NORTH OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 713, 23 July 1878, Page 2

NORTH OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the Committee of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held this afternoon at the Secretary's office. There were presentMessrs. Connell (in the chair), Young, M'Lennan, Borrie, Aikenhead, Menlove, Gpmmell, Dunlop, Mitehell, Donaldson, Morton, Or,. Bromley, Little, and Church (Secretary). The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, and the outward correspondence approved. A letter was read from Mr. G. S. Cooper, Under-Secretary, intimating that the Association had been incorporated under the Act. Mr. Church stated that the Hon. M. Holmes had not sient in any reply with reference to. the price he wonld take for 22 acres near Deborah, butthatgentlemanhad stated verbally that he would not make any i offer to the Society, but he wonld be willing to consider any offer the Society might feel inclined to make.

The Chairman stated that he had also spoken to the Hon. M. Holmes on the subject, with a view of ascertaining what he -would take for the land. Mr. Holme 3 had declined to state what he would take for the freehold of the land, but at the same time he had intimated that he would consider LIOO an acre a very good offer.

Mr. Young, as one of those who had inspected the various sites, must certainly say that the 22 acres at Deborah, belonging to the Hon. M. Holmes, was the best site that could be obtained. It was a beautiful piece of land, and in every way suitable for the purpose. It was well watered.

Mr. Dnnlop moved, " That the Hon. Mr. Holmes' be offered L2OOO for the paddock (about 22 acres) on the east side of the railway, and adjoining the land of Mr. Shrimski, at Deborah township." Mr. Mitchell seconded the motion. Some little discussion took place as to whether the matter should be definitely settled by the meeting, or whether it should be referred to a general meeting of the members. Eventually the motion was carried unanimously.

The Chairman then said that the next matter to be considered was in reference to the National Association. He mentioned that the Timaru Association had given in its concurrence with the project, but hod not yet written to the Oamaru Society. Some discussion then took place as to whether the matter should, then be gone into, some members saying that there was plenty of time, while others were of opinion that the meeting should appoint delegates to confer with delegates from other societies. It was suggested that the meeting of delegates should be held in Oamaru. After discussion,

Mr. Dunlop moved, " That all the Societies that have signified their approval of holding a National exhibition of stock, &c, be written to informing them that a Meeting of delegates will be held in Oamaru on the 28th August, and that they be several]}- requested to appoint three delegates to attend the same." The motion was seconded by Mr. Menlove, and carried. On the motion of Mr. Orr, seconded by Mr. Dunlop, the President (the Hon. M. Holmes), and the Vice-Presidents (Messrs. Council and Morton) were ap-; pointed delegates to represent the Society at the Conference ; Messrs. Hedloy anil Menlove were appointed to act should any of the gentlemen named be unable to attend. The meeting then proceeded to select judges for the next show. (Left Sitting.)