KAIAPOI FARMERS’ CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1815, 15 December 1879, Page 3

KAIAPOI FARMERS’ CLUB.

The monthly meeting of members was held at the club’s chamber, Cookson street, on Thursday evening. Nine present. Mr Pashby, chairman, presiding. Letters were read—Erom Secretary Canterbury Agricultural Association, in reply to the club, stating that the Council considered the dealing with the small birds nuisance was outside its province, and the laying of poison in Christchurch would be against the law. The club’s suggestion, relative to trial of implements, was under consideration. From secretary Northern Agricultural Association, stating that the Council considered the sparrow nuisance a subject for legislation. The testing of implements was considered to be rather out of the province of the association, which simply encouraged the exhibition of them. From Mr W. Bateman, in reference to the publication of the paper read by him before the club, stating the editor “ Canterbury Times ” had declined to insert it on account of its length, and as containing what he alleged to be political matter opposed to the policy of the paper. The editor of the “ Weekly Press ” had published a resume. The editor “New Zealand Country Journal ” declined to insert it in full, as he considered it had reference to a political matter. Application had been made to have the paper printed out of the colony, but on its return, Mr Bateman was willing to place it as desired in the hands of the cluh for publication. From agents at Wellington, Qreymouth, and Auckland, forwarding list of prices current for grain and produce. From New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company, Oamaru, in reply to Mr J. Lowthian Wilson, forwarding samples of the prize wheat, oats, and barley exhibited at the Oamaru Show. The samples referred to were laid on the table, and inspected by those present. Mr Parnham moved a vote of thanks to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company. He said the samples were the beat he had ever seen. The color was remarkably good. In his opinion the club would do well to freight a truck load of seed. Mr Moore seconded the motion, and thought after the next grain show the secretary ought to send samples to Oamaru. The motion was unanimously agreed to. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Wilson, for the interest taken by him in obtaining information for the club. The chairman observed that while in the Northern district the farmers might not be able to produce grain equal to the quality of the splendid samples before them, they could produce the quantity. (Hear, hear.) If it would be beneficial in changing seed to obtain a supply from where the samples were grown, he was of the opinion the Waitaki county might bo equally suited by procuring a change of seed from North Canterbury. While he must say he had never seen better oats or a brighter sample of barley than that before him, it was within his experience that the best developed grain did not always produce the finest crop. Seed from a new district was nearly certain to give a good crop, especially if it came from a cooler to a warmer climate, but lean seed, as it was sometimes termed, was equally as productive under similar circumstances. Mr E. Wilson pointed out that in North Canterbury the wheat was always a trifle darker in color than the samples shown, and only on limestone countries was it possible to excel it. Mr J. Lowthian Wilson said he proposed to retain samples from the grain shows of the club, withj information as to the growth of the same, for comparison. He had some friends at Mandeville Plains and Fernside who would perhaps be interested in the samples on the table—[hear, hear]~and it would probably afford them another standard. [Hear, hear.] The Chairman pointed out that members had met to hear Mr W. W. Charters on the question of protection, but the hay harvest had possibly tended to cause the small attendance.

M, Wilson moved, Mr McMillan seconded —“That the Club expresses its regret to Mr Charters at the small attendance, and would be glad if he would defer his remarks on protection till the next monthly meeting, special notice to be given by circular to all members. Carried. _ Mr Charters, who was present, signified his willingness to acquiesce in the wishes of the club, and gave information in reference to the rules and objects of the society for the fostering of native industries. Mr Charters was then elected a member of the club, and the meeting adjourned.