A. & P. CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1209, 18 August 1911, Page 10

A. & P. CONFERENCE.

FINAL DAY. NATIONAL SOCIETY SUGGESTED. MEAT GRADING. , Tlio Agricultural Conference which began its sitting on Tuesday last -was brought to a closo yesterday.- Tho chair was' occupied by Mr. I). D. Macfarlano in the" absence of the president (Mr. A. S. Orbell), who was suffering, from a cold. : ' 1 Seeds Control Bill. . Tho committee sot up to consider tho Seeds Control Bill reported.' They urged that, the conference should endorse the principle of tho Bill, . but considered that the Bill might be simplified by striking out Clause C (which provides that samples of seed sold may be forwarded for testing to the Government. .Biologist), and. substituting a clause to enable the buyer to. take a sample, seal it. in tho presonce of the seller, and forward,it to the Biologist for. analysis. - Clause 6 referred to reads as follows:— "The buyer of any seed, sold .for sowing, may,'at any timo .within'seven days after receipt of it, take (in tho presence of two witnesses) a sample of 'such seed, and forward it to the Government Biologist for . testing.' Such samples shall comply with the following provisions:— . J (a), The minimum .weight of seeds in any sample shall be two ounces in the caso of grass seeds, or any kind • -of whito or -alsike clover, or any • seeds .of like size; four-ounces in tho case of red clover, lucerne, 'millet, "or any seeds' of like'sizo, and eight ounces in the caso of cerenls' or ■ any seeds of like size.

<b> Each sample shall consist, of small . quantities taken from the top, middle, and bottom of.,packages as under:—(t) Where the number of packages is not more than six, from each package; (2) v. hero the number of packages is from seven to twelve, from every second package; and (3) where the number of packages. is more than twelve, from every fourth package. (0) liach sample must- be enclosed in a suitable package, sealed and de- • livered (or forwarded by registered . post) (0 :tho.-.Biologist. . (A) Each sample must-be accompanied by a statement,, signed' by - the • •buyer or his agent, to the effect that the samnlo was taken ,in accordan.'e with tho provisions of the Act, and by the invoice certificate in respect of the seeds. . Mr.' I'\ S. Pope, Secretary, of the Agricultural Department, thought tha't tho proposed alteration would largely destroy the ntility or the Bill. He advised the conference to go very carefully, before it urged the amendment. The report of the committee was agreed to. - - Standard for Remounts. Mr. J. Striugfellow (Ashburton) moved: "That a standard height be fixed, for remounts for the mounted infantry' horses of the Dominion:" Thci mover thought (from inquiries made by his association) that 15 to 15.1! hands was the most suitable height, hut different associations had different standards, and they thought that nil associations should have the same standard. ....... Mr. Uussell (Hawke's Bay) thought that between 15 and 15.1 hands would be the ideal horse if properly built. He did not. think, however.,that the conference could lay down any definite height. . Mr- Q.-.i'l- the. Agricultural,; Department, agrec\Chvith Mr. Russell thai, I.') to 15.1 was the idcat horse for this class, provided that he had tlio necessary bone,, etc. He did not think, however, that the l-t.3_horso should be. shut out. If any specific standard was suggested ho thought that it should be from 11.3 to 15.2. as was the care elsewhere. Mr. J. G. Wilson remarked that it would be a good idea if they could get an expression of opinion 'from Generaf Godley, and he was deputed to get into touch with the General on the •matter. r. W'Json subsequently reported that General Godley was umi bit to attend-the conference, but had given his views over, the telephone. l He thought that the ideal animal for show purposes should be fro#i 14.3 to 15.2 hands: Mr. Buchanan Staled that thev had merely been discussing what the 'height should be. He thought,' however that tho troublo would bo to get tljo horses- at all. It was eventually decided: "That, it bo a. recommendation from the couforenco 1 ' '• * °P P rlzGS were ofTereti'for n mounted infantry troop horse, tho advice of General Godley should. Ik) nccopted, that tho height should'be from 113 to 15.2 hands. To Improve Horses, Tt was moved, on behalf of the Auckland Association: That, with the object of improving , tho various breeds of horses in tho Dominion, tho Government be : urged to institute a svstem of premiums for approved stallions to travel the- various districts and serve mares at-a limited fee. ■'he motion was carried after an interesting discussion. Grading Meat. On behalf of the Wairarapa Association, Mr. W. C. Buchanan, M.P., moved: "That this conference objects to any proposal for the Government, grading of meat." . Mr. Buchanan stated that he knew of no practical section of tho community having made any suggestion (in ,Parlin*ment, or put of it) that this important work should be taken out of tho hands of tho freezing companies. In this matter the Goyernment—which was not backward in claiming tho control of anything' —had not made any such claim.

