Prizes for Huntly district ploughmen

PLOUGHING MATCH, Huntly, 12th March.

The Premiums allotted by the Aberdeen Association, to the District of Huntly, were contended for this day, on a field belonging to Mr Gordon of Cocklarachy.  Seventy-five ploughs started, at an early hour, and the field turned up exhibits proofs of superior workmanship.  The judges, after the most patient investigation, awarded the premiums as follows:-

1st,  25s.  To William Alexander, son to the farmer of Cairnhill.

2d,  22s 6d.  To Robert Ironside, servant to Mr Gordon, Rhynie.

3d,  21s. To George Alexander, son to the farmer of Cairnhill.

4th,  20s. To Alex. Alexander, son to do. of do.

5th,  17s.  To  George Harper, servant to Mr Robertson of Auchanackie.

6th,  15s.  To Alex Bird, do. to the Marquis of Huntly.

7th,  14s.  To Alexander Robertson, do. to Mr Conn, Cruchie.

8th,  13s.  To William Alexander, do. to Mr McPherson, Gibston.

9th,  12s.  To John Gordon, son to Mr Gordon of Auchinbo.

10th,  11s.  To James Flemming, servant to Mr Pirie, Tillaminnet.

11th, 10s 6d.  To Alexander Green, son of William Green, Tillathrowie.

12th,  10s.  To James Mellis, do. to the Marquis of Huntly.

13th,  10s.  To Adam Mathewson, do. to Mr Grant, Westseat.

14th,  9s.  To George Robertson, do. to Mr Taylor, Lessendrum.

The judges regretted, that their powers were so circumscribed, as to prevent them from extending the reward of merit to many other deserving candidates.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 17th March 1819.

Garioch ploughing champions

We hear, that notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the Ploughing Match, appointed by the Garioch Farmer Club, took place on the Farm of Cocklarachy, on the 21st of March last.  Twenty Ploughs started, and, after the horses and ploughs had been removed, the Judges came on the field, who having particularly examined every Lot, adjudged the Premiums as follows:-

The 1st Premium, being Three Guineas, and the Highland Society's Silver Medal, to Charles Burness, servant to Mr Webster, Mains of Laithers.

The 2d, Two Guineas, to James Hendry, servant to Mr Adam Thomson, Tallathrowie.

The 3d, Two Guineas, to Alexander Taylor, servant to Mr Webster, Mains of Laithers.

The 4th, One Guinea and a half, to Alexander McRobbie, servant to James Allardyce, Esq. of Boynsmill.

The 5th, One Guinea, to George Brodie, servant to James Allardyce, Esq. of Boynsmill.

The 6th, Half-a-Guinea, to William Wallace, servant to James Allardyce, Esq. of Boynsmill.

Altho' only twenty ploughs started, yet, had the weather been favourable, there was reason to have expected, that upwards of Forty would have been on the ground.

After the Ploughing Match, the Garioch Farmer Club, partook of a very excellent Dinner, prepared for them, by Mrs Mellis, Huntly; and the evening was spent with the greatest harmony and happiness.

Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 2nd April 1817.