THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHEESE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2094, 8 December 1879, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR AND THE CHEESE.

A somewhat amusing discussion (says Saturday’s “ Lyttelton Times ”) took place at the meeting of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association upon a question being asked by Mr A. Duncan, Vice-President of the Associ ation as to what had become of the cheeses to which had been awarded his five-guinea prizes. Mr Duncan stated that he had attached to the prizes the condition that the cheeses should become the property of the Association immediately on the awards being made. His intention in doing this had been that farmers, cheesemakers, and bona fide cheese-tasters should be able to test for themselves the quality of what the judges considered the best exhibits, He had been informed that at the recent show several of those he had had in view in making this condition, had applied for samples, but had been prevented from getting them on the plea that the cheeses were the property of the Governor. He wanted to know on whose authority his cheeses had been given to His Excellency. The President of the Association explained that during the course of the day some one had asked him to accompany Sir Hercules Eobinsou to the tents in which were exhibited the New Zealand manufactures and produce. He had not been able to do so, but asked another member to take Ids place. He subsequently learned that His Excellency had expressed approval of the prize cheeses, and had desired to purchase them. He did not think that there could be any objection to the cheeses becoming the property of His Excellency, and sanctioned their being taken to Croker’s Hotel. Before leaving Christchurch the Governor had called on him (the President), and offered to pay for the cheeses, but he (Mr Ford) had declined to accept payment. The explanation, which was received with considerable merriment, appeared to satisfy Mr Duncan.