HAWKE'S BAY A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 10017, 15 June 1895, Page 4

HAWKE'S BAY A. AND P. SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING. Friday, June 14. Present— Messrs A. M'Lean (chairman), F. S. Waterhouse, G. Hunter, C Brnwn, R. 0. D M'Lem, J. H Williams. J N. Williams, J. B. Chambers, T. Crosse, Donald M'Lean, .1. Basle, J. N. Linaoza, W. Shrimpton, H. CinUiord, C. J. Bennett, .S. J. Bennett, T. H. Lowry, S. Bennett, O. A. Fitzßoy, W. J. Birch, A. M'Hardy, G. P. Donnelly, F. D. Luckie, J. H. Coleman, P. A. M'Hardie, H, p. Gilpin, H. Campbell, Allan M'Lean, G. Heslop, A. Shield, R. P. Williams, J. Anderson, G. S. V. Wenley, W. H. Smith, London, W, Irvine, N. Kettle, . P. Dolbel, and Captain Kussell. BULKS CONFIRMED. The alterations made in the miss at the last general meeting, providing that no person should be entitled to vote who had not been a member for three months, that £25 should be the sum entitling n, person to life membership instead of £10 as heretofore ; and that the rule that persons falling to attend a certain number of meetings should cease to be members of tbe committee be rescinded, were approved, ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET The Chairman read she report and balaccs'sheet (which were adopted), as follows :— Before commencing their report of the proceedings of the society during the past year, your committee regret that it is their painful fluty to allude to the removal by doath of ono of the oldest and most esteemed of its memrjers, Mr John Heslop, who was familiarly known as "tho father of the society." Tho late Mr Heslop had boon a member of tho committee since the formation of the society In 1863, and by his counsel and advice materially assisted in furthering its advancement; he always took a warm interest in the affairs of the'society, and though much enfeebled by advancing years, continued to attend the meetings of the committee when not incapacitated by illness, during the last year of his life, ana your oommitteo desiro to oxpress their deep sorrow at his lamented death, and their sincere sympathy with hiß family in the irreparable loss they have sustained. Twelve meetings of the committee have bean held during the year, one general meetins ot members, besides meetings of various sub-committees. The annual show was held on Thursday and B"riday, the 4th and sth Ootober. Tho weather during tho days of the show was not good, - and the attendance showed a marked decrease on tie previous year, the receipts at the gates and stands only totalling £288 against £3U the year before." For tho first time in the history of the society merino sheep were not exhibited, but Lincolns, Bomneys, and Jjoicesters, both Border and English, were well represented ; Loicestera wero exhibited for the first time in Hawke's Hay, and sheep of such quality as those shown must have a beneficial effect on the future of the meat export industry. It is to be regretted that thore was a considerable fallingoff In the exhibits of draught horses, which in former years have always been ono of tbo " most attractive features of the show. The annual Ram Fair was hold on the 7th February, when over 1600 rams were penned, and though the attendance was good sales ■were difnoult to effect, and In sympathy with the prevailing depression prices ruled vory low. . ' Your committee regret that the efforts hitherto made to enlist tho sympathy and cooperation of small farmers in this society have failed; for the last three years speoial prizes have been inserted in the programme for competition confined to settlors holding in the aggregate 1000 acres or less ; these have failed to evoke competition and but few entries In * this year's programme additions have been made to the prize list, especially in the classes for pigs, as a further inducement to farmers, which, it is hoped, may havo the dosired effeot. The cloud of depression, which is by no means confined to the Australasian colonies, sffll hangs heavily over us; tho dopressed state of trade at Home has caused a universal depreciation in the value of all products, of which frozen meat and bntter aro principally affected from this colony. The scheme propounded by