The Daily News. THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 1901. THE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 71, 11 April 1901, Page 2

The Daily News. THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 1901. THE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Ths members of the above society have every reason to be pleased with the sound financial position of ths above society, a result largely due to the careful management and tact of ths secretary, who certainly deserves vary great credit for the interest taken jn the completeness of the arrangements and the general all-round success of the last show. Notwithstanding the substantial credit balance and sxtisf*ctory condition of the society there is a foaling that it Lbs not by a long way reached the limit of its usefulness. The feeling of the members at the general meeting was very pronounced that the society should devote some attention to extending its sphere of usefulness. Mr. Barkness made an excellent suggestion which we are glad to see was acted 1 and appears to have, on the whole, been received very favourably in other pants of the district, No doubt the appointment of local committees, as he suggested, will go a long way to popularise the society, and secure a larger number of exhibits for subsequent shows. At the same time we should have liked to see Mr. Uarkness go a little further and endeaveur to establish what would really be a Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural and Pastoral Association. At present there are two fooifties in Taranaki, rach holding! shows and giving championships. It often happens that the champion at one of these shows ka# to be satisfied with second or third place at £he other, yet each claims the championship of its particular year. Further, there has been a desire for some years back to hold a show at other centres in the district, but a fear of appearing hostilo to the existing societies has caused the] mitter to be delayed. If, however, a Metropolitian Association could be formed by the amalgamation of the two existing associations and branehes established in all the towns in Taranaki, shows could be successfully held under its auspicif s at New Plymouth, Waitura, Stratford, Eltbam, Hawera, Patea, Manaia, Opunake, and Rahotu. Scores of farmers, who will not now exhibit, would exhibit at their local show, and a Metropolitian Show, at which only placed exhibits should compete, could be held to decide the championships, This show ceuld be held in turn at each town in the province, and the championship woq under such circumstances would be worth ha?iDg. We feel certain if some of our leading farmers took the mattpr up it could be sucoessfully worked and would prove of immense benefit to the agricultural and pastoral interests of Taranaki. The Hortipultural Societies have'' already adopted this course (exceptpg that they have not arranged for a Championship Show), and the system of one Society for Taranaki appears to be working well in their ease.