BANKS PENINSULA FARMERS' CLUB

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 585, 21 February 1882, Page 2

BANKS PENINSULA FARMERS' CLUB

The annual meeting was held at the Somerset Hotel o i Saturday. - There was a fair attendance, Mr Coll McDonald (the President) in the chair. MINUTES. The minutes were rend and confirmed. ANNUA/, KKI'ORT, The following annual report was re'id :— "Tho committee in making their first annual report of the affairs of the club, hava to congratulate tho club on the spirit with which in tho face of severaf disadvantages it has been carried through the first year of its existence ; and, also, on its large and influential membership. The total number of members on the books of the club for the past ye v- is 116. of those it is to be regretted that a considerable number have failed to piy their annual subscriptions of 10s. This, it is understood, arises not from any want of interest in the business of the club, but from the

fact that opportunities of payment do not readily and often occur. To remedy this for the future, it is suggested that members of committee, in their several districts, collect subscriptions, and account for the same periodically to tlie Treasurer. From the balance sheet herewith it will be seen that the total income from subscriptions for the past year has been £36 10s, equal to a membership of 72. From the balance sheet it will also be observed that the sum of £19 10s was advanced from the funds of the club in payment of freight from the Peninsula to Lyttelton, in connection with the shipment of cheese per Orari, to the owners of s.s. Akaroa. Of this sum only £9 3s 9d has been repaid to the Secretary, leaving a balance of £10 8s 3d owing to the club. It is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in the collection of this sum, the indentedness arising from the same cause as that of the outstanding subscriptions. Of the sum of £25 drawn from tlie bank to pay the balance of account sales per Orari, only ! £13 19s Ojfd has been called for and paid ! The Secretary has now the sum of £9 12s 4;] I in hand. In connection with the shipment of rennelt and cheese coloring, the club after paying all charges and breakages make a net profit of £3 10s 3d. It is not proposed for the future that the club should undertake shipments of this nature, as tho object the club had originally in view in the matter has been fairly served, viz., to reduce the extreme prices that h-.d to be paid for the articles in question. The prices now charged for thove goods in the open market is such that members would derive little or no benefit from the club again ordering a fresh shipment. The history of the disastrous shipment of cheese per s.s. Orari, by which members of the club lost upwards of £1,500, need not be referred to, further than to say that the shipment has drawn tho attention of those interested in the shipment of dairy produce throughout the ! whole colony, the whole question of tlie ' manufacture, packing, shipment, and the . placing of cheese in the Knglish market. The pr.ietieaiiiiity of sending well-cured cheese Home as ordinary cargo had been I <le:nous'.rated by tlie President of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral ■' Association iv a recent address to that ; body in Christchurch, and also, by our . neighbors of Little Akaloa. It will be j observed that the N.Z. Shipping Company's ' >

ship Matauia, left London in December last fitted with a freezing apparatus and chambers for the reception of meat, and may be expected to sail in May, when it is understood that the company will give exceptionally advantageous freights for the shipment of butter and cheese, and it is to be hoped that merchants and pro- i ducers will take advantage of the opportunity of being aide, to export their produce, under the most approved conditions of carriage. By recent English advices, American cheese is. quoted at from 65s to 80j3 per cwt, this to the careful and scientific manufacturer would evidently leave a large margin for risk and charges in advance of present local quotations. One of the indirect advantages of the shipment of last season has been the clearing cf the market of the large quantity of cheese shipped, and the immediate result of which has been an advance of Id per lb in the wholesale market price of the article, which, taking the total annual produce of the Peninsula at 1000 tons gives an annual increase in value of £8000. Much has been done during the past year by the club in giving the farmers of tho district a means of mutual organisation, and an opportunity for the interchange of ideas in connection with their distinctly pastoral pursuits, but much still remains to be done in tho way of fostering and developing new industries, new methods of manufacture, new markets, and improved methods of conducting business. The report of the committee appointed some time ago to bring up a report as lo the desirability of resuscitating the annual show of the Pastoral Association, and of obtaining a permanent site for the same, is not yet due until ihe 4th March, and it will be for this meeting either to continue the present committee or elect a fresh one< with the objects mentioned in view. Through the prompt action of Mr Chappell, a bay, for exhibits from the club, lias been secured at the forthcoming International Exhibition in Christchurch, and a circular has been issued by that gentleman, asking intending exhibitors to communicate with him. It is very much to be hoped that this will meet with numerous and varied requests for space, as the importance of the club making a good appearance on the occasion cannot be over-rated. The accounts of the club, showing a credit balance of £15 12s 3d. at date, have been duly audited, and are herewith laid before you."

