PUBLIC MEETING AT GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1873, 2 April 1889, Page 3

PUBLIC MEETING AT GERALDINE.

A meeting of fruitgrowers and others interested in abating the small bird*’ nuisance was held at the Crown Hotel, Geraldine, on Saturday evening last. There was a large attendance, representing almost all interested in the question. Mr J. Mundell was voted to the chair, and after reading the advertisement convening the meeting called on someone to address those present on the subject, Mr J. Pye explained his views upon the matter. He pointed out that where there were a few blackbirds Jour or five years there were now He saw by the N.Z. Parmer that fruitgrowers’ associations were being formed in every town in New Zealand. He had written to the editor of that paper to see if he could get a copy of the rules under which these associations worked, but had not received the same. He thought it was high time some steps were taken to lessen the nuisance, and suggested that an association be formed on similar lines as that said to exist in Christchurch. , . . Mr G. H. Patrick stated that in view of the present meeting he bad written to Mr T. Gordon, secretary of the Canterbury Fruitgrowers’ Association, Christchurch, for a copy of their rules and had received the same, which he laid upon the table. The rules were read over by the chairman. Mr B. E. Macdonald thought it was very necessary that a fruitgrowers’ association be formed. Everybody knew what a nuisance the small birds were in New Zealand, where, owing perhaps to the mild winter or to some other cause, they multiplied so much quicker than in England. There was no reason why fruit should not be grown to ad- \ vantage in this country, with the relimate and other advantages we enjoyed. It was grown to advantage in Tasmania, and if they could grow it there and send it to New Zealand at a profit, it could he grown in New Zealand at a greater profit. He proposed —“That an association he at once formed, to be called ‘ The Geraldine County Fruitgrowers’ Association.’ ” ~ - Mr Patrick seconded this, which was carried. On the motion of Mr Patrick, 1 seconded by Mr J, Pye, Mr A. Fisher was appointed secretary pro tern. It was decided to form a committee of ten, four to form a quorum. The election of the committee resulted as follows : Messrs C. G. Tripp, W. E. Barker, B. 11. Macdonald, J. Pye, M, Coombs, J. Williams, W. Postlewaite, J. Mundell, A. Spence, and J. Murray. The secretary was instructed to notify the above of their election, and to obtain their consent to act. The question of annual subscription then came up. On the proposition of Mr Patrick, seconded by Mr B. E. Macdonald, it was decided that the subscription should bo as follows : —Gardeners and farmers 10a per annum, and cottagers and honorary members 5s per annum, payable in advance. It was decided to recommend to the

committee that all persons holding a quarter of an acre or more of orchard 'Y' be classed among the farmers and gardeners, and those holding less than a quarter of an acre of orchard to be passed among the cettagers and gardeners. The following persons were enrolled as members in the room: —Messrs J. Mundell, D. Clouston, J. Pye, C. Waller, B. E. Macdonald, J. Hay, A, Spence, Q-. H. Patrick, J. Ellis, S. Chapman, M. Coombs, J. Williams, J. Dean, and A. Eisher. It was decided to hold the next meeting in the Literary Institute on Eriday evening next at 7 o’clock. The secretary was instructed to write to Mr T. Gordon, Christchurch, thanking him for forwarding the rules and for his offers of assistance in forming the association. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.