WESTMORLAND FAIR (From: Semi-Weekly Patriot, Nov. 2, 1867)

The above Fair came off on the 23rd. inst., as advertised, and, al- though there was every appearance of a continuous rainy day, yet it cleared off in the afternoon. Upwards of one thousand people collected in a very short time. Never was there a scene of more active operations for the time allowed to set off the articles to the best advantage for the Exhibition.

The band was in attendance, but really had not an opportunity of sounding an instrument. The Hall was crowded to excess.

Mr. Henry Palmer, as agent for her Ladyship, the Proprietor of the Lot, (The Countess of Westmorland, or her daughter, Lady Fane), un- der whose generous gift, in the shape of premiums, the Fair took place, after receiving all the things for Exhibition, opened the Fair in a short, but effective, speech.

He complimented the exhibition, etc., on that being the first Exhibition of the kind introduced out of Charlottetown; and the many advantages to be derived out of similar institutions; hoped it would be continued, and that its bounds would be increased by a small Legis- lative grant, that would enable them, another year, to include, say four Townships, viz: Townships Nos. 27, 28, 29, and 67 ; so as to make the thing more general.

Cornelius Howatt, Esq., and D. Cameron, Esq., two members of Parliament, quite agreed with Mr. Palmer, and heartily congratulated him on the success he had met with, and promised their concurrence in a grant from the Legislature next year.

The young horse produced by Cornelius Lowther, the mare by Thomas Myers, and the fat cows by the Rev. Mr. Sterns and Mr. McVittie, were equal to any we have seen at this time of year. The sheep and pigs were very fine, particularly a sow produced by Mr. James Howatt, and a boar by Mr. George Howatt, were a credit to any settlement. The carts and ploughs were not quite equal to some we have seen made in Charlotte— town; but a Potato digger produced by Mr. George Lowther was a credit to him. In fact, Mr. Lowther’s family are quite celebrated for their threshing machines, mowing machines, and horse rakes; they deserve the hearty thanks of the farmers generally. So much for the articles outside

the Hall.

We next turned attention to the inside, and there we had a fine display of cloths of all colours and shades, both in men’s and women’s wear: socks, stockings, bed quilts, rugs, tablecloths, etc. There was not so many samples of grain as might have been expected —— this owing to many supposing the Fair would be put off. The oats weighed 411/2 lbs. per bushel. The butter was very good; there were from 20 to 30 tubs, and it was hard to distinguish the best. The cheese was very good, but not superior to that made by the Hydes. The pumpkins, turnips, beets, squash, carrots, etc., were very excellent.

The following is a list of the prizes distributed, viz.: Best Horse — Cornelius Lowther

Best Mare —— Thomas Myers Best Cow —— James McVittie Best Bull ~— John Inman

Best Ewe — Barnabus Trowsdale Best Ram — John Hall

«a 114 la”-