackson; 3, Mrs. E. Auston. CATTLE. Shorthorns (open).—Bull, calved in or before 1895: 1, T. Atkinson; 2, W. Heaton, Thorney- holme, Lostock, Bolton. District—Bull, calved in or before 1895: 1, W. Heaton; 2, Captain C. Rowley; 3, J. Russell, Brimstage Hall, Birken- head. Bull, calved in 1896: 1 and 2, W. Heaton 3, J. Harrison, Much Hoole, Preston. Bull, calved in 1897: 1, J. Christopherson, Hooton; 2, J. Russell; 3, W. Houghton, Home Farm, Oxton. Open—Cow, in milk or in calf, calved in or before 1894: 1 and 3, C. W. Brierley, Twyford, Brimfield R.S.O.; 2 and special, W. Heatou; special, G. 8 Brown, Bankfields Farm, Eastham. Heifer, calved in 1895 or 1896 1 and 3, W. Heaton 2, S. W. Gould, Foxley Hall, Lymm. District-Cow, in milk or in calf, calved in or before 1894: 1 and 3, W. Heaton 2, S. W. Gould. Heifer, in milk or in calf, calved in 1895: 1, S. W. Gould 2, Captain C. Rowley 3. J. Russell. Heifer, calved in 1896: 1, T. Hodge, Long Fold Farm, Bretherton, near Preston; 2 and 3, W. Heaton. Heifer, calved in 1897: 1, T. Hodge; 2 and 3, J. Christopherson. Dairy cows (district).—Dairy cow, in milk, any age, of any breed or cross breed 1, and special, U. Ingham, Bootle, near Liverpool; 2, S. W. Gould 3, Captain C. Rowley. Channel Islands, open.—Cow, in milk or in calf, calved in or before 1894: 1, Miss Greenall, Walton Hall, Warrington: 2, The Marquis of Anglesey, Llanfair, Anglesey. Heifer, calved in 1895 or 1896: 1, Miss Greenall; 2, The Marquis of Anglesey. Dexter Kerries, open.—Bull, calved in or since 1893; 1"E. S. Woodiwis, Upminster, Essex. Cow or heifer, in milk or in calf: 1, Countess de la Warr, Buckhurst, Sussex. HORSES. Shires, open.—Stallion, foaled in or before 1894 1, T. Charnock, Houghton Tower Farm, Hale; 2, R. Edwards, Pemsa Glyn, Chirk, Ruabon; 3, G. Osenton, Mariners, Westerham. Stallion, foaled in 1895 or 1896: 1, The Earl Egerton of Tatton, Tatton Hall, Knutsford; 2 and special, T. Charnock; 3, G. S. Brown, Bankfields -Farm, Eastham. District:—Stallion foaled in 1895: 1, J. Bentley, Stoke Farm, near Chester; 2, W. Lewis, Lower Mountain, Hope Station, near Mold. Stallion foaled in 1896: 1, T. Charnock; 2, G. S. Brown. Hunters, open.—Stallion (thorough-bred), suit- able for getting hunters, any age: 1 and 2, A. Haslewood, Buxton. District: Brood mare, with foal at foot: 1 and cup, G. W. Ziegler, Landican, Woodchurch, Birkenhead; 2, G. S. Brown; 3, J. C. Dale, Plymyard Tower, Bromborough. Foal, for hunting purposes: 1, J. C. Dale; 2, T. J. Flynn, Lunt House, fciefton; 3, G. W. Ziegler. Hackneys, District.—Brood mare, with foal at foot: 1, 2, and 3, A. C. Carr. Foal by registered sire 1 and 2, A. C. Carr 3, G. W. Ziegler. Heavy Horses, District.—Brood mare, with foal at foot, for draught or agricultural purposes: 1 and special, J. W. Kenworthy, Castle Hill, Kelsall, near Chester; 2, Executors of E. Charnock, Fazakerley, near Liverpool; 3, J. W. Kenworthy 4, J. Bentley, Sooke Farm, near Chester. Foals (by registered sire), for draught or agricultural purposes: 1, J. W. Kenworthy; 2, P. Allen, Willaston Hall, near Chester; 3, Exors. of E. Charnock. Mare or gelding, for draught or agri- cultural purposes, foaled in or before 1893 1 and 2, J. W. Kenworthy 3, T. J. Dutton, the Beeches, Saltney, Chester; special, W. Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton, Chester. Mare for draught or agricultural purposes, entered in or eligible for the Stud Book, foaled in or before 1894: 1 and 2, J. W. Kenworthy; 3, T. J. Dutton. Mare or gelding, for draught or agricultural purposes, foaled in 1894: 1, T. Charnock, Houghton Tower Farm, Hale, near Liverpool 2, T. J. Dutton; 3, J. W. Kenworthy. Mare or gelding, for draught or agricultural purposes, foaled in 1895:1, Exors. of E. Charnock; 2, J. W. Kenworthy 3, Mrs. H. Ledward, Hill Bark, Frankby. Filly or Gelding, E. Charnock; 2, J. W. Kenworthy 3, Mrs. H. Ledward, Hill Bark, Frankby. Filly or Gelding, for draught or agricultural purposes, foaled in 1896 :1, J. W. Kenworthy; 2, Exors. T. Charnock 3, T. Charnock. Pair of Draught Mares or Geld- ings, or one of each foaled in or before 1894 1, J. W. Kenworthy; 2, Exors. of E. Charnock; 3, P. Davies, Warburton, Warrington. Shires (Open).-Mare, foaled in 1893 or 1894: 1, Earl Egerton of Tatton Hall, Knutsford 2, J. W. Kenworthy 3, W. W. Bower, The Manor, Hawarden. Hunters (Open).—Mare or Gelding, qualified to carry 14st. and upwards, foaled in or before 1893: 1. T. F. Egerton, Tatton Dale, Knutsford; 2, Major C. E. W. Wood, Bishton Hall, Stafford 3, Mrs, Milton, Raby Hall Farm, Birkenhead. Mare or Gelding, qualified to carry 12st. up to 14st., foaled in or before 1893 1, E. Brassey, Stamford Bridge, Chester; 2, J. Makeagne, Corn Exchange, Manchester; 3, C. Kendall, Little Sutton, Chester. 'District-Mare or Gelding, suited for hunting purposes, foaled in 1893 or 1894: 1, J. C. Dale, Plymyard Tower, Bromborough 2, G. Piatt, Oak Tree Farm, Eaton, Tarporley; 3, C. Kendall. Filly or Gelding, suited for hunting purposes, foaled in 1895 or 1896: 1, J. C. Dale; 2, W. Horsfall, Brookfield, Chester; 3, G, S. Brown, Bankfields Farm, Eastham. Hackneys (Open).—Filly or gelding (by a regis- tered sire), foaled in 1895: 1, Cockayne Brothers, Hackney Stud Farm, Sheffield-lane Paddock, Sheffield; 2, L. Knowles, M.P., Westwood, Pendle- bury, near Manchester; 3, T. P. Mawdsley, Beechwood Lodge, Aigburth. Filly or gelding (bý a registered sire), foaled in 1896: 1, Cockayne Brothers; 2, A. C. Carr, Stud Farm, Broxton, Cheshire; 3, J. Makeague, Corn Exchange, Man- chester. Hacks, Cobs, and Ponies (Open).—Mare or gelding, 15 hands and upwards, to be exhibited in saddle 1, A. E. Evans, Bronwylfa, Wrexham 2 W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimbo-lane, Upholland 3, S. B. Carnley Norbury House Stud, Alford. Mare or gelding' 14 hands and under 15, to be exhibited in saddle 1, S. B. Carnley; 2, E. Thwaites, Churchtown Corn Mill, Southport; 3, W. Harris-Thompson. Harness Horses (Open).—Mare or Gelding, 15 hands or upwards to be exhibited and driven in harness on tbe ground in a two-wheeled carriage 1, A. E. Evans, Bronwylfa, Wrexham; 2, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House. Pimbo-lane, Upholland. Mare or Gelding, 14 hands and under 15; to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two-wheeled carriage • 1, S. B. Carnley, Norbury House Stud, Alford f 2, A. E. Evans 3, Hon. Mrs. Ward, Old Colwyn. Tradesmen's and Tenant Farmers' Classes (District).