Historical information
This medal was awarded at the Villiers and Heytesbury Agricultural Association Annual Show to Daniel Hourigan in 1877 for his yearling colt by 'Prince of the Isles'. The formation of the Villiers and Heytesbury Agricultural Association arose out of a meeting at Woodford in 1853 and the first Show was held in Warrnambool in 1855 on a green bound by Fairy, Henna and Koroit Streets. It was held there until 1875 when it moved to the present Warrnambool Showgrounds in Koroit Street. At the 37th Annual Show in 1890 Warrnambool held its first Grand National Show, a title granted by the Chamber of Agriculture in Victoria. The Villiers and Heytesbury Agricultural Association became known as the Warrnambool Agricultural Show in 1911. Daniel Hourigan was a farmer, road contractor, poundkeeper and auditor who lived in the Tower Hill area in the 19th century.
Significance
This medal is of considerable interest as it is a memento of the Villiers and Heytesbury Agricultural Association Annual Show in the 19th century. Annual Agricultural Shows have been an important feature of agricultural life in Victoria since the early days of European settlement and a feature of agricultural life in the Warrnambool district since the 1850s. The medal is also of great interest because it was awarded to Daniel Hourigan, a prominent settler in the Warrnambool district in the 19th century.
Physical description
.1 Circular silver disc with image of horse, bull, sheep, wheat sheaf and plough on the reverse with script around edge of obverse with awardees details engraved in the centre. Edge of the medal is plain.
.2 Square maroon leather case with small metal clasp and hinge. Lined on the interior with blue velvet and cream silk.
Inscriptions & markings
Obverse :" Warrnambool" engraved above image of cattle. W J Taylor London
Reverse : Villiers & Heytesbury Agricultural Association in low relief around the edge. 1st prize awarded to Daniel Houriganfor yearling colt , "Prince of the Isles Annual Show 10th October 1877.
