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time to time furnish you with any information, or make any suggestions they consider necessary for the welfare of the agricultural and pastoral industries. Yours faithfully, 0. C. Mills, Secretary.

Sir, — - Hawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Napier, 7th July, 1891. In reply to your circular of the 27th May I have the honour to inform you that at a meeting of this society, held on the 3rd instant, the following resolutions were carried : — (1.) That this society recommends that a bonus should be offered for the first five tons of starch, and a further bonus for the first five tons of farina manufactured in Hawke's Bay from potatoes. (2.) That this society recommends that the Government should give every possible encouragement to the dairying industry ; and that, with the view of encouraging the fruit industry, it is highly desirable that an Act should be passed this session for the purpose of eradicating the codlin-moth, which at present threatens to ruin every orchard. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Agriculture, Wellington. Wi, Eeilbt, Secretary.

Sm,— Canterbury, 12th June, 1891. I have the honour to inform you that the committee appointed to prepare a reply to your circular, dated the 27th May last, have, in accordance with their instructions, done so. The association regret that, owing to the limited time within which their reply is called for, they are unable to deal as fully with the important subject upon which they are asked to express an opinion as its members would desire. The association beg, however, to make the following suggestions : — Dairy Produce. —Looking at the value of this industry as producing an important article of export without materially impoverishing the soil, and to the amount of employment which it is calculated to afford, as well as the extent to which judicious Government assistance in other countries has led to its development, the association believe that the dairy industry is deserving of every possible encouragement. They draw attention to the fact that in several adjoining colonies and other countries peripatetic dairy schools have been established, supplied with the most improved appliances, and worked by skilled experts, and which, visiting different local centres, afford more practical information than mere lectures can possibly do. They trust this question will receive the serious attention of the Government. Fruit-growing. —This is becoming an industry of great promise, well adapted to the colony, affording considerable employment, and likely to provide an increasing export. One branch of this fruit industry appeal's, however, to be threatened with very serious injury by the spread of the codlin-moth. In the other colonies this pest has been dealt with by stringent legislation, and unless the subject is taken in hand to prevent its further introduction and spread in New Zealand, the Association fear that the ravages of this pest will have a disastrous effect on the future of this branch of the fruit industry. The strong feeling on the subject in this part of New Zealand will be evinced by petition to Parliament, which, at the instance of the Canterbury Fruit-growers' Association, is now being generally signed. Irrigation. —This is a subject of far-reaching importance, and almost a necessity to a large portion of the Provincial District, of Canterbury. The district alluded to, while in great need of irrigation, appears to offer special facilities for its introduction. In the opinion of the association, however, it would hardly be wise to enter upon an undertaking of such magnitude without obtaining the best procurable information as to the cost of the work, the best mode of conducting it, and its probable results. The association would suggest that a Royal Commission of qualified persons should be appointed to inquire fully into the local conditions in Canterbury bearing on the question, as well as to ascertain what has been done in irrigation in adjoining colonies, and the probable cost and advantages likely to result from the introduction of this system here. Sheep Inspection. —While not expressing any opinion as to the general reorganization of the Sheep Department which has been effected by the Government the association feel bound to give expression to the general feeling of regret which is entertained in Canterbury at the withdrawal of Mr. Foster from the controlling position he has held in this district for so many years. They desire to bear testimony to his great energy and judgment, which, combined with his large experience and knowledge of the country, have been of the greatest service to the interests concerned. They venture to urge that Mr. Foster's services should be retained here. Lincoln College.—The association trusts that effect will be given without further delay to the report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the conduct and position of the Lincoln Agricultural College. They would draw attention to the fact that Bills for this purpose were introduced into last Parliament, but failed to become law. The position of the College, as disclosed in the report of the Commissioners, as well as the fact that the body in whom its management is now vested, is not representative of or connected with the agricultural industries, renders, in the opinion of this association, a change very desirable. The association is aware that since the date of the report certain alterations have been introduced into the system under which the College is managed. These appear, however, to be quite insufficient to remedy the evils pointed out, nor can the association consider the proposed institution of a Board of Advice to be a satisfactory or adequate solution of the question. This Board appears to have no executive functions, and is only to report to the governing body of Canterbury College, which, as already pointed out, has no qualifications for dealing with agricultural questions. Scholarships at Lincoln College. —The association believe that it would be very desirable, in the interests of improved and scientific agriculture, that an opportunity should be afforded to youths of exceptional industry and ability, who are desirious of following agricultural pursuits, to obtain the