THE PROPOSED NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1490, 25 November 1878, Page 3

THE PROPOSED NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

[by telegeaph.]

[pbom oub special eepoetee.]

The meeting of delegates from the various Agricultural and Pastoral Associations of the Middle Island was held at the Star and Garter Hotel, Oamaru, on Saturday morning. The following delegates from the Associations named were present —Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Hon, John Hall, Messrs J. Grigg, and A. Duncan ; Courtenay, Mr Gough ; Rangiora, Mr McFarlanc; Leeston, Mr C. Bourne; Oamaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Hon. Matthew Holmes, Messrs Connell and Hedloy ; Tukomairoro, Messrs G. Copstick, Parker, and G. M. Perrier; Dunedin, Messrs Bell and Brydone ; Invercargill, Mr Martin ; Timaru, Messrs Belfield, Macintosh, and Elworthy ; Kaiapoi Farmers’ Club, Mr J. Lowthian Wilson.

On the motion of the Hon. John Hall, the Hon. M. Holmes was voted to the chair.

The Hon. M. Holmes, in taking the chair, said —Gentlemen, I am very much pleased to see so large an attendance on so important an occasion as the formation of a National Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The formation of such an association would be, I feel sure, be found to benefit New Zealand both as regards the agricultural and pastoral and general interests more than anything that coutd be done. Many, if not all of you, know from the working of the great societies at home, that great advantages have accrued to the mother country, and as this country bears a more striking resemblance to the mother country than other, I believe that the advance made in the science of agriculture will do more to benefit the colony of New Zealand than any other. I trust therefore that the project of forming a national association, which we have met to-day to discuss, will result in the initiation of the proposed association being placed in tho hands of a committee whoso labors, I trust, will produce practical results. As I feel very deeply the importance of the position I occupy, I will ask you to bear with mo while I read a few remarks which I have committed to paper. [Hear, hear.l In undertaking to preside on this occasion ! feel very strongly the necessity of trying to commend the objects of tho proposed association to you in such a way as to secure your hearty support. It has long been evident that tho prosperity of this colony must depend chielly upon its agricultural and pastoral resources, and any movement calculated to promote the development of these, merits your active assistance and co-operation, A glance backwards at what has been done, will show at once how extraordinary our progress has already been in this respect, and should serve to convince all of you of the necessity of adopting -fill means in your power to secure the best possible return in the future for tho enormous amount of capital now irrevocably committed to these pursuits. Without going deeply into statistics, I may state broadly that we have now in the colony 13,069,338 sheep, 573,000 cattle, and 137,768 horses, and, besides the natural pasture, we have 3,523,277 acres of English sown grasses upon which to feed them. There are 26,205 holdings in the colony, and the land cultivated extended in 1877 to 226,354 acres wheat, 204,254 acres oats, 21,795 acres barley, and 18,875 acres potatoes. The crops for the present year promise well, and indicate a return of about 14,000,000 bushels. These results speak volumes for the industry, enterprise, and ability of tho people. But this is merely a prelude to what may be expected in the future. Tho large extent of Grown land lit for agricultural settlement sold in the different provinces (more especially in Canterbury), and tho cutting up into farms of many large estates, will cause a large increase in the settlement and production of tho colony, so that we may fairly anticipate every year a very large increase in tho returns of produce and stock, and it certainly concerns you all to consider very carefully the possibility of being able to obtain a permanent outside market for the largo quantities of grain and other produce which the colony will be prepared to export in future years. Tin. only part of this problem which really lies within our power is, how can wo secure tho greatest roiurna at the least cost ? It is to help us to solve that question that I was first induced to propose the formation of a colonial society in connection with agricultural and pastoral pursuits, being convinced that such a body would tend to improve our system of farming to an extent that otheiwise could never be attained. Such an association would bring together at certain B&acons every year, from tho different parts of the colony, the most intelligent men connected with agricultural and pastoral pursuits, to confer together on tho interests they have in common, and to take such proceedings as may be deemed necessary for improving the system of agriculture and tho breeding of stock. The societies now in existence are all doing good in their several districts, but here, as elsewhere, I believe it will be found that an amalgamation is necessary to organise the different interests under one body, which, from its extent, the character of its members, and the ability with which its proceedings will be conducted, would have great power in promoting the improvement cl farming and stock breeding. The Highland Agricultural Society, instituted in 17t'4, was the first edits kind which proved successful. Its operation was limited to matters connected with tho improvement of the Highlands ot Scotland, but the value of tho society soon came to be recognised, and it took a more general cha-

