TIMARU AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2189, 24 March 1880, Page 2

TIMARU AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The fourteenth annual general meeting of the Timarn Agricultural and Pastoral Association took place at Maclean and Stewart’s Puddings to-day. Present —Messrs If. Pel held (Chairman), Archer, Bristol, McKerrow, 11. J. Scaly, Wildie, Howell, Ford and Tcschemaker.

The annual report of the Committee, and also the yearly balance sheet were read and adopted. A number of new rules drawn up by a Sub-Committee appointed for that purpose, were also read and adopted. The new rules possess liltlegeneral interest, but have been framed with the express objects of furthering the interests of the Association anil the advancement of agriculture. It was resolved —“That 000 copies of the rules, as read, be printed, and a copy supplied to each member of the Association.”

In reference to the new rules, Mr Wildie remarked that it was a disgrace to their district that there were not more papers compiled by the members on agricultural subjects. Christchurch, and many small districts as well, completely put them to shame in Timaru. Every one could say something if they would, and the papers becoming the property of (he association when read, could be published and preserved for future reference if thought desirable.

It was proposed by Mr McKcrrow, and seconded by Mr Scaly—“ That Mr Evans be elected president for the ensuing year.” Mr Bristol proposed as an amendment to the foregoing “That Mr Postlethwaito be elected as president.”

The amendment was carried after some discussion, and Mr Postlethwaite declared duly elected. It was proposed by Mr Sealy, seconded by Mr Wildie, and carried—- “ That Mr E. Acton be appointed vice-president for the year ensuing and on the motion of Mr McKcrrow, seconded by Mr Sealy, Mr Stewart was appointed treasurer for the same period. It was resolved —“ That the new Committee of the Association consist of Messrs Archer, Belficld, It. A. Barker, Balfour, J. Campbell, H. Ford, Guscott, Goldie, Hardie, Kclland, Maclean, Macfarlane M’Kerrow, McLaren, Pringle, Stevenson, Scaly, Orbell, Gamack, Turnbull, A. W. Wright, Wildie, Tcschmaker and Tavander.” It was resolved “ That the President be respectfully asked to contribute, at his leisure, a paper to the Association on any subject he may think tit.” Azotes of thanks were passed to the subcommittee for compiling the new rules, and also to the retiring President, and officers of the Association. The meeting then terminated. ANNUAL REPORT. Your Committee have to report as follow on the past year’s proceedings of the Association, The annual parade of entire horses was held on the Association’s grounds on October 7, the entries (3(5) were the same as last year, but the takings at the gates only amounted to £23 IDs as against £2B (3s the previous year, this is probably accounted for by the fact the cards of entries were given in with admission ticket to the ground. The annual Show of the Association was held on October 28 and 2D, the entries for which show a considerable decrease. The decrease appears to have been general with a few exceptions. In Eomney Marsh Sheep there was an increase of 35, and in Cotswolds, I. The falling oil is mainly atti ibutablc to the general depression which has existed over the district for the past year. On the whole, the quality of the stock exhibited in most classes showed a marked improvement. Most of the Agricultural Implements wore of Colonial manufacture, and of superior workmanship. The amount collected at the gates was £215 fa’s fad, as against £227 Is fad last year, shewing a decrease of £ll ss. The income for the past year, including balance in bank, of £sl 7s Id, together with £3OO cash, deposited at interest with the Building Society, and which was withdrawn, with interest of £lB Is Id, amounted to £372 11s sd, and the receipts of the year, £753 Os 2d, making a total of £1125 11s Dd, against which are of old accounts for 1878, amounting to £321 Is Id, and the year’s expenditure of ,£(390 Is fad, leaving a balance to the credit of the Association of £lll 5s 9d, on 31st of Jan. During the year there have been held six Committee, and four General meetings, which have, as a rule, been very poorly attended. The meetings of Committees have been well attended. A petition is being signed, praying the Governor to incopcrate the Association under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies’ Act, 1879. We have at present about 110 ordinary members of the Association, besides 17 life memberships. This number ought to be greatly increased. During the past year the new show grounds have been completed (fenced and laid down with permanent grass). On the committee will devolve the task of having it planned, and yards, &c., built for the forthcoming show ; also, canvassing for additional members in order to meet the heavy expenditure which will bo required to carry out the same. Your committee desire to record a vote of thanks to the gentlemen who acted as judges at the late show, some of whom had to come long distances, also to the gentlemen who acted as ground committee and the ground stewards, whose efficient working greatly contributed to the success of the show. The thanks of the Association are due to Mr 11. Stewart, as auditor, and Messrs Maclean and Stewart, for selling the privileges in connection with the Association, free of chai'ge. Before closing this report, your committee would wish to impress upon members the necessity of attending rcgurlarly at the meetings

of tke Association, their absence therefrom involving extra responsibility on those who attend. We would also impress upon all farmers, and others, interested in the district, the desirability of their supporting the Association, as, without their united efforts, the shows can never be a success. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The financial statement for the year showed: —lleceipts—Balance in bank, £54 7s Id; withdrawn from Building Society, £3lB 4s Id; subscriptions, £ll3 15s; entries, £193 2s 6d ; gatemoneys, £2lB 16s 6d; miscellaneous, £l4O 2s 8d ; total, £1125 11s 7d. Expenditure Paid for prizes, 1878, £239 Os; do., 1879, £330 10s 6d ; sundries, £439 9s4d; total,£lol4 os lOd. Credit balance, £lll os 9d.