A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 6979, 4 February 1888, Page 6

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

A general meeting of the members of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held yesterday at 2p.m. Present—Mr J. Deans (President) in the chair, and Messrs J. Wilkin, J. Feather, H. P. MurrayAynsley,A. W. Money, J. Fergasson, W. Norman; H. Mcllwraith, J. T. Matson, S. Garforth, H. Overton, C. Fairweather, G. Ticknor, Geo. Bang, J. T. Ford, T. Elmsley, R. W. England,jun., D. Craig, J. Gilmour, G. Hart, J. Mcßeath, J. Mannings, and Hon. J. T. Peacock. The business was to consider proposed alterations to rules IV., IX., X., and XII., and elect new members.

The Hon. J. T. Peacock considered that rule 111. was not sufficient to bind a member to the Association. He should be made to sign the rules on bis election. After a discussion, Mr Peacock said he did not press the point, but he merely threw out the suggestion. The matter then dropped. The.words "In the event of a vacancy occurring in any of the above offices between the annual meetings the vacancy may be filled up by the Committee" were added to Rule IV.

In rule IX., the words—"meetings of Committee may also be called by the authority of the president, or in his absence, by the Vice-President, or on a requisition of nine members of Committee,'' were added. In rule X., tbe proposed addition, " A printed copy of the Treasurer's accounts shall be forwarded to each member of the Association, seven clear days before the annnal general meeting," was agreed to. In role XH., the proposed addition was, " provided that such by-laws, rules, or regulations are no ways contrary to tbe Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, W7."

Mr Peacock moved as an amendment, " Provided that notice of such alterations shall have been given and advertised at least seven days before any such alteration can be proposed." The amendment was ruled out of order, and the proposed alteration to the rule was agreed to. MrT). Craig moved, Mr Fergcsson seconded, and it was carried—" That the additions to roles IV., DC, X., and XDL, just adopted, be confirmed." Messrs W. Thomson and J. H. Hall were elected new members. An apology for absence was read from Mr P. Cunningham, and one was made for Mr W. Henderson, who was absent through illness. This concluded the business of the general meeting, and a meeting of the General Committee was then held.

Mr J. E. Fountain, through Mr J. S. Ford, wrote, suggesting that members of the Associations each district of the province should be asked to obtain new members from among their neighbors. The suggestion met with the approval of the Committee, and a letter was read from Mr G. Palmer, Hon. Secretary to the Polo Club, stating that a person was endeavoring to get up a 150 yards flat- race for the whole of New Zealand, and had applied for the use of the old show ground. The Club wished to know if the Committee had any objection to their sub-letting it for the purpose. It was resolved to permit the sub-letting of the ground for the purpose mentioned, provided the Association received half" the rent, and the ground was left in good order. A latter was read from Mr S. Ingram, Wanganui, asking when the next sheep dip trial would be held, as he had a new imported dip he wished to exhibit. It was considered that the late trial would be sufficient for two or three years. The Sub-Committee appointed to consider the Caiifornian thistle question recommended that the Government be urged to take immediate steps to check the spread of the noxious weed, this being tbe season of the year it spreads most, the seed being carried by the wind. The Sub-Committee reported re the gorse question, that it was desirable to call the attention of the Government to the necessity of steps being taken to abate the gorse nuisance, as it was growing and spreading to an alarming extent on both Crown lands and private property, and formed excellent shelter and protection to that most serious pest tbe rabbit. The Committee suggested that the Government be asked to bring in a Bill during the next session of Parliament making it compulsory upon property owners to clear their properties of the incumbrance, and to keep them clean for the future; also that the Government should be asked to do the same with respect to Crown Lands. The reports were adopted. Mr Gabforth moved, in accordance with notice—" That the fee for the use of the New Show Grounds, for school treats, &c, 'Jbe reduced." He did not wish to alter the fee for trotting meetings. After discussion, it was resolved to refer the matter to the new Committee to decide.

The President suggested, and it was ultimately agreed to, that the Government be recommended not to take any steps towards the introduction of an infectious disease for the destructionof rabbits until more definite information on the subject has been obtained.

This being all the business, the Committee adjourned. '