racter in connection with agriculture and the improvement of live stock. The exertions of the society soon extended to the whole of Scotland, and have for nearly a century been directed to the promotion of the science and practice of agriculture with the best results. The society established meetings and general shows of stock and implements, held in the principal towns, at which exhibitors from all parts of the country are allowed to compete. Besides this, district shows are promoted for the purpose of improving the breeds of stock most suitable for the different parts of the country, and of aiding and directing the efforts of local agricultural associations. The promotion of agricultural education is also attended to by means of a model farm, with lectures on chemistry, botany, geology, &c. and the Council grant diplomas to the stu dents when they have passed through a prescribed curriculum. The society also awards premiums for reports on almost every subject connected with the cultivation of the soil, the rearing and feeding of stock, the improvement of machinery and implements, the application of chemical science, and the dissemination of veterinary information. The establishment of an agricultural museum, illustrative of the products of the country, and the periodical publication of the transactions of the association—these are some of the objects to be arrived at, and I think you will agree with me that nothing short of a society embracing within its grasp the whole colony, can carry them out with effect. At a meeting of the Highland Society, held on the 15th June last, over 200 new members were enrolled, and the membership is now about 5000. The first show of the Highland Society was held in 1822, and the exhibits were cattle, 59 ; sheep, 8 ; the prizes offered amounting to £7B. The twenty-first show was held in 1842, and the number of exhibits were, cattle, 295 ; horses, 179 ; sheep, 487 ; swine, 53; the prize money, £I2OO. At the twenty-seventh show in 1863, the exhibits numbered 2315, and the prize money was £I3OO, At the fifty-first show, held in 1878, the number of exhibits was 4416, 235 being for dairy produce, and the money offered for prizes amounting to £2763, thus showing the steady progress of the society from 1822 to 1878. The benefit conferred by this association upon Scotland and the world cannot be over estimated. To refer to other instances, the Bath and West of England Association originated in 1777, but was not successful until it was amalgamated with other societies and held migratory exhibit ions. Thus in 1868 the entries were fully 1532, while in 1878 they reached the largo number of 5016, showing that the new system has been successful. The Royal Society of England was established in 1837, and includes amongst its members most of the leading landowners, farmers, and men of science in the kingdom. It has already done infinite service to the country by inducing a better stylo of farming and improving the quality of live stock, and its career of usefulness is only commencing. The Royal Irish Society has also done good service. From my own observation, I estimate that the average value of all the cattle in Ireland has been increased by at least £4 p-r head within the last twenty-five years through the operations of the society. The introduction of short horn cattle, implements, and heavier horses has materially assisted in improving the character of agriculture in that island. Thus all the great societies to which I have referred are doing good service, and it is not too much to expect that the proposed association will bo of essential benefit to the colony. The large increase in the production of wool and grain will, as I have said, drive us to seek new markets for our products at no very distant day. The sheep in the Australasian colonies now number about 65,000,000, and the South American States have close upon the same number, while the Cape of Q-ood Hope comes in with ten millions. I have often wondered, not that the price of wool has fallen, but that such a large quantity could be used by manufacturers. It is self-evident that, if we are to hold our own in the face of this competition, it can only bo done by the production of a superior article at the lowest possible cost. With regard to wheat England is the most certain market to which we can look to take our extra produce. There we can, I believe, meet California and South Australia, and successfully compete with them. This colony has certain advantages over either of those referred to, in regard to climate more especially, which renders it possible, by rotation of crops and good farming, to maintain or improve the condition of the soil, while taking off the most valuable crops year after year. The average yield of New Zealand for a series of years has been 31Jbushels per acre ; South Australia has 9;i; Victoria, 14J; and California about the same. Besides these countries have all to pay for inland carriage, while our long seaboard give an access to numerous seaports and lessens the cost of sending our produce to market. But still our natural advantages will avail us little unless coupled with the best possible system of farming. I think it rests very much with the farmers of this colony whether they may not eventually have the supplying of these colonies in their own hands, and make New Zealand the granary of Australasia. The quantity of wheat required by England this season, as estimated by Mr Caird, is 104,000,000 bushels. With such a market and such a subject to work upon, our farmers need have no misgiving for the future, if only they go to work in the right direction. Ths Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society approves of this movement, as in its report of 31st May, 1878, the following passage occurs :—“ The committee notice with satisfaction the movement of several of the societies in the Middle Island in the direction of forming one general society for the whole Island on the basis of the Highland Society of Scotland and the Royal Society of England, having in view the giving of larger and more influential organisation and intelligent direction, and to assist all district shows. Though in this Island we are too far behind in convenience of transit to follow at once this movement in the South., it has our hearty approval.” The whole position may be shortly summarised thus : —The natural advantages of the colony, such as climate and fertility', place us in a position to compete with all other countries in the markets of the world ; but to do so permanently, and with anything like an adequate return for the capital devoted to the purpose, it is necessary that we should have everything of the best, and do everything in the best partible way. I have already pointed out how in Britain similar societies tend to secure this result, and analogy would lead to the beat anticipations for our own; and justly so, for the establishment of such societies means placing the knowledge and results of the beet at the disposal of all. The chairman then invited discussion on the question.

