H.—2.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Tuesday, 25th Octobeb, 1892 (Fiest Day). The following were the representatives of the several colonies : — New South Wales ... ... Mr. Alexander Bruce, Chief Inspector of Stock. Queensland ... ... Mr. P. E. Gordon, Chief Inspector of Stock. Tasmania... ... ... Mr. T. A. Tabart, Chief Inspector of Stock. ... Mr. Archibald Park, M.E.C.V.S., Veterinary Surgeon. New Zealand ... ... Hon. Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G., Stock-breeder. ... Mr. John Eoberts, CM.G., Stock-breeder. „ ... ... Mr. Thomas Brydone, Stock-breeder. „ ... ... Mr. William Boag, Stock-breeder. ... Mr. W. E. Bidwill, Stock-breeder. „ ... ... Mr. Coleman Philips, Stock-breeder. ... Mr. W. F. Lawry, M.H.E., Stock-breeder. ... Mr. J. McNicol, Stock-breeder. „ ... ... Mr. John D. Eitchie, Chief Inspector of Stock. ... Mr. John F. McClean, M.E.C.V.S., Veterinary Surgeon. Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, were unrepresented. The following is a copy of the circular-letter, dated the 11th July, 1892, addressed to the different Australasian Governments :— Sic,— The Premier's Office, Wellington, 11th July, 1892. As the time is approaching for the triennial meeting of Chief Inspectors of Stock, Government Veterinary Surgeons, and stock-owners of the Australasian Colonies, I have much pleasure on behalf of my Government to convey a cordial invitation that the Conference be held in New Zealand. I shall be obliged by your advising me at the earliest opportunity if it will be convenient for your representatives to attend, so that the necessary arrangements can be completed. I would suggest that the Conference be held in Wellington on the 25th October next. I have, &0., John McKenzie, For the Premier. All the delegates were present with the exception of the Hon. Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G., Mr. W. E. Bidwill, and Mr. McNicol, who, it was announced, would arrive later. The delegates were introduced by Mr. Eitchie, Chief Inspector of Stock, who read the following letter from the Hon. J. McKenzie, Minister of Agriculture, apologizing for his being unable to attend through illness : — Gentlemen, — Minister of Lands' Office, Wellington, 25th October, 1892. I have to express great regret that the state of my health prevents my being present at the opening of the Conference this morning to welcome the representatives of the Australian Colonies and the stock-owners of New Zealand. At the same time, I have to express my gratification at the decision of the Governments of Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania to accept the invitation of the New Zealand Government to hold the Conference here. I trust the outcome of this Conference will be of mutual benefit to all the colonies interested, as I have every confidence that the business brought before the Conference will receive such attention as the importance of the several subjects merits. I need hardly add that it will give me the greatest pleasure to render you every assistance in my power, although I shall unfortunately be absent from your sittings ; and again thanking you for your presence, I have, &c, John McKenzie, The Members of the Australian Stock Conference. Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Eitchie said, as they were aware, invitations had been sent out by New Zealand to the various Australian Colonies, asking them to send delegates to attend the triennial Stock Conference in Wellington. Favourable replies have been received from Queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales, but the other colonies, unfortunately, could not send representatives. Queensland was represented by Mr. Gordon, New South Wales by Mr. Bruce, and Tasmania by Mr. Tabart and Mr. Park. In order that the Conference might get the benefit of all the information possible, he had recommended the Minister to invite a number of the leading stock-breeders in different parts of the colony to attend, some of whom were present, and he hoped the others would be in attendance before the business of the Conference had proceeded far. He would not detain the Conference any further, but would suggest that a chairman be elected and the Conference proceed to arrange the course of business. Mr. Tababt moved, "That Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G., be Chairman of the Conference, and before his arrival Mr. Eoberts, C.M.G., take the chair." Mr. Lawey seconded the motion.—Agreed to. Mr. Eobeets, in taking the chair, expressed his gratification at the honour conferred upon him. Sir John Hall was in every respect a man entitled to occupy such a position, as he was the senior of all of them in colonial experience, political experience, and in years. He was a man in every way suitable, and when he came there next day they would find him a gentleman well able to conduct the business of the Conference with care and deliberation; and he was quite sure that the knowledge Sir John would bring to bear on their deliberations would be of special benefit to the gentlemen from the other colonies as well as to those representing New Zealand. Had he (Mr.

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