THE POVERTY BAY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1153, 21 September 1882, Page 2

THE POVERTY BAY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A committee meeting of the above Society was held yesterday at the Roseland Hotel, present—Mr G. L. Sunderland (in the chair), Messrs. Espie, Nolan, W. Smith, J. Sunderland, J. W. Johnson and Matthewsou. After the minutes had been read and confirmed, Mr J. W. Johnson said he would suggest that something should be given as a prize for sheep, cattle and horses, 1,2 and three years old, bred in the district. The Chairman thought it would be against the interest of the Society to do so, as it was necessary to constantly import fresh stock in order to improve the quality of that at present in the Bay. Mr Smith said he quite agreed with the Chairman. Mr Johnson thought it would be only fair to the local producers. Mr Espie said he would give a special prize for the best ram hoggett, and that of course he would not himself compete. Mr Johnson then moved that money prizes be given as follows : —£2 best draught mare, £2 best cow, and £2 best ewe locally bred. Mr Nolan seconded this. Mr Matthewson opposed the motion, and moved that the prizes be not given. This was seconded by Mr W. Smith and carried. The Committee then proceeded to arrange the programme which will bejvery similar to that of last year, with the that in many cases money will be given instead of certificates. Mr Nolan said he would give a special prize for the best ladies’ hack, to be ridden on the ground by ladies. Mr J. Sunderland said that as barren mares were of no use to the district he would move that the money prizes now offered for the best mare should be shifted to the class, best mare in foal or with foal at foot, both light and draught. Mr Smith moved as an amendment that this be not done. Seconded by Mr Nolan, and carried, Mr J. Sunderland moved that the prizemoney offered be added to by £lO. Seconded by Mr Matthewson. Mr J, W. Johnson again reverted to the necessity which existed for giving special f rrizes for locally grown stock, and spoke at ength of the impetus such prizes would give to breeders. Mr Nolan moved as an amendment that the question be deferred until the programme had been arranged. This was seconded by Mr Johnson, and carried. "It was agreed that the Jprize for ponies should be for those not exceeding thirteen hands instead of fourteen, as has previously been the custom. It was decided to offer a prize for the best pair of draught geldings of any age. Mr Nolan said he would give a special prize for the best six fat wethers. Mr Matthewson moved that a money prize be given for the best collection of agricultural implements instead of a medal as formerly. He thought that exhibitors should at least receive something to recoup them for the cost of cartage. He would suggest that a prize of £2 be offered. This was seconded by Mr Nolan, and carried. The prizes for the leaping match were decided to be the same as those last year. Special prizes were then promised by Messrs J. Sunderland. G. L. Sunderland, J. W. Johnson, and M. Hall. The Secretary stated also that Mr Murchie had offered to give a prize of £5 for the best pen of Lincoln ewe hoggetts. After a long discussion it was then agreed to add £lO in prize-money to the sum voted last year. Messrs J. Sunderland, W. Smith, and G. L. Sunderland were appointed a Yard Committee ; Messrs Hare and Bond, Cattle Stewards ; Messrs Matthewson, Nolan, and White, Horse Stewards; Messrs Allen and H. E. Davis, Sheep Stewards; Messrs King and Tutchen to nave control of poultry, butter, cheese, etc. It was resolved to request the following gentlemen to act as judges : Messrs Teat and E. K. Brown, (cheese, butter, bacon, and ham); Messrs F. Cox and Sceat, (poultry); Messrs J. Wall and Geo. Smith, (implements) ; Messrs Clarke and Dobie, (dogs). The question of printing was left to a Committee consisting of Messrs Nolan, Matthewson, and Han.