A. AND P. CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1513, 22 July 1905, Page 2

A. AND P. CONFERENCE.

JPer Psess Association.) Wellington, last night. The fourth day’s sitting of the Agricultural Conference commenced this morniug. The Rural Education and Experimental Stations Committees, set up on Wednesday, were made permanent, with instructions to koep the subjects alive during the year. It was announced that an important discovery of phosphato rook had just been made in tho colony. Mr Wilson (the President) said the Government should bo nrged to purchase tho find at once for the benefit of farmers. Mr Wilson urged that the Agricultural Department should bo given a building for its own occupation in Wellington.

It was resolved : “ That the Minister of Lands be urged to bring forward a Seeds Bill this session, so as to allow publication of full particulars of the testing of seeds and analysis of manures, and to prevent

the sale of inferior and unclean seeds.” The Rev. Bates, Government meteorologist, read a paper on meteorology aod climatology, with a demonstration of the

instruments used. It was resolved : “ That the Government bo urged to so amend the Small Birds Nuisance Act to provide a uniform system and time in each district to destroy small birds, to secure uniform action within boroughs as in adjoining districts, to bring tho North Island within the provisions of tho Act, and to induce local bodies to pur-, chase the haads and eggs of small birds at a uniform prieo and at stated times.” A number of motions referring to railway matters, such as the need for cleanliness of trucks, better provision for the transit of stock, reduction of freight on fertilisers and drain rpipes for agricultural purposes, and concessions to passengers for shows, were carried. It was resolved that future conferences be held in Wellington annually if the Executive considers it necessary.

It was resolved that the Government be urged to endeavor to opon up trade with Japan in our staple products, especially wool.

Mr Edwin Hall was appointed permanent secretary to the conference in succession to Mr Murphy, of Christchurch, who was accorded thanks for his past services. Mr MoFarlane (Christchurch) moved that the Government be urged to increase very materially the colony’s contribution towards the upkeep of the Imperial navy. The motion was adopted without discus sion. The conference concluded at 1 o'clock.