Mr Nathan for regulating consignments and distribution of frozen meat is one that your committee hopo to sco fully disoussed by all interested, and specially by tho.repreaontativea of all kindred societies in conference as has been- suggested: Tho dairy factory industry in addition to the universal depression is meeting with very keen competition from Denmark, and in spito of the great climatic advantages this colony has, shipments to London during tho past year have involved very heavy losses. It is sincerely to bo hoped that the rise in the price of wheat may continne, as it is quite a national calamity to a colony like this when wheat falls to command a price at ' -which it can be produced. As a slight sat off to tho present depression the output of gold in tho colony is materially increasing. Your committee beg to tender their hearty thanks to the following gentlemen and firms who, by their donations of special prizes, contributed in a great measure to the sue- - cesaful results of the show : — Messrs Murray, Roberts, ana Co., Williams and Kettle, Balgety and Co., New Zealand Loan and Moroantlle Agenoy Company, Nelson Bros., Wenloy and Lanauzo, Arch. M'Lean, A. M. Williams. H. Campbell, T. Tanner, Douglas M'Lean, J. N. Williams, A. M'Hardy, Alick Williams, Hon. J. D. Ormond, J. Boyle, J. H. Ooleman, W. " Shrimpton, G. Huntor, F. S. Waterhouso, , J. B. Chambers, , Hon. Captain Russell, 'Rev. R. Fraser, Donald M'Lean, T. Croase, W. A. Couper, i". H. Lowry, and Miss May M'Lean. They have also to thank Mr Leithead, who returned a port of the judge's feo tendered him. They also beg to tender their hearty thanks to the hon. treasurer for his services, and to Messrs S. J. Williams and C. B. Hoadley, who have again gratuitously audited the accounts ; and to those gentlemen who, by officiating as stewards at the show and in other capacities, havo largely contributed to the successful working of tho society during the past year. Aroh. M'Leam, President! Napier, lith June, 1835. RECEIPTS. &Bd t B d Bank credit Ist June, 1831 160 9 9 Members' subscriptions .. 201 6 0 Annual ShowEntries .. _ .. 13813 6 Privileges ..« .. » 65 10 0 Gates.. _ _ .. 283 15 0 Catalogues _ .. .. 25 2 0 Quesaing competitions.. 10 7 0 526 7 6 Ram Fair „ 20 0 0 Special prizes _ .. 131 13 0 Interest from Jockey • Club -. 363 0 0 Refund by judge. _ 20 0 Unpresentod ohoques .. 2 0 0 iub?r6~3 BXPENDITrjRB. £ s d & s d Secretary's salary .. _ 125 0 0 Labor _ 71 10 0 Judges .. ..' .-. _ 46 0 0 gash prizes .. .. _ 211 10 0 Special prizes 131 13 0 Expenses at ShowBand 15 0 0 i Refreshments _ _ 17 5 6 Ribbons 3 3 8 Moving office .... 210 O Refund Telegraph Dopajtment 10 0 Saddlecloths „ _ 20 0 Timber, &c .. ..857 Printing, advertising, and stationery 107 4 9 Postages, telegrams, &c. _ 17 0 0 Sundries 9 19 10 Land tax _ 23 5 8 Kent of offices _ 35 0 0 Cleaning oftlces .... 4 0 Insurance 1 15 0 Interest on debentures .. 428 4 Bank credit 31st May, 1895 HO 13 4 Jiirali"! Examined with books and vouchors s and found correct, S. J. WjLTJAMSI a j-t „ C. B. HoADLEr} Audltors - Napier, Ilth June, 1895. Statement oh 1 Assets and LiAnrxrTiES fob the Year ended May 31, 1895. ASSETS. 20 debentures H.B.J.C 1000 0 ( Cash in bank, debenture account,. 181 13 10 Cash in bank, general account _ llu 13 4 ii 295 7 2 LIABILITIES. Debentures and Interest unpaid _ 181 13 10 Balance assets over liabilities „ 1110 13 4 E. & O.E. « STI N. Kettle, Hon. Treasurer. W. Beilby, Secretary. ONE WHO HAS GONE. Bannett sild before proceeding ■Hlßber he had a matter to lay before the meeting. He reminded them that the late Mr Heslop, whose decease was referred to in the report, had been one of tbe earliest members of the society, In fact he had attended the very first show held ajt Havelock Not only so, but he bad been present with few exceptions at every other show and meeting held by the society. Remembering this, he was about to bring forward a motion of which he hoped they would one and all approve. He moved that tbo society procure a portrait of Mr Healop, to be hung beside those of the late Meesrs Miller and Dobson already hanging on the walls of tbe meeting-room, and that a committee consisting of Messrs A. M'Lean, M'Hardy, and tbe