The balamco sheet, duly audited by Mr McGregor, was read. It showed a credit of £15 12s 3d as already stated in the report.

Mr Barnett thought some effort should he made to get some outstanding freights of the Orari cheese per the Akaroa to Lvttelton.

The Secretary stated that a good deal of this money was really in hand as it was deducted from the money he paid the Orari shippers for the cheese. The report and balance sheet were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The President said their next duty was to elect officers for the ensuing year. He thought they should have a President who resided near a Post and Telegraph Office as lie could do the business better. He therefore thought another President should be elected. Mr Barnelt was of opinion that no inconvenience had ever resulted from Mr McDonald's holding the offioe, and hoped he would continue to do so at least for another year. (Applause.) The President thought there would be more work to do this year than last. Mr Chappell proposed Mr McDonald be re-elected President. (Applause.) This was seconded by Air Piper. Mr Checkley proposed Mr Piper. Mr Segar seconded. Mr Piper said he had much rather see the President re elected, and he declined to stand Mr McDonald was then declared reelected. Mr Piper was elected Vice President unanimously. The following gentlemen were appointed a committee;— Messrs Westenra, J. Hunt, G. Field, W. Barnett. H. Kingston, T. Boothroyd, Q. Morgan, W. Whitfield, J. Duxbury, Geo. Check ley, S. Curry, E. Chappell, C. Reid, 11. Segar, J. Curry. This concluded the business of the annual meeting.

SEUICICULTURE. Mr Duxbury called attention to the fact that Mr Federli was in attendance to call the attention of the members of the Cinb to the benefits of serioiculture. It had been, he thought, clearly demonstrated by Mr Federli to his numerous visitors at Akaroa that the silkworm industry would pay. Farmers being of this opinion were anxious to take the first necessary step by planting mulberry trees. He thought the Government should assist in the matter by giving tho trees to those wlu desired to plant them and so foster the new industry. He thought they should all be much obliged to Mr Federli for his kindness in attending. (Applause.) Mr Federli said : " Gentlemen, I thank you for the kindness of your reception and the honor you have done me, and am glad of the opportunity of giving some explanation in reference to sericulture. Respecting Mr Duxbury's remarks regarding the Government fostering the industry, I am afraid they will go to no further extent than they have already in sending me here to explain. The Government think they have done enough when they have shown the way. I think that if farmers are convinced it will pay, they should endeavor to find out where the best trees are a d what they will cost, then purchase them themselves, for I do not, think the Government will supply them, and I do not think they should. If such a system w..>re commenced Government would have to find coffee and tobacco plants if those industries were established. The great thing is to get trees of the right sort which is a very easy matter and I will assist you to the best of my ability in selecting them. If several gentlemen were willing to join together in this matter it would be better, as the trees would be cheaper in quantitic-ti. It is not at all necessary to send the money ts the trees could be paid lor on delivery. [ am sure that it : the Government were to import them they would have to pay more than private people, for in dealing with Government the consciences of people always appear to he peculiarly elastic. (Laughter.) I shall lie glad to answer any questions, and I may say that the more I think over the matter the more convinced I am that the silk industry will pa)-. Japan now supplies all Europe with silkworm grain or eggs, and aiso exports a large quantity

