ASHBURTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7382, 7 August 1889, Page 6

ASHBURTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Tuesday afternoon. Tbe President (Mr J. C. N. Grigg) presided. There was a good attendance of members. The Committee's report and balancesheet showed that the financial and general condition of the Association was highly satisfactory. The financial year was commenced with a debit balance of £36 10s 7d, which had now been converted into a credit balance of £310s 10d, after paying all liabilities. Besides this thenumberof members had greatly increased. The eleventh annual show had been a great success, both in point of entries and attendance. The amount for members' subscriptions was d.IOB ls 6d, as against £94 6s 6d in 1887. The entry money was £120 15s, against £103 12s 6d; privileges, £61135, a3 against £34 15s Bd. The amount actually paid for prize money was £285 18s 6d, against £300 14s. A tabulated report was attached showing the progress the Society had made during the past five years, and, while congratulating the Association on its general prosperous condition, the Committee tendered their thanks to all those who hau assisted at the last show, as well as to those who had so liberally contributed to the private prize list. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, expressed great pleasure at the Association being now in such a sound and satisfactory state. The position of the Association clearly indicated the position of the farmers themselves, as showing' that they were in a better position, anoT had more time to devote to the general objects of the Association. He thought the present outlook was a very satisfactory one. Prices of produce and stock had improved, and as far as wheat was concerned he was of opinion that the average prices for some years to come would not be below 3s, as it had shown that it could not be profitably grown in scarcely any part of the world for less than 2s 6d. As regards wool, he thought the great decrease in the number of sheep in various parts of the world would cause the value of wool to steadily go up for the next ten years, and while the price of wool keeps up, sheep must also keep up to a fair value. The adoption of the report and balancesheet was seconded by Mr E. Cqokson and carried. Thirty-six new members were elected. A letter from Mr Restell, with reference to fixing a date for holding a reaper and binder trial in the Ashburton County, was referred to the incoming Committee. A letter from the Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Association was read with reference to the proposed tax on stallions. Mr E. Cookson moved, and Mr Clark seconded—" That this Association approves of the proposed tax on stallions." Considerable discussion ensued, several members strongly disapproving of the proposed tax. The motion was carried. A letter from Mr Murphy, Secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, with reference to fixing show dates, was referred to the Incoming Committee. Mr Max Friedlander drew attention to the fact that he had competed for and won a special prize offered by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. The prize had been withheld on the ground that he (Mr Friedlander) owned more than the quantity of land specified in connection with the prize. No protest had been entered, and he claimed the prize on principle, but would be quite prepared to hand the money over to the Association. A motion was carried instructing the Secretary to write the Company asking for the amount of the prize. Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers. Mr J. C. N, Grigg was unanimously re-elected President. The following were elected Vice-Presidents ;— Messrs J. G. Restell, R. Millar, J. Bonifant, J. Small, P. Williams, T. Taylor, and Max Friedlander. An influential Cooa.- ---| mittee was elected. Mr D. Thomas was re-elected Treasurer, Messrs Curtis and A. BL Shury, Auditors, And Air J, C. I Quane, Secretary. ' ' ✓