KAIAPOI FARMERS' CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2020, 14 August 1880, Page 3

KAIAPOI FARMERS' CLUB.

The monthly meeting of members was held at the club chambers on Thursday evening, August the 12th. There was a good attendance. Mr Fashby, chairman, presided. Mr Peter Duncan, Loburn, read an interesting paper on the " Comparative Results between New Zealand and American Farming." A discussion followed, in which the paper read by Mr John G-rigg on the question, "Will Farming Pay?" waß commented upon. Tbe relative prices of wool in America and England was next entered upon, and afterwards the club discussed the question of growing wheat, as well as the manner in which sales of shipments to England were effected. The statement of a member that wheat gained in weight in transit was pronounced to be a misnomer. The question of selling cattle by live weight brought up an animated discussion, and in this connection was considered a proposal to ask for a law prohibiting peisons driving cattle over a certain distance the day before sale. The members then went back to a free debate upon the railway tariff per ton en produce, which was concluded to bear unfavorable comparison with America, and out of proportion likewise to the value of the grain when sold. On motion of Mr J, Btevenson, seconded by Mr Stanton, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Duncan for his remarks. The secretary, Mr R. Coup, read the annual report of the club, which stated that, in spite of the depression in agriculture and commerce, its affairs were in a satisfactory condition. The balance sheet showed receipts, £l7O 9s 91 ; expenditure, £152 9j Bd. The report and balance sheet were unanimously adopted, the mover and seconder referring in complimentary terms to the energy of the club's officers, particularly the hon. secretary. A letter from Mr J. Lowthian Wilson was read, offering the club the use of the chambers at his office, with attendance, &c, free of expense for another year. The offer was accepted, and Mr Wilson thanked for his interest shown in the welfare of the club. Mr Thomas Pashby was reelected chairman, and Mr J. Or. Kidd was elected hon secretary and treasurer. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Coup, on his retirement from the office of secretary, and to Mr B. Parnham, for the use of the paddock for the ploughing match. The club then adjourned. ____________