AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 55, 5 March 1909, Page 2

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The Annual .Meeting of the Auckland .Agricultural and Pastoral Association took place at the offices ot the Association. Mr John Massey (president) was in the chair, and there fvas a large attendance of members. THE ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report and balance-sheer, published !n yesterday's issue of the "Star," were read by the President. The President, in moving the adoption of the report, said they had reason to be pleased with the result of the past year. Interest was growing, and even differences of opinion had their advantage in stimulating discussion and the exchange of views. The Association was fulfilling an important function in the discrimination of information on all agricultural and pastoral questions. The Association had steered clear in the past of political partisanship, but whenever the interests of the former Xvere at stake, the Association had taken a firm stand. He had done what be could for the Association in his term of office, and probably had made mistakes, though he hoped never willingly. (Applause.) Mr Dick, in seconding the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said good wine required no bush. The report was a very favourable one, and must encourage them to ero one better. The motion was agreed to. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT, On the motion of Mr Massey, seconded by Mr Walters, Mr Isaac <irey vras unanimously elected to be president of the Association during the ensuing .year In returning thankK for the honour conferred,upon him, Mr O'rey expressed gratification at the success of the Association. He said he hoped to see improvement in the stock and herds of the Colony, and also in the stamp of stud horses. He moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Masaey.Ihe motion was carried amid applause. THE ANNUAL, SHOW. Mr Garland moved that the annual show of the Association be a three-day show. He knew there were difficulties and objections to be formulated Hguiust Uie proposal—on /he score of expense, on the score of the difficulty of tending and feeding stock and other numerous reasons. On the other hand, he would point out that if there were a three-day show, probably one day at east would be toe, aud this would: have a beneficial effect upon the gate receipts. In other colonies a show extending over several days was growing lv favour. He cited the example of the.Sydney Cattle Show. . Mr Dick seconded the motion pro forma Mr Kerr-Taylor, president of the Waitemara Couuty Council, saia he did not think the time was. ripe for a three-duy show. The Association's grounds were not adapted for a three-flay show, anil until they could face the expt>use ref a sn/ta.Me ground it would be premature to (hink of a.show extending over three days. The motion was lost ou the voices. The secretary (Mr Hall) wrote a letter from the Maungaturoto Association on the subject of federation of associations, recommending that the Auckland Association lie the Metropolitan Association, and that all country associations bp affiliated to it. The President said the basis of affiliation was not clearly defined. The proposal contained a great deal to recommend it.' There was much in the suggestion that the Association should help country associations, and control programmes, snd so on. Mr .Dick moved, "That the matter be referred to a conference to be held during the winter show in June." Mr Kerr-Taylor seconded the motion. The Secretary said the question had been discussed, and affiliation to some extentpfoyided for many years ago, 'when Mr w." F. Massey. M.P., was president Mr Hutnerfordrsaid he thoroughly approved of organisation ana affiliation. It was this which had made the success of the %%%,"/* Ul? H On ' : Il? Wellla S*°n and the South federation was greatly in favour and they could not- do better than follow suit Mr Garland spoke similarly ' ' The motion was agreed to on the Voices