mover be appointed — - to carry out the wish of the meeting in this respect. Mr J. N. Williams was fully in sympathy witti Mr Bennett's object, but thougbb it would be better It the co3t wero defrayed by members, and not from the funds of the society. He moved an amendment to-that effect. Captain Kussell agreed with the previous speaker. He had more than a kindly feeling towmfTtho memory ot the late Mr Heslop. The first night ot his arrival in Uawke's Bay (when he knew nothing about farming) be had Bpent in Mr Heslop s house, aud from that time till his death they had bsen close friends. He was a most indefatigable man, a man wbo looked upon a show day nod us n holiday, as he feared most of them did, but a day of profound interest) and serious work. He had shown them a good example, which, if they followed it wonld lead to their society becoming evea mare popular than It was at tho present time Mr Heslop was one of the pioneers of a" really good claes of settlers, of wblch the district might well feel proud. Mr Bennett said he was quite willing to contribute his quota, but having spoken to teveral members, they had agreed it wonid be better if the memorial c»rn» from the funds of ths fosioty than from individual members. Tbe amendment bring put wosdeclareci lost, and the mo.ion wis then cr.rrisil unanimously. VICIC PRESIDENCY. Mr Coleiuan said he had bi"n nimi natsd as a vice-president of the society. He wished to withdraw hii uhiio, h.< ht # wonld not contest ihe honcr "with Mr Anderson, a mm who had taken a ko«u interact ia tho Ina'.iiui'oa fcrjyeftra, !mh

as an exhibitor and as a regular attendant at the meetings of the society. (Applause.) The Chairman then declared Mr Anderson duly elected aa vice-president, and the latter thanked members sincerely for the honor conferred upon him. * AN. OUTSTANDING ACCOUNT. Mr Fitzßoy drew attention to (he fact that a sum of about £12 was owing to the Dobaon estate in connection with expenditure to whioh the late Mr Dobaon had been put in circulating a petition against the Government proposal in regard to the compulsory branding of sheep. He considered that this liability should be at once defrayed, adding that it was not creditable to either the society or individual members that the amount should still remain unpaid. The secretary explained that Mr Dob« son's total disbursements in respect to this matter had been £30 lla 10d. He (the secretary) had repaid him £14 10s, Mr Sandtmann had collected £3, which had been forwarded, and £13 Is lOd yet remaiaed outstanding. He had sent eircnlars to members informlnc; them of the deficiency, and asking them each for 10s, but in many cases had got no replies. Ho had a list In his possession which he would supply at next meeting. Mr Coleman said the delay was dhcreditable, and handed In £1 aa a contribution towards wiping out tha liability. It was decided to defer further discussion on the matter till next meeting, when the secretary was Instructed to provide the list) of which he had spoken. SHEEP DRENCHES MrJ. N. Williams aaid they all knew that the Government, through the Stock Department, had been taking great interest in the diseases affectiug sheep during the last few years, but they had a right to expect that the Government would offer every facility to try and combat the diseases from which thp stock in this and other districts were suffering. He had expressed the opinion that tho experiments made by the society last year In the matter of drenches would be futile, and experience had borne him out, but be had been making experiments of his own, and very interesting be found them As far as he had gone he bad experimented with five different drenches, all supposed to be efficacious. One of the drenches had come ont on top as far as be was concerned, but tbls article came from beyond the colony, and he found It was dutiable to the extent of 25 per cent. He thought that the Government sbonld be approached to reduae or do away with dnties of this kind. He would move in that direction. Mr Kettle seconded the motion, which was carried. On the motion of Mr Birch the resolution of Mr Williams re sheep drenches was ordered to be distributed amongst the different societies in the