FRANKLIN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8965, 24 August 1892, Page 3

FRANKLIN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

A meeting of members of the Franklin Agricultural Society was held at Robinson's Pukekohe Hotel, on Saturday, the 20th inst., at half-past two o'clock p.m. Business :To discuss and to take into consideration the proposed Stock Act, now before the House of Representatives, especially those clauses relating to the taxation of cattle; also to consider a letter received from the secretary of the Auckland Agricultural Society re consolidation of the different agricultural societies, and respectfully requesting the Franklin Society to send delegates to attend a conference to be held at Auckland in November next. Mr. C. Shipherd (president of the society) presided. There were also present the secretary (Mr. Hewson) and about sixteen members.

The secretary was called on to read the marginal notes of the Act, and those clauses which would bear heavily on stock-owners. After the clauses of the Act were read the chairman called on some gentleman present to give an opinion or move a resolution. Mr. John Allen's opinion was that if such an obnoxious Act was allowed to become law it would bear unreasonably on stock-owners, and make rosy billets for a number of men too lazy to wc/k. Mr. J as. Rutherford spoke very strongly against the Act, and was of opinion it would never work in our district, nor did he believe the framer of the Act ever intended it as such, as it, no doubt, would be found workable in the South Island, or in any part of New Zealand where there were large sheep and cattle runs. Mr. J. H. Wright expressed his opinion that the originator of the Act, the Minister of Lands, could not have given it mature consideration, or he would never have attempted to bring such an obnoxious Act before the House. He hoped it would never become law.

The President said in reference to a. remark about more inspectors, that the present sheep inspectors did not always do their duty, but would wink at a breach of the law in some instances, whilst another for a less offence would be prosecuted. The following resolution was then put to the meeting, and unanimously carried; — Proposed by Mr. Rutherford, seconded by Mr. J. Allen, " That the present Sheep, Cattle, and Branding Acts already in force, are all that are necessary for this district; we therefore are of opinion that the proposed Stock Act now before the Parliament is not required. We therefore would earnestly request all country members to use their utmost endeavours not to allow it to become law."

It was the wish of the meeting that the resolution as read be telegraphed to all country members of the Auckland Province. The other business was then brought forward, re consolidation of the different agricultural societies. The chairman's opinion, with others present, was to the effect that by consolidating and combining together great good would accrue. Mr. McDonald proposed, Mr. Jas. Findlay seconded, " That the president and two vice-presidents be delegates from this society to attend the conference." This was put to the meeting and carried unanimously. Mr. Wright proposed, Mr. J. Findlay seconded, "That votes of thanks be accorded to the chairman for presiding, and to Mr. Robinson for the use of his room." These were carried, and the meeting separated.—[Own Correspondent.]