NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 629, 9 May 1878, Page 2

NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The adjourned meeting of the above Association was held at the Mechanics' Institute this afternoon. The Hon. Mathew Holmes occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance of members.

The Hon. M. Holmes made a lengthy speech with reference to matters which should be discussed by farmers, and pointed out many reasons why farmers should discuss many subjects which did not properly come within the sphere of the Association's operations. He announced that he would give a prize of ten guineas for the best essay on the subject of a rotation of crops best adapted to the Waitaki district, and calculated to produce the most profitable net result, while at the same time maintaining or increasing the fertility of the soil." He then proceeded to show the advisableness of forming a national society for the Middle Island of the Colony, and enumerated many benefits likety to flow from the formation, of such a society. He stated the many steps he had taken in the matter. He framed resolutions on the subject, but, as Chairman, lie was debarred from moving them ; but it was competent for any other gentleman to propose them. Mr. T. S. Duncan then moved, " That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when steps should be taken to establish a National Agricultural and Pastoral Association in New Zealand, holding periodical exhibitions in all the principal agricultural centres, on the plan of the Koval Agricultural Society of England, or Highland Society of Scotland." 2. "That the .Secretary be instructed to write to the dim-rent Societies throughout the Island, asking their concurrence and assistance in establishing such an institution." Mr. Aiki'iihcad seconded the motion, and after S"me slight discussion it was carried nnaninioush*.

The Chairman sai:l the next subject he had to bring under the notice of the mci-ting whs tli" necessity for steps being taken to establish a Corn Exchange in Oamaru. He pointed out the many benefits which farmers would derive from the establishment of a Corn Exchange. The course which he thought should be followed would be to form a company with, say 1000 shares of LlO each. They might get the piece of ground at present set aside as a market reserve, and he thought the Corporation would have no objection to handing over the land. T. Y. Duncan then moved the fol]owiii£r resolution, drawn up by the Hon. M. Holmes: "That a company be formed for the purpose of erecting a public market and Corn Exchange, in Oamaru; that the capital lie 1000 shares of LlO

each, one-half only to be raised during the next year ; and that a Committee be now formed to arrange with the Corporation for the reserve, and to promote the formation of the Company." The motion was seconded by Mr. P. Orr, and carried unanimously.

The foliowiuggentlemen were appointed a committee in accordance with the last resolution :—The Hon. M. Holmes. M"S=rs Coini'-U. Morton. Duncan, Orr, Hedley. Meiilove, Teschemalcer, and Gemmell. [Left sitting.J