NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 816, 23 November 1878, Page 2

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The meeting of delegates for the consideration of matters in connection with the formation of a National Association for the Middle Island of New Zealand was held today at the Star and Garter Hotel. The following delegates were present : Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association—the Hon. John Hall, Messrs. J. Grigg and A. Duncan ; Courtenay Farmers' Club—Mr. Gougli ; Rangiora (Northern) Association —Mr. J. M'Farlane ; Ellesmcrc Association—Mr. C. |Bourne ; Kaiapoi Farmer's Club—Mr. J. Lowtliian Wilson ; North Otago Association —the Hon. M. Holmes, Messrs. Connell and Hedley ; Tokomairiro Farmers' Club—Messrs. J. M. Perrier, G. Capstick, and Parker; Otago (Dunedin) Association—Messrs. G. M. Bell and Brydone ; Southland Association—Mr. Martin ; Timaru Association—Messrs. Belfield, M'lntosh, and Elworthy. On the motion of the Hon. John Hall, seconded by Mr. Brydone, the Hon. M. Holmes was voted to the chair.

The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing so largo an attendance of delegates. Having spoken of the necessity for combined action amongst the different Associations of the J Colony, aiul the great similarity of the climate of New Zealand with that of the Mother Country, he said he had placed his ideas upon the subject in writing, which he j would read to the meeting. The Chairman said : In undertaking to preside on this occasion. 1 feel very strongly the necessity of trying to commend the objects of the proposed Association to you in such a way as to secure your hearty support. It has long been evident that the prosperity of this Colony must depend chiefly upon its agricultural and pastoral resources, and any movement calculated to promote the development of these merits vour active assistance and co-operation. A sdanee backwards at what has been done will show at once how extraordinary our progress lias already been in this respect, and should serve to convinc all of you of the necessity of adopting all means in your power to secure the best possible return in the future for the enormous amount of capital now irrevocably committed to these pursuits. Without going deeply into statistics, I may state broadly that we have now in the Colony 13.0(50,338 sheep, cattle, and 137,7(5S horses : and besides the natural pasture we have 3.523.'277 acres of English sown grasses upon which to feed them. There are 2(5,205 holdings in the Colonv, and the land cultivated extended in 1877 to 22(>,354 acres wheat. 204,2.")-!- acres oats, 21,795 acres barley, and 18,875 acres potatoes. The crops for the present year promise well, and indicate a return of about 14,000,000 bushels. These ? results speak volumes for the industry, enterprise, and ability of the people, but this is merely a prelude of what may be expected in the future. The large extent of Crown land fit for agricultural settlement sold in the different provinces 'more especially in Canterbury), and the cutting up into farms of many large estates will cause a large increase in the settlement and woducti on of the Colony, so that we may fairly anticipate every year a very large increase in the returns of produce and stock, and it certainly concerns ■■■■» a.'i ■<'':-i']er very carefully the possibility of being able to obtain a permanent outside market for the large quantities of grain and other produce which the Colony will be prepared to export in future years. The only part of this problem which really lies within our power is—How can we secure the greatest return at the least cost ? It is to help us to solve this question that I was first induced to propose tile formation of a Colonial Society in connection with agricultural and pastoral pursuits, being convinced that such a body would tend to improve our system of farming to an extent that otherwise could never be attained. Such an Association would bring together at certain seasons every year, from the different parts of the Colony, the most intelligent men connected with agricultural and pastoral pursuits, to confer together on the intetests they have in common, and to take such proceedings as may be deemed necessary for improving the system of agriculture and the breeding of stock. The Societies now in existence arc all doing good in their several districts, but here, as elsewhere, I believe it will be found that an amalgamation is necessary to organise the different interests under one body, which, from its extent, the character of its members, and the ability with which its proceedings will be conducted, would give it great power in promoting the improvement of farming and" stock-breeding. The Highland Agricultural Society, instituted in 1784, was the first of its kind, which proved successful. Its operation limited to matters connected with the improvement of the Highlands of Scotland, but the value of the Society soon came to lie recognised, and it took a'more general character in connection with agriculture and the improvement of live stock. The exertions of the Society soon I extended to the whole of Scotland, and have for nearly a century been directed to the I promotion of the science and practice of agriculture with the best results. The I Society established meetings and general shows of stock and implements, to be held in the principal towns, at which exhibitors from all parts of the country are allowed to compete. Besides this, district shows are promoted, for the purpose of improving the breeds of stock most suitable for the different parts of the country, and of aiding and directing the efforts of local Agricultural Associations. The promotion of agricultural education is also attended to, by means of a model farm, with lectures on chemistry, botany, geology, &c. ; and the Council grant diplomas to the students when they have passed through a prescribed curriculum. The Society also awards premiums for reports on almost every subject connected with the cultivation of the soil, the rearing and feeding of stock, the improvement of machinery and implements, the application of chemical science and the dissemination of veterinary information, the establishment of an agricultural museum illustrative of the products of the country, and the periodical publication of the transactions of the Association. These are some of the objects to be arrived at, and I think you will agree with me that nothing short of a Society embracing within its grasp the whole Colony can carry them out with effect. At a meeting of the Highland Society held on the lotli June last over 200 new members were enrolled and the membership is now about 5000. The first Show of the Highland Society was held in 1822, and the exhibits were—Cattle, 59; sheep, S ; the prizes offered amounting to L7S. The 21st Show was held in 1842, and the number of exhibits were—Cattle, 295 ; horses, 179 ; sheep, 457 ; swine, 53 ; and the prize money LI2OO. At the 37th Show, in 1563, the exhibits numbered 2315, and the prize money was LI 300. At the 51st Show, held in IS7S, the number of exhibits was 4416, 235 being for dairy produce, and the money offered for prizes amounted to L 2763 ; thus showing the steady progress of the Society from 1822 to 1878. The benefit conferred by this Association upon Scotland and the world cannot be overestimated. To refer to other instances, the Bath aiul West of England Association originated in 1777, but was not successful until it was amalgamated with other societies, and held migratory exhibitions. Thus, in 1868, the entries were only 1532, while in IS7S they reached the large number of 5016, showing that the new

