ELLESMERE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 319, 21 June 1875, Page 2

ELLESMERE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A general meeting of the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held at Loe’s Leeston Hotel on Friday, the 18th instant. The attendance of members was remarkably good. Rev W. J. G. Bluett, president, occupied the chair. The minutes of the last annual general meeting and of committee meeting of 3rd April were read by the secretary and confirmed. The chairman then called the attention of the meeting to the principal business for which they had been convened, viz, that of fixing a date for the coming show. Mr Acland moved, and Mr Osborne seconded, the fcllowing resolution: —“That Thursday, the 4th November, be decided upon as the date of the show,” it being patent to most people that holding the show previous to the parent show was in every way conducive to the interest of exhibitors. The following amendment was proposed by Mr Frankish —“ That the show be held after the Christchurch show, and that March 15th be decided upon as the most suitable date;” that season of the year, in the opinion of the mover, being more advantageous to the association, and convenient to the public generally. The amendment, however, fell through for want of a seconder, and the original resolution was declared to be duly carried, although, in the opinion of Mr Campbell, the date of the Timaru show should be taken into consideration. The Chairman, in introducing the question of finance to the meeting, stated that he had applied for a grant of £SO to the associ-

ation, which he thought would in all probability be granted by the Government. At the same time he thought it would be advisable to continue the loan for another twelvemonth, by which time he hoped they would be in a better financial position. A letter was read from Mr Revans, manager of the Mercantile Loan and Agency Company, who promised to renew the loan, although not on quite as reasonable terms as heretofore; but offering to allow the association to repay the amount by instalments. A resolution, proposed by Mr Rennie, and seconded by Mr Frankish —“ That the loan be renewed for another two years”—was withdrawn in favor of the following amendment, which was proposed by Mr Acland, seconded by Mr Bishop, and carried nem con, —“ That the £2OO loan be accepted in the terms of the New Zealand Loan, &c., Company’s letter, and that in future all life members’ tickets and bonuses be placed to a separate account to liquidate such debt.” The specifications and agreement of lease entered into between the president and lessee of the show grounds were read by the secretary, and it was unanimously resolved—- “ That the action taken by the sub-commit-tee and president in reference to the lease of their property to Mr Osborn be confirmed.” It was proposed by Mr Acland, and seconded by Mr Bishop—“ That no officers of the association be empowered to lend any hurdles, gates, or material of any sort from off the show ground, and that a brand be made to mark all such moveable property.” Carried. The President informed the meeting that he had received a grant of forest trees from the Government on account of the association, and that he would apply for a further grant, as the trees to hand were not sufficient for the contemplated planting. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.