AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The monthly meeting of the Committee of the Canterbury A. and P. Association was held yesterday. Present—Mr E. G. Slaveley (.'resident), Sir John Hall, and Dr. Levinge, Messrs W. Henderson, S. G_rforth, H. Overton, W. Recce, J. J. Kinsey, H. P. Murray-Aynsley, D. McMillan, C Lewis, P. Duncan. C. J. Wilson, G. Gould, J. Ferguson, aud P. Cunningham. The President said that there was a vacancy in tho Committee caused by ihe lamented death of the late Hon. Ernest Gray. He would move, as their ex-President, Mr A. B G Rhodes, had just returned from England—''That Mr A. E. G. Rhodes be elected to the vac-nt sea. on the Committee."

Mr Henderson seconded the motion, which was carried.

The following letters were read :—From the W.C.T.U., asking permission to ereci a luncheon tent iv the Show Ground on the same site; also asking for a reduction in ih n . price charged last year. Ie was resolved to lease the rite to the W.C.T.U. at the same rate as charged last year. From the Chamber of Commerce, enclosing a letter from the Committee of the London Chamber of Commerce regarding branding hides. After some discussion, -

Sir John Halt, moved..-— " That the action of the London Chamber'of Commerce, together .with the 'lithographed copy of the branding suggested as appearing in the PastoruUsts Review, be printed and circulated to the members of the Association and also to kindred Associations." Mr Hkn'dekson seconded the motion, which was carried. The Skcrktary stated that Captain Popham had presented an epergno to be given in the sheep classes at the discretion of the Commit tee. A vote of thanks was accorded to Captain Popham for his gift. The Secretary; said that he had received a letter from Mr Deans asking that the Association should make it known at once whether prizas were to be awarded for live stock exported to England. The Secretary said that in the catalogues several private prizes were offered for sheep, _c, for export. It was agreed that the Sub-Committee, with reference to the matter, should be called together, and the question dealt with, Blips being sent out to exhibitors and advertisements inserted in the newspapers with regard to the decision of the Sub-Committee. Accounts to the amount of £84 7a 3d were passed for payment. Tho Sub-Cummittee appointed to consider the question of holding a midwinter show reported that it was unanimously decided that the show should be undertak en by the Association, and that it should em brace all kinds of farm produce, includiug a limited number of extra prime fat sheep and cattle, as well as dead meat. It was also thought that it would be a good thing if popular lectures on subjects of an educational character were given. Several offers of suitable premises to hold the show in had been received.

Mr Kinsey said that since the report had been drafted he, in, connection with the President of the Association, had inspected the stores lately occupisd by Messrs Wilkin and Co. It was thought that lectures to farmers could be given twice a day in the Association's rooms, which could also be devoted to the display of agricultural produce, photographs of prize auimals, &c. They could get lectures from Professor Dandy, Professor Bayne, of Lincoln College, &o. The premises were thoroughly suitable for the purpose, and they would be enabled to make a grand show of typical auimals in sheep and cattle. They could also have au exhibition of tinned meats, frozen mutton, _c. They could have exhibition competitions in buttermaking, horseshoeing, &_., for prizes. The exhibition, he thought, should be open for a week, and they should appoint subCommittees in tho various districts cooperating and working with the Central Committee. Tho President said that the Committee now had tha report before them. It would be for them to decide to adopt it or not. If they did so, then they might appoint a Sub Committee to carry out the details. Mr W. Hesderson moved the adoption of the report. He thought they should let the people know as early as possible that they intended to hold a midwinter show. He moved— ** That the Committee approve of the holding of a midwinter show." Sir John Hall seconded the motion. Ho had sesn the good of a midwinter show at Dunedin, and bethought that if such a show was hold here it would be of great interest and value to the farmers. The motion was then put and carried. The following gentlemen were elected as a Sub-Comrai.tee to arrange details:—The President, Vice President, Dr. Levioge, Messrs Gould, W. Recce, J. J. Kinsey, C. Lewis, and W. Henderson. A report was read from the Ground Committee with reference to the provision of sleeping accommodation for men in charge of stock, stating that they had come to the conclusion that tent- would serve the purpose. Tbe President said that with reference to a sub leader appearing in one of the local papers the other day, that the majority of the occupants could not see the various events, he was glad to say that this statement was not founded on fact. Mr England, the architect, after the appearance of the article referred to had inspected the stand again very carefully, and he found, that with the exception of some ten people all in the stand would be enabled to see clearly everythine that was going on in the ring, __. He trusted that as much publicity would be given to this denial of the truth of the statements made as to the statement itself. The report was adopted.

The Reception Committee of last year waa re-elected, with the addition ol the name of Mr A. E. G. Rhodes. The Luncheon Committee, as constituted last year, was re-elected. A lengthy discussion ensued as to the question of luncheon tickets, ab the conclusion of which the meeting adjourned.