system lias been successful. The Royal Society of England was established in 1537, and includes amongst its members most of the leading land owners, farmers, and men of science in the kingdom. It has already done infinite service to the country by inducing a better style of farming and improving the quality of live stock, and its career of usefulness is only commencing. The Royal Irish Society has also done good service. From my own observation, I estimate that the average value of all the cattle in Ireland has been increased by at least L 4 per head within the last 25 years through the operations of the Society, the introduction of shorthorn cattle, implements, and heavier horses has materially assisted in improving the character of agriculture in that island. Thus, all the great Societies to which I have referred are doing good service, and it is not too much to expect that the proposed Association will lie of essential benefit to the Colony. The large increase in the production of wool and grain will, as I have said, drive us to seek new markets for our products at no very distant day. The sheep in the Australasian Colonies now number about 65,000,000, and the South American States have close upon the same number, while the Cape of Good Hope comes in with ten millions. I have often wondered, not that the price of wool had fallen, but that such a large quanrity could be used by manufacturers. It is self-evident that if we are to hold our own in the face of this competition it can only be done by the production of a superior article at the lowest possible cost. With regard to wheat, England is the most certain market to which we can look to take our extra produce. There, we can, I believe, meet California and South Australia, and successfully compete with them. Tlrs Colony has certain advantages over either of those referred to, in regard to climate wore especially, which renders it possible by rotation of crops and good farming to maintain or improve the condition of the soil while taking off the most valuable crops year by year. The average yield of New Zealand for a series of years has been over 311 bushels per acre ; South Australia has !)■; : Victoria 14-',*, and California about the same. Besides, these countries have all to pay for inland carriage, while our long seaboard gives an access to numerous seaports and lessens thocostof sendingourproducotomarket. But still our natural advantages will avail us little unless coupled with the best possible system of farming. I think it rests very much with the farmers of this Colony whether they may not eventually have the supplying of these colonies in their own hands, and make NewZealand th.e granary of Australasia. The quantity of wheat required by England this season, as estimated by Mr. Caird, is 104,00''),000 bushels. With such a market and such a subject to work upon, our farmers may have no misgivings for the fnturcs if only they go to work in the right direction. The Hawkes Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society approves of this movement, as in its report of 31st May, 187S, the following passage occurs : —" The Committee notice with satisfaction the movement of several of the Societies in the Middle Island in the direction of forming one general society for th.e whole island on the basis of the Highland Society of Scotland and the Royal Society of England, having in view the giving of larger ami more influential organisation and intelligent di'ection, and to assist all district shows. Though in tlus. island we arc too far behind in convenience of transit to follow at once this movement in the south, it has our hearty approval. The whole position may be shortly summarised thus : —The natural advantages or the Colony, such as climate and fertility, place us in a position to compete with all other countries in the markets of the world : but to do so permanently and with anything like an adequate return for the capital devoted to the purpose, it is necessary that wo should have everything of the best, and do everything in the best possible way. I have already jiointed out how in Britain similar societies tend to secure this result, and analogy- would lead to the best anticipations for our own, and justly so, for such societies mean placing the knowledge and results oi" the best at the disposal of all. Mr. J. Grigg said lie thought it was due to the Chairman that some recognition should be made of the trouble he had gone to in preparing so excellent a paper : and he hoped that any committee which might be formed should take steps to have the paper printed. He would move—"That the thanks of the meeting be given to the President for his admirab:e address, and that any committee that may be appointed be requested to arrange for its publication." The motion having been seconded, was carried by acclamation, Mr. Duncan undertaking to have the addrivs published in the New Zealand Countrv Journal.

