OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11956, 1 February 1901, Page 7

OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

'The monthly meeting of the Otago A. and P. Society was held in the Agricultural board loom at 11 a.m. yesterday, Mr H. V. Fulton, president, in the chair. . Tho Chairman explained that the meeting held on the 21th was adjourned owing »to the death of her Majesty. A resolution was then passed recording the great loss which the nation had sustained by the death of her Most Gracious Majesty, and was duly forwarded to h)B Excellency tho Governoi. His Excellency replied, thanking the members for the resolution passed by them expressing their sorrow St the terrible loss sustained by the Empire. ■ .The Chairman also stated that a circular had been Bent to the kindred associations and farmers' clubs between Cliristchurch and Invercargill, asking their opinion as to the advisability of holding a conference during the winter bliow dates to discuss fixing of summer show dates. The Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association wrote that they were in favour . of such a proposal, and would gladly send a delegate to attend the confcrence. The Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association wrote that the committee fell in with the proposal, which was considered a step in the right direction, Tho society would bo pleased to send a delegate to attond tho conference. The Oamaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association wrote stating that tho president and others •would be present to take part in a conference on such an important matter—After some discussion it was decided, as a number of the kindred associations had not had time to hold a meeting since the date of the letter, to hold jover the correspondence till next meeting. The Secretary reported that ho had received a number of copies of tho report of the Agricultural Conference, and theso could be obtained by any member desiring a copy. The Waikaka Valley Agricultural and-Pas-ioral Association forwarded a resolution passed expressing the opinion'that the period for the compulsory dipping of sheep, or at least lambs, should begin on January 1 instead of February 1, and that the Stock Act should be amended accordingly.—After several members had spoken on this matter, it was decided on the motion of Mr A. C, Bogg—"That the committee did Bot think it possiblo to get tho dates altered as suggested, as the matter had been previously discussed on more than one occasion, and they regretted that they could not see their way to interfero," Mr ]?, Oldham wrote making several suggestions, in-connection with the forthcoming winter show.—Theso were roforred to the subcommittee to deal with, The Manager of the Maketawa Dairy Company, Taranaki,- wrote asking for particulars of the competition for butter.—Referred to tho sub-committee to deal with. _ The Western District Association wrote asking the society to support thorn in the following resolution!—" That farmers and landowners interested in agriculture should not allow rabbit trappers on their land until such time as tho crops of the country are secured." —The committee did not think that it was possible for them to interfere in this matter, and the letter was-received. Mr A. C. Begg wrote, stating that he purposed visiting the-old country, and applying lor leave- oi- absence from the 2Sth of February. Mr Bogg also offered to represent tho society on any--matters during his visit to tho old country.—On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Douglas, tho nocessary leave pf absence was granted to Mr A. C. Begg. A.gentleman.wrote, strongly recommending that the society should take into consideration tho advisability of establishing.a public market where meat, vegetables, fruit, and flowers jnight be exposed for sale, The writer pointed out that the system was a decided advantago both to sellers and consumers, and would enable tho farmers to get better price 3 for their gcoda, and the public, to got necessaries at a much more reasonable,rate. Tho writer pointed out that fish and fruit were'at present retailed at an almost prohibitive price. The society had sow sufficient accommodation for holding a market in the annexe building adjoining the Agricultural Hall.. Tho writer thought that tho advantage arising from the market would soon become so apparent that a daily market would bccomo a uecessity.—After several members had spoken at some length on the question, it was unanimously decided to refer the matter to a sub-committee to report on, Judges were appointed for the best farm and field turnip competition, and a sub-com-mittee was appointed to deal with all matters Att'ffiSSwtion with the winter show.