THE NATIONAL DAIRY ASSOCIATION.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 119, 16 November 1900, Page 6

THE NA TIO NA L DA IRY ASSOCIATION.

Advantage Avas taken of the gathering of farmers at Palmerston North to hold a meeting of directors i of the National Dairy Association last night. The President (Mr. J. G. Harkness, of Taranaki) occupied the chair. On, the invitation of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, it Avas decided that the annual meeting of members of the Dairy Association should be held at Palmerston North in July next. It Avas resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Jas. Brown (Carterton) and B. ,Dive (Eltham)— "That the Department of Agriculture be asked to arrange for a course of lectures by the Stock officers in the various centres on first aid to sick and Avounded animals ; that Mr. Gilruth be asked to draw up a simple form of instructions to farmers on the same subject ; and that the Department be asked to issue the same in the form of Leaflets to Farmers." During the discussion upon this motion numerous instances were cited by speakers to show that even an elementary knoAvledge W diseases and other troubles from Avhich cattle suffered Avould haA r e saved many a good beast. The subject is one of especial interest to' the small dairy farmer. It was reported by the Secretary (Mr.. C. R. Beattie) that he Avas still prosecuting enquiries as to the best means of improving dairy pastures in bush disi tricts. Information Avas being obtained as to the most suitable manures, the most convenient method of applying same, and the probable cost per acre. The executive considered that this Avas a matter Avhich called for the immediate and earnest attention of every dairy fanner.

At their auction sale this afternoon Messrs. Harcourt and Co. sold a section in Ellice-street with a frontage of 27ft by 92ft, together,, with a six-roomed house occupied by Mrs. Edwards, to Mr. A Fowler for £725. A seven-roomed house occupied by Dr. Fyffe on Welling-ton-terrace, with a frontage of 43ft by 47ft, was also offered, but was unsold, the bidding only reaching £870. 'The property is now in the auctioneers' hands for private sale. During the past two years there has been considerable friction between the Land and Income Tax Department and the Co-operative Dairy Companies in the colony on account of the imposition of a tax upon the amount of the balance available for distribution among suppliers at the end of each season. The dairy companies of the Vvairarapa have taken a particularly active part in the protesting against the imposts. Tney have taken legal advice, held meetings, sent deputations to the Government, and acted generally in. the interests of the dairy companies of the colony. The result of the agitation is that the Government has recognised the unfairness of the tax, and has removed it from operating in the future. The work done b, the Wairarapa companies proved very expensive, and an appeal was made to kindred bodies to assist' financially. At last* night's meeting of the directors of the National Dairy Association, held at Palmerston North, a vote of ten guineas was passed in aid of the expense fund, an example which will no doubt be followed J by the South Island Dairy Association.