The Hon. John TTnll said that before; proceeding with the actual business it might be ■well that tlio delegates from the various associations should lay before the meeting the opinions of the societies they represented upon the subject. He then read a cony of the report of the sub-committee to consider n. Lett received from the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association v> forming a National Agricultural and Pastoral Association in New Zealand :—l. The Committee recommend the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association to concur in the resolutions passed by the North Otago and Dunedin Agri cultural Societies relative to the formation of a National Agricultural and Pasto'al Association for the Middle Island of New Zealand. 2. The scope and object of the. proposed association should be to promote and stimulate everything connected with agricultural and pastoral pursuits, and also to form a centre from which all the existing local societies would derive encouragement and support. It should, however, be clearly understood that the proposed association. whilst embracing within its organisation members of each of the existing societies (as well as from others that may be formed) should not. in apy way interfere with their present organisation or management. 3. The Committee are of opinion that delegates from the Dunedin. North Otago, Timaru. and Canterbury Societies should meet at a place and on a day to be fixed, for the purpose of drawing up a constitution and code of regulations for the proposed Association. 4. That the Committee arc also of opinion that the headquarters of the proposed Association should lie in Christehureh. and the New Zealand Country Journal should be the recognised official paper of the Association. 5. The Committee pro further of opinion that the first exhibition of the nropased Association should not bo heh l prior to 1579, at such time and in such place as may be fixed upon by the delegates.

