A. & P. CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1817, 1 August 1913, Page 8

A. & P. CONFERENCE.

SECOND DAY,

REMITS STILL UNEXHAUSTED.

The biennial conforenco of Agricultural Societies was continued' in the Chamber of 'Commerce Buildings yesterday. Mr. . ilwan Campbell, ■ of AYanganui, presided. Control of Weeds. The administration "'of tho Noxious Weeds Act and the fact of tho spread of Weeds was discussed. Mr, J. D. Hall (Canterbury) suggested that tho subjects should bo referred to the forthcoming conference of local bodies, and subsequently ho moved:— "That' tho question of dealing with , noxious weeds should be referred to tho conference of local bodies, and that it should be a recommendation to such conference, that tho (powers of foca'l authorities should lie extended so as to give them more discrotionayy power in the direction; of declaring what weeds shall for tho purposes of the Act bo deemed noxious in the.district over which they have jurisdiction.''

Mr. H. J. Okey, M.P. (Taranaki) said that' ho was quits satisfied that ths Government would only bo too pleased if they could hand over tho cifntrol to the local bodies,■ but were farmers willing that the local bodies should have control of their farms? He thought that tho administration should bb left in the hands of the Agricultural Department, for tho farmers then know -where they were.

Mr. E. Clifton (State Director of .Fields Experiments) said that the Department ■would be grateful for any betterment of the present system. Mr. Hall's motion was lost.

It was resolved that the State inspectors should be empowered to take -samples of seeds, analyse them, and publish the results.

On the motion of Mr. J. D. Hall' (Canterbury). it wis resolved:—"That this conference considers that it if desirable to set up a commission composed of landowners and Departmental officers to inquire into and report upon: (1) The area, locality, and configuration of lands affected by noxious weeds; (2) the varieties of weeds, noxious and otherwise, and the amount of damage and loss sustained by reason of sucli weeds; (3) tho methods by which the -whole matter might be dealt villi." '

Concerning Horses. Tho following Poverty . Bay remit was Agreed to:—"That all entire horses exhibited at agricultural shows shall -pass a veterinary examination as to their boiiig free trom hereditary unsoundness, and a . certificate to that effect must be produced at time of entry." The conference adopted.Canterbury's remit: "That a veterinary certificato of freedom from hereditary unsoundness, issued in respect of horses exhibited at an earlier show, should be accepted at subsequent shows throughout the year; that nil such certificates should be issued by veterinary .surgeons appointed by the Government."

"That the Defence Department should be urged to fix a standard for troop horses for the mounted forces of tho Dominion for the guidance of judges of these classes at agricultural shows," was carried on the motion of the Ashburton delegate. On the motion of Mr. 11. R. M'Eae, Mauawatu,"it was resolved: "That-it is essential a Bill providing for the registration of stallions, as set out m tho Bill drafted by Mr. ltealces, be passed into Mw this' year." Mr. C. J. Keakes, Director of tho Livo Stock Division of the Department of Agriculture, stated that a Bill had been drafted, and that lie .understood that tho Prime.'Minister would present it to the Elouse this session. . "An alarming shortage of army horses' having been' reported from England; .Mr. J. G. Eutherford, of Auckland, considered that there would soon bo an increased demand for New Zealand horses. Hp moved: "That witli- the object of improving the various breeds of horses in the .Dominion, the Government . should^, be -urged .to institute a system of premiums for approved' stallions tp travel the various districts, and serve marcs at -a limitedl fee." ' "The motion was carried.

Miscellaneous Matters, Jilginont's remit: /'That cups and trophies for agricultural shows should be admitted duty free," was earned. The conference adopted tiio remit, to the effect that: dehorned dairy cattle should allowed to compete at . agricultural shows without being penalised through- their being dehorned., Mr. B. C. Aston, F.I.C:, of "the Department :9f Internal .Affairs, delivered an - addrefs on the subject of phosphates; ?*nd Mr. C. J. ;Direc- ■ tor of ••the Lire Stock and Meat Division y tho, of Agriculture, read papor entitled: "Certain Nutritive Dis : Jrtlers of Live Stock." l Other business is reported under sepa!>ato headings. ' The couferencondjourned ti11.10.0 clock 'fliis morning.