ELLESMERE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5553, 26 February 1886, Page 3

ELLESMERE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the Committee of the abov£ Association was held at the Leeston Hotel, on Feb. 23; present — Messrs Laurence, Lunn, Walton, Scott, Lochhead, M'Kellar, Stephens, Park, Jameson, Witbell, and F. Over ton. Mr W. Bishop referred in feeling term 3 to the death of Mr W. J. G. Bluett, who had been the fltEfc President of the Association, and had always supported the Association to his utmost ability. Mr Laurence stated it wa3 his intention to bring this matter before the Association, buc he was glad the President had done so. This was not unfortunately the first!, fey a number of losses, the Association had received in the death of prominent members within the last year or two, but none of them could be said to have done more for the Association than Mr Bluett had done. He had always been a friend to the Association. He would move — "That a vote of condolence be recorded in the minutes, and that a copy of the same be sent to Mrs Bluett and others of his family." Mr Watson seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Secretary stated he had received a number of letters from the Secretary of the Springston Band, claiming £5 for their services on Show day. It was decided to tend them £2 10s, as they had not fulfilled their agreement. A long discussion took place as to the advisability of holding an Autumn Show, the majority being of opinion that the season would be against a good show. Mr Overton moved, Mr Laurence seconded, and it was carried — "That the proposed Autumn Show be not held in consequence of the shortness of feed." A letter was read from Mr Eennie, offering a special prize for milch cows. At this stage of the proceedings, at the ■ request of Mr Laurence, the Secretary left the room. Mr Laurence said it would be in the knowledge of those present that the Secretary had not received anything for his services, and he was considerably out of pocket, as well as having given his time to the Association. Last year he received JB2O for two years' services, and the previous Secretary had received fifteen guineas a year. Mr Laurence thought the present Secretary was entitled to more from the interest and attention he gave to his work. Me Stephens moved, and Mr Laurence seconded — "That the Secretary receive twenty guineas for his services in the past." Mr Jameson, on entering the room, and being informed of the resolution, thanked the members for it. He thought, as the Association was short of funds, that half would be enough. Although he had had the lion's share of the work, the members had seconded his efforts, and all had endeavoured to make the Association a success. Tuesday, March 30, was fixed as the date of the general annual meeting ; and a vote of thanks to the President terminated the proceedings.