1 Jan., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 17 
the present season—and must have proved very trying both to the competitors and 
the equally hard-working gentlemen of the committee, but especially so to 
those of the fairer sex, whose enthusiasm regarding the various contests induced 
“them to brave for long hours together the almost vertical rays of a pitiless sun. 
The ploughing match brought together ten competitors, and the largest crowd 
of holiday-makers ever seen in this district. It is impossible to give the exact 
number, as the gates were thrown open at 3 o’clock, but it is computed that 
there were from 500 to 600 people present. The Education Department 
had granted a holiday to the district schools, and, judging by the number of 
children present, the committee’s application for the holiday was appre- 
ciated. ‘The competitors had their teams decorated with gay ribbons, 
which, together with the bright summer costumes of the ladies, presented 
quite an animated scene, which all agree in saying will mark an epoch in 
the annals of the district. The committee, who each had separate duties allotted 
to them, worked well together, and did their best to carry out the programme 
to the satisfaction of both visitors and competitors, and that they succeeded 
was the unanimous verdict of all present. The judges—Messrs. W. Gibson, 
of Gibson and Howes, Bingera Sugar Plantation; B. Workman, of Sharon ; 
and A. C. Walker, Bingera Cattle Station—gave universal satisfaction in their 
decisions, which were rendered very difficult by the high standard of the work 
done, especially when taken with the hardness of the ground, which, from lack 
of moisture and the intense heat of the preceding few weeks, was baked as 
hard as a brick, and in the opinion of a novice was quite unploughable. Four 
classes were contested, viz.— 
Champion Class, open to all comers being previous winners of first prizes 
in any match in Queensland. The winner, Mr. J. Presswood, did excellent 
work with a plough made by W. Lund, of Gin Gin. The second prize fell to 
Mr. T. Bramley, who used a plough specially ordered from Pittsworth. No 
third prize was awarded. 
In the swing plough class, J. Hunter came first; F. Mittlehauser, 2; J. 
Bramley, 3; who used ploughs made by A. E. Brash, of Bundaberg. 
Wheel Plough Class.—J. Kitchen, 1; J. Powell, 2; J. Lovett, 3. 
Yankee Plough Class—G. Handly, 1. No other prize awarded. 
The prize for the best turnout was taken by Messrs. Cran Bros., of Mon 
Repos Sugar Plantation, who exhibited, in charge of Mr. J. Bell, a beautiful 
pair of bays, which were the admiration of all present. 
Best outs and ins was secured by J. Powell, of Bundaberg; best crown, 
T. Bramley, of Watawa. The committee added a few items to their pro- 
ramme to fill in the afternoon, which were all well contested. That 
fa the best-looking ploughman, to be judged by three ladies, created much 
merriment. The exhibition of mares and foals proved very interesting, as did 
also a plough-horse race, the winner to draw a ton 50 yards in three pulls. The 
log-chopping contest also created a deal of interest, bets being freely exchanged. 
The log provided by an old hand was so hard and tough as to completely turn 
the edge of one competitor’s axe. This event was timed and judged by Mr. P. 
McLean, Agricultural Adviser, who also, from his experience in conducting an 
exhibition of this kind, gave valuable advice and assistance to the committee, 
which was greatly appreciated. 
Invitations were extended to the Hon. W. B. O’Connell, Minister for Lands, 
the Hon. D. H. Dalrymple, Minister for Agriculture, and Mr. W. H. Browne, 
leader of the Opposition, but, owing to stress of parliamentary duties, they 
were unfortunately unable to be present, which proved a disappointment. to 
many, and particularly so to the society. However, the latter is so satisfied 
with the success of this meeting that the members feel encouraged to try to do 
still better next time. 
The illustrations are from excellent photographs taken on the ground by a 
local amateur. 
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