PARRAMATTA. (The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday, March 16, 1861)
CUMBERLAND DISTRICT PLOUGHING MATCHES.-These matches took place on Wednesday, as announced, upon a piece of ground belonging to Mr. Robert Turnbull, at Baulkham Hills. The day was extremely fine, and, as the various competitors commenced their allotted portions, the field presented a very interesting appearance. The judges first appointed
to decide the matches were Messrs. Pye, Fuller, and Pearce, the latter of whom was not present; and Messrs. Pye and Fuller having parties either related to them, or in some way connected with them, who were to compete for the prizes, declined to act. It was then arranged that Messrs. Williams, Schofield, and Dabb, should act in their stead. Ploughing commenced at half-past eleven, at which time about 150 persons were assembled. First match :- For the ploughman who shall in the best manner plough 60 rods of ground, with one pair of horses guided by reins. Prize, £10 ; second best, £5 ; third best, £2.10s. ; time allowed 3 1/2 hours. There were seven entrances to this match. The first prize was awarded to Elihu Stranger, the second to Henry Black, the third to John Luke. It is only right, however, to mention that the ploughing of Alexander Fraser, in the employ of Mr. James Pye, was very generally admired, and it was considered that, had he used a different plough, he would have secured the first prize. The second match was for youths under eighteen. First prize, £5 ; second prize, £3 ; time, as before. Three youths only entered for this match. The first prize was obtained by Thomas Schofield, who, finished his task in three hours, in a very satisfactory manner ; the second was secured by Edwin Black. Third Match : For ploughman with four bullocks. First prize, £5 ; second prize, £3 ; time allowed, four hours ; winner of first prize, Joseph Fuller; second prize, Charles Clarke. The winners of most of the prizes used Grey's Scotch ploughs, several of which Mr. Robert Turnbull has lately imported. At the conclusion of the inspection of the ground, the prizes were handed to the successful ploughmen, in the tent erected on the ground. The days practical sport was concluded by two foot races, after which the majority of the spectators turned homewards.