AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1364, 28 June 1878, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was held yesterday afternoon, at the office, Oxford Terrace. Present—Hon. John Hall, and Messrs A. Duncan, W. Norman, J. Mcßeath, J. Mann, J. Ferguson, R. L. Higgins, R. Sutherland, W. Henderson, P. C. Threlkeld, S. Garforth, H. P. MurrayAynsley, Thomas Bruce, and H. E. Alport. The Hon. John Hall was voted to the chair. The report of the sub-committee re the management of the association, was read by Mr Murray-Aynsley, as follows : "The committee, in accordance with the resolution passed at last meeting of the association, have arranged with the Union Insurance Company for suitable offices in their building, at a rental of £6O per annum, the tenancy to be for five years. These offices include one room for the secretary and one large room for the use of the members of the association, which can be further' enlarged by the removal of sliding doors to 31.8 ft. x 22ft. in size. In both of the rooms are fireplaces. " For the office of secretary to the association and sub-editor of the 'New Zealand Country Journal,' the committee decided to advertise for applications for the combined duties, and in response thereto fourteen gentlemen applied. After careful consideration the committee recommend the appointment of Mr Michael Murphy. " The committee consider that Mr Makeig should receive three months' notice of the termination of his e"c"»»ement, as also of premises at present occupied by the association, the same to date from the Ist July, 1878, and that Mr Michael Murphy, the successful applicant, be requested to begin his duties on the Ist September, 1878. "On behalf of sub-committee, " H. P. Muebay-Aynsiky." The report was adopted, on the motion of Mr Sutherland, seconded by Mr Mcßeath. The report of the Ram Fair committee waß next called for, but the secretary stated that the committee wished for an extension of time to the 25th July. The extension was granted. Mi Duncan read the following report of the sub-committee appointed to consider the question of a National Association : " 1. The committee recommend the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association to concur in the resolution passed by the North Otago and Dunedin Agricultural Association relative to the formation of a National Agricultural and Pastoral Association for the Middle Island of New Zealand. "2. The scope and object of the proposed association should be to promote and stimulate everything connected with agricultural and pastoral pursuits, and also to form a centre from which all the existing local societies would derive encouragement and support. It should, however, be clearly understood that the proposed association, whilst embracing within its organization membera of each of the existing societies (as well as from others that may be formed) should not in any way interfere with their present organization or management. "3. The committee are of opinion that delegates from the Dunedin, North Otago, Timaru, and Canterbury Societies should meet at a place and on a day to be for the purpose of drawing up a constitution and code of regulations for the proposed association. . ,

"4. The committee are also oi: opinion that the head quarters of the association should be in Christchurch, and that the "New Zealand Country Journal" should be tho recognised official paper of the association. "5. The committee are further of opinion that the first exhibition of the proposed association should not be held prior to 1879, at such time and place as may be fixed upon by the delegates. f Geobqe Qovld, Chairman."

A discussion followed, in which great stress was laid upon the necessity of not allowing the National to olash with the local shows. It was also agreed that it should be borne in mind that Ashburton and Bangiora would desire to have local shows, and were entitled to have them as well as Christchurch, Oamaru, Dunedin, and Timaru. The possibility of the National Association being found to interfere with Christchurch wan likewise hinted at. Mr Higgins questioned tho probability of the National Association improving Btock or adding to the knowledge of agriculture. The chcumstances in England were not the same, especially in the matter of moving stock from one place to another, as those in New Zealand.

The report was considered paragraph by paragraph, and agreed to. It was agreed that a copy of the report be forwarded to the Dunedin, Oamaru, and Timaru Societies, with a reference to the letters received from the two former. The appointment of delegates was postponed till the receipt of answers from the above-named associations.

The proof of the prize catalogue was referred to the sub-committee for striking off. The list of private prizes was read and accepted by the association. It was resolved that the cost of engraving on private prizes be included in the sum offered. Mr Sutherland gave notice that he would move at the next meeting—" That a prize of the value of twenty-five guineas be given to the largest prize-taker for draught stock." ' following new members were elected : Messrs David ' Thomas, Christchurch ; J. E. Campbell, Wedderburn, Southbridge; and E. T. Wright (life member), Chertsey. Mr Sutherland undertook to obtain a "merchants' prize." The secretary was instructed to wait upon those tradesmen who have hitherto given special prizes, and to solicit a renewal of their favors.

Several accounts having been passed for payment, the meeting ended.