A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9319, 20 August 1908, Page 1

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

» . — . IMPLEMENT EXHIBITS. A MANUFACTURERS' PROPOSAL. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association met yesterday afternoon ; present— -Messrs M. Murphy (chairman), H. P. Murray-Aynsley, F. A. Archer, Cl W. Reid, H. E. B. Watson, G. Hartnell, J. Stevenson, C. P. Hugonin, W Macfarlane, D. D. Macfarlane, J. Henderson, G. Jameson A. Chamberlain, W. Hayward, T. D. Boag, F. Waymouth, R. Reid, W. Lowrie and A. W. Beaven and Sir George Clifford. An application was received from the Inspector of Apiaries to be allotted space at the spring show to give demonstrations of transferring bees from common box hives to the approved style of/irame hives. The application was granted. A similar application was received from a member of the Beekeepers' ' Association. The chairman said that the Government exhibit would be securely fenced off, but in the case of .the second application it was not proposed to take that precaution. There was a possible danger to the public in admitting bee exhibits in the confined spaca that would be available at the show grounds Sir George Clifford said that it would be advisaWo. to . prohibit . the introduo tion of bees unless they were confined in sealed hives. The application was referred to the Manufactures Committee, to be enter tamed only on condition that the bees were confined in sealed. hives. Mr R. Reid suggested that the Association should provide two prizes of •£5 5s and £2 2s respectively, for draught stock at the annual horse parade, to be held on September 23. The matter was referred to the Horse Committee. i Mr Macfarlane said that he wished the Associatior to institute 'inquiries with a view to encouraging the introduction of white owls and Tasmanian butcher birds to cope with the small birds nuisance. An orchardist in his district who had introduced a pair of owls had in a single season freed, his ! property of blackbirds. It was decided to commsnicate with the Otago and other Associations to inquire into, the habits of certain carnivorous birds, and the cost and means of importing them. A deputation of implement manufacturers and importers waited on the Association to ask if the charges for space could not be reduced or entirely abolished. Mr Keir. of Messrs P. and D. Duncan, stated that during recent years the cost of manufacturing and importing farming implements had been greatly increased, and as a consequence his firm had reduced very materially its show exhibits. Last year £200 was spent in showing the firm's implements, and practically no direct, benefits had accrued from such displays. Implement exhibits were of great interest and instructive to farmers who visited the shows, and the Association should make concessions to meet the views of manufacturers and importers. , Mr Campbell, of the Massey-Harris Company, stated that his company had also considerably reduced its show exhibits, and would not in future exhibit at the Canterbury show if prohibitive charges were made for space. Mr M'Commons, of the International Harvester Company, said that he had attended shows throughout Great Britain and North America, and had not paid for space, as it was recognised in those countries that the exhibits were of sum Vent importance to farmers to induce the show authorities to assisfr implement exhibitors to a considerable extent, so as to ensure representative exhibits. The chairman said that the representations of the deputation would receive the careful consideration of the Association, although he hardly thought the committee would concede so much as the deputation apparently expected. On the deputation withdrawing, the chairman stated that three years ago the receipts from implement exhibits had been £117, of which about £60 had been expended in awards and £20 to £30 in passes. There was little profit to the Association in such exhibits, and the absence of them last year had in no way affected the attendance, although, he admitted, it had removed an interesting feature. Mr Beaven said that the expenses incurred by manufacturers and importers in exhibiting at shows were very considerable and he thought the Association should make an endeavour to retain at its shows what was unquestionably a most important feature both for farmers and the general public. Mr Lowrie suggested that no medals and awards should be given, and that the money thus saved should be conceded to the implement exhibitors. i " Mr Hayward said that the existing arrangements were on a very fair foot- * ing. ' i - It was resolved to refer the matter .< to the Finance and Implement Com- 1 mittees. . < Three new members were elected, and < accounts for £189 13s were passed for I payment. ' <