Woolmer's Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 29 Oct 1853 Kentisbeare Ploughing Match Halberton Ploughing Match

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Woolmers Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Saturday 29 Oct 1853
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KENTISBEARE PLOUGHING MATCH.

The annual ploughing match for the parish of Kentisbeare took place on Wednesday. The weather was exceedingly inauspicious, but a large number of the neighbouring yeomen was present. The absence of the Rev. R. A. ROBERTS, the founder of the Society, whose illness confined him to his house, was, however, much felt. From the formation of the Society, the reverend gentleman has taken great interest in its progress, and it was his invariable practice to be present at the anniversaries, where his sound practical suggestions to both farmers and labourers tended to their mutual improvement. To occupy his place on the present occasion the committee called upon E. S. DREWE, Esq., of the Grange, Broadhembury, who very kindly acceded to their request to preside at the dinner. The ploughing took place in two fields called the Seven Acres, a short distance from the village, in the occupation of Mr. J. FROST. The usual number of ploughs were entered, and the work was well executed.

The Judges were Mr. PRATT, Payhembury; Mr. PALMER, Clayhanger; and Mr. WOOD, Hemiock. Prizes were also awarded for thatching, of which the Judges were Mr. WHITE, Mr. HARRIS, and Mr. John FROST.

THE DINNER

took place at the Golden Lion Inn, and was presided over by E. S. DREWE, Esq. None of the neighbouring gentry were present, but the room was well filled with farmers. The gallery was occupied by a large number of ladies, whose presence added to the cheerfulness of the occasion. A party of glee singers were also in attendance, and sang several glees during the evening.

After the removal of the cloth,

The Chairman proposed the “Church and the Queen,” and Prince Albert, and the rest of the Royal family, which were right loyally received.

The Chairman, before proposing the next toast, took occasion to advert to the services of the Army and Navy. He remarked that the parish in which they were assembled had contributed a large number to both branches of the service; and as they were then met in peace, with their persons and property safe, and, perhaps, with the greatest prosperty which had been known for 30 years, he conceived it was well becoming them to drink the toast of the Army and Navy, even though none were present to acknowledge it. He agreed with the object which that class of individuals had in view who wished to preserve peace without the force of arms; but they must not forget that persons often pointed out theoretically things which could not practically be accomplished. He believed their security was preserved by their having an Army and Navy which could be depended upon. Only a few weeks had elapsed since many from their parish, who were connected with the Militia, were assembled at Exeter and Plymouth; and he would take that opportunity of reminding them that force was the national guard of this country; because it was clear that if our regular forces were employed abroad, they would have to rely on the local forces at home. And as in instance of the great utility of the Militia, he might remind them, upon the authority of a distinguished general, that one of the greatest battles on record, the battle of Waterloo, was fought by recruits from that force. Seeing then how much they were indebted to their military and naval defenders, he thought it was not right that they should be passed over without notice. Having, however, made these observations, he would at once give them the toast which he had risen to propose, “The Judges of the Ploughing,” than whom three more independent men were not to be found in the county.

Mr. WOOD briefly responded.

The Chairman next proposed the “Committee of Management, and the Judges of Thatching.”

Mr. WHITE returned thanks for the latter, and remarked that no better prizes were offered by the Association than these for thatching, and the Judges strongly recommended the amounts to be increased in future years.

Mr. DENNIS, Chairman of the Committee of Management, responded on behalf of that body. He observed that he thought agriculturists might now look up smilingly and put a little money in their pockets. Hitherto they had scarcely obtained enough from their crops to pay their landlords, but now he hoped they would for a few years reap the advantage of the present prosperity. He was not one who advocated unreasonably high prices; on the contrary he would always wish to see the labourer in a position to maintain his family respectably and comfortably.

The Chairman then proposed the health of the Secretary, Mr. RADFORD, who had filled that office upwards of eleven years.

Mr. RADFORD returned thanks, and read

THE PRIZE LIST.

PLOUGHING.

CLASS I. - THE MOST SKILFUL PLOUGHMAN. - 1st Prize, £1 10s., J. CREWS, ploughman to Mr. HAWKINS; 2nd ditto, £1, W. ROWE, ploughman to Mr. E. MORRISH; 3rd ditto, 15s. James POTTER, ploughman to ditto; 4th ditto, 10s., W. MOGFORD, ploughman to Mr. J. CROSS; 5th ditto, James FROST, ploughman to Mr. WHITE.

CLASS II. - PLOUGHBOYS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE. - 1st Prize, 15s., William BICKNELL; 2nd ditto, 10s., disqualified; 3rd ditto, 6s., J. BROOM, son of Mr. BROOM; 4th ditto, 3s., Henry CARNELL

LABOURERS.

FOR BRINGING UP LONGEST FAMILY UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE. - 1st Prize, Thomas SELLICK, 5 children; 2nd ditto, James COOMBE, 4 children.

THATCHING. - 1st Prize, - WESTOCTT; 2nd ditto, John HYNES.

MOST DESERVING WIDOWS. - Ann COOK.

