AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12601, 27 June 1904, Page 7

AUCKLAND AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the Executive Committee of tile Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Friday afternoon. Mr. J. R. Walters occupied the chair. The Chairman expressed the extreme gratification felt by all the members that their ex-presi-dent, Mr. 11. Dick, who had been indisposed for some months, was again able to bo present. A letter was received from Mr. T. E. Donne (Commissioner-General for New Zealand to the St. Louis Exposition), stating that he would take steps to obtain for the association particulars of any new agricultural implements and reports of the agricultural conferences which were to be held in connection with the exhibition. Tho*New Zealand exhibits, he stated, had a good position in the Palace qi Agriculture, which covered 23 acres under one roof. Mr. Ritchie, secretary of the Department of Agriculture, wrote staving that the Department would consider the question of amending tlio Slaughtering and Inspection Act so as not to make it compulsory to erect public abattoirs where there was a properlyappointed export slaughtering place. The association's secretary (Mr. Hall) said that Mr. Masse? had been interviewed with regard to this subject, and had stated that it would probably bo dealt with during the coming session. The secretary stated that Mr. W. Farrer, the notable wheat experimentalist of the New South Wales Government, had forwarded the association parcels of two now varieties of wheats, Bobs and John Brown, which he had obtained by crossing. The former in particular had proved to be most rustresistant, and one of the best yielders they had tried in New South Wales. Mr. Clifton had arranged to try these now wheats ,at tho Government experimental farm at Ruakura and in other centres.

The secretary also called attention to the fact that the interest upon tho Bell bequest was to be applied this year to the testing of manures to prevent those of inferior quality being sold to farmers. Mr. Dick said the tests'would certainly bo a hindrance to careless selling and buying, but the sample should bo taken in such a way as to be certain of its bona fides. The president and secretary were authorised to obtain samples of manures from tho various vendors, and the members wore invited to send samples for analysis. On the question of proposed amendments in the flock hook regulations, the secretary reported that the sub-committee appointed to consider tho matter had recommended the adoption of the suggestion made to the New Zealand Sheep Breeders' Association by the Southern branch. This wan that the rule re entry should be amended so that at any time a person proving his ewes pure in 1880 might register his flock, subject to certain regulations to be considered. The mooting confirmed this resolution. _ Upon the motion of Mr. Dick, it was decided to communicate with the relatives of tho late Mr. James Wallace, expressing deep regret and sympathy with them in their loss. Mr. Dick mentioned that Mr. Wallace was a warm supporter of tho association, an expresident, a prominent and successful breeder, and there were few agriculturists in the province whose loss would be more felt. Mr. Hall reported the receipt of tho circular from the Auckland Education Board, containing the scheme of agricultural education proposed by Mr. George, director of technical education. It was decided to circulate it amongst the members, together with a paper that had been published in the Weekly News by the secretary, describing the methods that had been successfully adopted to advance rural education in Canada and the United States, and that the matter should be brought forward for discussion at tho next meeting. It was decided to write again to the Agricultural Department inquiring it arrangements could be made for the entire horse Danger Signal to travel during the coming season in the Auckland district. It was also agreed to ask the new Governor (Lord Plunket) to become the patron of the association, and the Mayor of Auckland (the Hon. E. Mitchelson) to be the vice-patron. The secretary reported that Dr. Collins, of Auckland, was willing to lecture upon anthrax, and that Mr. Lyons, M.R.C.V.S., Government veterinary surgeon, had also consented to give an address on diseases of stock. It was decided to thank these gentlemen for their offers, and to make the necessary arrangements for the lectures at an early date. It was agreed that the next agricultural show should be held at Alexandra Park on November 25 and 26, and that classes for Angora goats should be added to the prize list. A letter was read from Mr. Gilruth, the chief veterinarian, intimating that until the registration of entire horses was made compulsory they r could not undertake their examination 'and grant certificates of soundness. He, however, understood that the Stud Bill was again to be brought before the House, and he hoped that the question would be placed on a satisfactory • footing before the spring. Mr. Thomas, of "Bleak House," was elected a member of the association.