colony. WANTED, A BACTERIOLOGIST. The secretary reported that he had forwarded copies of Captain Rußsell's motion, urging upon the Government to appoint a bacteriologist to inquire into the diseases at present destroying the stock in the colony to kindred societies, and received replies as folio svs :— From the West Coast Association, endorsing the resolution, and stating that they had communicated with the Government on the subject; from the Wairarapa and East Coast Society, to the Bsmo effect ; from the Chrlstchnrch Society, stating that the mitter h*d b.ien fully diecussed, but that they could not; support the motion as there wen) already experts in the colony, and that it was iuadvlsable to incur further expense in appointing another ; from the Otaga Society, stating that IS had been decided to take no action ; from the North Otago Society, stating tbit the proposal had beea negatived, but that the committee approved of obtaining advice from expert 3 in tbe Australian colonies in case of special cises arising. Captain Hassell drew attention to *ihe fact thai societies averse to the motion were in districts where sheep disease was practically unknown. They did not recognise tho oec9 T slly f>r argent treatment as fir as tho North Island was concerned. Sheep were dying daily from causes which none of them could understand. His own experience in this direction was very unpleasant. Hoggets — fair-con-ditioned store hoggets— turnip fed, died in a night from no apparent cause. Examination showed only slight internal lofhmmatioD, which was not caused by worms, because worms were not present la sufficient quantities, and unless they got specialists who could tell them tbe exact nature of these diseases, so that they could deal with them with intelligence and promptitude, he really did not know what was going to become ot what they all recognised to be the staple industry of the co'ony. Of course these remarks did not reflect in any way upon the attainments of the veterinary surgeons in the Australian coloalea. But they wanted more than mere veterinary knowledge to cope with the present tronb'e. They 'wanted a man of high scientific attainments, and they must be prepared to pay him a higher salary. As to the objection which bad been raised to the payment of another salary, that was a small consideration He had no hesitation in saying that) the saving that would be effected on one large flock in one year would more than provide for that. In making the proposition he bad not done anything new. In America the Agricultural Department kept a record every year of operations against the most destructive diseases or the most insignificant blight?. There the life history, prevention, cure, and cause of all these things were set forth, and the information was available for all who chose to ask for it. This country, as he had already said, was dependent upon its pastoral industry for advancement, and they who were instrumental in fostering this industry were surely worthy of assistance and encouragement. The gentlemen at present connected with the Department were probably much overworked, and had no time to devote themselves to the work they really wanted, that of thorough and syetem&tic investigation. Besides, they wanted a man who had devoted his life to those subjects, and unless the Agricultural nnd Pastoral Societies interested themselves In the matter, and showed that they were in deadly earnest, it was hopeless to expect an ordinary member of Parliament to busy himself lv bringing about their desires if they themselves were apathetic. They must not be discomfited by one rebuff, but ehould insist that something prompt and effective Bhonld at once be undertaken. The loss to the colouy every year was appalling, and they had only themselves to blame if they allowed it to continue. Mr Ormond asked if a copy of Captain Russell's motion had been sent to the Government ? The Secretary replied that It had, and a reply bad been seat that if urgent cases were reported specialists would at once be sent to investigate them. Captain Russell said he would just give them an example of the mortality of stock coming directly under his notice. The year bafore last, lv the Bpriog of the year, seveu