According to announcement, the Ploughing Match of the Pictou Agricultural Society took place on Thursday last on the farm of John Hogg, Esq., West River road. The weather was very unfavourable for the match; the rain continued to fall during the greater part of the day, and interfered very much with the comfort, and to a certain extent with the success of the ploughmen. The ploughing was superior and under all the circumstances, it was the best match we have seen yet. The judges being on the field all day, they were enabled to decide on the merits of the different ploughmen immediately on the conclusion of work. When the last fur was turned an adjournment was speedily made to the house of Mr.Hogg, where a sumptuous dinner had been prepared and was now served up by his kind and attentive lady, and which was disposed of in manner that those who have earned their dinner following the plough can fully appreciate. After dinner, the President announced the successful competitors, and the prizes were awarded as follows:
A short time was then spent in pleasant interchange of sentiment, and remarks were made by the President; W.H. Harris, Esq., Sheriff; H.R. Narraway, Esg., and others when all took leave of their kind host and departed to their homes, well pleased with the day and its results.
Eastern Chronicle.
George took 1st place ahead of his father John (of Scarrowmanwick), who came second in a ploughing match in the fall of 1862. George was only 20 years old then, and his father John in his sixties. The Robleys were well known for their husbandry skills right down to my Uncle Harold who passed away in 1995. They won many awards at Exhibition. Fifth place was William senior (of Scarrowmanwick). Third and fourth places were held by my gr. grandfathers Isaac's cousin and son-in-law respectively.
Great crew heh?