AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2110, 27 November 1880, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS.

CANTERBURY. A meeting of the committee of the above association was held yesterday afternoon, at 2.30, in the offices of the Association, Hereford street. Present—Messrs Hill (chairman), Norman, Henderson, Sutherland, Anderson, jun., Money, Bruce, Walls, Qebbie, MurrayAynsley, and Mr Murphy (secretary). The Chairman congratulated the meeting on the successful issue of the late show, but desired to suggest that some improvement in judging in the sheds might be made on future oocaaionß. If the judging of that portion of the exhibits could take place the first day, many people who were hitherto excluded from the sheds in the early part of the second day would obtain admission. With regard to light horses, the exhibits of haokneys and carriage horses were not at all creditable. He thought this arose from owners of horses of this description not liking them to be on the ground for two days. He thought that an alteration similar to that made with thoroughbreds would be attended with good results. It bad been remarked from Sir Hercules Bobinson downwards that the exhibits in this class were not what they should be, considering the numbers in this place. Mr Walls was of opinion that the parade ho::o was as good as at home, and felt sure if a grand stand was erected it would pay—the ho'rses to be paraded say twice a day before it. This building would greatly add to the comf oit of ladies. Of course his remarks as to parade did not refer to cattle. Mr Money concurred with the previous tpuaker. Considerable discussion ensued, some contending that the appointment of a larger staff of judges would result in all the judging being done the first day, whilst others declared it was impossible. Ultimately it was resolved that the secretary should procure a suggestion book to lie on the table, and if suggestions regarding the conduct and management of future shows were entered therein, they could be considered at the next meeting of committee. A report from the marshal of the dairy produce exhibits was read, which stated that tits present building for this class would soon be found too small for its purpose ; that the

wire soreens in front of tho exhibits of butter and cheeae effeotually prevented their being consumed, and suggesting that the same should be used in the bottled beer class, all ot which was drank. [Laughter.] He wished different ways of ingress and egress to tbe building, so as to obviate crowding. He also recommended that in future prizes be offered for Devonshire oream in tins, and also for oream cheese; that the "Lyttelton Times" prize for hams and bacon be divided in! future; that (1) the leaping matoh for horses with hurdles on ground and moveable bar above, (2) the sheep shearing competition, and (3) the trial of sheep dogs with ten to twenty sheep, be part of the first day s show, say after two o'clock, and that from that hour the charge for admission be 2s 6d instead of ss. Certain suggestions to the same effect were also received from Mr Bishop. Action in these.matters was deferred till a future meeting. , . , . The Chairman detailed the particulars ot Messrs Booth's protest against the Deering Reaper and Binder competing in the reaper class, reading correspondence from Messrs Maaon, Btruthers and Co., on tho subjeot. It was decided not to re-open the question as the "Deering" was ineligible for this class. A letter from Mr Stringer was read, stating that Mr Bo we claimed the " Lyttelton Times" prize for hams and bacon oured by farmers, and should the committee decide not to hand Mr Bowe the prize he was instructed to take the necessary Btepa to obtain the same for his client. Mr Sutherland moved, and it was resolved —" That Mr Stringer be written to, to the effect that the committee see no reason to alter the decision of the protest committee." Messrs Scott Brothers wroto asking that the prize awarded to Messrs P. end D. Dunoan at the late show be withheld till after the machines had competed in the field. As Messrs P. and D. Dunoan were agreeable to this, it was acceded to. A letter was read from the Chairman of the fire brigade procession committee asking on what terms they could have the use of the association grounds for about two hours on the evening of the 27th Deoember for the annual pyrotechnic display. Fears having been expressed that the orowd would damage the trees and fences, it was resolved—" That the use of the grounds be granted for the sum of £5, conditionally on the sum of £25 being deposited with the secretary (Mr Murphy) as a seourity against any possible damage to the association's trees and fences."

The Presbyterian congregation of Sydenham wrote asking for the use of the new building for the tea meeting in connection with the opening of the new Presbyterian Church in Sydenham, and also the use of the grounds on another occasion for a children's pio-nio. It was resolved that a charge of £2 2s be made, and a deposit of £5, to recoup any possible damage. A letter from the Temperance League, asking that some steps bo taken to prevent any booths being let for the sale ot intoxicating liquors at future shows, was next considered. It was remarked that 20,000 persons met at the last show, and behaved in an orderly and temperate manner. The letter was ordered to be received. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Murray-Aynsley—" That the thanks of the association ( be conveyed to MrT. H. Potts for valuable assistance rendered ;to the " Country Journal " by .that gentleman, an 1 * that he be made a life member of the association." A communication from the ' Chamber of Commerce, asking the association to do all in its power to further the exhibition of wool at the Crystal Palace, was next considered, and ordered to be acknowledged, the chairman being deputed to confer with the Chamber on the matter.

Leave of absence was granted to Mr Murphy from November 30th till December 12th. Mr Money gave notice of motion—" That a new class for light hacks and roadsters up to list, be added to the list. Frizes as class 35." The following suggestions were also made by that gentleman :—" That after the prizes have been decided, all cattle shall have a card with number affixed to their heads, so that each may be reoognised by catalogue. Also, that no smoking be allowed under cover." Several accounts were passed for payment, and after some routine business had been transacted the committee adjourned.

