OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2240, 4 February 1897, Page 7

OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

The monthly meeting of the committee of the Ocago Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held at the' secretary's office on Saturday, and attended by Mesirs James Smith (president, in ths chair), Thomas Brydone, W. Patrick, R. Charters, G. Roberts, A. W. Robin, H. V. Fulton, A. C. Stronaoh, John Wright, 1?. Oldham, J. Angus, A. Douglas, W. H. Taggarfc, W. Jaffray, James Gow, J. A. Stewart, J. Duthie, W. Blackie, R. Gawn, A. M'Faflane, and the Hon. T. Fergus. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs J. Lethbridge, J. SUiol,M. Sinclair, and P. Pattullo. A considerable amount of correspondence on minor matters was received aud daalfc with by the committee. , The Canterbury A. and P. Association wrote asking that all sheep registered iv the " New Zealand Flock Book" be offered tor sale flrot at the annual rata and ewe fair. It was decided to hold this proposal over until next meeting, and in the meantime inquiries were to bs maeta if it was intended to make a differential rate for entry fees on sheep specially catalogued first. The General Manager New Zealand Railways wrote that he regretted that be could make no reductions on the rates charged for the conveyance of stook over the Ocean Beach railway. — On the motion of the Chajhman, it was decided that the question of carrying stook on this line be again fully considered before next summer show. The Chairman reported that only eight entries had been received for tbe best-managed farm competitions — three for the competition for farms exceeding 400 aores and five from farmers whose holdings do not exceed that acreage. The Chairman expressed himr.elf altogether dissatisfied vrifch the small number of entries received, and said thab the icoioty expßcted that this competitiou would have bttn batter supported by the farmers. The competition was open to both Otago and Southland, and it wan discouraging to think that in this extannive ares* there were only eight competitors wherfthere should ba at least 50. The inspection of the far mi, stock, and management by two competent judges should be sufficient inducement for them to enter, irrespective cf the honour attached to gaining such valuable shields a* those presented by Sir Bennett L&wes. The winter show was fixed for June 2, 3, and 4, and a sub-committee was appointed to issue a schedule for competitions and to carry out the necessary details. It was also decided that the Agricultural Conference be held in the same week, and kindred associations be communicated with j asking them to advise any suggdsbions or subjects they wish discussed. The annual ram and ewe fair wa3 fixed for Thursday, 18th March, to be held at the Burnside yards, and the secretary was authorised to receive entries for the dairy herd competition up to Saturday, 135h February, provided that the milk was now being supplied to a factory • j which tested the milk received by a Babcock tester and paid on such tests. Several suggestions were rnceived in connection with various competitions for the next winter show, and these were referred to the sub-committee appointed to act on if practicable. Tb.e Secretary reported that the show case of seeds presented by Messrs Sutton and Sons had arrived in good order, and would be very suitable for the new committee rooms, being both useful and interesting. Mr James Gait, Mataura, had also forwarded a large photograph containing eight views of his homestead and prize stock taken at Mataura. — The Secretary was instructed to convey a vote of thanks to Mr Gait, aud also to Messrs Tothill, Watson, ! and Co., local representatives of Messrs Sutton j and Sons, for their generosity.