THE TUAPEKA POLYCULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 276, 15 May 1873, Page 6

THE TUAPEKA POLYCULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

The adjourned meeting of these favorable fo the formation of a Polycultural Association in Tuapeka took place on Thursday night, the let inst. Dr. Halley was voted to the chair, who, after briefly alluding to the objects of the society proposed to be established, called upon Mr. Pyke, R.M.; to address the meeting. Mr. Pyke gaid that when he first mooted the idea of forming an association of the kind, he found himself in a difficulty. One man wanted a horticultural society .J, another an agricultural society, a third wanted a cattle show, and so on. He therefore resolved to try to form a Boeiety which should combine all interests and descriptions of culture. The advantages the people enjoyed in this district had not bepn put to their full use, and the residents were not sufficiently acquainted with the capabilities of the soil, and the peculiarities of thrir capricious climate;-";' A society of tie kind proposed would institute investigttions and distribute information upou these points. Hitherto arboriculture had been confined to the planting of blue mims, which trees, he was not sorry to see, ha<l been destroyed by the frost, as they impoverished the soil, and were not the best kind to plant if ornament was the object. The severe weather of last winter had taught a valuable lesson. The gums on the hills escaped unscathed, while those planted in low-lying irround had been destroyed. When he (Mr. Pyke) came to Lawrence, he was laughed at for locating himself on the side of a hill, but everyone now admitted that he was correct in his judgment. Then there was the question of the proper manures to apply to different soils. In the old country there were agricultural colleges, in which institutions the students were first taught elementary chemistry, in order that they might be able to analyse the soil,findout what constituents were wanting, and to apply the proper manures to render the ground productive. By inquiring into this important matter, the proposed society could be very useful and beneficial to the district. He would suggest that a committee of seven be appointed to canvass the district for members and subscribers, and to draw up rules. He thought they might have two shows in the year— oue in the sprinsr, and the other in the autumn. These shows would, beside other advantages, draw additional attention to Lawrence, which was second to no town iv Otago except Dunedin. and would greatiy enhance its importance. If the name be bad selected was not liked, the society bad the power to change it. Not many years ago, he might say months ago, the greatest ignorance, prevailed with respect to the soil of Otago. - A high Govern - ment official had declared that land more than 600 feet above the level of sea was unfit for cultivation. He had in hand two potatoes — one weighing 21b. 60z., -and the other lib 120z., which were grown more than 1000 feet above that altitude ; and at the Shotover agriculture was successfully prosecuted on land 2000 feet above the sea. It was not altitude alone' that governed the producing capabilities of the soil, as surrounding climatic influence had greateffect. Tuapeka was very backward in comparison with other younger gold fields in regard to the cultivation of fruit and vegetables. With the exception of a few apples and strawberries, there was literally no fruit grown in the Tuapeka district. The greengrocer offered for sale pears and apples from Tasmania; and grapes and peaches from Adelaide, instead of local produce. He was of opinion that the proposed shows ought to include sheep and cattle. A great deal of money was not required for dis tribution in prizes. If the spirit of emulation were once stirred, it would make all strive, if the reward was only a conper medal. — (Applause.) Mr. Darton heartily concurred with what had fallen from Mr. Pyke. A society such as. he proposed to institute wns sadly needed in the district. ] and those engaged in jgricultural pur- ! suits wanted some stimulus. Very I little was known of climatic influences arid the nature of the soil ; such a society would enable agriculturalists to meet together to exchange experiences, instead of each keeping his i knowledge locked up in hU own breast. If every man contributed his quota to the general stock of knowledge, the district would be very greatly benefited; and he |trusted all interested in the advancement of the district would give the society, when formed, cordial j support. \ Mr. Pyke moved : " That a society to be called the Tuapeka Polycultural Society be forthwith constituted." i Mr. Darton seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The following gentlemen were appointed a committee to canvass the district, and to draw up rules for submission to a general meeting of sub- i pcribers : — - Messrs Pyke, • Darton, P:v*R.sly, Farrer, G. Morrison, Moss, MKimmie, Silk, D. Evans, Rev. Mr.! Beaumont, and Dr. Halley. i Mr, M'Kimmie said the people of Tuapeka were greatly indebted to Mr. Pykfi for* the part be had taken in initiating the first constituted society ; aud ako for the valuable lesson he had taught them in respect to the suitability of the hills for cultivation. Before- he Q&r, Pykt) came to Law*

rence, everyone chose low-lying spots, echewed the hills, considering them valueless. Now, however, "people found they had made a mistake* ; that they had boen wasting time and money on the low ground, and the consequence was that land on the hills was in great demand. He moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Pyke. The motion was carried wijh acclamation. Mr. Pyke appropriately acknowleged the compliment. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings.