AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9668, 5 March 1897, Page 6

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the members of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held on the evening of the second day of the Ram Fair. The annual report of the Committee opens with a sympathetic reference to the loss sustained by the Association in the death of the late _-_r Peter Cunningham, who was for many years an energetic and zealous member of the Association, being Vice-President in 1882 and President the following year. The Committee desire to place on record their high appreciation of his valuable services, feeling that the Association had lost in him a friend and benefactor. The resignation of Mr D. Craig of the office of Hon. Treasurer, held by him for a quarter of a century, is next spoken of, and Mr Craig congratulated on his promotion to the position of General Manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company. Thirteen meetings of the General Committee had been held during the year, twelve meeting, of the Ground Committee, nine meeting, of the Winter Show Committee, eight meetings of Finance and sub-Committee for revision of Association catalogues and two meetings of the members of the Association, making a total of forty-five. The Committee hod considered amongst other matters the following of moment to the interests of the agriculturists and pastoralists, viz., noxious weeds, railway haulage on frozen meat, housing and clothing of sheep, the rabbit nuisance, taxing of stallions, &c. The report refers in detail to the various points in connection with the Winter Show, and regret was expressed that it was not better patronised by the general public and the farming community generally. The fact that the income about balanced the expenditure is referred to as satisfactory, and the thanks of the Association are tendered to the Secretary for Agriculture for placing the services of the experts of the department at the disposal of the Committee. The Committee had determined to make another effort for the present year, and the hope is expressed that the farmers will send large entries of'grain, roots and produce, so that the Winter Show of May, 1897, may prove more satisfactory than that of last year. The November Show and its results are dealt with, and the Committee note that the capital of the Association shows a surplus of £4689 4s over and above all liabilities, with sufficient cash in the Bank to pay all claims that are payable outside the fixed mortgage. Reference is made to the discussion by the Committee of the subject of how far the preparation of sheep for show purposes is admissible, and that it was finally resolved that all restrictions in the matter of housing and clothing sheep should be eliminated. The question-of making the monthly meetings of the General Committee more practically useful had been discussed, and a resolution carried affirming the desirableness of such a step from an educational point of view. It was felt, however, that there was npt time enough for the reading and discussion of papers at the monthly meetings, but the matter was one which the Committee commended to the favourable consideration of the incoming Committee. Reference is made with satisfaction to the placing of Lincoln College under the control of a separate Board, and the Committee expresses the hope that under the new management the usefulness of the College will be increased, and that still greater efforts will be made in the direction of training up the sons of farmers in the higher branches of their profession, and that the cause of agriculture will be materially advanced through the agency of systematic experiments, carefully conducted and fully recorded. The improvements on the grounds carried out during the year consisted of the much needed covered in accommodation for pigs, which had now been provided, to the great satisfaction of exhibitors and the comfort of the animals exhibited in this section. The front entrance had been much improved by the formation of a wide footpath outside the main entrance, enabling pedestrians to reach the trams and other vehicles without fear of accident, an improvement which the general publio would not fail to appreciate. Other necessary improvements were in contemplation for the better and more convenient placing of the agricultural implements, &c, plans of which would be submitted to the incoming Ground Committee. With a view to providing a continuous source of attraction to the general public on the people's day at the November show, a parade of stock was carried out between the hours of twelve and one immediately in front of the grand stand. The Committee appointed to conduct the parade met with a fair amount of success, considering the difficulties under which they necessarily laboured. It was hoped, however, that owners of stock and their servants would come to realise the advantage, of such parades, and as a result less difficulty would be experienced in carrying out the said events in the short space of time available for the purpose. It might be mentioned the erection of the grand stand had added materially to the attractions of the grounds, and to the comfort of the general public in providing such ample seating accommodation. The third volume of the "Shorthorn Herd Book" was in the hands of the printer. The "New Zealand Country Journal "hod entered upon its twenty'first volume, and satisfaction was expressed that it had become a standard record in connection with the matters dealt with in its pages. The Editing Committee, whilst thanking those who have contributed articles to its pages, points out that the monthly publication of the journal entailed a good deal of editorial work, and solicited a still greater measure of support in the way of contributions from those who are competent to do so. Records of seasons, cost of growing crop"', the possibilities of the turnip crop, fodder plants, &c, as well as a large amount of useful information regarding the raising and keeping of stock, &c, are a few of the subjects which country readers and others could very easily supply. The pages of the Journal are open to papers read at farriers' clubs and agricultural associations.' After referring to the Horse Parade and the ram and ewe fair-last year, the report goes on to say that the offices of the Association are open to all members during business hours, where the daily and weekly papers may be consulted, as well as a large number of periodicals. The reference library contains a valuable collection of works on all subjects connected with rural pursuits. It was gratifying to note that the offices were largely used a. a medium for ob-taining.-fc'-rmation on- all subjects within the ; scop, of the Society's work, no less than -seventy-five communications having been received during the year seeking information, principally as to the identity of noxious weeds and seeds, insect pests, &c. The Committee desired to place on record their appreciation of the valuable services of those gentlemen who have acted as judges at the annual shows. They also acknowledged the assistance of those members who have helped as marshals, and in other ways to carry out the work of the Association.