MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE,

Otago Witness, Issue 2385, 23 November 1899, Page 15

MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE,

A special meeting of the committee of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held in the board room on Saturday morning, and was attended by Messrs H. V. Fulton (vicepresident, in the chair), Thomas Brydone, John .Roberts, John Lethbridge, Jamos Shiel, John Angus, John Wright, George Roberts, C. S. Reed, D. Andrew, A. Douglas, P. Pattullo, M. Sinclair, W. Charters, James Gow, and the Hon. T. Fergus. Apologies were received from Messrs A. C. Stronach, W. Patrick, John Elliot, A. S. Orbell, and H. Buckland.

A considerable amount of correspondence relating to the forthcoming show was received and dealt with.

Mr James Oughton wrote tendering his :csignation as a member of the committee, as he had removed to Wright's Bush, and it would be impossible for him to give the necessary attention to the society's business. On the motion of the Chairman, Mr Oughton's resignation was accepted, and a vote of thanks accorded to him for his past services. — Messrs Foldham and Arthur Johnson were proposed to fill the vacancy, and, on a vote being taken, Mr JchnsoH was elected.

The Secretary reported that Mr Alexander Douglas was tho successful winner of the society's" prize of £50 at the Winter Show for the pen of hoggets, netting the highest price per head for carcase, skin, and fat. After several members had most favourably commented on the detailed reports and remarks made by tho judges, Mr John Lethbridge moved — " Thai the committee place on record the valuable services rendered to tho society by Mr R. Galloway. <m& Mi: B. Keele for the excellent ar-

ra:;gements made for carrying on this competition, and that a unanimous vote of thanks be accorded to all gentlemen for their valuable assistance.'" — The motion was seconded by Mr P. Pattullo, and the secretary was instructed tD forward several copies of the full details He me for the information of those inteiested

Mr A. Kidston-Hunter wrote stating that he had leased several acres of land at Anderson's Bay, and he would be willing to make arrangerrcnts with the society to undertake any experiments or tests of seeds. — The offer was favourably received, and the matter was referred to a subcommittee to confer with Mr KidstonHunter.

The General Manager of Railways wrote askin; the society to express an opinion on ihe advisability of reducing the weight of sacks cf grain from 2401b to 2001b.— The Hon. Thomas Fergus stated that the question was one t f considerable importance, and if any alteration was made in the size of the sacks, it would oe necessary that ample 'time should be given, so that producers could order sacks of the .requisite size. — Some members considered that if any alteration was made, the size of the sacks might be reduced so that they would hold only 1001b. — On the motion of Mr Fergus, it waa decided to send acircular to the members during show week, asking them to express an opinion on the matter, and that Mr Ronayne's letter be referred U the Agricultural Conference, held during show dates. The Town Clerk, St. Kilda, wrote that the council had appointed a vehicle stand at the main entrance to Tahuna Park, and hoped that th_> difficulty of regulating the wheeled traffic would now be overcome. — The Chairman stated that it was absolutely necessary that something should be done to protect the public, and •&• gidate the traffic, and, on his motion, the St. Kilda Council were thanked for their prompt action in this matter. The Grounds Committee reported that all details at Tahuna Park were well in hand, and that at the inspection of the grounds last week they decided to erect a permanent fence outside the main gate, so that the public might have protected entrance or exit, and had divided portion of the large shed, and made it into a ladies' cloak room.

A subcommittee was appointed to confer with the breeders of merino sheep with reference to matters affecting that important section. The Hons. John M'Kenzie and W. Hall-Jones wrote notifying that they would be 3-resent at the show if possible.