NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1884, 10 May 1878, Page 2

NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Tho adjourned annual meeting took pl.T'o yesterday, al tho Mechanics' Institute, tha nowly-clectcd President, tho Hon. M. Holmes, in tho chair. Tn opening tho proceedings tho President said that ho desired to thank the Association for tho honor done him in his election. This was tho second timo ho had occupied tho position of President, and in tho interim very great changes had takon place, not only as regarded tho progress of tho district, but also as regarded tho extent and character of its agricultural operations, and tho excellence- of its stock. Thore had beon oven more than a steady advance, indeed thorn was no other district in the Australian colonies with which ho was acquainted which had made so much progress in tho samo time as had the Oamaru district. But ho was of opinion that tho operations of tho Society had not kept pace with the requirements and the advancement of tho district — thoso operations, so far, having boon almost entirely confined to tho holding of annual shows, whilo there wero many objects which should bo aimod at, which wero of at loast equal, if not. groater importance. For exnmplo, thoy h»d d<>no not hint; to educate fanners, ospecially young farmers, as to tho best modes of conducting agricultural operations : yet it was qvidunt , that tho time had passed when a'jriculturo simply im-ant ploughing up now ground, sowing a crop, and taking ib, off. Jt nad now become m-cossary that they should take care not only that tho productive power of the land did not deteriorate, but that it should bo actually improving from year to year. It should bo thoir object to conform to fie aciontitic methods long praotisod at Home, unior which land had beon farmod tor a hundred years, and still yielded not only tho greatest bulk and best quality of crop, but was still as good, or oven better, than it was a hundred years ago. Ono of tho objects of this Association should bo i to collect and disseminate- such informaHon as would enable farmers to pursue a better systotn of agriculture. Ho proposed himself to take ono step in that direction by offering a Proside'it'B prize of 10 "ninois for tho best essay "On the system of a rotation of crops best adapted co t.i« WaiUki district, and calculated to produco tho most profitable net result, whili» at tlie samo time maintaining or increasing the fertility of the soil." (Ypplauso). Another should be — he throw this out as a suggestion for tho Committee, upon wliich thoy might take action if they deemed it desirable — to offer a prize for another essay, "On the best mode of laying down land for permanent pasture, and the grasses best adapted to the climate and soils of the district." This was a mattor which underlay all good farming, as prictised in Now Zealand, and was, therefore, of tho very highest importance. They might also very wisely offer premiums for essays on " The Breeding and Fattening of Cattle," on " Sheep, thoir Bivods and Management," &c, and thore was no tolling how large would be the bandit derived from tho perusal and dis ij mion, by farmers generally, of able ),ij)cvh on theao and liko questions. 'I here *v.i<» another class of subjocts often tabooed it a"t'iciiltiu'al meetings, but yet which it v is highly important that funnels should discuss; matters which, altl ou^h political, had a 'special interest for farmers as a class. l'"or instance, tho suffrage question, and •li«v tni"lif well ask thumsulves wluthor the drunkard, the loafer, and the swagger v.t.s eiiliUuit lo equal poltllC.il rights, und <}tiil [lolitical influence with the iuuustn .in fainter. Another question of this «irt whs that of taxatioi, which nec^s ur'ly must reach them all. Wits it \i'('i"i n y to resort to increased taKitun wth flueu ii>ui thi of tho Ciown lands

yet unsold, and would it not bo better to realise upon that, and then when the population had reached a million or a million and a- half distribute the burden ovcnly and fairly 1 Another quostion was, should the land bo taxed, and overy other description of proporty lot go free 1 That was the present proposal (" No "). There wero banks and loan companies paying dividends of from 10 to 20 per cant., most of these dividends going out of the Colony, and thoro wero absentee owners of 25,000 to 100,000 acres whose profit* wont almost entirely out of the Colony. Was it fair that these should escape? And ye*, ho knew one foreign capitalist who drew L 30.000 a yoar from property in the North Island, who yet did not think that he should contribute a single shilling^ to the taxation of the Colony. Theso wore subjects which did not usually como within tho province of an agricultural and pastoral association, but they wero subjects which came to the door of every farmer in tho district, and as such they should bo discussed. And they required discussion immediately, as there was tho danger that burdens might be placed on farmers as a class, while capitalists of almost every description woro allowed