OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2298, 17 March 1898, Page 7

OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

The monthly meeting of the committee of the Ofcago Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held on Saturday morning, and attended by Messrs Thomas Brydone (in the chair), William Patrick, R. Carapbell, P. Pattallo, John Angus, G. Roberts, John Wright, A. C. Stronach, James Gow, W. Charters, G-. 11. Gilroy, R. Gawo, W. Blackie, John Lethbridge, and Fred Oldhain. Apologies were received horn. Messrs Janaes Jsfcuel» JoUu

, Elliot, H. M. Driver, H. V. Fulton, W. S;ui.&j.- 5 and C. S. Reid. The Chaiuman said that before proceeding with the ordinary business there was a matter he wished to refer to. During the week membsrs would have observed in the daiiy papers the news of the death of Mr W. Cuuingham Smith. If; was nofc necessary for him to refer to the many services rendered by Mr Smith in turthering the interests ot fchis society, for it was mainly through his efforts that this society was now in iks preEent position. Everyone present knew Mr Smith's nature — most unselfish, straightforward, generous to a degree. He would move the following resolution : — " That this meeting deplore the death of Mr W. Caningharn Smisb, and that it place on record their deep appreciation of fche valuable services rendered by deceased in agricultural makers, and to this society in particular." The speaker said Me Smith had been president of tha society on many occasions, and had acted as hon. treasurer for over 18 year?. Several members referred to the valuable services rendered by Mr Smith, and the motion, which was seconded by Mr Patrick, wbs carried unanimously. Mr T. Rouayne, general manager of railways, wrote stating that the matter of reducing the carriage on breeding stock be cocsidertd. — Ri-ceived. Mr J. D. Ritchie, secretary of the Department of Agriculture, wrote that the matter of charges made by the railway for the conveyance of stud stock would be brought before the conference of traffic managers at their firat meeting. He had no dcubt f-hafc the question would then receive favourable consideration. He had urged upon Mr Ronayna the necessity for granting every facility for the exchange of Btud stock. —Received. The Auckland A. acd P. Society wrote in reference to the introduction of toads and bats to combat the insect pest ot this colony, and asked the opinion of the society oa the matter. It was decided to make no objections to tha importations referred to. Me M. Murphy, general secretary for the Agricultural Couference, wrote stating that is was decided to hold a conference of delegates in June next, and the writer asked the society to appoint delegates and to suggest subjects for diFcussion. — It was decided that the president and vice-prtai3eat, Messrs Pattullo, J. Wright, aud A. C. Stronach be appointed a sub-com-mittee to suggest subject* for discussion and nominate delegates ro attend the conference. The sub-commitfcte appointed to make arrangements in csnr.ection with the winter show reported that they had carefully gone through tha schedule of the competitions and had decided that all competitions in classes 1 to 4 ie chf ese should be received on the same conditions as in former years, and that classes for old chee?e and factory butcer should > c entered and stored with the society on or before April 9. Tie Secretary having rev.l several letters referi- tig to the storage ot cheese for two months, it w&s decided to confirm tbo sub-com-mittee's report The draft schedules were approved and the secretary was instructed to have them printed and circulated. Owing to the larc;e amount of business to be conducted, it was decided that the nominations of judges for the winter show and fieid turnip competitions stand over until next meeting.