Mr. Brydone said that the Otago Association hail passed resolutions of a similar nature +o those -passed bv the Christehnrch Asso-iation. These were as follows : —-1. That the grand rational show lie peripatetic, the first and second shows to be held at Christehnrch and Dunedin respectively, and succeeding shows at Oamaru and Timaru (and JYivercareill should the Committee see fit), and thereafter at, the respective places above-mentioned. 2. That the National show should supersede the show in the district in which it is held for the year. 3. That membership be fixed at one guinea, and life membership at ten guineas. 4. That the head-quarters be fixed in either Christchurch or "Dunedin. 5. That the National Show be general in its aims, and embrace Colon-'al manufactures as well as stock : and that the Society should foster and encourage the writing of essays and papers tending to improve stock beeeding and farming, and to promote Colonial arts and munufactures. Mr. J. M. Perrier, as one of the delegates from Tokomairiro. said he desired to point out that the smaller towns, such as he represented, would benefit to even a larger extent bv the holding of the National Shows in the larcer places. The proposition of the district he represented was that any Society should be allowed to become affiliated to the "National Society on payment of a fee, and have a representative at its meetings. Besides this, he thought that the district in which the "National Association held its Show should contribute a sum towards the cost thereof. Again, the Association, he thousrht, would have a claim upon the Government for a subsidy, such as thar received in tho "Rome Country by the "Roval Agricultural Society. ("Rear, hear.) Til's! would enable the National Society to held their shows at some of the smaller towns, because they would then be in a position to make the Show so attractive that no matter where it might be held tliev could count on the attendance of a large number of exhibitors and visitors. For reasons, he did not think it right that the shows of the National Association should, be confined to a hard and fast line of route.

Mi'. Duncan said that as time was a matter of importance to many of those present, he thought it would be well that they should place their opinions in a definite form in the shape of resolutions. He had framed a resolution which, he thought, embodied the remarks of the last speakers. It would be noticed that the matter of where the shows should be held was left to the Council. He would move—"That, in the opinion of this meeting, the time has arrived when it is desirable that a general agricultural society should be established for the Middle Island of New Zealand, the objects of which shall be the promotion of agricultural interests by holding, in varions parts of the Colony, periodical exhibitions of live stock, produce, and various manufactures connected with agriculture, and by disseminating information on subjects of practical farming in the Colony." Mr. Bourne seconded the motion.

Air. Grigg said that although he hoped at some future time the Association shorld include the North Island, in the meantime he did not think it advisable to attempt to do so. When the means of communication between the two islands was improved, he hoped the North Island Secietics might be induced to join the Association. But their doing so would greatly depend upon the amount of support which the Government gave to the Association. He thought the Government might well consent to carry stock for exhibition free of charge, and he hoped such a concession would lie made. Mr. Perricr said that he thought the smaller Associations should be affiliated with the National Association by the payment o>' small subscriptions, paying a larger sum when the Show was lu-ld in their districts.

Mr. < !vigg said lie did not think the affiliation of the small societies would be a wise proceeding.

Mr. G. M. Bell said that he had been aiibrded an opportunity of reading a series o: resolutions which lie thought should be read, as the meeting would then have something definite before them.

The Hon. John Kail said that, as he ha>"i something to do with the framing of the resolutions, he would read them to the meeting. lie liiiuht say that those resolutionhad not been drawn up with the idea of presenting a cut and dried scheme, lie then read the resolutions.

Air. Duncan's motion was then put, and carried unanimously.

Mv. Brydone thc-n proposed, " That tli<Society shall i>o incorporated in aecordane. with the provisions of tin: Agricultural ami Pastoral Societies Act, 1577, that its name shall lie the Royal Agri ultural Society of J-.ow Zealand, ami that it shall consist 01 memlit'i's i».-iying a subscription of one guinea per year, or a life subscription of ten

