MASTERTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10015, 11 April 1910, Page 6

MASTERTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the general -committee of th 3 Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held in the secretary's office on Saturday afternoon. There were present,—Messrs 11. Morrison (chairman), W. H. Bnick. D. McGregor junr., R. Dagr, A: G. Pilmer. W. J. Welch, T. P. Lett, Q. Donald, E. Harper, J. P- Perry, J. C. McKiliop, • A. J. Percy. 3. M. James, J. E. Perry and G. Shaw. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs O. C Cooper, G. C. Sumnnrell. and J. B. Moodie. A letter was received from Mr H. Poole, Wellington, »cknowledzing cheque for expenses fur judging at the recent show; also suggesting that the classes for cut plants be open classes at future shows. The meeting was of the opinion that Mr Poole's suggestion was a good one, and it was held over for future consideration. Letters of acknowledgement of judge's expenses were received from Messrs J. Macassev, William Little, H. Gillies and K. Stevens. Mr Gillies and Mr Stevens returned their cheques, as donations to the Society, and a hearty vote of thanks was accrded to these gentlemen. Mr N. D. Bunting the secretary of the Maaterton Technical School. W ro*e remising the Associate of

their promise to secure a supply of wool for the woolclassing classes, now being carried on in connection with the school,.also asking if the Association could assist the Managers in giving a course of lectures on sheep and wool, similar to those given last year. It was decided to attend to the matter of a supDly of wool at once, and some discussion took place regarding the proposed lectures. Mr D. McGregor junr. suggested that Mr W. Perry might be asked to deliver a lecture on Lincolns in Hawke's Bay, and a gentleman! from Hawke's Bay give a lecture in Mastetton. The names of several wellknown Romney Marsh breeders were ■ suggested as probable lecturers on this class of sheep, and finally on the motion of Mr W. J. Welch, the matter was left in the hands of the chairman and secretary. The secretary of the Gisborne \ branch of the New Zealand Farmers' s Union forwarded a copy of a resolution passed at a recent meeting of the Branch, strongly recommending that frozen meat exported imm the Dominion be graded the same as butter, cheese, flax, etc., and asking for the Association's support in the matter.

Mr Q. Donald said there was a time when the dairy farmers would not hear of their butter and cheese being graded, but row he doubted if they would care for the grading to be ceaseJ. It had acted beneficially, and he did not see why it would not do so in regard to frozen meat. Several members present spoke in favour of the project, although they had heard differences of opinion outside.

It was thought to be a matter j worthy of consideration, in tha interest of the sheep farmer generally, and Mr Welch moved that the matter stand over until the next meeting, when the members would have time to tnink over the subject. Accompanying the resolution were two extracts from the Gisborne paper on the subject, and the chairman said he would be'very pleased if the press would publish these extracts, as they contained valuable knowledge relative to the matter under discussion. A matter that was left over from the last meeting was brought up fur discussion. The colouring and oiling the wool of show sheep was a matterthat was to be ( brought up at the National Sheepbreeders' * Conference 'at Liverpool, England, and the opinion of the meeting was that the practice was a very undesirable one. A resolution to this effect was passed, and it was decided to fprward a copy of the resolution to Mr J. btuckey, who will act as the Association's representative at the Conference. Mr D. McGregor junr. said he was of the opinion that pedigree sheep for stud or show purposes should be admitted into England after undergoing the necessary quarantine. At present sheep from other countries were not allowed to land in England. Mr McGregor then moved in this direction,' a copy also to be forwarded to Mr Stuckey far consideration at the Conference. It was also decided to ask kindred Associations to act in conjunction with the Masterton A. and P. Association in this matte.r.

FINANCE COMMITTEE The Finance Committee recomended that the Ground Cpmmittee be empowered to expend £1,500. Owing to the old grounds having been disposed of, it was necessary to re-arrange the Association's finances, rnd the secretary was instructed to make an application for a loan to the Guaranteed Advances to Settlera' office. The financial statement read as follows :—Dr balance 14th March, £3,300 16s 3d; expenditure for month £1,308 16s; receipts for month, £3,673 4s 6d; dr. Balance, £936 7s 9d; cheques unpaid, £406 16s Bo\ Accounts amounting to £6l Is 2d were recommended for payment. The report was adopted. In reference to the application for a loan, Mr Welch said that some of the guarantors of the old ground had asked to be released, this being the arrangement agreed upon, if the Association purchased the new ground at Solway. It would also benefit the Association, as the interest irom this source would be less than what they were now paying. Other members present agreed that the proposal was a good one.