fat bullocks, two cows, and one yearling steer belonging to him had fallen down and died wlthont a struggle. He naturally wanted to know how this came about, and so did his neighbors who had had similar experiences, Mr Donnelly said he had had losses of this kind, but he had put it down to apoplexy. Captain Russell : Yes, it might be that, but then it might) be something else. That's what we want to know. The Chairroau said be had been told that Mr Gllruth, the Government veterinary expert, was very much annoyed that he had not been asked to come up to Hawke's Bay, Captain Rupsetl said be had no intention of reflecting on Mr Gilruth or anybody else. The Chairman thought they had got themselves to blame io a great measure in not applying to the Grovernment to Bend an expert up here. Mr Fitzßoy said they could not depend on securing the presence of the present experts when they winted them. Perhaps they m!ght> be away In tho South Island just when they were wanted to make an examination here, and then by the time they arrived decomposition would have set In, and then proper investigation would ba impossible. Then again tboy could not spend a reasonable time in one locality. For instance, to do any good it required ono man to spend a month or more in one locality, or two if necessary. He moved that the members of this district urge upon tho Government that no expert be appointed, especially for the North Island of this colony. Mr M'Loau seconded the motloa, pointing out that at a conference held at Canterbury three years ago it was snggested that two veterinary surgeons be got out from England. This was done, nnd though one of them resigned subsequently no attempt had been made to replace him, and all the work was done by one. Oa one occasion when they wanted him he was away at tho Chatham Islands. There ought to be a separate man for each Island. At Home, in tho event of disease brenklng ont, tbo department thore immediately sent oue of itn officers along, the ttnlmal3 were killed and examineJ, nnd compensation was civeu to the owner. Here there were no reunintlons n« to contagious iliueusea, aud no nutlinrlly to deal with them in the event if cisea Dccarririj' and sprcidiuK. Hlther'nt'xiyhu! Imd n" amoua cisc, of cittln dlse-i-e, but tlieru was no tnllirir when mi outbreak might occur, and It wns m well ;■> 'jo prepared, Considering the lur»o .«i'Jti/,t tU-v In .1 to p-iv iv rates ev.-iy »"ar, lie ili.i ij'if, tl.ick l.huy t'fit llir 'JnMri-jr.'jlinu ih") F ilency d. urn! It vvn•niyrii'liUv.f iv ! c ij d'.:e~:na <xi*U:dwLHi •III! o!'|p«t urn! most expcri-'ucid men In ■lie di-tii.t ■,-„. „„ knowledge uf, the i t'spir; meritj shun id t?lve them every usaift- I iPCi in tlifilr power.' ) Mf !iimnp-,on fuici Ibat Ibis wsu not o Li

I matter with which even the moat competent of veterinary surgeons could deal. They wanted a man who conld trace out the history of parasites in the most minnte manner, and who could diagnose diseases of which local veterinarians knew nothing. Mr Kettle said that anthrax was tho cause of tremendous losses in Australia. He knew of esses where a man owning 20,000 sheep had lost 5000 in a week, and another man who had lost 20,000 in three months from this disease. This was In the Kiveiina country. M. Paatenr's agent, who was now engaged in innoculatlon in Australia, had been ruined by anthrax. No doubt they wonld be able to get a lot of valuable information from Australia. Sheep attacked with this disoaso lay down and died without a struggle, and if the carcases were burled six feet deep they would come to bhe Biirface. He thought the authorities should be asked to quarantine sheep ex ported from Australia for Borne considerable time. Mr \V. H. Smith said in the last) copy of the i%M newspaper, which had arrived the day before, appeared a let flee published by the English Agricultural Department giving very full p&itlcniarß in regard to anthrax. Mr Shrimpton said the French Government had been obliged to ask Pasteur's assistance In stamping out this disease, and be had developed a vims which answered that purpose. Almost any French book on pastoral matters contained the life history of this disease. Pastenr'a agents innocnlated the sheep