AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 216, 17 February 1875, Page 2

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the committee of the above association was held yesterday afternoon at Tattersall's. There was a large attendance, and the chair was taken by Mr H. P, MurrayAynsley, president of the association. The chairman said that at a meeting held on the 22nd December last it was decided to hold the annual ram fair on the first Friday in March (sth), that intention to be advertised in the Auckland, Hawkes Bay, and Timaru papers, and this had been done. He desired to mention that during the last year a great deal of time had been wasted in the indiscriminate way in which their discussions had been carried on—[Hear, hear] — and he hoped that in the future when a resotion was proposed and seconded, the discussion would go on under the ordinary rule of debate. [Hear, hear.] Mr R. Wilkin, if in order, would desire to say that a very great deal of time would be saved if the president's suggestion were acted upon, and it would be found of great advantage to members of the association who resided out of town. He would'move "That it is the wish of the committee that in future discussions the ordinary rules of debate be carried out." By that he meant that the proposer of a resolution should have the right of speaking to it with reply, and the seconder and other members to speak once to it. He did not think that any member would refuse to defer to the ruling of the chairman, but he would like that resolution placed on the minutes. Mr Norman seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr Wilkin said that with regard to the ram fair, he believed that it would be necessary to carry it out under certain fixed rules. Last year he saw that sales of ewes were advertised for the following day, and he thought it would be much better if they were brought under the same rules with regard to entrance fees, mode of conducting sales, &c, as the rams. He would, therefore, mo ve—" That a sub-committee consisting of Messrs J. T. Matson, Mitchell, Henderson, Norman, Ford, Alport, and R. H. Campbell, arrange the details and manner of conducting the ram fair, and mode of sales following, to report to the committee on that day week." Mr A. Duncan seconded the resolution. Mr H. F. Gray would point out the desirability of holding the ewe sale the day before the ram sale, as purchasers would then be in a better position to know what description of ram they would require. Mr Matson quite agreed with the previous speaker as to this necessity, but did not think the committee would be able to arrange this for the next ram fair. Mr Mcßeth thought if this could be arranged it would add to the success of the ram fair. The resolution was put and carried. Mr Wilkin said that as that was the first committee meeting held since the annual one it would be necessary to appoint a ground and yards committee. The following gentlemen were chosen on the committees:— Ground committee—Messrs Duncan, Norman, Henderson, Wilkin, and Ford. Yards committee Messis Washbourne, sen., Norman, Henderson, Ferguson, and Bruce. Mr Matson asked whether the yards committee had fixed the rates for the ensuing year, or would the same charge be made as last year. He asked the question, as he was not in the room during the first portion of the meeting. The chairman replied that a committee had been appointed to consider this with other matters, and would report next week. Mr Wilkin desired to say that at the special meeting to be held on the 2'6id iust,y

he thought it would be advisable to discuss the question of extending the November exhibition to two days. At their last exhibition the sheep were judged the day before, and was found to have answered well. He quite agreed with the necessity of continuing this practice, but as the association extended, it would be absurd to think that they would be able to satisfy visitors with a one day's show, and at future shows it might be found necessary to also judge the cattle and implements before visitors were admitted. Hitherto they had held their exhibitions during the race week, and as a matterof courtesy only, it would be necessary to discuss this matter early, so as to be able to give the Jockey Club timely notice of their intention, if it was found advisable to make any change. If no one else did so he would bring this question forward for discussion at the special meeting to be held next week. At the suggestion of the chairman, it waß decided to add mention of this in the circular caLing the special meeting. After a short discussion of a desultory nature, on the advisability of holding the next mid-winter show —consisting of live stock, carcase, and roots—within the city, Messrs Wilkin, Matson, and Tattersall's premises being offered for that purpose conjointly, the meeting adjourned.