FARMER’S CLUBS.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 19, 11 May 1867, Page 3

FARMER’S CLUBS.

As the Committee appointed to report on the best means of organizing a central Agricultural Association for the Waisarapa, with branches in the several townships of the valley, will meet at the “ Rising Sun,” Greytown, this afternoon, the following account of a meeting held about a fortnight ago by the Farmer’s Club at Tokomairiro, for which we are indebted to the “ Bruce Herald,” will not be without interest. The meeting was convened to consider the propriety of having a show of seeds and farm produce at an early day. The Secretary announced that a Miller had given to the Club a Silver Cup, to be called the Miller’s Cup and to be won three times in succession before it became the property of any one person.

Mr William Gray strongly advocated the proposal that there should be a show of seeds and grain. It was a great evil that grain of all kinds brought a uniform price, but he hoped the day would soon be past when four bushels of chaff, or little better, would bring as much as four bushels of good oats. It was most important to have s show so as to enable farmers to get a choice of good seed. He moved that it was desirable to have a show of cereals and other farm produce. Mr. D. M’Mastcr seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr. J. Forsyth drew attention to the advisability of the Club encouraging the growth of Russian Flax, and stated that the Provincial Government had promised £lO for the best sample, and would no doubt give more if requested. Mr. Wm. Black proposed that the show should be held on the first Wednesday in June, and should be open to the whole province.

Seconded by Mr. M’Farlane and agreed to. Mr. J. L. Gillies suggested that each sample of grain entered for competition should have a reserve price placed on it and stated to the committee, and that after the show the prize samples, and any others desired, should be sold by auction. At the suggestion of the Chairman Mr Gillies embodied this in a resolution, which was seconded by Air Church and agreed to. Mr Muir remarked that at home the turnips were always judged on the field, andhe thought that the same thing should he done here. He moved that all entries in the turnip class shall consist of at least one acre, and that the crop be judged on the field.

Seconded by Mr R. Murray, and agreed to. A committee was appointed to consider and report to the next meeting the best means of establishing- a library and reading room in connection with the Club ; and we trust that the same subject will occupy the attention of our committee. Each settlement should have a Farmer’s Club, and each Club a Library and Head-ing-room. We do not think the clergy of the district would be travelling beyond their province in advocating the formation of such institutions.