CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 8397, 4 February 1888, Page 6

CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A general meeting of the members of the Canterbury A. and P. Association was held yesterday afternoon, at the Association’s rooms, Hereford street; present—Mr John Deans, President (in the chair), Mr John Ferguson,vice-President, Hon J. T. Peacock, Messrs H. P. Murray-Aynsley, J. Feather, G. King, S. Garforth, John M'Beath, A. W. Money, H. Overton, W. Norman, H. M‘ll wraith, J. T. Ford, James Wilkin, John Gilmour, J. T. Matson, C. Fairweather, G. Tickner, T. Elmsley, E. W. England, junr., D. Craig, G. Hart, and J. Munnings. Apologies for absence were received from Mr P. Cunningham and Mr W. Henderson. The business was to consider proposed additions to rules 4, 9,10, and 11. The Hon J. T. Peacock wished rule 3 to be made more definite, by its being provided that new members should subscribe to the rules.

It was pointed out that this was not included in the, notices of the business of the meeting, and Mr Peacock said that, having called attention to the point, he was content, but that several of the rules required amendment. Alterations in the rules were then agreed to as follows:

Rule 4.—Addition : 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.

Eule 9.—Addition: Meetings of Committee may also be called by the authority of the President, or, in liis absence, by the vice-President, or on a requisition of nine members of Committee.

Eule 10,—Addition: A printed copy of tbe Treasurer’s accounts shall be forwarded to each member of the Association seven clear days before the annual general meeting. Eule 12.—Addition: Provided that such by-laws, rules or regulations are in no ways contrary to the "Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, 1877.” Hon J. T. Peacock moved a further amendment providing “that notice of such alterations shall have been given and advertised at least seven days before any such alterations can be proposed.” After some discussion, the President decided that Mr Peacock’s motion could not be received notice not having been given. On the motion of Mr David Craig, seconded by Mr John Fergnson, the alterations were unanimously confirmed. Messrs W. Thomson, Balmoral; and J. H. Hall, Riccarton, were unanimously elected members of the Association. This concluded the business of the general meeting, and a meeting of the general Committee was then held. Correspondence was considered, inter alia :

Mr S. Ingram, Wanganni, wrote asking whether the Association intended holding a trial of sheep-dips this season, as he had a new imported dip which he wished tested. The Committee considered that a trial every two or three years would be sufficient. Mr J. T. Ford wrote, enclosing a letter from Mr J. E. Fountaine, suggesting that members of the Association should endeavour to obtain new members in their respective districts. Mr Ford spoke in support of the suggestion, which met with the general approval of the Committee.

Mr G. Palmer, Secretary of the Christchurch Polo Club, wrote, requesting permission to sublet the Old Show Grounds for two days to the promoter of a pedestrian meeting. It was agreed to permit the sub-letting of the grounds for this purpose, on condition that half of the rent received was paid over to the Association; the grounds to be left in good order. Other matters respecting which Mr Palmer wrote were remitted to the Ground Committee.

The report of the Sub-committee on the Californian thistle, gorse and noxious weeds nuisances was read as follows; “ The Sub-committee beg to report that it is desirable to call the attention of the Government to the necessity of steps being to abate the gorse nuisance, as it is growing and spreading to an alarming extent on both Crown lands and private ’property, and forma excellent shelter and protection to that serious pest the rabbit. And the Committee would suggest that the Government be asked to bring in a Bill, during the next session of Parliament, making it compulsory upon pro-perty-owners to clear their properties of the encumberance, and to keep them clear for the future, and also that Government should be asked to do the same with respect to Crown lands.” ,c Also, re the Californian thistle. After reading lengthened correspondence on the subject, and much discussion, it was resolved to urge the Government to take immediate steps to check the spread of this noxious weed, this being the season of the year it spreads most hy the seeds being carried by the wind.” Mr Murray-Aynsley said seeds of gorse were often spread by means of gravel from river-beds where gorse grew.

The reports were adopted. Mr Garforth then moved his motion relative to the tariff for letting the new Show Grounds. He explained that he did not propose to alter the charge for trotting meetings, but only for school treats, friendly societies, and religious bodies. After discussion, it was agreed to allow the question to stand over for the new Committee to decide. The President suggested, with reference to the proposal to introduce infectious diseases for the suppression, of rabbits, that the Government be written to and

requested not to introduce any infections disease into New Zealand until further information had been obtained upon the subject. Agreed to. This concluded the business.