Reference was made by Hr. it. D. D. M'l.ean to certain unevennefs in grading which was sometimes noticeable. Mr. C. J. Reakes, Chief of tho Government Veterinary Division, said that the question of Government grading had cropped up from time to time, and ho had studied it carefully. He believed thnt._ if each freezing company carried out its grading thoroughly, the necessity for any alteration in the direction, of the Government taking up the grading would cease to exist. Certain grades of particular companies meat had now become a. definite indication of a certain class of meat at Home. Personally, he did not think that the Government would be warranted in interfering with what had become tin established system of selling meat. There might, perhaps, be room for more-care in grading out inferior meat, especially regarding that which was so lean that' it was likely to bo put out at Home after defrosting, He. thought that, all the freezing companies wero with the Government in the dttfire that, such meat should not be sent away from the country. At present he was not satisfied that there was a necessity for the Government taking over tho grading. . However, he had a quite open.mind, if it could be shown that good, would result from s>uch a move. '

Mr. Bnchann.n remarked that it was an extraordinary thin;,' that., if there should be a drop in prices at ironic, tho grading was immediately , called into question. Complaints as to grading which emanated from the London men had to be taken with the proverbial "grain of salt." He tlid not say that the grading, of all the companies in New Zealand was perfcct, but it was psrfnct in some, and the success of every company was so closely identified with this work that it would be difficult to imagine that, the Government roitld kcr>p as close to the mark. If any company did not do its duty in. the matter of grading, that company Rii'fftr> ed. as the meat went somewhero else in order to get the best price. _ The buyers 'in London htul become familiar with tho present system, and know by the various marks what the meat Was when presented. Good reason would, he thonght. have, to be shown before any alteration in the method of grading wero made. Ho agreed with Mr. Rcakes that meat in-a poor condition thawtd out badly. In conclusion, Mr. Buchanan paid u tribntc to the Department for the assistance which it had

given the .company in which he was interested, and also two other companies at least. The motion was carried, Ear-marking Sheep. Mr. Wilson moved:—"That the Government 1» urged to give effect to the report of the Conference Committre in regard to the ear-marking of sheep." The report ram:— . Tho committee are of opinion that there arc several 'essentials tor a proper system of ear-marks suitable for Jvew Zealand':— .1. That it must, as little as possible interfere with tile ear-marks at present in use. 2. That the registered mark should be on the near ear only, and any further marking on such ear, should be prohibited, the off ear being availablo for the owner's age, sex, or sale mark. 3. That simplicity is absolutely necessary-; and tho pliers used to make tlip registered ear-mark Should not have more than two bits; and it is preferable that only one pair of pliers should be used. •I. That any ear-mark when registered and allotted to an applicant shall have its dimensions specified by the registrar. 5. That. the branding districts shquld for the purpose of registration be divided into sub-districts containing the greater number of owners than 750. 6. That to allow" for increase of owners in any sub-districts any scheme should provide for at least; 1500 diircrcnt earmarks. .

7. That in the case-of owners living near a district boundary, the necessary steps should bo taken to ensure that no other owners residing in an adjacent district near the same boundary shall be allotted a similar par-mark.

8. That the use of the knife in earmarking sheep should be prohibited,. _!)., That it should 1)C compulsory that every owner shall register an eftr-mark.-,'A.iter a lengthy discussion, in which Mi\ Iteakes said that the Agricultural Depai'tment'Was trying to work out something suitable, the" report was adopted,.