-Mare or Gelding, 14, hands and upwards; to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two-wheeled carriage: 1, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House. Pimbo-lane, Upholland 2, W. C. Boll, Bryilffynon, Rhuddlan; 3. W. Harris-Thompson. Mare or Gelding, under I4 hands; to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two-wheeled carriage: W Harris-Thompson 2, T. Roberts, 41, Kanelagh-street, Liverpool; 3, W Harris- Thompson. JUMPING AND TURNOUTS. Leapers (open competition).—Jumper over hurdles and water: 1, T. Roberts; 2, J. J. Ward; r, H. Jaggar. Hacks, cobs, and ponies (open competition).- Mare or gelding, 15 hands and upwards, exhibited in saddle: 1, Arthur E. Evans; 2, W. Harris- Thompson; 3, S. B. Carnley; r, the Hon. Mrs. Ward. Mare or gelding, 14 hands and under 15 exhibited in saddle 1, S. B. Carnley; 2, Edward Thwaites; 3, W. Harris Thompson; r, Lewis Claud Leadbetter. Turnouts (open competition).—Mare or gelding, 15 hands or upwards 1, Arthur E. Evans 2, w' Harris-Thompson 3, the Hon. Mrs. Ward! Mare or gelding, 14 hands and under 15: 1, S. B. Carnley 2, Arthur E. Evans 3, the Hon. Mrs. Ward r, W. Conwy Bell; h c, W. J. Milton. Tradesman's and Tenant Farmers' Classes- District Competition (horse dealers excluded) — Mare or gelding, 14 £ hands and upwards 1 and 3, W.Harris-Thompson; 2, W. Conwy Bell; r, G. Smith; h e Geo. W. Ziegler. Mare or Gelding. under 141 hands: 1 and 3, W. Harris-Thompson; 2, T. Roberts; r W.J.Milton; he, W. Conwy Bell; c, W. R. Salvidge. SECOND DAY. Thursday, the second day of the annual show of the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society, opened under most depressing con- ditions, rain descending steadily and heavily, and the sky, black with heavy clouds, affording little hope of improvement. It was, in fact, typical Birkenhead Show weather, and it was inevitable that it should have a serious effect upon the receipts. The takings at the gates amounted to only e239 13s., compared with X508 last year, a falling off of X300. The receipts for the two days were zC551, against X830 taken last year. The horse-leaping con- test produced a fine exhibition of horsemanship and jumping, and it was unfortunate that it was attended by a mishap. One of the hunters a powerful animal, whose spirits or temper seemed to be kept in subjection with difficulty, cleared the water jump in line style, and resist- ing the efforts of the rider to turn him or pull him up, rushed straight on and sprang over the barrier. The spectators did not seem to have contemplated such a feat, and did not mov& until.too late, the result being that a woman who was standing at the back of the line of people was struck on the head and stretched senseless. She was removed in the hand ambulance and recovered consciousness soon after, having sustained a slight concussion of the brain and a severe shaking. Another high- spirited animal also cleared the barrier after taking the water jump, but fortunately without any serious result. The first prize was won by a brown gelding, owned by Mr. H. Jaggar, Wakefield, which cleared the water jump magnificently with fully 5ft. to spare. Appended are some additional awards HORSES. Hackneys (open). Stallion, any age: 1, H. Whittick, the Newlands, Hull; 2, W. Mewburn. jun., Warford Hall, Alderley Edge; 3, Lees Knowles, M.P., Westwood, Pendlebury, sear Manchester. Hacks, Cobs, Ponies, &c. (open).—Mare or geld- ing, 12 hands and under 14, to be exhibited in the saddle: 1, T. Roberts, 41,Ranelagh-street, Liverpool; 2, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimbo-lane, Upholland; 3, W. Canwv-, liall, Brynffynon, Ehuddlan. Mare or gelding, under 12J hands, to be exhibited in the saddle 1 T. Roberts, Liverpool; 2, W. J. Milton, Chester- street, Birkenhead; 3, J. H. Boffey, 34, Cavendish- street, Birkenhead. Mare or gelding, 14 hands and upwards, to be exhibited in saddle: 1, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimbo-lane, Upbolland; 2, E. Thwaites, Church- town Corn Mills, Southport; 3, W. C. Bell Brynffynon, Rhnddlan. Mare or gelding, 12 hands and under 14 hands, to be exhibited in saddle • 1 T. Roberts; 2, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimlo-lane, Upholland ■ 3 W Conwy Bell, Brynffynon, Rhuddlan. Mare or gelding, under 12 hands, to be exhibited in saddle: 1, W. J. Milton, Castle Hotel, Chester- street, Birkenhead 2, J. H. Boffey, 34, Cavendish- street, Birkenhead; 3, W. H. Jones, 61, St. Andrew-street, Liverpool. Harness horseg.-Mare or gelding, 12.1 hands and under 14 to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two-wheeled carriage 1 and 3, W. Harris-Thompson, Balmain Stud, Chequer House, Pimbo-lane, Upholland 2, T. Roberts, Liverpool. Mare or gelding, under 12, hands, to be exhibited and driven in harness on the ground in a two- wheeled carriage: 1^ W. J. Milton, Castle Hotel, Birkenhead 2, J. H. Boffey, 34, Cavendish-street Birkenhead; 3, W. H. Jones, 61, St. Andrew- street, Liverpool. Turnouts (confined to Tradesmen).—Mare or gelding, exceeding 13 hands, to be exhibited and driven in harness 1, A. Maclumpha, 74, Brighton- street, Seacombe; 2, J. M. Shaw, South-road, Waterloo; 3, W. Williams, 174, Grange-road, Birkenhead. Mare or gelding, not exceeding 13 hands, to be exhibited and driven in harness: 1 W. J. Milton, Castle Hotel, Chester-street, Birken- head; 2, T. H. Linton, 10, Market-street, Birken- head; 3, P. Elson, 50, Oxton-road, Birkenhead. Leapers (open).—Jumper over hurdles and water: t' ?vJaSger' Emley> Wakefield 2, J. Bromley 3, J. Kelly, 44, Watergate, Whitchurgh. DOGS. Among the local winners were :-St. Bernard, rough or smooth bitch: 2, J. Henderson, Whitby Heath, near Chester. Dalmatian novice dog or bitch: 2, F. W. Cosgrove, M.R.C.V.S., Neston. Pointer, limit, dog or bitch: 2, Major R. W. P. Lodwick, Chester. Retriever, novice, flat-coated dog: 1, H. A. Garland, Eaton Park. Spaniel) novice, dog or bitch, any variety: 3, H. A. Garland. Spaniel, limit, field, dog or bitch, any other variety 1, H. A. Garland. Collie puppy, rough dog 2 and special, R. P. Lloyd, Rose Cottage, Hope. Collie, limit, rough bitch: 3, C. Langley, Thornton Hough. Irish terrier, puppy, dog 2 and special, T. P. Jones- Parry, Gresford. Irish terrier, maiden, dog 2, T. P. Jone3-Parry. Irish terrier, novice, dog: 2 t! P.Jones-Parry. Irish terrier dog, local: 2 T P. Jones-Parry. Scottish terrier, maiden, dog: 2, H. Smith, Hoole, Chester. g »