AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1960, 5 June 1880, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A committee meeting ot the above was held in the rooms of the association at 2.30 yesterday afternoon. Mr Andrew Duncan, president, in the chair. The Chairman said the first business was to bring up the report of the committee appointed to consider the small birds question, which was read. (This has already been published). Mr Hill said he was sorry the committee bed not gone further, and asked the council of the agricultural college to shoot various birds at different times and examine their crops. They had the means of trying various experiments, and also had the time at their disposal. He would move—“ That the council of the agricultural callego he asked to cause a few imported small birds to be shot at various intervals, say at least once a week during the year, and to publish what had been found in their crops.” He moved this with a view of setting at rest doubts that exist as to whether the good or evil they did preponderated. It was remarked that the larks did farmers as much harm as the sparrows when the grain was coming up. The motion was then put, and carried unanimously. The Chairman said that copies of the report of the small birds committee had been forwarded to all the North Canterbury members of the General Assembly, and several replies had been received promising to support the proposed legislation on the question. Mr Hill moved, and it was unanimously agreed—“ That the report of the small birds committee be adopted, and incorporated in the minutes ot the association.”

The Chairman brought up the report of the revision committee re the revision of catalogue. The Chairman read the revisions. Rule 1 —“ All entries to be made on the 30th October. No entries to be received after that date.”

In reply to a question, the chairman said the 30th October meant during office hours, and all letters bearing postmark of October 30th containing entries would be received. He thought it would be more convenient to owners of thoroughbred stock if horses in that class wore brought on the ground the second day and judged. It was remarked that that practice obtained at the Oamaru and Timaru shows.

Rule 10 roads —“ Thoroughbred horses, pigs aud poultry to bo on the ground by nine o’clock on Wednesday morning, November 10th,” and “all other exhibits to be on the ground by eleven o’clock on the morning of November 9th.”

Addition to Rule 27 —“ Any exhibitor infringing any of the above regulations shall be subject to be dealt with as may be directed by the committee, whose decision shall be final.” Value of Points. —First prize, three points ; second prize, two points ; third prize, one point. There can be only six points counted in any one class. When no third prize has been awarded, a very highly commended, or a highly commended counts one point. Prize List: —Cattle —Wherever_ the Ist July occurs, to be altered to 30th June ; and where Ist January occurs, to date back to 31st December.

Draught Horses. —Where the date Ist July occurs, to be altered to 30th June. Class 13 becomes Class 14. Class 13 roads—Gelding ot any age, first prize, £2 ; second prize, £l. Blood Stock, Carriage Horses, and Hackney Classes. —The Ist July to read 30th June. The Oaks Sweepstakes.—Class 15, for yearling fillies. Nominations closed on Ist January, 1880, with ten entries. The usual entrance fees are to be paid on or before the 30th October, in addition to the nomination fees, £lO is added by the Association. First prize, £10; second prize, £6; third prize, £4. Before the judging of this class takes place, a sub-committee is to examine each entry, to test the accuracy of the description given at the time of nomination. Any filly not corresponding with the description given will be deemed ineligible, and thrown out of the class. Southdown Sheep.—lst July to read 30th June, and Ist January to read 31st December in the previous year. In Class 24, for best Hunter. —After considerable discussion it was agreed to insert the word “ second ” after “no.”

It was moved by Mr Hill—“ That the buggy horses should be driven in buggies before the judges,” but as this rule had not been long rescinded, the resolution fell through. Some minor alterations were made in poultry, Class 21. Implements.—lt was decided that all exhibits should not have the retail prices affixed till after the judges’ decision. Class 29—To read, threshing machine, combine with engine, and a new class, viz,, Class 30, for elevators, it being considered desirable to exhibit them separately, and not in one class as formerly. Class 33—Reapers and binders, to be struck out.

Class 35—Gorse-outting machine A prize of £lO to be awarded, subject to trial.

Cured and Preserved Meats—First prize, £2 ; second prize, £l. Bone Manures—Altered to best collection of three sorts.

Ale in bottle, porter in bottle, blankets, Canterbury-made saddle, pottery ware (plain), pottery ware (ornamental) —Silver medals. Cooking Ranges —To be exhibited as under : 1. The retail price lees than £6; 2. Above £6 and not more than £l2 ; 3. Above £l2.

The Chairman said the next question was the date of the exhibition, whether it should be on Monday and Tuesday, November Bth and 9th, or Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9th and 10th.

Mr Money moved, and Mr Qarforth seconded —" That the Show be held on Monday and Tuesday, November Bth and 9 h.”

On being put to the meeting, the Chairman declared the show of hands to be equal, and gave his casting vote for Tuesday and Wednesday. Mr Money proposed, and Mr Garforth seconded —" That all light horse classes, and also dairy produce, bo on tho ground the second day only.” On being put to tho vote, it was negatived. The secretary having retired, the committee appointed to consider the question of the i-cretary’s salary reported as follows:—It was unanimously resolved to recommend that the secretary’s salary be increased from £250 to £3OO a year. Tne snh-committee realised that the work performed by Mr Murphy was of a character that required a specially competent man, and the manner in which Mr Murphy has performed his duties entitled him to special consideration in tho matter of remuneration. The anb-eommittee further recommended that the increase take effect from the Ist of January last. The report was received and adopted unanimously. This being all the business the committee adjourned.