Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Tuesday 07 July 1908

Conisborough Show.
Encouragement To Local Farmers.

The annual athletic sports at Conisborough have periodically given pleasure for 11, years, but it is reflection upon the older branch to say that the addition three seasons ago of a horse show added an all-round interest to the meeting.

From these small beginnings it is hoped Conisborough will some day rival Maltby. At present, however, the promoters recognise the necessity of learning to walk before attempting to run and the show which was opened on the Park Road Football Field, Conisborough, yesterday morning, was the small side, but sufficiently promising to warrant the expectation of further development in the near future. The preliminary arrangements had been successfully carried out by a strong committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. F. Ogley, of Hill Top Farm, with Messrs. W. Laughton and Dan. Graham as efficient hon. secretaries.

The judges for the horse classes were Mr. J. Child, of Thorpe SaJvin, Worksop, and Mr. F. Turner, of Abdy Farm, Rawmarsh. The halfdozen classes were not largely filled, but the quality was good. Mr. William Appleyard, of Clifton, took the honours for the test agricultural foal (colt filly), Messrs. W. and E. taking both second and third. The Appleyards, indeed, figured prominently in the prize-list, and showed some capital entries. In the foal class Mr. Samuel T. Jackson of Mexborough, was first, winning with a fine upstanding chestnut. Mr. Frank Appleyard, of Clifton, was second, and Mr. Alfred Swallow, of Mexborough, third. Mr. William Appleyard was to the fore with the hunter foal, and the same exhibitor also took the second prize. A special prize for the best insured foal exhibited was won by Mr. W. W. Appleyard, Mr. Frank Appleyard’s entry being commended. Mr. George Guest of Warmsworth, showed the best agricultural yearling, second going to Mr. Waiter Milner, of Clifton, with Mr. Joshua Appleyard third. The white ribbon for the best agricultural brood mare also went Mr. George Guest, Mr. Thomas Boothroyd, of Thrybergh, being second, and Messrs. W. and E. Appleyard third.

Mr. F. Ogley presided at the luncheon, and submitted the loyal toast, which was heartily received. Mr. W. Appleyard proposed the health of the judges, Mr. Childs replying.

Mr. C. W Whitworth, prospective Conservative candidate for the Doncaster Division, proposed “Success to the Conisborough Show.” He regretted he was not an agriculturist, and he looked upon these matters from the point of view of the ordinary layman. Horse-breeding was a national industry as far as England was concerned, but it was not so much to the forefront as it had been. Some people gave, as a reason for the decline, the coming of the motor-cars, which had taken a good deal of the popularity of the horse away. But he thought they would agree with him that the best horses could still command the best price. Though motor-cars might perhaps have had an adverse effect, he thought some of the big buyers might still a great deal to encourage the horse production of this country. He suggested that the Government, through the War Office, might encourage home production by subsidising British agriculturists to breed good horses, instead of going to the Argentine for them. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. W. W. Norwood responding, said he hoped Mr. Whitworth, if he got into Parliament, would vote in favour of the taxation of foreign corn. Referring to the horses that were bought for use in the late South African War, he told how the military authorities inspected 58 that he had personally gathered together. About 30 were fit for hard serviceable work, but these were overlooked and one selected deaf and dumb and nearly blind.

The following are the results of the jumping and driving competitions:—

Horse Jumping.—Equal 1, G. 3. Parklev, Firsby, and J. McCail. Selby.

Driving in Single Harness, over 14 hands (open).—J. Stubbs, Wakefield, 1; C. Jones, Sheffield, 2; F. Ogiev Hill Top, 3.

Driving in Single Harness, not exceeding 14 hands (open), —V. Kay, Sheffield, 1; C. Raynor, Conisborough, 2; D. D. Milner, Ardsley, 3.

Tradesmen’s Turnout, six miles radius.—William Crossley, Doncaster, ; W. Carter, Conisborough, 2: A. Swallow’ Mexborough 3