AMALGAMATION OF AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1456, 11 October 1879, Page 5

AMALGAMATION OF AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, — The motion proposed by Mr James Shand at the meeting of the Taieri Agricultural Society, held at Mosgiel on the 26th inst., " That the Taieri Agricultural Society and the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association amalgamate," is one that recommends itself to all the farmers of the Taieri, and is a step in the right direction.

Although the Taieri Society has since its formation held a foremost place amongst the agricultural societiea of New Zealand, there can be no doubt that of late years its standard of excellence, although far above many of the other district shows, yet it must be confessed that it ranks considerably below Invercargill, Oamaru, Timaru, and when compared with Chriatchurch it is thrown completely in the shade.

The Taieri Society, by amalgamation with the Otago Society, will form a very strong society, and there is no reason why it should not be the premier society of New Zealand ; while, if they remain separate societies, they will be a source of weaknes3 to each other. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Taieri farmers will suppert Mr Shand's motion, and that the amalgamation will be carried out with as little delay as possible. — I am, &c, P. G. M.

West Taieri, September 29th.