Agricultural Conference.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 328, 1 June 1894, Page 2

Agricultural Conference.

(Per Press Association). Wkllixoton, Ma\ 31. The following resolutions were passed at the Agricultural Conference this afternoon : — " That the question of the best breed of cattlo for the production of dairy produce should be decided by the dairy farmers themselves, but dairy factories or associations might be asked to contribute funds to be offered as prizes for the best essay on the subject. •' That a clause be inserted in the Fenciug Act of 1893, making wire-netted fence of specified dimensions a legal fence, thus compelling adjoining owners to participate in the cost of construction and maintenance, and that no larger mesh than 1 3-8 inches be recognised in declared infested districts. Mr Overton moved it be a recommendation from this Conference to the Agricultural Department to ask, by public advertisement, farmers aud runholders who wero troubled with apparent diseases among their flocks to set apart certain portions of their lands and some of the effected sheep, in order they, in the district in which the disease exists, may be treated by the Government veterinary surgeon, under the supervision of the stockowuer. This was agreed to. A proposal to hold an intercolonial ani pastoral conference was rejected. It was decided the next Conference of New Zealand delegates be held within two years at Dunediu. This Day. At the Conference a letter was read from Mr Crawford, of Miramar, suggesting the formation of a Society on the lines of the Royal Agricultural Soi iety of England A resolution was passed confining future representation to not more than two delegates from each Society, but allowing gentlemen who have special knowledgo to attend to the number of not more than 10 ; urging constant efforts to extend the markets, especially for wool, froxen meat and dairy produce, and the frequent publications of reports thereon ; that it is desirable to subject all public dips to proper inspection ; that more facilities should be given for the study of veterinary science by giving scholarships; that the wheel tax should be removed from farmers vehicles on the West Coast of the South Island. Mr Ritchie said steps would be taken to prevent quarantiuekeepers running .h Mr own stock, The Education Departments wrote that it was intended to introduce special school books on agriculture, botany, geology, aud mining. A proposal to encourage the growth of sugar beet by extending the bonus to fifteen years was lost. It was decided that all machines or implements used in agriculture, with their parts, should be admitted free. The Secretary made some suggestions as to eradicating the destructive potato moth, which has made its appearance in the Colony. Mr Murphy, of Christchurch, was appointed permanent secretary to the conference. It was decided that further conferences be held independent of the Government in the payment of travelling expenses. The conference then closed with the us lal votes of thr.nks.