of silk. In 1380 no less than 14 000.000 dollars worth of cocoons were exported to the United States alone, the price of the silk being about 8s per lb. The large profits made have caused a great increase in its production, and every little hut is crowded with silkworms. The same result i s certain to ensue that has taken place in other countries. Through overcrowding, disease will come and soon all over the islands. Now lam sure this climate is most admirably adapted for and let it be.faily introduced this vast trade might be monopolised by New Zealand in the event of Japan being unable to export, and at any rale she would _be certain of her share. There is lots of room here and as I said before a peculiarly suitable climate, During the last thirty years silk has shown an increase of 30 percent in value, and the demand is increasing. Sericieulture has, it is true, failed in many places, but principally owing to the ignorance of the introducers. To show how this is I may say that some silkworms bred here from New South Wales grain, took no less than 71 days before spinning their cocoons, and this shows that they had been badly starved, and yet in spite of this they spun fair cocoons. Look at these cocoons gentlemen, (cocoons shown) some are from Auckland and some are from Mrs Nairn, of Christchurch, and to show you the suitability of this locality, I may say there is eighty per cent difference in value between the Auckland cocoons and those grown here—-the Canterbury being much the best. GJentlemen, I am convinced Ihat serieiculture will pay here, lain certain it will pay. (Applause).

In answer to a question, Mr Federli said he thought the price of the trees would be about Is 6d each.

Mr Barnett (the Vice-president) said he thought the Government had done their part, and that it was the duty of the County Council to foster the industry. (Applause.) He intended to move, at the next County Council meeting, that £100 worth of mulberry trees should be procured for distribution on the Peninsula. The Farmers' Club could not spend £100 in this way, but the Council could, and when ihe trees a-rived it could be arranged for the farmers to pay for them, and so recoup the Council. They must try and take the matter up warmly. A gentleman connected with newspapers, who had visited Mr Federli, had said to him, " I think you had better come up to Rangiora; the farmers are too sleepy here in Akaroa." He thought they should prove this was not the case by putting their shoulders to the wheel.

Mr Duxbury said that the Council had once voted £500 for rearing ordinary trees in the Domain for distribu;ion in the counly. Surely, then, they might assist in this case.

The President said that if the farmers had to repay the money he did not see any benefit in getting the trees through the Council.

Mr Federli said he thought it would be better if the farmers sent in to Mr Westenra the number of trees they required, and they were imported direct.

Mr Westenra said be would give any atsistance he could. He thought it would be better if any one wanting trees sent him word how much money they wished to spend on trees, or how many they required, and then Mr Federli could find out from Sydney where the best trees were to be got. He should be glad to take charge of th - trees and distribute them. (Applause.) Hearty votes of thanks were then passed to Messrs Federli and Westenra for attending the meeting. MESSRS HUDSON RIDLEY'S OFFER. The President read the circular sent to all members of the Club respecting Messrs Hudson Ridley's offer regarding shipping cheese to England. Mr Hunt said each one should ship their own cheese. Mr Barnett thought the Club should do business with the Farmers' Co-operative Association, as they proposed chartering their own ships. He had taken shares in that Association, and had sent hia grass seed to them. He encouraged tho Association because it gave the whole profit to the producer and did away with the middleman. Mr Field approved. Several members thought Messrs Hudson Ridley's charge for freight was too high. It was resolved—''That Messrs Hudson Ridley be written to, informing them that every publicity had been given to their offer, but no fanners seemed inclined to send on the terms offered. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read — From Mr J. Pitcaithly, as follows :— •' Pigeon Bay, 10th Feb., 1882.

" Sir, —Knowing that any information on the all important matter of cheese will interest you, I send extract of a letter received by me from my brother-in-law in Scotland, also report from a Glasgow merchant. I had two cheese packed in tin and put in charge of the steward of the ship Abernyte, which left Port on July 18, and arrived Home on November 9. My friend says : In taking the cover off with a knife we have for opening tinned meat, I am sorry to say the symptoms were bad ; it began to run out an oily lipid, the lid of it seemed as if it had been boiled, sticking to the cover and round the sides, and hollow in the centre. It would not come out of the tin. In trying to lift part of it out, it goes all into birds meat. Oh, what a pity ! The quality has been excellent, the taste is still good ; if we could only get the same here in their original state, they would be worth money. I let a Gdasgow merchant see it yesterday. —same gentleman goes Jo Kilmarnock cheese fair every year as a judge.—See his report:—Cheese this year is worth from 65s to 70s per cwt; yours would be worth as much if not more. I should like-to know how much you make, and how much you get for them. I omitted to say that the Steward kept the cheese in his own room, if they had been in the hold it might have been better. I may mention that my brother-in-law is a retail grocer, and has been in the trade for 30 years. —Yours etc.,

•'< James Pitcaithly." " Pigeon Bay, 13th Feb., 1882.