to escape taxation altogether. Ho throw out all these matters for thoir consideration, and now came to the first of tho questions which had been specially remitted to Ihe present meeting, viz., tho proposal for the establishment of a National or Colonial Agricultural and Pastoral Association, somewhat after the model of the Highland Society of Scotland or the Royal Society of England. They had no doubt seen a* letter on this question which ho had forwarded to the Noivrn Otaoo Times, and which had been published in that journal. To tho argumonts that letter contained ho had vory little to add, but might mention that since the subject had boon broached, ho had learned the opinions of many persons connected with agricultural pursuits, both in this Province and in Canterbury, and in overy instance tho proposal mot with thoir hearty approval There were indeed not a few vrho took no part in tho local shows who would cordially aid in aOolonial Show, and among these he might mention Sir F. D. Bell, who took up tho suggestion very warmly. Tho project had been reviewed favorably in Ohristchurch by the " Country Journal," though the writer expressed tho opinion that it was a little in advance of the times. From that ho (Mr Holmes)dissonted, and on the contrary was of opinion that the time had fully como to take action. If such an Association wero formed, holding its shows in every town in tho Middlo Island, ho thought tho Government would see its way to contribute a sum annually for prizes, which would have the effect of bringing together the best animals in tho Colony, or possibly Colonies. u The holding of such a show here in its turn would be agreat advantage in many wnys. As, for instanco, they had not a good thoroughbred sire in the district, and if good stock of this class were brought from elsewhere, they might take stops to secure the services of the best blood procurable. As regards its stock and products generally, however, this district had nothing to fear from competition, na it could in most respects hold its own with any part of New Zealand. Ho was of opinion that the carrying of the £>roposal ho was now advocating would be of immenso advantage, and if they thought with him it would be for them to take some action towards carrying out tho suggestion to that effect contained in tho annual report of tho outgoing Committee. (Applause). Mr T. Y. Duncan agreed with what hnd fallen from the President with regard to the expediency of seeking to establish a Colonial Association, and was of opinion that seeing that railway coinnnintcntinn would be shortly complete between Amberley and the Bluff, the present was an opportune time to make a move in that direction. He had great pleasure in moving :—: — 1 . That in the opinion of this meeting the time, has arrived when stops should be taken to establish a National Agricultural and Pa^toril Association in Now Zealand, holding periodical exhibitions in all the principal agricultural centres, on tho plan of tho Tioy.il Agricultural Society of Knglarid, or Highland Society of Scotland, 2. Tint the Secretary ho instructed to write to tho different Societies throughout tho Island, asking their concurrence and assistance in establishing such an institution. Mr Aikenheatl seconded. Mr Steward spoke in support of the motion, and added that he thought that as the railways were Colonial property, the Government might very fairly he asked to arrange that cattle travelling to an<l from tho shows of a Colonial Society, should be carried either free or at greatly reduced rates. The motion was unanimously adopted. The Picsitlent said the next matter he wMiert to bring under the consideration of tho meeting was that of taking s'eps to secure the erection of a Public Market and Corn Exchange in Oatnnru. Referring to the advantageous results of the establishment of nublic markets in Sydney and Melbourne he said, that in the latter city at the present moment ro great had been their success that it was now pro posed to expend no less a sum than L 89,000 on tho enlargement and improvement of the Eistern Mirket. In Christ church only recently the necessity for a Corn Exchange became a felt want, find a private firm taking the matter up devoted premises of their own to that purpose. The results wero most satisfactory, for at the very first sale 45,000 bushels of grain changed hands at prices ranging from 3d to 6d per bushel above the rates of the day, a clear proof of the advantage of bringing all buyers and all sellers together in one focus. Not long ngo a public dinner wns held in connection with the opening of the New Corn Exchange, and one and all of the speakers were loud in their praises of the change which had taken place. One great advantAge of such an institution wa« that it gave farmers what the}' had never had in this district — a proper orgiuNntion, and premi«es where they could m-ct once a week for the disposing; of their produce, and facilities for meeting'their friends. In the Ohristchurch Exjhange there was an office for the Secretary, a place for simples of grain, a committee-room, a