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Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATIONS. (REPLIES TO CIRCULARS SENT BY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE.)

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 24th June, 1891. Ordered, " That a copy be laid before this House of any circular addressed by the Minister of Agriculture to the several agricultural and pastoral associations, or other similar bodies, throughout the colony, inviting an expression of their opinion on questions of interest to the agricultural and pastoral industries; and ako of any replies to such circular." —(Hon. Sir John Hall.)

No. 1. (Circular Memorandum.) Department of Agriculture, Wellington, 27th May, 1891. With the object of benefit to the Agricultural Department I shall be glad to have the views of your society on any subject relating to the welfare of the agricultural and pastoral industries which it may deem necessary to consider during the incoming session of Parliament. This circular has been sent to all kindred societies throughout the colony. As the session is close at hand, you will oblige by bringing this before your committee for their consideration at the earliest opportunity. John McKenzie, The Secretary, — . Minister of Agriculture.

EEPLIES EBCEIVBD TO ABOVE CIECULAE. Dbab Sib,— Whangarei, 29th June, 1891. In reply to the circular you forwarded I beg to inform you that at a meeting of our club, held on the 24th instant, it was resolved, " That, in the opinion of this club, a stud-book should be established in New Zealand. That the ninety-four days quarantine for imported stock should commence from date of shipment instead of from the date of landing. That sellers and producers of all manures, including bone-dust, artificial or otherwise, should hold a certificate from a practical analyst before they can dispose of the same. That such, manures contain the parts they are represented to contain, and the quality and analyst's report to appear on the bags or other article in which the manures are packed or stored. Yours, &c, J. Melville Guilding, Secretary, Whangarei Farmers' Club.

Sib,— New Plymouth, 6th July, 1891. In reply to your circular of the 27th May last I have the honour, by direction of a subcommittee of the Taranaki Agricultural Society appointed for the purpose, to make the following recommendations as being conducive to benefits in the welfare of agricultural and pastoral industries, and in the interests of farmers in the district, viz.: — 1. That Mr. Sawyers (the Government dairy expert) should devote his services for the coming season principally in the North Island. 2. That increased facilities in the way of ventilated vans and freight at reduced rates be accorded to exporters of dairy produce, in order that overland freights will more closely approach sea freights. 3. That urgent need is felt for the provision of cool storage for produce at port of shipment. 4. That the aid of the Government be invoked to assist exporters in causing the shipping companies to place a copy of the cool-chambers' daily temperature at the disposal of consignors and consignees, and they assure the temperature shall not rise above a certain degree of heat, such degree to be mutually agreed upon for cheese and butter respectively. 5. That the farming interest should be more fully represented in Parliament,'and that the owners of land, who pay taxes on such land, should have a voice in the return of members representing the constituency or district where such land is situated. 6. That Sheep Inspectors should visit and inspect the flocks periodically. I—H. 39.