Correspondence.

Otago Witness, Issue 1383, 1 June 1878, Page 16

Correspondence.

THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY PROPOSITION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir — I believe it must be gratifying to all who are interested in agricultural and pastoral pursuits to know that the action taken by tho Milton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, in recommending the establishment of a Colonial Association, has been strongly endorsed by the Otago Association at its last meeting held in Dunedin. Had, however, those present coiitented themselves with the expression of apr proval, imd had not sought, in a kind of sido manner, to take the further necessary steps for its organisation out of the bands of the origi* nators of the proposal, it would have been more satisfactory and more bpomu.g. Mr H. Driver, who was present, seemed to be the only one who noticed this. The proposal by Mr Smith, that all the smaller societies should collapse and join with the Otago Association, was very properly tabooed by tho meeting j for after all there is no guarantee for the permanency of that Association, as it ia Avell known that there have been three attempts to establish and maintain an Otago Association, holding its shows in Dunedin.- It remains, therefore, a question whether , the present Association ia to- be longer-lived than its unfortunate predecessors. I very much doubt it, unless, indeed, the Taieri Society becomes willing to be incorporated therewith, at best but a problematical supposition. One of tho resolutions furnished by the Oamaru Society was to the effect that its secretary should write to all the different Societies throughout the Middle Island, asking their assistance and concurrence, and I presume this has been done. Until the replies are received, it seems to me quite unnecessary to do more at present ; and certainly it was never contemplated that any of the Societies written to should endeavour to lake the matter, out of the hands of those with whom the proposal originated.— l am, &c, Settler.