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and that the fees bo collected by the agricultural society, and, after paying veterinary exp3nses, used by the society for the purpose of applying them as prizes for horses in such classes as the society may think fit. The appointment of surgeon was relegated to your department. Yours, &c, Freeman B. Jackson, Chairman. J. D. Bitchie, Esq., Chief Inspector of Stock, Stock Department, Wellington.

Sic, — Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, 13th May, 1891. Eeferring to your circular, re the taxing of stallions, I beg to inform you that the matter was discussed at the last meeting of committee, when the following resolution was adopted : — Besolved, That this committee is of opinion that the appointment of a department for the taxing and the inspection of stallions at the present is inopportune. John D. Eitchie, Esq., I have, &c, Chief Inspector of Stock, Wellington. M. Mubphy, Secretary.

Sib, — Courtenay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Courtenay, 16th June, 1891. In reply to circular of the 11th April, in re the licensing of stallions, I have the honour to inform you that our society sympathizes with the object desired to be obtained by the breeding from a superior class of horses, but are not in favour of a tax on stallions at present. I have, &c, Chief Inspector of Stock, Wellington. G. Bedford, Secretary.

Sic, — Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, 24th June, 1891. In reply to your circular of the 11th April, the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association resolve as follows : " That this association recommend that a tax should be paid on all entires over three years old used for stud purposes, with the understanding that the fees are to be returned to the association in whose district the fees are raised." Other circulars received from the Minister of Agriculture will be considered and replied to at an early date. I have, &c, John D. Eitchie, Esq., J. W. Stubbs, Secretary. Chief Inspector of Stock, Wellington.

Sib, — Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Dunedin, 29th April, 1891. At a meeting of the association, specially convened for to-day to consider your circular of the 11th instant, it was unanimously resolved, " That, in view of the fact that the horse stock of Otago has unquestionably deteriorated of late years, this association is of opinion that legislation in the direction of an annual license fee on stallions would benefit breeders of horses and farmers generally. They would recommend that an annual fee, not less than £30, should be imposed on all entire horses used for the stud purposes, ponies under fourteen hands half price. That the amount so raised should be appropriated for the purpose of giving prizes to the respective class of horses which pay the tax, at the agricultural and pastoral association's show in the district where the money is raised." I may say that the meeting was a representative one, and that several owners of stallions were present or represented. I have, &c, J. D. Eitchie, Esq., Sydney James, Secretary. Chief Inspector of Stock, Wellington.

Sib, — North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Oamaru, 9th July, 1891. I am instructed by the committee to inform you that the resolution passed some time ago, and a copy of which I forwarded to you on the 12th ultimo, approving of the principle of licensing stallions, was, at a full meeting held yesterday, almost unanimously received. You will, therefore, now understand that this association does not approve of the proposal. I am, &c, John D. Eitchie, Esq., Chief Inspector of Stock. J. Chuech, Secretary.

gut,— North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Oamaru, 12th June, 1891. In reference to your circular of the 11th April in connection with the yearly taxing of stallions I have to forward you a copy of a resolution passed by my committee :— Besolved, That this association approves of the principle of licensing stallions, and request that the Legislature take steps to give effect to the principle. Although the resolution was passed at a large meeting I think it right to mention that it was only so passed by the casting-vote of the Chairman. The opinion of the meeting being almost equally divided. I am, &c, John D. Ritchie, Esq., J. Chuech, Secretary. Chief Inspector of Stock, Wellington.