KAIAPOI FARMERS’ CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1713, 16 August 1879, Page 4

KAIAPOI FARMERS’ CLUB.

The annual meeting of members was held at the club’s chamber, Cookson street, on Thursday evening. There was a fair attendance. Mr E. Parnham, chairman of the club, presided. The minutes of last annual meeting were confirmed. The chairman stated this meeting was more especially for the election of chairman, secretary, and treasurer, and he intimated that haying occupied the chairman’s position for three years it was his intention to retire. With reference to the question of the pens for stock at the railway station and the crossing near Sneyd’s Arms Hotel, the deputation of Messrs Jones, Bosustow, and himself waited upon Mr Back, by whom they were courteously received, and that gentleman promised to carry out the wishes of the club as far as possible. [Hear, hoar.] The matters would be brought forward, and he hoped they would be seen to during the present session of Parliament. An allusion would be made in the annual report to steps which had also been taken by the member for the district in the matter.

Letters were read from Mr J. Milne, Lincoln, regretting that owing to the mis-aonding of a letter he had been prevented from acting as a judge at the ploughing match. From W. G. Nicholson Morton, Rangitikei, asking for information as to rules for a club. From Mr H. Elder, regretting his inability to attend the meeting. Mr J. Beharrell, hon. secretary and treasurer, read the report, which stated, that taking into account the protracted period of commercial depression, the fnnds of the club were in a satisfactory condition. The number of members was forty, and the periodical meetings throughout the year had been well attended. The Foal, Grain, and Root Show was a success in the latter sections, but it was hoped there would, next year, be a larger exhibition of light foals. In spite of bad weather the ploughing match, in respect of he performances of the ploughmen, was one of the beat ever held. The prizes given were satisfactory. A comparison with the accounts of last season showed the amount subscribed to be os large as last year, demonstrating the fact that members were determined not to allow these institutions to fail, although the returns of last harvest were greatly behind those of former years. As only the McCormick and Marsh harvesters entered for the reaper trial, it was decided not to hold any competition, as no doubt the result of the trial at Burnside was eminently satisfactory. Several valuable papers had been read,and a number of profitable discussions taken place at the regular meetings. The club was pleased to learn that steps had been taken to give improved facilities for the transit of stock by rail, and that the Minister of Works, in reply to Hon. O. 0. Bowen, had said that provision had been made for extension of platform and carrying out other improvements. The members of the club were to be congratulated on the fact that its example in the direction of ridding the farmers of the sparrow nuisance had been followed with good results. Tho balance sheet showed the total receipts to have been £lB9 9s 9d. Tho treasurer stated that Mr Bowen gave the club a donation of £5 at the last ploughing match. The expenditure in furnishing the club’s chamber prizes at the grain show and ploughing match and sundry expenses, £lßl 11a 9d, leaving a balance on hand of £5 18s. On tho motion of Mr O. E. Dudley, seconded by Mr W. M. Boss, tho report was unanimously adopted. Mr Pashby moved, Mr W. Eobb seconded —“ That tho statement of accounts be passed and adopted.” Carried. It was proposed by Mr Ross, seconded by Mr Young—“ That the election of officers be deferred till another meeting,” it being pointed out that several other members should have another opportunity given them to attend. After some discussion tho motion was withdrawn. Mr J. Lowthian Wilson said it was with a great deal of pleasure he had to propose a gentleman for the office of chairman, or president, who from his long connection with the club, and tho thorough interest ho had taken in its welfare, was fully entitled to the honor of the position, and the entire confidence of the whole of tho members, whether present or absent. He then moved—“ That Mr Thomas Pashby be elected chairman for the ensuing year.” Mr W. M. Ross stated he was equally pleased in seconding the motion, to find that there was a unanimous feeling in favour of Mr Pashby, who throughout his membership had proved one of the most useful. Mr Pashby said, while fully sensible of tho honor and respect shewn towards him, he preferred to decline accepting office. Some conversation ensued, and at the earnest request of all present, Mr Pashby finally consented to act, and was duly elected.

The Chairman (elect), in returning thanks, expressed his intention to do his utmost to further the interests of the club.

Mr Boharrell was proposed for re-election as secretary, but persisted in his determination to retire.

On the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded byMr Parnham, it was unanimously resolved — “ That Mr Robert Coup be requested to act as hon. secretary and treasurer.” Unanimous votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers. In reference to the sparrow nuisance question, after a general discussion, a motion proposed by Mr A. McMillan, seconded by Mr Beharrcll, was agreed to, viz.:—“ That a public meeting be held on Monday evening, August 18th, in the club chamber, to decide upon the steps to be taken in order to lessen the sparrow nuisance.” It seemed to be a general opinion that this matter should be dealt with in a thorough and systematic manner, by means of a rate or subscriptions. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr John Morrin, Kaiapoi Island, for his efforts in killing the sparrows. The Club then adjourned.