A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11482, 15 January 1903, Page 3

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

MEETIXG OF THE COMMITTEE.

The G-eneral Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association met yesterday, when Dr. Levinge (president)' occupied the chair.

A letter was read from tie Railway Department with reference to tiie size of grain sacks, it having been urgert that the present 240 ib sack caused injury to the men engaged in handling them. Tlte Minister requested the Association to take the matter into consideration, and furnish iuin with its tiews therxon. When the size of the sack had been decided on a by-law would be gazetted regulating it, and at least twelve months' notice would be given of the alteration to enable present stocks of sacks to be used up.

Speaking on the letter from the Government with reference to the size of gram Kicks, Mr Pen-man poirr-ed out that a number of Fanners' Unions had expressed their opinion in favour of keeping the sack at the pize it now was. In reply to Sir John Hall, Mr Jameson said that me sacks in Victoria, were shorter than hi New Zealand. Mr Macdonald thought they would have to keep to the present sack for light stuff, such as chaff, and make the sacks for the iheavier grain smaller. Mr Jameson said the opinion of the farmers throughout the country was in favour of the size of the sack remaining ac at -present.

Mr Recce asbed whether the Association had noi passed a resolution on the subject. Mr ii. Gould luiought the Association had oome to the conclusion that they would not interfere with the present size. Tlie President said the question was one which should be decided by the Farmers' Unions.

Mr Hugonin said that it seemed to him that the present generation were degenerating, as tne weight of the present sacks would have been no trouble to the men of the olden times:

Mr Gould suggested that the Association should recommend the Railway Department not to carry packages of wheat of greater weight than 2001b. He would move— "That the Association recommend the Railway Department to issue a regulation they would not carry grain in bags of more than 2001b weight." Mr Macdonold seconded the motion. An amendment was .moved by Mr Hugonin to the eilecti that the size, of the sacks remain aa now. Sir John Hall pointed out that it was not a question for the farmers, but for the farmers' men, who had to cany the sacks. Mr Hugonin's amendment we put and lost, Mr Jameson -uen moved—"That the matter bo referred to the Farmere , Unions and Farmere' dubs throughout the colony for their decision." This was seconded, and on being put was lost. Mr Gould's original motion wae then carried. Mr Gould then moved—''That the Association in making the recommendation had in view the use of a smaller sack, maintaining the same relative proportions ac to length and breadth as the sack now in use." Mr Macdonald seconded the motion, whioh was agreed to.

The Cattle Committee recommended tihafc as the Jersey Breeders' Association were going to publish a Herd Book of their own the Jersey cattle be omitted from the New Zealand Herd Book in future. Considerable discussion ensuod, during the course of which the opinion was expressed that the New Zealand ( Herd Book should contain a record of all the breeds of cattle in the colony. Ultimately it was resolved, on the motion of Sir Reid, that the report be referred back to the Cattle Committee, with a recommendation • that they should confer J with the Jersey Breeders' Association on the subject. The President reported what had been done with regard to the Harvest Festival. Circulars had been issued and the work was being, pushed on. The Sheep Committee recommended that the Ram Fair should be held on the 12th and 13th March. In deference to a request for an early fair circulars had bean sent out, asking for support for a fair on 29th February. Some 375' entries had been received foy this early fair. Mr Macfarlane moved—" That a Ram Fair be held during- the first week in February, that the ordinary Ram Fair be held on 12th and 13th March, and that fade fees be reduoed.," . " , '

This was (seconded and agreed -, to. ; . The dates of the Metropolitan baoxr were fixtd for November llth, 12th and 13th. Mr John McKenzie . was elected ae. a member of the' Association.

Dr. • Leving** gave notice that he ■would: move at the annual general meeting—" (1" That tlie constitution of the Association ■be wnended to provide for the setting up of an Executive Committee to carry out tftts work, such Executive to coSsiat of the Chairmen of the various permanent subcommittees, with euch other members as the General Committee shall elect at its first meeting each year, any six of whom shall form a quorum. (2) That the meetings of the General Committee be held quarterly or at such other times as the President may think it necessary to call a meeting."