National. Society Proposed. The committee set up to report on the remit from Masterton— I "Thai, the conference affirm the desirability of establishing ;i Hoyal Society"—reported that they were of opinion as follows:—

That it is essential for the better Government of the' A. and P. Associations that some executive bodies -should be constituted. That this committee would recommend rho conference to taks steps' to form a duly registered national'society, to be . governed by a council elected by tho A. and P. Associations -throughout tho Dominion. ' • This council to act as the executive of tho affiliated bodies, and to arrango future conferences. The following should be tho objects of the society:—"To watch ovfr and protect tho right.s and privileges of tho associated societies; to take action in relation to any subject, or to any legislation affecting their interests; to bring about such a union of the societies as will enable reasonable influence to be brought lo bear in any desirablo direction; to bring about uniformity of rules as far as.practicable; compile a- satisfactory list- of. judges; . negotiate)' show dates'-.m a friendly '' manner; use all suitable means to collect and disseminate all kinds of ■ useful information calculated to assist and,benefit, tho societies, develop the resources, and advance the material interests of the country; to encourage the most advanced systems , . o£ agriculture, and the general developmont of the natural resourees'of the Dominion; to fester every branch of the mechanical household arts -calculated to increase tho comforts of human life, and any other matters of mutual interest." The society should also , have power to Ofr'ftnj ftther spiiieties "applicalion for registration; "to prepare list of show judges; to disqualify auv stock shown at unregistered shows; to arbitrate between associations when dates clash; to confirm, adopt, or remove any disqualification imposed by the society; to make a levy 011 the affiliated bodies to raise the necessary funds to carry out the objects of the. society. . The committee also recommended: "That a oireular be drafted on these lines, and forwarded to societies represented at the conference with a request that the matter be discussed as early as possible. If the executive, 011 receiving tho replies, deem it desirable, they should be empowered to call another meeting of delegates to finally, adopt rules and regulations." • . • , Mr. Perry, in moving the adoption of the report, remarked that they had found that, in this respect,, they were a long way behind Australia. He did not think that, it would be wise to endeavour to get the title. "Rcyal" Society until the rules, etc., had been definitely drafted. Perhaps "National" would have to suit them for a start. ,Mr. A. H. Russell (Hawke's Bay) seconded tho motion, and tlio report was adopted. In view of the renort, the Masterton delegates withdrew their original remit. Rural Telephones. Mr. Terry (Masterton) moved:—"That, in connection with privately-owned'tele-phones, where there are more than two subscribers on one wire, the PostuiasterGenml be urged to materially mince the telephone fess for each subscriber | The motion was seconded by Mr. W. C. Buchanan and carried. On behalf of the Wairarapa and West Coast, Mr. Buchanan moved: That further legislation be enacted to givS local bodies more power to assist ratepayers in the country districts to obtain cheap telephone communication. Mr. Buchanan outlined the difficulties which bad confronted him when he had endeavoured to get the Government to take this: matter up previously. As a matter of fact, he said, the PostmasterGeneral had promised to see what could b© done, but nothing had,eventuated. He proceeded to stress the enormous importance of such a scheme to tlvc rural districts, and gave a sketch of a scheme by which local bodies should be empowered to lend to settlers for telephones, and make the payment a charge on the settlors' property as was ilono in Ontario with great success. He' hoped that the Minister would see that facilities were given to 'the settlers to raise money through the local bodies to put up telephono 1 linos. The motion was carried after a lengthy discussion. Registration of Wool Brands. Mr. Russell (Hawke's Bay) movei?"That tho registration of wool brands should be made compulsory." . The mover pointed out that it was known that inferior wool had been marked.with a wellknown brand and ,«eut Home. There it ?ot tho benefit of the known brand, alhough the wool was inferior.. They wished to make it absolutely illegal for uno man to use another man's brand. Mr. J. L. Bruco thought that tho amending Bill, which was now being introduced, would meet the ease. . After some further discussion it was decided that provision should be murtfe for the registration of wool. brands in such a manner that any infringement of a registered brand would be illegal. Forestry Matters, A paper by Mr. Adams. (Canterbury) was read on forestry, in connection with a remit "' !| t further encouragement be given lo plant the waste and other lands of the Dominion with approved varieties of forest trees. Mr. Maefarlane thought. that the Government was doing good work, although, in somf instances, the places, selected were not the best. His opinion was that the West Coast should be planted with good forest trees. The.-.o would'be a'valuable assot in the future. •

In reply to a question, the. Minister for Agriculture remarked that the tloveinmcnt should have the highest skill in (he important work of forestry. He believed that it was the intention to widen out the work. It would, in his opinion, be a difficult task to plant tho West Coast. The motion was carried, and,a vote nf thanks was passed to Mr. Adams for his paner. 1 Show Stock. Mr. H. Elwortby (Timaru) moved: "That tho Kailtfay Department b« asked

to grant fhe same concessions of railway charges on stock exhibited at shows where only a part, of the consignment is returned to same station as consigned from, us is now granted wheru tho whole of the consignment is returned." TIM! motion was carried.

