AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY OF OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1494, 11 October 1866, Page 5

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY OF OTAGO.

The annual meeting of members of the Agricultural and Pastoral Society of Otago, was held yesterday afternoon, at the Athena._m. There ; were present Messrs J. Bathgate, A. Begg, C. Caldwell, HLaDriver, James Hunter, A. WHum» phreys, James Kenned}', James Macindo, George M'Lean', J. Maclean, H. J/Mpean (honorary secretary), R. B. Martin, G. Matthews, J. B. Mudie, W. D. Miirison, M.H.R., G. Murray, F. Pantlin, P. PowerL R. M. Robertson, A. Todd, W. Todd, G. Turnbull, D. Wharnock, and J. T. Wright.

Mr Driver, as one of the vice-presidents was called to the chair. '

The Hon. Secretary read the following report:—. -' a

The-Council begs to report that the Socieiy held its firsfc Exhibition of Stock, Implements, &c., at tbe North Dunedin Recreation Ground' on Thursday, Ist March last, aud was, upon the whole, successful to a degree wirch. its promoters scarcely anticipated. a Although an association formed in the Northern part of the Province—having for its object purposes similar to this societyhas held annual exhibitions of stock at (.steam for some years past, this is only the second show of the kind that has taken place in Dunedin. According to the Jurors'report upon the Inter-colonial Live Stock Show of the New Zealand Exhibition of 1*865, it appears that Messrs Driver, Maclean and Co., placed themselves in communication with the Commissioners, and Si offered not only to take npon themselves all the labor of organising an Exhibition of Live Stock, but also to be at the whole cost of it, provided only the Commissioners would sanction it, appoint the Judges of the Various classes, and gire Honorary Certificates to exhibitors adjudged deserving of them. Messrs Driver, Maclean and Co., at the same time most handsomely expressed their intention, in addition to the. Honorary Certificates, to place at the disposal of the Judges, one gold and a number of silver medals for awards to the most meritorious exhibitors."

The Commissioners accepted the offer made to them, and the Show took place at Dunedin in January, 1865.

Upon that occasion, as at the Society's Show, under tbe head of live stock, cattle, horses, pigs and pou'try, formed the five divisions, each of vhieh -was sub-divided into numerous classes.. ' ■ -

The valuable report upon thi3 svbject, drawn up by Mr Eccles, the honorary secretary to the ■■ New Zealand Exhibition, will be found published among the reports and awards of the Jurors; and ie may not be out of place to mention, that the London " Spectator," in reviewicg this work, considers that this report is the most interesting of any in connection with the Exhibition.

The success which attended ' that first attempt which was made upon an extensive scale, to induce breeders of stock within the Colony, and more especially within the Province to exhibit their stock at a point easy of access by land and water, possessing conveniences for depasturing and housing, and where public attention .would more likely be attracted towards that clas3 of animals which are bred for sale in parts-of the country where competition for their purchase can j scarcely be expected, was that which led to the organization Of the Agricultural and Pastoral Society of Otago. a Attached hereto are an abstract of the feraoßacfeiona of the Society, and bala^e

sheet for the year -ending* 30th September, 1866. These show abalance of cash in hand to the amount of Lll 6s 3d. A considerable amount of prize money remains yet to be paid; a circumstance which is attributable entirely to the difficulty experienced in obtaining payment of subscriptions which were promised. No doubt, however,- is entertained with regard to their settlement within a short space of time ; and it will be found, on reference to the balance sheet, that upon such settlement taking place, and allowing *or payment in full of all prize money due by the Society, the balance of assets over habilltit s will amount to L 75 13s 9d. The Council anticipates that the expenses connected with next show can, in comparison j with those of the last, be very considerably reduced. The Society holds iv its possession hurdles, cattle pen 3, &c, to the value of L 135, which can be made available at future shows, and. under this head very little fresh outlay I will be required. The Council has to recom-1 mend that a reduction should take place upon the charges for advertising, which have amounted during the past year to L 136 13s 6d, an expenditure, however, which it was absolutely necessary should be incurred at the outset, in order that by due publicity all information as to the prizes wliich would be offered, under the various classes, might be afforded to those inclined to exhibit. Tlie Council considers that the success which has hitherto attended the Society s operations, may be attributed in a great measure to the exertions which have_been^ used by Driver, Maclean and Lo.; but the promoters having in view, when the Society was formed, the establishment of a Provincial institution, the Council further considers that its objects can never be properly carried out unless the cooperation of the various stock agents, breeders of stock, and agriculturists be obtained, and desires that at th. general meeting some attempt should* be made to obtain the assistance of all those who are interested in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, towards the maintenance of an Association which, by their hearty support, combined with efficient management, will'tend greatly towards Otago maintaining h.r.position as one of the leading Provinces of New Zealand.