reading room for agricultural pnpeis and publication*, &c., and he hoped to see the 3,11110 advantages provided lor the farmers of this district. Hitherto the agricultural interest had been as a rope of sand, without cohesion, but it was time this was remedied and that it became a power in the country. He did not believe^ that the Legislature gave one hour in nix weeks to promoting the welfare of the farmers, and yrt the welfare of agriculture should have a large slu.ro of attention, for agrieultuio was looming over all interests in the country. But until the farmers banded themselves together they would never be properly represented, and .their interests woiud never be properly attended to. As showing that the agricultural was fast becoming the predominating interest in (his pait of the Colony ; he pointoi to the fact that this year in Canterbury nod Olago alono there had been produced n-arly 12,000,000 bushels of grain, representing a value of 2| millions sterling, a circumstance which showed the mignitudo of the interests at stalco. This being a great centre <be necessity for a market here was apparent. Within the district, of which Oanuru was the centre and port, and which stretched northward as fir as the M.ikikibi tbeic were not less th»m

350,000 acres of good agricultural land fit for the growth of cereals, an area which, in the old country, would require and suffice for two or three markets. Neither Edinburgh, Dundee. Dalkeith, nor Dunhar hnd anything like such large contributing areas, and ho would a«k why should not they have a market as had the cities he hnd named. The practical way of carrying out his suggestion would, ho thought, bo by tho formation of a company, with a capital of LIO.OOO, in 1000 shares of LlO each, to carry out theso objects, viz , the erection of a Corn Exchange and Public Market. Fortunately ho did not think they would require to purchase a site, as tho Market Reserve in Sovorn street would admirably suit tho purpose, and thoy could, ho had no doubt, obtain it by applying to tho Corporation, or, if need bo, to the Legislature. All their funds would then be available for building purposes. They should have a largo hall for the exchange, an office, reading room, committee-room, and, in addition if possible, a large room for the use of tho N. A. and P. Association so that the whole interest would bo within one premises. If they coincided with him, it would be necessary to take immediate action. In Christchurch, the opening of a Corn Exchange had resulted in the erection of largo grain stores, for which a company had been formed, with a capital of L 20,000. Mr T. Y. Duncan, referring to the benefits derivable from the establishment of a Corn Exchange, said that if they only obtained throtigh the resultant competition among buyers an additional Id to 2 1 a bushel, that would mean a large sum on twelve million bushels. He enlarged on the benefits of co-operation among the farmers ; and instanced, as another mattor in which they should take common action, that of railway management. Ho then movod the following resolution :—: — That a Company bo formed for the purpose of erecting a Public Market and Com Exchange in Oamaru. That tho capital be 1000 shares of LlO each ; one-half only to bo raised during the next year. And that a Committee bo now formed to arrange with the Corporation for tho reserve, and to promote tho formation of tho Company. Mr P. Orr seconded the motion, which was unanimously passed. A Committee was then appointed to take steps to carry out the resolution, consisting ot the President Messrs Conncll (convener), Morton, Duncan, Orr, Hedley, Menlove, Tcschemnkcr, and Gcmmell. The Chairman said the next subject for consideration was the necessity of obtaining a new and larger Show Grown*. He hnd, in conjunction with others, labored for four years to si cure the present ground, but was sorry to find that it was now too small forihe purpose. Ho suggested that they should endeavor to exchange the present ground with the Corporation for one of their reserves, near the junction of Wansbeck and Severn streets. Tim was about as near to the centre of the town m the present ground, there was a good metalled road running alow; the front of it, and they could have a railway siding for stock near the Rev. Mr Gifford's road and within a quarter of a mile of the giound. Tho Corporation would lose nothing by the exchange, as they would obtain 22 sections which wonld bring in a considerable sum of money ; hut he thought that seeing the land which be suggested should be asked for was a recreation reserve, the Corporation shoul 1 exact some conditions from the Association as to its improvement. For instance, an oval of 12 acres might bo laid off in the centre for the purpose of the shows, and the surrounding area planted with ornamental trees and shrubs, lie believed the site he proposed to be an excellent one in all respects, and that if his proposal were carrier! out thoy would havo n sbo«v ground unique in its advantpges, indeed, he did not know of such another in ary part of the world. After