nnd made a charge, and their success wbr wondeiful. All this went to strengthen Captain Bnsaell's contention that the services of a bicteriologist — and not a veterinary surgeon — should be secured. At this stage, in renp-inse to the general desire, Mr Fltzßoy's motion waa altered to -cad " b icteiiologist " instead of "tx pert," and the motion was carrif d, VETERINARY SURGEONS. A motion by Mr M'Lean, that the Government be asked to appoint a veterinary surgeon for the inspection of stock in each island, was carried. AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE. Mr C. Brown suggested that it would be advisable to hold agricnltu:al conferences ot cner, oa it put more life into them, find strengthened their hand) in cnin of i ppeal to the Government. Several member? concurred. QUARANTINE. Mr Croseo pointed out that it had lately been found necessary to prevent t steamers en route to England from Australia from tonchlng at New Zealand. In facp. of what they had just heard about] Bheep, he tbonght sheep should also be prohibited. Mr Donnelly pointed out that this i wonld lead to retaliation, and do harm to New Zealand breeders now engaged in the export of rams. Mr Crosse thought that this was an . argument Against the importation of , Australian sheep. If Australian breeders , could not be guaranteed that the New ! Zealand blood was clean from diseasrt, although tbo taint might! have arisen in j Australia, a prejudice would be created. , Mr M'Hardy thought sheep should be [ quarantined. ( Mr Smith doubted it even quarantine i would be a b*r against anthrax, which , often germinated in the wool. \ Mr M'Hardy pointed out that the 1 same risk attached to importations from | England. ( After further discussion Mr Crosse adopted a suggestion of Mr Ormonde, , and moved tho following resolution, ! which was carried : — "That the attention , of the Government bo drawn to the prevalence of anthrax in some of the Aus- | tr liun colonies, and that they be requested to mike sach provision against the intro- | d notion of diseased stook as may be oon- ! pldfied necessary. MR NATHAN'S SCHEME. Commuuications were received from the Napier Chamber of Commerce, the Hawon Agricultural Society, and the Geraldino Farmers' Club re Mr Nathau's scheme, and from the latter offering to address a meeting at Napier on his frozen meat proposals. Mr Culemnn suggested that if they took advantage of Mr Nathan's offer it would be better to wait till Mr Nelson returned from England primed with tho latest information on the subject. He might agree with Mr Nathan, who had not been Home for some time, or he might not. And, he pointed out, nothing could be done nntil Mr Ward returned, in any cose, beoausß Mr Nathan's scheme embraced a State loan. He said It was a pity the matter had not been brought to a bead before Mr Ward left England, beep.use be would then have been as able to raise three or four millions as a million nnd a halt ; but perhaps he would be glad to go back. (Laughter.) It was eventually decided on the motion of Mr Coleman, seconded by Mr Donnelly, to thank Mr Nathan ' for his offer to address a meeting, and that he be asked to address a meeting of the society In about three weeks' time, on a date to be fixed. In reply to a question as to whether the public should be admitted, Captain Russell said it would ba better not, as " thq public were likely to be very enthusiastic over a thing they did not understand." (Laughter.) AN EXPLANATION. In reply to Mr Bennett, Mr A. M'Lean explained that he had refrained from seeking re-election as he felb that there was a desire ior new blood on the committee. OFFICERS. The following officers were elected ; — President, Mr H. Galsford ; vice president, Mr J. Anderson, sen. ; treasurer, Mr N. Kettle; auditors, Messrs S. J. Williams and C. B Hoadley ; committee, Messrs J. Bennett, J. Boyle, C. Brown, H. Campbell (Endsleigh), J. B. Chambers, J. H. Colemin, T. Crosso, P. Dolbe', C. A, Fitzßoy, W. Heslop, G. Hunter, T. H. Lowry, F. D. Luckie, A. M'Hardy, P. A. M'Hardy, Donald M'Lsan, Douglas M'Lean, Hon. J. D, Ormond, Hon. Captain Kussell, W. Shrimpton, E. Wellwood, G. S. V, Wonley, Joseph H, Williams, J. N. Williams. The meeting then adjourned.