Mr Grigg said that before proceeding to the business of the meeting, he thought the thanks of the meeting were due to the president for the very admirable address which ho had delivered. He hoped that the committee would make arrangements for the early publication of such a valuable address as that just delivered in some of the agricultural journals of the colony. He begged to move —“ That the thanks of the meeting be given to the president for his admirable address, and that any committee that may he appointed be requested to arrange for its publication. [Hear, hear.] This motion was seconded and agreed to, Mr Duncan undertaking to have it published in the “ New Zealand Country Journal.” [Hear, hear.]

The Hon John Hall said before any resolutions were moved on the subject it would be as well to discover the mind of the various associations upon this matter. So fur as the question of the advisableness of the formation of the proposed National Association, bo took .it that it was agreed that this should bo done. Hence it was for them now to consider the constitution of the proposed association. In order to give an idea of the views on this subject held by the Canterbury Association, he would read the report of a sub-committce appointed by that association to consider the resolutions passed by the North Otago and Dunedin Associations.

Mr Hall then read the report, which recommended that Christchurch should be the head-quarters, that the shows of the association should ho peripatetic, and ttut the National Association should absorb the district show for the year where it was held,

Mr .onn, on the part of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association sud that the ideas of their association were in the rutin identical with the views expressed by tlio Hon. Mr Hall. The Otago Association proposed that the first show should bo held at Dunedin or Christchurch, following on with Oamaru and Timaru. The head quarters of the association to bo either at Dunedin or Christchurch. Mr ,T. M. Perrier said that he desired to point out one tiling, and that was that the small towns, such as t bo one he represented, would benefit to even a larger extent by the holding of the national iiiow than the larger places. The proposition of the district he represented was chat any sock ty should be allowed to become affiliated to tue National Society, and have a representative at its meetings. Besides this he thought that the district in which the National Association held its show should contribute a sura towards the cost of holding the show. Again the association, he thought, would have a claim upon the Government for a subsidy, such as that given by the home Government to the Royal Agricultural Society, fHear, hear.] This would enable tbe National Society to hold their shows at some of the smaller towns, as the association would thus be enabled to make their shows so attractive that, no matter where they might bo held, they would bo sure of the attendance of a large number of exhibitors and visitors. Therefore, he did not think it right that the shows of the National Association should be confined to a hard and fast line of route.