Treasurer's statement showed that the receipts for the year ending on the 30th of September last had amounted to L 605 2s 3d; the items being—Life subscriptions, L 12 6; annual subscriptions and entrance fees, L 239 8s; donations, Lll3 23; receipts at the gates of the showyard, LlO5 7s 9d; entries of stock for show, Lll 4a 6d; rent of booths, LlO. The expenditure had amounted to L 593 16s; leaving cash on hand, Lll 6s 3d. The assets amounted to L 358 14s 9d ; including L 135, the value of hurdles'and pens, and L 206 3s of unpaid subscriptions. The liabilities were L 283 Is, of which L 261 5s was unpaid prize-money; the balance of assets over liabilities beine L 75 13s9d. fa

Mr Mudie moved the adoption of the Council's report. In reply to a question, The Chairman said that amongst those who had not paid last year's subscription, were a good many who not only promised to subscribe, but who put down their names. He did not doubt that most of them would pay; but there were some with whom every means short of a summons had been tried, and from whom the money could not be got. This year, it would be well to have the subscriptions payable before the lst of January; but last year, when the Association was being started, the Council were content to be° lieve that all who promised would pay. The Hon. Secretary said that all the prizes claimed had been paid; but he should not be able to pay any large amount just at present, if it was demanded.

Mr Maclean thought it most desirable that the outstanding prizes shonld be paid; lest those who could exhibit should decline to do so, on the ground that it was doubtful whether announced prizes would be forthcoming.

The Chairman felt confident that there would be no such difficulty this year; and thafc old subscriptions could be got in to meet the remaining prizss of last year. Mr Murray thought that the Council should arrange for a cash-credit with some Bank, so as at once to pay all the prizes; and that a credit should be kept, on the guarantee ofthe Council, so as to pay each year's prizes without delay.

The Chairman thought that that was a questi n of detail which could be left to the new Council; especially as he believed the new subscriptions would be got in promptly, so that, at the time ofthe show, the Council might know their exact pecuniary position.

Mr Bathgate doubted the policy of getting any credit as proposed; and he was strongly opposed to continuing credit being even thought of. All experience showed that such a Society could; not be carried on under a permanent debt—a few years ended all societies- so placed; and this Association ought to -live prosperously.

It was agreed to leave the matter to the new Council; and the report for the past year was unanimously adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The rules provide that seven of the 21 members of Councii shall retire yearly, by ballot; and the following names were drawn as of those now to retire:—Messrs J. Hasseil, J. Douglas, J. Kennedy, W. D. Murison, D. Reid, G. G. Russell, and-F. D.Bell. There were two other vacancies to be filled—one caused by the death of Mr F. Walker, and the other by the 'resignation of Mr J. R. Jones.

Thomas Dick, Esq., Superintendent of the Province, was unanimously re-elected as President.

For the two Vice-Presidentships, Mr Murison and the retiring officers, Messrs Driver and M. Holmes, were proposed; Mr Bathgate, who was nominated, declining to serve. Messrs Driver and Murison were chosen.

For the nine vacancies in the Council, the following thirteen gentlemen were nominated, Mr G. M'Lean and Mr D. Wharnock declining to serve:—Messrs Hasseil, Douglas, Kennedy, Russell, Bell, Matthews, Todd, sen., Robertson, Williamson, Holmes, Reid, Pantlin, and Mudie. The scrutiny of the voting, papers ishowed that the following were chosen:—Messrs Russell, Mudie, Douglas, Kennedy, Robertson, Holmes, Hasseil, . Matthews, and Todd, sen.

Mr Martin proposed a vote of thanks to the Honorary Treasurer and Secretary. They all knew that Mr Maclean had worked very- hard and well for the Association— (applause); and he (Mr Martin) thought it was now time that the word " Honorary" should disappear. It could not be expected that any man would do i the work of the Association for nothing. 1 The motion was adopted; aad it was

left to the Council to co_isi*_er the question of salary for the future.

On the taction of Mr Caldwellj seconded by Mr Mtjdie, Mr HL J. Maclean was re-appointed Treasurer and Secretary.

SUBSCRIPTION, &C

There was a conversation as to the future terms of membership; and it was urged that the two guineas entrance fee had been a great obstacle to an increase in the number of members, especially in country districts, and was likely still to be an obstacle. .It was unanimously agreed to recommend to the Council to consider Rule 3, with a view to alteriag it, so as to abolish the entrance fee, leaving the annual subscription at two guineas. Mr Macindo suggested that it would be a great advantage to the Association, and also to the Horticultural and Floral Society, if there could be an arrangement for a joint show. If the Association would consider the question, and would give accommodation, ■he believed the Society would raise prizes so as to secure an excellent horticultural and floral exhibition. The Chairman said that if the Society would come to the Council, with anything like a practical proposal, he would do all he could to give effect to it, and he believed that the Council would be unanimous on the matter. There could be no doubt that a joint show would be a benefit to both bodies.

Mr Macindo said that as Mr Matthews was one of the Council, and also took an interest in the Society, the matter could safely be left in his hands.

Mr Ejenneby said that he had to propose a new member of the Association. In similar societies with which he bad been connected, at home, it was regarded as a duty of members ofthe Council, and of all who took a real interest ih the subject, to look amongst their friends for members; and he would gladly do for the friend whom he now proposed, what was customary, with proposers of new members in the pocieties to which he referred—pay his first year's subscription.

The Chairman was sure that if every member would prove that he felt a practical interest in the Association, there would be in January a really first-class show—oue that would do. good-to the Province, and credit to everybody concerned in it.

Mr Wharnock suggested that, when the Council came to consider whether the next show should be on the 7th or the Bth January—in accordance with a resolution of the last general meeting—they should also consider whether it would not be well to announce that future shows should be held on some day, to be named, in the second or third week of January. It was a great advantage to have the time for such shows permanently fixed. This concluded the business; and thanks were voted to Mr Driver, for presiding.