KAIAPOI FARMERS’ CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1659, 14 June 1879, Page 4

KAIAPOI FARMERS’ CLUB.

The monthly meeting of the members was held in the club's chamber on Thursday evening. About thirteen were present, the chairman, Mr E. Parnham, presiding.

The Chairman explained that the business of the meeting was the consideration of the question of holding the annual ploughing match, and he had no doubt but that it would aa in former years be decided and carried to a successful issue. He also wished to draw attention to a matter that had been brought under his notice in reference to the means for sending stock by rail from the Kaiapoi railway station. There was no provision whatever for placing cattle, sheep, or pigs in pens on arrival or awaiting the departure of trains. The greatest possible difficulty was experienced also in placing them in the railway trucks for the want of a fenced-in platform. The only means at present available was to use the passenger platform, which being floored with level planks was dangerous for horses and cattle. It was also highly troublesome and dangerous that stock should have to be discharged or loaded in such a public place. While on this question, he reminded the club that its former representation with respect to the level crossing on the Northern wilway, near Sneyd’s Arms Hotel, had failed to obtain a remedy for tho evil there complained of j the crossing was devoid of wing

fences at the sides, and, as a consequence in crossing mobs of cattle, several of the animals invariably got on to the line, and it became a matter of extreme danger to them if a train not noted in the time table happened to come along. The ordinary trains over this portion of the line passed the crossing at least twelve times in a day. There was also the question of the tariff on grain, which had been dealt with by the Christchurch club, and whose action this club might endorse. Mr M. Jones considered the Northern railway stations were very badly off for want of proper accommodation for loading and unloading stock, while every small station to which stock was sent on the South line was amply provided for. There would be a large increase in the carriage of stock if there was only the means provided at Kaiapoi and Rangiora to place the same in the tracks. On the motion of Mr Pashby, seconded by Ross, it was resolved—“ That a deputation of Messrs Parnham, Jones, and Ross wait upon the manager of railways on Wednesday, in reference to provision being made at the Kaiapoi station for the proper loading and unloading of stock to the trucks.” It was resolved—“ That the foregoing deputation bring under the notice of the railway authorities, the great danger attending the crossing of stock at the Sneyd’s Arms crossing.” After some discussion it was resolved—- “ That the secretary write to the committee of the Christchurch Corn Exchange, expressing the approval of the club at their action taken in reference to the tariff for grain.” Mr Ross said the club would regret the absence of Mr James Walls, through his having been kicked by a horse, but, on his behalf, he had to hand to the winners of the prizes at the late foal show, the silver cup for the best foal by Pride of Scotland, to Mr C. Young for the bay filly shown by him, and the gold medal for the beat foal by Sir Walter Scott to Mr Robb (for Mr Hugh Speirs), for his bay colt shown on the same day. The cup and medal were from the establishment of Mr McOallum, and bore proper inscriptions. The enp was wetted with a “weedrappy,” and Mr Young was complimented on his success as a breeder of draught horses.

On the motion of Mr Beharrell, seconded by Mr Pashby, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr Walls for his handsome prizes. Some conversation took place in reference to the times at which the Chamber was open to members, and whether it could be occupied by other public bodies when not in use by the Club. It was decided that the letter granting the Club the use of the room be obtained for next meeting, and ihe question then decided. A discussion took place relative to holding the ploughing match, which resulted in a resolution, moved by Mr Jones, seconded by Mr Ross, being carried—“ That the annual match be held on a date to be fixed by the committee.”

It was resolved —“ That R. Coup, J. Beharrell, G. Read, J. Stanton, T. Pashby, R. Belcher, J. Perrin, 0. Young, J. Lowthian Wilson, M. Duncan, W. Lorrimer, D. O’Callaghan, W. McGregor, E. Mulcock, T. Stevenson, W. Birnie, H. Yale, J. Walls, A. Smith, A. McMillan, P. Denton, G. Edwards, G. Bailey, S. Clothier, M. Jones, G. Weston, P. Bosustow, E. Revell, W. Judson, H. Elder, W. M. Ross, J. Merrin, C Skevington, W. Morriss, W. Robb, J. G. Kidd, D Tibbolt, J. Rich, T. Burgess, W. Pearson, J. Porrest, W. Mitchell, W. D. Humphries, J. Stevenson, R. Mclntosh, E. Butters, R. Hopkins, E. Parnham, R. Dailey, W. Wright, 0. Smith, and W. Patterson, be a committee to carry out the arrangements for the same. It was then decided that Messrs J. Stevenson, Walls, Perrin, Young, Ross, Pashby, and the officers ex officio form the working committee, A sum of £lO was subscribed in the room. The secretary was asked to invite offers of land, the same to be sent in to Mr Wilson not later than June 19th. la reference to a letter from Mr J. Wallace, Southbrook, relative to prize for red Tuscan wheat, it was decided that the prize be paid, and the club regret that any error was made in the matter. The Club then adjourned.