The chairman pointed out to Mr Perrier that the whole intention of the promoters of the movement was that the show should ho peripatetic. The resolution of the Otago Society was simply an education of the ideas of that body. Mr Andrew Duncan said that as their time was limited be would at once move the following resolution—" That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when it is desirable that a General Agricultural Society should be established for the Middle Island of New Zealand, the object of which shall bo the promotion of agricultural interests by holding in various parts of New Zealand periodical exhibitions of live stock, produce, and various manufactures connected with agriculture, and by disseminating information on the subject of practical and scientific farming in the colony.” He thought that it would be very unwise to bind the association down to any hard and fust line of route for the shows of the association, because the circumstances of the colony varied so considerably that it would manifestly be crippling themselves very much to say now, at the outset of their career, the precise place whore the National shows should be held.

Mr Brown had much pleasure in seconding the resolution.

Mr Perrier would suggest that the mover should strike out the words “ centres of population,” and substitute the words “various districts of the colony.” Mr Duncan agreed with this.

The President said a very important question was involved in the discussion of this motion—viz., whether the association should apply only to the Middle Island or whether it should apply to the whole of the colony. Mr Parker spoke in favor of the establishment of a national association.

Mr Grigg, while hoping that in time the association would include the North Island, thought that at present it was premature. When the means of communication had improved, and the association had held, say, three or four shows, they might expect their Northern friends to join them. It very much depended upon the facilities granted by the Government, which he considered should go the length of carrying all stock intended for exhibition free of cost on all the lines, North and South. [Hear, hear.] As regarded the affiliation spoken of, he hardly understood it. Mr Perrier said that what was intended was that societies should become affiliated by a certain payment, and that no show of the association should be held in a district unless the society thereof was affiliated. The return for the payment of an affiliation fee would give the smaller societies an opportunity of becoming an integral portion of the association, and having an interest in its work, with a contingency, remote it might bo, of having a show some time within its district.

Mr Grigg, whilst thanking Mr Perrier for his information, thought that it would be a very dangerous thing to allow the affiliation, as suggested by Mr Perrier. Mr G. M. Bell said that he field in his hand a set of resolutions which had beau drafted, and he thought that it would be as well if they wore read. [Hear, hear.] The Hon. John Hall said, as one of those who had assisted at the drafting of the resolutions, he would read them, prefacing this, however, by the remark that these were not intended as cut and dried, but simply to have something tangible to be put before the meeting. The first resolution had been moved by Mr Duncan, and he would now read the remainder, as follows ; 2. “ That the society shall be incorporated in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, 1877; that its name shall be the Eoyal Agricultural Society of New Zealand, and that it shall consist of members paying a subscription of one guinea per year, or a life subscription of ten guineas. 3. “That the office-bearers shall consist of a president, vice-president, general council of thirty, a treasurer, secretary and two auditors. 4. “ That the head-quarters of the society be at Christchurch, and that the “New Zealand Country Journal ” bo recognised as the official organ of the society; that the members of the general committee residing in the districts of Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Timaru, and Christchurch respectively be the committees of the council for the transaction of the business of this society in these districts, subject to the general direction of the council.”

Mr Hull continued —Those resolutions were drawn up to give something for discussion. They covered the whole of the ground, he thought, and it was for the meeting now to decide.

Mr Duncan’s resolution was then put and carried unanimously. The second resolution was then read by the president. Mr Brydone moved the adoption cf the resolution, which was unanimously agreed to. The Hon. John Hall said he trusted it would go forth that the delegates, whilst having a strong national feeling in the matter, regretted that physical circumstances prevented the inclusion at present of the North Island settlers, but that they trusted that ere long the association would include all parts of the colony. [Cheers.] The President said he desired to call tiro attention of the meeting to the fact that the agricultural interests of the colony were indebted to his hon. friend, the Hon. John Hall, for the very valuable Bill, the Agricultural Societies Incorporation Bill. [Cheers.] Mr Hall had been tiro staunchest and most consistent friend in the Legislature that the farming interest ever had. [Cheers.] Mr Hedley then moved the next resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr Connell moved the next resolution, which was seconded by Mr Browne. Mr G. M. Bell thought that they should not commit themselves to making the “ New Zealand Country Journal ” the organ of tire association at present. No doubt it would be, but ho did not think it would bo wise to go so far as the resolution would pledge them to do. He would move as an amendment—- “ That the words ‘ New Zealand Country Journal ’ should ho omitted and an ‘an official organ ’ substituted. Mr Brydone seconded the amendment.