guinea*. ill- Parker sconded the motion. The Hon. John Hill having given an outline or the scope and intentions of the Agricultural Societies Incorporation Act, he said that lie thought that although it was not in tended at present to include the North Island, it was only right that the Assoeia tion should be called the New Zealand Association. The Chairman mentioned that the Act just alluded to had been passed ehie!h through tlie efforts of the Hon. Mr. Hal; tiie best friend agricultural societies had h Parliament. The- motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Medley moved, "That the oliic - bearers shall consist of a President, Vic President, a General Council of thirty Treasurer, Secretary, ami two Auditors." The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Council then moved, " That the head quarters of the Society be at Christelmrch and that the New Zealand Country Journa should be recognised as the oliieial organ o the Society." The motion was seconded by Mr. Bourne, and carried after some discussion as to tb propriety of at once deciding that tli > Country Journal should be the organ of th'. Society. Mr. Bell moved the next resolution arfollows :—" That the members of the General Committee residing in the districts 0: Oamaru, Duncdin, Invercargill, Timaru, and Christ-church respectively be tlie Committee, of the Council for the transaction of tin business of this Society in these district-; subject to the general directions of the Council." Mr. Grigg seconded the motion. Mr. Perricr moved as an amendment. :i That it be recommended to the Council o; the Society to take steps for having as local committees the members of the C'ouneii within the various districts throughout which its operation will extend." Mr. P>orrie seconded the amendment. Some discussion followed, after which Mr. Perrier's amendment was p:it and carried. Mr. Belfield moved. "That the annua' meeting of the Association be held at th; same time and place at which the exhibition of tlie Society shall held." Mr. Parker seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Grigg moved the next resolution " That so soon as ."".00 member* are enrolled, steps be taken for tlie election of ofhee bearers and the decision as to the holdin, of the first Show." Mr. liorrie seconded, the motion. Mr. Parker moved as an p.mendment. " That the number should be reduced to 250." After some argument, the resolution w;ramended by the insertion of 400, and carried in that shaoe. Mr. G. F. Martin moved, " That a Committee be now appointed for the purpose «r carrying out the above resolutions an 1 preparing a draft, constitution, and rules dor thSociety : that the Committee be recommended to take such steps as may be necessary to obtain the written consent of tin members to the Society being incorporated under the provisions of the Agricultural and Pastoral Society's Act, 1877." The Hon. .1. llall seconded the motion, which was carried. The Hon. John IT nil then moved, "Thai the Committee consist of Messrs. Brvdone. Bellicld, Martin, Bell, M'Tntosh, Parker, Medley. Connell. Grigg, Duncan. Bourne Oliver, Hon. M. Holmes, and the mover, witl power to add to their number." This having been seconded, was put am 1 carried. Mr. Elworthy moved, "That, in thopinion of this meeting, the aim .and object of the Soeietv are. of such national importance as to give it a strong claim upon th-. Government of the Colony for pecuniary and other assistance in the discharge of it.duties."

The motion was seconded, and earriei unanimously. The Hon. .Tohn Hall then moved ''That •' hearty vote of thanks be given to the Chair man." This was carried unanimously.

Mr. I'errier moved, " That the thanks fi-t-he delegates bo given to the North > Agrieultural and Pastoral Association fur their services in inaugurating tlie project 1/ the Koyal Agricultural Society o f No.--Zealand. 7 ' Tliis was also carried unanimously. The Chairman, in acknowledging the compliment, expressed Irs gratification at having seen so large an attendance of delegates, and expressed his opinion that the society which had that day been inaugurated would prove of the greatest possible value to the agricultural and pastoral interests of the Colony. The meeting then separated, COMMITTEE MEETING. At the meeting of the Committee it was resolved that the Hon. John Hall occupy the chair. It was resolved on the motion of Mr. Grigg, " That a circular be drawn up to be forwarded to the various Agricultural Societies and Farmers' Clubs throughout the island setting out the conclusions arrived at by the meeting of (Relegates, and requesting their co-operation in obtaining members for the Royal Agricultural Society." On the motion of Mr. Grigg, " That the societies be requested to forward their replies to the Chairman not- later than some date in March next to be fixed by the Chairman, and that it be impressed 1111011 them that the early commencement of the operations of the Society is dependent upon the speedy enrolment of a large number of members.' 1 On the motion of Mr. Belfield, "That the next meeting of this Committee be held ou a day in March, to be fixed by the Chairmail. " On the motion of the Hon. M. Holme?, " That the Chairman be authorised to eaii nie .'tings of the Committee at such times and places as he may think necessary." On the motion of Mr. Martin, " That the Chairman be authorsed to apply on behalf of

the Committee for the sanction of his Excellency the Governor to the proposed society being called the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand."