Commemorative & Historical Medals 1865-1905

Lot 10    SESSION 1 (9.30AM MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER)    Commemorative & Historical Medals 1865-1905

Estimate $2,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au

NEW ZEALAND INTERCOLONIAL LIVE STOCK EXHIBITION, 1865, by Driver, Maclean & Co, struck in white metal or possibly silver (40mm), no maker (M.-). Very fine and extremely rare, probably unique.

Unlisted in Morel. The Exhibition was held in January of 1865, shortly after the opening of the New Zealand Exhibition (see M.1865/1).

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 54 (lot 1314).

The following courtesy of National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past, from Otago Witness, 20 January 1865:

"The first Inter-Colonial Cattle Show, projected by Messrs Driver, Maclean and Co., was held on Thursday in the grounds of the North Dunedin Cricket Club. Nothing could have been more opportune than the fencing which had been erected by the Caledonian Society, and which had been allowed to remain standing in anticipation of the Cattle Show.

Perhaps the only fault that could be found with it as a site, is that its extent caused the stock distributed over its area to appear scattered, fewer in number than they actually were, and consequently less imposing than if the dimensions of the enclosure had been more limited.

The arrangements were good. From about the centre to some distance towards the north of the eastern fence, pens were provided for pigs. Adjoining these, on the same side towards the north, were dairy cows; next to them, folds for bullocks; and at some distance from them along the northern fence were the bulls, they occupied the centre of the ground, and were sufficiently numerous to require a considerable number of pens; and parallel with these, on their northern side, were coops containing fowls of various breeds, ducks, rabbits, geese, and fancy birds, among which we observed moreporks, laughing jackasses, cockatoos, and magpies, and a very grave looking, well known black cattle dog, answering to the name of "Smut," who, with a ticket round his neck, sat immovably surveying the passing scene; apparently well pleased with the notice which was not sparingly bestowed upon him.

Heavy draught horses, in splendid condition, decked with ribbons and led about by cautious grooms, paced along the southern end of the enclosure; where also were draught mares and foals, and geldings of various colors. On the vacant ground in various parts of the enclosure, handsome hacks and ponies were led up and down, and attracted much attention.

The sheep were divided into eighteen classes, comprising Merinos, Leicesters, Cotswolds, Southdowns, and Cheviots. There was also an extra class for a breed denominated "Oxford Downs," of which some were exhibited from Auckland. They are described as being more profitable for their flesh than for their wool, more mutton being produced than in most other breeds. They are comparatively little known, but are very highly spoken of by those who have had them. The fine woolled sheep were exhibited in considerable numbers, and were very superior. Of these there were several classes of Merinos, the prizes for which, with one exception, were awarded to Mr F.D.Rich, whose attention has been particularly directed to that breed of sheep. It is seldom that so fine a lot of sheep of this description is to be met with. The Leicesters too were very numerous, and some of them splendid animals full of flesh and clean healthy fleeces. There were some very good Southdowns in the pens, although they were not so numerous as the other descriptions. Of Cheviot Rams there was only one lot exhibited, but they were good, as were also the two Cheviot Ewes. On reference to the list of prizes, it will be seen that there were a few classes for which there was no competition. There were only two entries for fat lambs, but they were very superior animals.

The horned cattle, particularly the dairy, cows, were good. There was no lack of entries for the various classes, and plenty of latitude was given for competition, there being only two classes restricting the exhibitors to a particular breed. The first prize for bulls of the Durham breed was awarded to Mr Murray. Mr Kennedy exhibited a bull of the Ayrshire breed, which was decidedly equal to anything of that class that has been seen in the Province, but there being no competition, no prize was awarded. Conspicuous among the many beautiful dairy cows exhibited was one belonging to Mr Strode, she is the very beau ideal of a cow in symmetry and proportion. She has a beautifully small head, a fine clear eye, deep shoulder, good loins, and every appearance of being a good milker. A very fine cow belonging to Mr Hugh Calder which, through a mistake, only arrived on the ground after the various lots had been adjudged, would doubtless have taken a high place in the list of prizes had she been brought forward in time.

The draught entire horses were very superior animals. There were only four entries, but each was so good of his sort that it required a thorough judge to be able to say why a prize should be given to one rather than to another. Thus several persons, whose experience entitles them to be able to give a correct opinion, consider Mr Nimmo's Napoleon fully equal to the animal to which the first prize was awarded. There was a very good show of imported draught mares, the first and second prizes for which were taken by Mr Nimmo. Of colonial bred draught mares some very superior animals were exhibited. The draught fillies, under 3 years old, to which the prizes were awarded, were powerful and handsome. The grey one belonging to Mr Barr, of the Molyneux, is a finely-formed mare, but probably in consequence of having travelled a considerable distance without being permitted sufficient rest, she did not appear in so good condition as she otherwise would have done. In the opinion of some had she had fair play the first prize would have been awarded to her. Some very handsome and powerful draught geldings were shown, and it is seldom in any country that better plough horses are to be met with. There were only two entries of thoroughbred stallions, the first prize being deservedly given to Mr C.Thomson's Roue. It is not often so likely looking a horse is to be met with. Mr Driver's thoroughbred mare, to which the prize is awarded, is very handsome in figure - a fine young mare, only three years old. Of course, to use a sporting phrase, "there is great improvement in her."

The ponies attracted great attention. There was only one class, the first prize being taken by Mr A.Wilson, but perhaps the animal which drew the most universal notice was a beautiful Shetland Pony, owned by Captain Williams. Scarcely higher than a Newfoundland dog, he yet is a perfect model, scarcely a point essential in the eye of a judge, being wanting in him.

The exhibits of Pigs were numerous and good of their kind. There were seven classes, all of them heavy, fat, and lazy as pigs ought to be.

The entries of Poultry were not so numerous as might have been anticipated from the number of bird fanciers in the neighbourhood of the city. Perhaps at the next show more enthusiasm may be shown and greater competition take place. Extra prizes were awarded to Mr W.Sly for three pairs of pigeons, tumblers, carriers, and fantails. They were very fine birds, and highly commended.

Mr Charles C.Armstrong, of the Arcade, received a prize for the best collection of rare animals. It consisted of a variety of fancy pigeons, a pair of very fine lop-eared rabbits a pair of laughing jackasses, a magpie, said to be a first-rate speech maker, a pretty little terrier dog weighing about four pounds, and a cockatoo. The latter appeared to have been educated in Victoria, and created considerable amusement by imitating to the life the runners crying the "Bendigo Advertiser." His vocabulary is not confined to this however, but extends to a variety of other topics on which he discourses at bidding.

The weather being all that could be wished, the visitors were very numerous throughout the day, and it was gratifying to find that they were not solely of the sterner sex. Numerous family groups were to be seen, ladies, gentlemen, and children, examining the animals with evident interest, and had there not been the counter attraction of the opening of the Exhibition there can be little doubt but the influx of spectators would have been much greater."