» That the climate of New Zealand ig equal, if not superior, to that of Great Britain for horse-breeding r.urposps, was perceived early m our colonial history. And that the early settlers were not wrong m their estimate has been amply proved by the success which lias attended the efforts of breeding of all kinds of horses. The racing records conclusively show that the colonial thoroughbred ia not inferior to his homo bred and reared brother m either speed or stamina, and no one- will venture to suggest that he has deteriorated m appearance or m utility. As with the " thoroughbred," so with the draught. The improvement of tho breed of agricultural hr> r sea has long been the praiseworthy object of many a stud master both north and sonth, and few breeders have conduced more to the amelioration of clydesdale stock than'Mr Robert Mat thews, of Temukn. It is nearly a quarter of a century since Mr Matthews first undertook the arduous and risky business of horse-brcedincr. Ho was then living at Leeston, and laid the foundation of liis famous stock by becoming possessed of the grand mare Violet. Violet contained two well known strains, tho King Fergus and the Samson, she being by Sir Colin out of a Samson mare, her niro being by King Fergus Hl3 first success with Violet, was the equally famous Highland Mary, tho result of her union with Mr McKellar's Barnet. Tn rapid succession Violet produced the celebrated Lord Castlei'ea«h to Young Watty, (ho champion Queen of tho Bankets, who was never Vieaton m the show ring, to Young Banker, and the splendid horse Slrath moro, a son of Glenroy. Strathmore is at present the only horse standing at tho Btud, and he is thoroughly known and ap preciated m the district. A full sister to the Queen of the Bankers, Lady Burdelta, is now m the North Tsland, and has the proud reputation of being "about the best mare south of the line." Younc Banker was also visited by Highland Mary, who produced a fine filly, which was "sold for 175 guineas as a three-year old. Another fine stallion, Overdraft, a fnV brother to the last mentioned filly, is alsc m the North Island, and is looked upor as one of the most promising sires there. 