some rental ks by Mr Steward, Mr Young pointed out that tho present ground was available for other purposes, as for instance tho Caledonian Gatherings, which ho did uot think would be tho case with tho site proposed by tho President. Mr Connell did not think it wonld be ptfssiblo to obtain tho railway siding, in consequence of the gradient of tho lino at tho point where the siding would have to be placed. After somo considerable discussion, the matter was referred to a committee to report thereon, consisting of Messrs Connell (convener), Gemmell, Orr, Hedley, and Hromley. On the motion of Mr Stoward, seconded by Mr Gem moll, it wos resolved — That this meeting approves of the action of tho late Committee in taking steps to bring the Association under " The Agricultural and Pastoral Societies' Act, 187(5." The next question brought bofore tho meeting by the chair was tho present rates of freight on the railway, particularly with regard to tho differential charges for conveyance to Lyttolton, Oauiaru, and Ttmaru : and after a discussion, in which Messrs Connell, Duncan, Steward, and others took part, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Connoll, seconded by Mr Stoward — That this Association deprecates tho unfair system of differential charges which at present obtains on the railways, produce being carried to tho Port of Lyttelton in many cases at a miloago rate nearly CO por cent, lower than tho rate at which it is carried South to tho ports of Timaru and Oatnam; and resolves that tho Hon. tho President and the members for tho district bo requested to bring tho mattor under tho notice of the Government and tho Legislature with a view to a remedy of the injustice complained of. Mr Connell further pointed out the necessity of uraing the Government to appoint some pers >n who could be pucd in the event of grain being lost in transit h. He instanced two ca«es of the kind, in one of which 40 bags had been lost, and the loser had no redress. At present it was like Brogden and Sons — there was no one to cret at. The Chairman next brought ur>, as a question in which all country residents were specially interested, that of the site of the new passenger station, and urged that an endeavor should be made to get it placed on the vacant ground at the back of the Council Chambers A curve might be brought in from the North line, through the lagoon, and the situation was a most central and desirable one. A long discussion ensued, in the course of which it was pointed out by Mr Steward that rather than bring the line through the lagoon it would be better to reclaim the lagoon and place the station there. Ultimately the imtter dropped without any action beiiiflf tnl<eii. Mr Holmes next brought up the matter of shipping charges at the port, which he urged should be reduced pointing out that until this was the case they were reaping no benefit in this respect for the L 120,000 or L 150,000 spent in their harbor works. The charges here were even heavier than at Timnrii, where they had still but a surf-boat landing service. Mr Steward snid th it the Harbor Brvint were now considering what reduction it was possible to mike, and pointed out the necessity of i eff »rt bi'i:u made to secure the reduction of the rates of freight charged by the railwny dcpaitment ovei the Break vater line, which he was ad vised could he very considerably lessened, and etill leave the Government a fair working profit. Mr Holmes next brought up for the consideration of the meeting tie importii'i •(• ot securing riiicct shipment of gram to England, mid uiged that an eff)it

should be made by the farmer* themselves with a view to this end, (or the construction of such works as would admit of vessels of deeper draught loading and discharging at the port, by moans of an excavated dock or otherwise. When the harbor works were first thought of he wfcf under the impression that the present works would accomplish that, but it did not seem that that was the case. This season after the wheat began to come in, ho spoke to some- of the- principal farmer* about this matter of ditoot shipment, end they placed thomsobes in communication with the Now Zealand Shipping Company and the Albion Shipping Company, with a viow to obtaining ships of 700 tons burden for loading direct to London. Those Companies telegraphed to tho Harbormaster asking tho available depth of water, and wero informed in reply that only ll|ft, calculating for ebb and flow of tho wave, could be depended upon. As tiioro was no sea-going ship which did not draw ll^ft in ballast, this put an end to tho prospect of getting tho ships here. After enlarging upon the ncccsoity of obtaining an outlet (or their surplus produce direct to the Home market, without the cost of transhipment, which in itself would constitute the difference between profit end loss, he uiged that nn appeal should be made to the Government for its assistance towards attaining the object in view. Considerable discussion followed, but no definite resolution was proposed, and after a vote of thanks to the Chair, the meeting broke up.