Presented to John Henry Martin for his Champion Ayrshire Bull.

 

The Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral Association was established in 1902 & held their first annual show on 18 & 19 February 1903. This medallion was awarded to John Henry Martin of Woodlands farm, Pambula, for his champion Ayrshire Bull at the society's first show.

 

Donated to the society by Bega dentist Mr. F. G. Heady, the local Pambula Voice newspaper reported in January 1903 that his gift "…of a gold medal valued at £5/5/- was accepted with thanks..." by the Pambula A. H. & P. Society.

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The Sydney Morning Herald commented on his success at that inaugural show, noting that he took out prizes for his Jersey & Ayrshire cows, a Jersey bull &, of course, his Ayrshire bull; while the Pambula Voice observed that "The five guinea medal presented by Mr. F. G. Heady for the champion bull at Pambula Show & won by Mr. J. H. Martin is a very handsome design, a little larger than a half-crown, & bearing the picture of a bull on one side, with inscription on the other." 

It is inscribed "P.A.H.P.C. / CHAMPION DAIRY BULL / WON BY / J. H. MARTIN'S / AYRSHIRE BULL" on one side; & features a raised pictorial bull motif on the reverse. 

The medallion is associated with the tradition of agricultural shows; the Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural & Pastoral (A. H. & P.) Society; & the Martin  family of the Woodlands property, Pambula. 

It is significant as a representative example of the medals awarded by agricultural societies across Australia. It illustrates the style and design of early agricultural medals and is typical of its era, which tended towards depictions of rural produce, livestock & machinery, depending on what it was being awarded for. Presented at the first Pambula Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Show, it is an important testament to the lengthy history of the society, which continues through to the present day. It is closely associated with the Martin family, prominent local farmers, agriculturalists and pastoralists in the Pambula district from the 1850s and is linked to the historic homes at 6 and 8 Bullara Street, Pambula, that still remain in their family ownership.

 

The medallion has been passed down through subsequent generations of the family and is still in their possession today.

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© Angela George. All rights reserved.