in pip same connection, (lie Mnuawatu Association moved: "That the Governmont be asked to make provision in tho HaiUvny titriff to carry at hull' rates live stock font to A. and IJ.1 J . Shows by rail, to compete in fat cattle or sheep classes, which require, in (lie conditions, thai: the exhibit be killed and shipped to London j'or the award of additional show prizes." This also was agreed to. Conveyance of Stock. j/'Len.n (Hawke's Bay) moved: That the Knilway Department be asked to make better provision for tho conveyance ol show stock." The mover said that it whs coming to this: That, under til© present system, ho and. others r:: , not care to risk valuable stock in a train. Until better provision were made, lie was certain that a good many people would abandon sending stock to shows. V crr }' (Maslerton) seconded tho motion, which ho thought a very important one. He know how stock was knocked about on tho railways. llr. F. S. Pope, secretary of the Agricultural Department, did not think that a general circular by the Government would do much good, as it would soon b. 1 forgotten. What ho would suggest would be that farmers consigning valuable stock should call on the stationinasfor beforehand, and as!: him to issue an instruction to the driver and guard, informing them that there was valuable stock on board which must be taken care of. Mr. Rutherford thought that the trouble was-not so much with show trains and stock as with mixed trains, when the shunting did much damage. Mr. M'Loan agreed that -it vros the shunting that did most of the damage. He thought that representations might bo made to the Railway Department that things are not quite so good as they might be. This was agreed to. A; and P. Statistics. The Hon. T. Mackenzie asked tho conference for opinions in regard to ths collection of agricultural and pastoral atatlstics. The ..Government was anxious to make those statistics as complete and satisfactory as possible. It was decided that the farming community he asked to givo every facility to "the Department in collecting -these statistics. Continuous Loading. Air. Buchanan moved: "That (he Government be urged to arrange for continuous loading for tilt sheep trucks used in the railways." The improvement, he said, could be made at a comparatively light cost, and would be a great benefit to the farming community. "Our present system is something dreadful," said Mr. Hawfeen (Egmont). The system was so cumbersome that it was almost a work of art getting sheep into tho trucks.

Mr. Mncfarl.tne said thiit the G'orernment liad bfen approached on .(his point before, lull had declined to do anything on the score of the expense. He would support the motion.

The Hon. 'J'. Mackenzie remarked that he would convey the feeling of the conference to the Minister fc-r Railways. The motion was carried. Minister and Department Thanked. Mr. M'Loan proposed a vote of thanks to the Minister of Agriculture and the member* of the Agricultural Department, and remarked on the value of tho work done. ,

Beware of tho Meat Trust; In replying, the Hon. T. Mackenzie remarked that there could be little douhc that tho American Meat Trust was threatening the meat industry. There had been some mysterious movements, which ho ,had not been able to quito'get. hold of. 'Th«.'trusl' had'vast sums of money, and the best'brains available, and it was familiar with every ounce Of produce going,into the great markets of the world. Producers and the Government would'have to watch closely tha-lines of operation. In ordinary conditions we were oil what the cricketers called "a g<wd wicket." We had -every reasoli to bo of good heart, in the absence of conditions arising otlwr than what wo might call normal. Standing Committee. The following were elected a Standing Committee:—Messrs. Rutherford,' Hall, Orbe.ll, Perry, lioherts, Russell, and Macfarlane. 1 Other Matters. At the instance of the North Citago Association, the conference discussed the question of tlw revised regulations as adopted recently by the New Zealand railways. Mr. Seth-Smith moved that the Government be asked to reconsider the smallgoods traffic, as it applies to the country trade. Several speakers remarked 011 the inconvenience and dissatisfaction caused ht conr.tr}- stations, and the motion was carried.

, 111 reply to Mr. M'Loan, tho Minister for Agriculture said instruction had been given to have weather reports communicated to country post offices. Several speakers pointed out that this was not done, and tho Minister said ho would look into the matter.

■ The matter df considering the Sale of Poisons Bill was left to . the Standing Committee, with power to net. The Hoii. T. Mackenzio said he had asked the lion, (ieo. Fowlds to refer the Bill to tho Agricultural Committee, which would go into tho matter, df poisons required for tho farm and other matters.

A suggestion that night trains should bo run 011 the Main Trunk lines during tho autumn months was moved by the Tiniaru Association. This, he thought, would do away with a good deal of the difficulty in regard to the shortage of tracks. The motion was carried.