Some discussion ensued and ultimately the amendment was withdrawn, and the original resolution carried unanimously. Mr Q. M. Bell moved the next resolution, which was seconded by Mr Grigg. Mr Perrier moved us an amendment—- “ That it be a recommendation to the Council and the society to taka steps for having as local committees the members of the Council in the various districts throughout which the operations will extend. Mr Parker seconded the amendment. Some discussion ensued, and ultimately Mr Perrier’s amendment was put and carried. Mr Bd field moved— “ That the annual meeting of the Association be held at the same time and place at which the exhibition shall be held,”

The motion was put and agreed to. Mr Grigg moved—“ That so soon as 500 members are enrolled, steps be taken for the election of office bearers and the decision of the steps to be taken for holding the first show." This was seconded by Mr Browne. Mr Parker moved as an amendment—- “ That the words 1 five hundred ’ be omitted and the words ‘ two hundred and fifty ’ substituted.

After some discussion, Mr Parker agreed to alter his amendment to four hundred, which was agreed to. Mr Martin moved—“ That a committee bo now appointed for the purpose of carrying out the above resolutions and for preparing a draft constitution and rules for the society; that the committee bo recommended to take such steps as may be necessary to obtain the written consent of the members to the society being incorporated under the provisions of the Agricultural and Pastoral Associations Act, 1877.” The Hon. John Hall seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The Hon. John Hall moved—" That the following gentlemen form the committee, with power to add to their number, viz.— Messrs Brydone, Belfield, Martin, Bell, Macintosh, Parker, Hedley, Connell, Grigg, Duncan, Brown, Oliver, Hon. M. Holmes, and the mover.” The motion, on being seconded, was carried. Mr El worthy then moved—“ That in the opinion of this meeting the aim and objects of the society are of such national importance as to give it a strong claim upon the Government of the colony for pecuniary and other assistance in the discharge of its duties.” The motion being seconded,|was carried unanimously. The Hon. John Hall moved a hearty vote of thanks to the president. The motion was carried unanimously. A motion for a vote of thanks to the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association for their services in inaugurating the project of the National Association of New Zealand was also carried unanimously. The President briefly returned thanks in his dual capacity of president of the meeting and of the North Otago Agricultural Society, expressing a hope that what they had that day done would prove to be for the well-being of the agricultural and pastoral interests throughout the colony. [Cheers.] Mr A. Duncan said that he desired to bring the following letter before the meeting:— u Oamaru, November 22. Gentlemen, —If it be in the province of the meeting you are holding, I wish you would express an opinion that the railway authorities should take a little more trouble to forward entries for the shows in time for them, as it is a serious matter when they take three days between Christchurch and Oamaru —which they have done in our case—and thereby prevented a large number of exhibits from being shown. — Yours, truly, R, Wilkin and Co.” Some discussion ensued, in the course of which regret was expressed at the loss from the show of Messrs Wilkin and Co.’s exhibits. Ultimately the matter was remitted to the North Otago Society to deal with. COMMITTEE MEETING. At the meeting of the committee, the Hon. J. Hall was voted to the chair. On the motion of Mr Grigg, seconded by Mr Parker, it was resolved—“ That a circular be drawn up to be forwarded to the various clubs throughout the Island, setting out the conclusions arrived at by the meeting of delegates, and requesting their co-operation in obtaining members for tbe Royal Society.” On tbe motion of Mr Grigg, seconded by Mr Bellfield, it was resolved—“ That the societies above-mentioned be requested to forward their replies not later than same date in March next, and that the early commencement of tbe operations of the society is dependent upon the speedy enrolment of a large number of members.” It was moved by Mr Belfield, seconded by Mr Elworthy—“ That the next meeting of the committee be held on a day in March, to be fixed by the chairman.” Moved by the Hon. M. Holmes, seconded by Mr Hedley—“ That the chairman be authorised to call meetings of the committee as such times and places as he may consider necessary.” Moved by Mr Martin, seconded by the Hon. M. Holmes—“ That the chairman be authorised to apply on behalf of the committee for the sanction of his Excellency the Governor to the proposed society being called the Royal Society of New Zealand.”