LONGEST SERVITUDE ON THE SAME FARM. - William WOODGATES, 14 years in the employ of the Rev. R. ROBERTS; 2nd, Thos. SELLICK, 7¼? years in the employ of Mr. R. FROST.

LONGEST SERVITUDE UNDER THE SAME MASTER. - Jas. CORDING, 5¼ years servant to Mr. James FROST.

FEMALE SERANTS UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. - Mary TAYLOR, 4½ years with Mr. DENNIS.

AGRICULTURAL SERVANT UNDER 21. - Henry CARNALL, 8¾ years with Mr. H. FROST.

FEMALE SERVANT DITTO. - Elizabeth HARTNELL, 3¾ years in the employ of Mr. FROST.

FEMALES WORKING IN FIELDS. - Sarah MILLER, 20 years' servitude; 2nd, Elizabeth AYRES.

OLDEST LABOURER WITH GOOD CHARACTER. - Abel WESTCOTT, 71 years of age.

OLDEST FEMALE DITTO. - Jane AYRES, aged 75.

MAN SERVANT WHO HAS OBTAINED A PRIZE. - William LAKE, 5 years with Mr. HARRIS.

The Chairman then suitably addressed the successful candidates; after which he proposed “Success to the Association,” in doing which he observed he had heard it said that Agricultural Societies had been good in their day but that now they had done their work. He was not one who entertained that opinion; long experience having shown him that they produced a most beneficial effect upon the labourers of their various parishes. Looking at the list of prizes, he was convinced that their Society was supported by practical men. It was idle to deny that they had not that support which was afforded in many other parishes, but still some of the proprietors had come forward liberally, and their Society was prospering. With regard to the present state of agriculture, he would only remark that years gone by had been years of great difficulty to the agriculturists; but with that elasticity which Englishmen always showed under such circumstances, they had stood by the plough and weathered the storm. As a remarkable instance of the rise which had recently taken place, he might mention that one farmer who last year gave 5s. 6d. a bushel for his seed wheat, had this year given 10s. 6d. The price of stock had also increased in the same proportion. The causes which had produced such an advance were numerous. It might perhaps be caused by the unsatisfactory state of Europe, or by the wet weather which had been experienced. He had never, however, disguised his opinion that bread – the staff of life – should be perfectly free, and in that opinion wiser persons than himself had concurred, and the county had demanded it. But with high prices it behoved them to see during the coming winter that their labourers were fairly and honestly remunerated. Agriculturists, as a body, had made great advances, but much still remained to be done. At the present time, he believed, America would be the only country which would be able to supply the millions with corn for the winter. It, therefore, behoved them to ecnomise <sic> as far as possible, and to act fairly and justly with their labourers. In conclusion, he again proposed “Success to the Kentisbeare Agricultural Association” - (cheers).

The Rev. T. DENNIS, in highly eulogistic terms, proposed “The health of E. S. DREW, Esq.,” which was suitably acknowledged by that gentleman.

The health of the Rector of the parish, the Rev. R. A. ROBERTS; the President; and other toasts followed; and the convivialty and harmony of the meeting were kept up till a somewhat late hour.


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HALBERTON PLOUGHING MATCH.

The Annual Ploughing Match for this parish took place on Monday last. Although the competition was confined to the parish, upwards of eighteen ploughs were entered. The weather was lowering, but no rain fell, and a large number of persons were present from a distance. Next to the ploughing the great object of attraction was a splendid steam engine, which has recently been erected by Mr. WEBBER, of Halberton Court. This machine, which covers a large space of ground, can be used for grinding as well as for threshing corn and every other description of farm produce. The makers, Mesers. BARRETT and EXALL, appear to have introduced every recent improvement. Mr. WEBBER himself occupies upwards of 500 acres, but the machine is capable of threshing all the corn in the parish. During the day it was inspected by several farmers, who seemed astonished at the admirable manner in which it performed its work. The excellent arrangement also of the various farm buildings connected with Halberton Court was much admired. The ploughing took place in a field a short distance from the village, in the occupation of Mr. WEBBER. The work was well executed, but complaints were made that the competitors took too much time in doing it. The judges were Mr. SHARLAND, of Bradninch; Mr. BARRINGTON, of Silverton Park; and Mr. COLES, of Witheridge.

THE DINNER

Took place at the New Inn, Halberton. The time fixed for commencing was half-past two, but owing to the loss of time in commencing the ploughing in the morning, it was not served up till nearly five o'clock. The chair was then taken by the Vicar, the Rev. - NEWCOMBE; and among those present were the Rev. Mr. MARRIOTT, curate; R. H. CLARKE, Esq.; Mr. F. TAYLOR, (Sampford Peverell); Mr. T.W.J. FORWOOD, Tiverton; Mr. N. COOK; Mr. GILLARD; Mr. WEBBER, jun.; Mr. H. BESLEY, Ford; Mr. MILDON, Mr. MURCH, (Secretary); Mr. CANN, Mr. MANLEY, Mr. WHITE, MOUNTSTEPHEN, &c. Mr. T. WEBBER acted as Vice-Chairman.

After the removal of the cloth, the usual loyal toasts were appropriately proposed and received.