"Dear Sir, — I received a letter on Friday last from Dunfermline, acknowledging the receipt there (in splendid condition) of one of the two cheeses I sent to Scot land. It is said to be equal, if not superior, to the best they have there, but no price is quoted. I am at a loss to account for the difference in tho condition of the cheeses, unless it be that one was made of one milking, the other of night and morning's milk. If we

can manage to send the cheese home without sweating on the passage, s ccess and a high price is certain.—Yours, etc., "Jas. Pitcaithly.'* oram cheese. Mr Segar handed in the following abstracts of letters from a brother in England :— "Abstract of letters received from my brother about the cheese which I shipped to him. '•' First Letter. "Burnley, August 23rd, 1881. •' I received your cheese, but am sorry to say that it did not arrive as 1 would have liked it to have done. It was very strong, and had sweated tremendously. Each cheese lost a considerable weight; some of the large ones lost in waste nearly half. The smaller ones landed best. I think if the cheeses be made as mild as possible for the future, it would meet a quicker sale in Lancashire, as mild cheese is generally asked for. I have disposed of some in the way of trade as best I could. I have about four left ; they are broken ones; and as soon as 1 have disposed of them I will remit you the cash, after deducting the freight and carriage from London. If the cheese can be landed in a good and sound condition, and be made as mild as possible, I can dispose of all you can send. I have had letters from various towns in Lancashire from wholesale firms, and their opinions are that it can be shipped and landed in a much better condition; they want it lighter in color. Second Letter. " November 24, 1881. " I have disposed of all your cheese, and got the best possible price I could, considering how it landed. I sent one to a gentleman who imports tons from America, to examine, and his opinion is that you make it too rich, and that it should be made milder. I sold some of the cheese in lots, about 61b for a shilling, I assure you I had a fine job of emptying the cheese, and a dirty one too. The following is the amount I got for the cheese and boxes:—For cheese and boxes, £18 18s 6d. Less 7d for post order for B. L., £1 10s 2d carriage from London, £5 7s 9d primage and freight from New Zealand= £12. I enclose a iraft on tho New Zealand Bank for the above amount." The cheese was sent home in the Orari with the celebrated shipment. Mr Segar was asked how much oheese ho sent Home. Mr Segar said 12cwt. Mr S. Hunt said Mr Segar had got nearly as much for his 12cwt as they had for their 50 tons. (Laughter.) ELECTION OF SECRETARY. Mr Duxbury said his term of office as secretary had expired, but that he would act till a new one was elected. It was agreed that tenders should be called for a paid secretary, and that the President and Vice President be authorised to open the tenders and accept one within three weeks. Several gentlemen spoke in high terms of the many services rendered by Mr Djxbiiry, and it was agreed that a gift of the value of three guineas should be purchased as a gift for Mrs Duxbury. The President. Vice President, Messrs Chappell, and Checkley were appointed a committee to carry out same. L hearty vote of thanks was also passed to Mr Duxbury. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £5 I4s (3d were passed for payment. THANKS. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to the President, retiring Vice President and committee. EXHIBITION COMMITTEE. Mr Chappell, Chairman of this com mittee, reported that the majority of dairymen seemed averse to the holding of a preliminary show of cheese in Akaroa. He had taken one bay at the exhibition for £5- 5-i. He also read letters from a number of people promising to send exhibits to the Christchurch Exhibition, It was agreed there should be no preliminary exhibition at Akaroa. It was also agreed that all cheese sent to th© exhibition under the auspices of the Farmers's Club should have a distinctive brand, and Mr E. S. Chappell was appointed to go round the dairies and affix the brand to all cheese intended to be sent, with the power of refusing to do so in tlie event of his considering the cheese unfit for exhibition.

Mr Chappell .reported that several gentlemen intended sending grass seed, wool, and other Peninsula products for exhibition.

The meeting then adjourned