A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

THIS DAT. An ordinary meeting of the General Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held this afternoon ; present — Mr E. G. Staveley (president) in the chair, and Messra W. Henderson, P. Cunningham, H. Overton, W. Eeece, D. M'Millan, J. Deans, F. A. Archer, S. Garforth, C. Lewis, J. Anderson, jun., P. Duncan, J. Ferguson, G. Rhodes, J. T. Ford, R. H. Rhodes, G. Gould, Sir John Hall, and Dr Levinge. Before proceeding with the ordinary bnsiness, the president referred to the general regret felt at the death o?|the Eton Ernest Gray. His practical knowledge during the time that he had .been on the committee— Bince 1882— had been of great service to the Association, while his courtesy in debate was worthy of being followed by other members. He had filled the presidential chair with credit in 1882. The Chairman concluded by moving— "That this committee desireß to place on record the appreciation of the valuable services rendered during many years to the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association by the late Hon Ernest Gray, and its sincere regret at hia decease $ that the President be requested to oonvey to Mrß Gray an expression of the earnest sympathy of the committee with herself and family in her bereavement." Sir John Hall seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. SUGGESTED GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. A letter was read from Mr J. D. Ritchie, Secretary for Agriculture, asking the society how fat it was interested in the proposal contained in the following question asked in the House of Representatives by the Hon W. J. Larnach :—" Whether the Premier will formulate a scheme during the present session, to provide for giving a subsidy equal to 2Oa for every JB subscribed by an Akwcultural and Pastoral Association in this colony desirous of improving the society's grounds and buildings for the better exhibition of all land products, live stock and manufactures, in different parts of the colony; and whether he will trabmit thiß question for consideration of the committee now Bitting on agricultural and pastoral matter*." Sir John Hall suggested that an answer should be sent that a contribution of the kind proposed would be of very great service in forwarding the work in which this Society was engaged. Mr R. H. Rhodes was afraid that suet a proposal would have the 6ffect of causing mushroom societies to spring up to compete with this Society. Mr Lewis, while not prepared to support theproposal.thoughtif the Governmentwaa prepared to sling money about in thiß reckless manner, the Association might as well share in it. Mr Henderson pointed out that at the conference held at Wellington last year it was decided not to accept any support from the Government. Mr Cunningham thought fair John Hall should alter the word "useful" to "useless," and then he would support it. Several memberß tnought that the in- ! formation had been asked for by the Secretary for Agriculture with the idea of guiding the Premier in coming to a conclusion as to whether it was advisable to make Buoh grants. The President thought that were that bo, the Premier could not not apply to ft better quarter for hia information. . Mr Anderson thought the general opinion was that this Association did nob require assistance. Mr Kinsey thought, as their society did not require assistance, they should answer to that effect. . .. „. Mr G. Rhodes thought they should not encourage the Government to go in for any further extravance, as it was quite extravagant enough already. But if any money was to be given, they might as well have their share. On the motion of Mr J. Anderson, seconded by Mr H. Overton, it was decided to reply that this Society cannot see its way to recommend the expenditure of public money by the Government as supeested by Mr Larnach. Accounts to the amount or J8324 3s were oasaed for payment, and the report of the sub-committee on competitive dewgns tor a grand stand was then considered. The consideration of the report was taken in committee, and it was finally decided t 0 j refer the matter back to the sub-committee ,; I with instructions to refer all the com- • petitive designs to Mr Dobson, C.E. j Upon resuming several m e ? b ° rfl ° f .£* i sub-committee considered that the motion •, waß one of want of confidence in the committoe, and suggested that another subcommittee should be Bet up. j On the motion of Mr Kineey, seconded by Mr Archer, a vote of thanks was passed to the committee, and the members were requested to continue their labours. A church in London still poe mmm an income originally given to it »w \ne purpose of buying faggots for bnrmng heretios.