NORTHERN. A general meeting of the Council of this association was held at Roberts' Junction Hotel, Rangiora, on Thursday evening. There was a good attendance. Mr G. Cojne was voted to the chair. Mr Bass (hon. secretary) read a statement of accounts, showing that, after paying all prizes, the association might expect to have a fair '.balance in hand. Mr G. 8. Bartrum wrote stating he, as the exhibitor for the special prize for bull offered by Mr F. C. Threlkeld, was prepared to comply with the conditions under which the prize was offered, in allowing farmers to use the bull for six months from the day of show. It was decided that this prize be paid to Mr Bartrum on completion of the conditions. It was resolved to hand the Kaiapoi Woollen Company an illuminated address, a committee being appointed to draw up the same. It was stated, in answer to a question, that the ball after the show had nearly paid its expenses. After some discussion, it was agreed that that the annual dinner of the association be held on December 15th, the arrangements for the same to be carried out by a committee chosen for the purpose. The usual votes of thanks terminated the proceedings.

ASHBTJRTON. A committee meeting of the above was held at the Somerset Hotel yesterday afternoon ; Mr John Carter, vice-president, in the chair. There was a good attendance of members. Mr O. P. Cox moved, Mr Fassmore seconded—" That this committee acoept the offer of the County Council to lease yards at a yearly rental of £IOO, and agrees to pay 10 per cent, on all further outlay on additions and alterations to the yards, and that Messrs Carter and Friedlander act as a committee to complete any of the details with the Counoil." Carried. Mr Fassmore proposed, Mr Cox seconded—" That all the offers for office of caretaker be declined, and that the decision on appointment of caretaker be re-delegated to the sub-committee to arrange with the County Council for rent and sub-letting yard, &c." Carried. Several letters were read, and a notice of motion was given by Mr Fassmore for consideration at the next meeting, to the effect that the next annual show take place before the Christoburch show. The secretary having read the balance-sheet, the meeting adjourned.

ELLESMEBE. A speoial meeting of the committee was held at Spring's Leeston Hotel, on Thursday, the 25th November. Present—Messrs 0. Lewis, W. Bishop, D. Marshall, J. Osborne, A. McLaohlah, W. Q-. Lunn, B. Dooker, B. T. Jeffery, E. Jameson, B. Lookhead, the secretary, and others. Mr Charles Lewis was voted to the chair. The Chairman explained the business of the meeting to be the consideration of the protests, passing accounts, and fixing the prize schedule, and called upca the secretary to read the protests in the order they were received. Mr John Eay's protest against the special prize for freok butter being awarded to Mrs Petrie was disallowed, as although, through some carelessness, the exhibits were shown in their wrong classes, yet, as the judges considered the butter to be the best on the ground, it was entitled to the prizes awarded to it. Mr Parish's protest against Mr Unwin'e prize and Mr Hick's protest against Mr Parish's prize in the implement olasses were not considered by the committee to oall for their interference. Mr MoVinnie's protest against Captain Willis' exhibit in the pig olass was disallowed, but the deposit was ordered to bo returned to Mr MoTinnie, and a special note made of the necessity for the olass stewards to adhere more striotly to the clause in the regulations pertaining to the time appointed for closing the gates against entries. Mr Bishop appeared to suoport his protest against the prize for wool being awarded to Mr Osborne, and stated that by some aooident the position of the two lots of wool had been changed after the awards had been made. A letter from Mr Bennie bearing on the subject waß read. Mr MoLeod, one of the wool judges, stated that he reoognised the cloth produced by Mr Bishop as the one the first prize wool was wrapped in, and that afterwards the wool i opposite the prizs card was spread on a com I sack. The evidence of two of Mr Osborne's \ employes was also taken. Ultimately it was \ decided to defer decision until suoh time as the evidenoe of the olass stewards and the

other judge could be taken. Mr Docker then referred to some incongruities in the ages of certain animals as entered in 1879 and 1880. This matter was also held over. Correspondence read from Meaßrs Acland, Campbell - and Co. re diversion of the object of their private prize from cattle to light horses. The secretary's reply was approved. From Mr Osborne, complaining of an overcharge for entry fee of his traotion engine, for whioh ho paid 10s in lieu of Is 3d. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Osborne for h*"j>g shewn his traotion engine in work, and the overcharge was ordered to be refunded. The ' Hon. John Hall's prize for the greatest peizetaker in the greatest varieties of olasses was awarded to Mr H. J. Hall with 41 points. Mr Dudley, Mr Jeffery, Mr Lunn and others running the winner very olose. The " New Zealand Gazette," No.99,Ootober 21st, 1880, containing the notice of incorporation of the association under the Agricultural and Pastoral Sooieties Aot, 1877, was read. The Seoretary stated that he hoped before long to receive the title to their show grounds, through Messrs Harper, Harper and Scott, from Mr Marahman. The acoounts in connection with the show were examined, and the schedule of prizes, on the aame soale as those awarded on previous years, was approved, and authority given to the treasurer to pay the same. An approximate balancesheet, as prepared by the Secretary, showed a probable credit balance of £4l to be brought forward to next year.