AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume XXVII, Issue 3725, 29 June 1877, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the committee of the above association was held yesterday afternoon; Mr W. Norman in the chair. After some preliminary business had been disposed of, the secretary read a letter from Mr H. F. Gray, with reference to his previous letter forwarding his resignation, saying in reply to that forwarded by the association asking him to reconsider his letter, that he found it impossible under the exigencies of his engagements to do so. On the motion of Mr Henderson, seconded by Mr Sutherland, it was resolved to accept the resignation with regret. The report of the sub-committee on the forthcoming November show was then submitted and considered at length. Some discussion took place on the question of the hundred guinea prize for the best gorse-cutting machine. The secretary stated that the Timaru Society had taken no steps towards contributing tothe hunired guinea prize which it was proposed to give for the best gorse-cutting machine. Mr Wilkin moved—" That a prize of £50 be given for the best gorse cutting machine. No prize to be awarded unless the fudges certify after trial that the machine is capable of trimming ordinary gorse fences as they exist in Canterbury." The motion was seconded by Mr Henderson, and agreed to. Some discussion then took place on the subject of reaping and binding machines, and it was resolved to award a prize for the best, the trial to take place on January 7th next. Mr Ford moved —" That a prize of £25 be given for the best reaping and binding machine. No machine in the colony at the time of the show to be allowed to be tried unless exhibited on the ground. The trial to take place on January 7th of 1878." The motion was seconded by Mr Wilkin, and agreed to. It was resolved-to give £25 as first prize for the ' best New Zealand made tWshing machine, combined with elevator and .engine; . £10 to be given as second prize, and that unless machines by more than one maker or of more than one mode of construction compete, no prize-will be awarded. Several new members were then elected, and a number proposed for election at next meeting. Some discussion took place with regard to the private prizes. On the motion of the Hon. John Hall, seconded by Mr A. Duncan, the Hon. Ernest Gray was elected president of the society for the remainder of the year, in place of Mr H. F. Gray. The meeting then terminated.