The Chairman, in proposing the Army and Navy, remarked that matters were looking very serious abroad, but he trusted peace might still be secured. He regretted the absence of his friend Mr. CHAVE, whose presence always inspired safety. Captain CLARKE (of the Militia), however, had just returned from the field, and he would no doubt respond in a suitable manner – (laughter). He (Mr. NEWCOMBE) scarcely knew what defence they were to expect from the Militia. He was passing through the Castle-yard during their drilling, and from the awkward way in which they held their muskets, he felt under some trepidation lest they might be loaded. He was subsequently told, however, that that was the first day they had received their rifles; and, after the laudatory report of Sir Harry SMITH, he supposed they would feel under no apprehension that they would efficiently protect their hearths and homes – (laughter).

R. H. CLARKE, Esq., responded, and remarked that although the Chairman had quizzed the force with which he was connected, they had been much complimented by Sir Harry SMITH. He regretted to find that when the men returned from their training the farmers refused to take them in, and he conceived they were greatly mistaken in so doing, because if the men did not volunteer the ballot would have to be resorted to, when they themselves would stand the chance of being chosen. In conclusion, he proposed the “Bishop and Clergy of the diocese, coupled with the names of the Rev. Mr. NEWCOMBE and the Rev. Mr. MARRIOTT.”

The Rev. - NEWCOMBE appropriately responded, and briefly proposed the health of the Judges.

Mr. SHARLAND, of Bradninch, responded, and stated that the ploughing had been exceedingly good. He believed such societies were a great stimulus to young men, and he trusted they would long continue to prosper.

The Secretary (Mr. MURCH) then read

THE PRIZE LIST.

PLOUGHING.

CLASS I. - To the best Ploughman who has won the first prize from this Association. - 1st Prize, £1, J. WARE, ploughman to Mr. C. MURCH. 2nd ditto, 10s., William BAKER, ploughman to R. H. CLARKE, Esq., Samuel MARKS being disqualified by gaining a second prize last year.

CLASS II. - Open to Ploughmen. - 1st Prize, £1 10s., William MELHUISH, ploughman to Mr. T. WEBBER. 2nd ditto, £1 5s., - MILDON, son of Mr. MILDON. 3rd ditto, £1, William SMITH, ploughman to Mr. S. WEBB. 4th ditto, 15s., T. DREWE, ploughman to Mr. N. COOKE. 5th ditto, 10s., W. HANCOCK, ploughman to Mr. BIDGOOD. 6th ditto, 5s., H. CROCKER, ploughman to Mr. GILLARD.

CLASS III. - Ploughboys under 20 years of age, with driver. 1st Prize, £1, J. HEARD, ploughboy to Mr. A. MANLEY; 2nd ditto, 15s., G. COOKE, son of Mr. N. COOKE; 3rd ditto, 10s., J. SALTER, ploughboy to Mr. WEBBER; 4th ditto, 5s., John COOKE, son of Mrs. COOKE.

LABOURERS.

To the agricultural labourer who has worked the longest on the same farm – First prize, £1, to John ROOKLEY, who had worked for Mr. HAYDON 20 years; second, 10s., divided between John SCORSE, who had worked 17 years for Mr. COOKE, and John ARTERS, who had worked the same time for Mr. WESTCOTT.

To the female who has worked the longest on the same farm – 10s., to Harriet WERE, who had worked on Sutton farm for ten years six months.

To the agricultural male servant who had lived longest with the same master – First prize, £1, to John HEAD, who had lived with Mr. Abraham MANLEY 11 years; second, 10s., to R. ARTERS, who had lived with Mr. WESTCOTT 7 years.

To female servants, under similar circumstances, 10s., to Mary MAY, for having lived with Mr. SCORSE 12 years.

To the agricultural labourer who had brought up the largest family without, or with the least, parochial relief - £1, to Wm. RICHARD, six children; 2nd, 10s., not awarded.

To the agricultural labourer now actually supporting the largest family, without, or with the least, parochial relief - 1st prize, £1, to R. BIDGOOD, five children, under 12 years of age; second ditto, 10s., to George PAYNE, four children, under 7 years of age.

The Committee also awarded 2s. 6d. to Ann WOLLAND, who had worked for Mr. N. COOKE 10 years; 2s. 6d. to Mary Ann HILL, who had worked at Halberton Court for 9 years; and 2s. 6d. to Mary Ann SELWAY, who had worked for Mr. CHAVE, Sellake, 9 years.

The Chairman, in addressing the successful candidates, said it was one of the most pleasing parts of his duty to have to address a few words of advice to them. They all, no doubt, felt an honest pride in having gained their respective prizes, which he trusted would be a stimulus to them to continue in well doing; and he strongly recommended them to be careful of the money, which in the case of the unmarried he suggested should be placed in the Savings' Bank.

Mr. FORWOOD next proposed “The health of the President, Mr. NEWOMBE,” which was received with great applause, and acknowledged by the Rev. gentleman.

The health of the Vice-President, the Secretary, (Mr. C. MURCH,) and other toasts followed, and the company broke up after spending a very pleasant evening.


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