H.—39

14

The document referred to contains the following statement: "From information obtained here we learn there is no stud-book or herd-book kept in New Zealand or Australia. There is an Australian stud-book printed by Mr. Yuille, of Melbourne, but it is not official as far as we can learn," and suggests that a stud-book and herd-book be immediately established in New Zealand. I am directed to draw your attention to the fact that our society has been publishing a stud- and herd-book for several years past. We have a draught-horse stud-book, a herd-book for shorthorn cattle, and one for other breeds, copies of which I am instructed to forward for your inspection. From the accompanying circular you will observe that we are endeavouring to get Australian breeders to join us in publishing a herd-book (general). Our association consider the matter of considerable importance, believing, as they do, that sooner or later an important trade will be done in pedigrees, horses, cattle, and sheep with the eastern States of the United States, especially so as our colony enjoys the enviable position of being the only one which is absolutely free from any kind of stock disease. The committee, therefore, trust that you will give the matter your favourable consideration, and that you will cause measures to be taken to inform the American authorities officially of the existence of properly-constituted studand herd-books in this colony. Mr Elliot, of Nelson, publishes a light-horse stud-book, which is recognised by the Canterbury Jockey Club. I may add that copies of the books above referred to have been sent to the Oceanic Steamship Company. I have, &c, M. Mubphy, Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The Hon. the Minister of Lands, Wellington.

Sib, — Waitahuna, Ist July, 1891. I have the honour, by direction of the Waitahuna Farmers' Club, to acknowledge receipt of your circular memorandum of the 26th May, enclosing a communication from the Oceanic Steam Shipping Company, of San Francisco, relative to the importation of pure-bred stock to the United States free of duty, and also recommending the establishing of a herd- and stud-book for New Zealand and the Australian Colonies. I am instructed to state, in reply, that this club fully approve of the suggestion contained in your letter, and are of opinion that it is absolutely necessary in the interest both of shippers and breeders that a herd- and stud-book should be established in New Zealand and Australia, and that the Metropolitan agricultural and pastoral societies should take the necessary steps to get it brought about as soon as possible. Any assistance that can bo pointed out that this club has it in its power to afford will be most cheerfully given. The Minister of Agriculture has earned the thanks of both breeders and shippers in bringing the subject under their consideration so early, and the club trust his efforts in this direction will have a successful result. I have, &c, Jambs Moggath, Secretary, Waitahuna Farmers' Club. J. D. Eitchie, Chief Inspector of Stock, Wellington.

Dear Sib, — Tokomairiro Farmers' Club, Milton, 18th July, 1891. Your circular of the 26th May was laid before a meeting of the above club, held on the loth instant, when it was resolved, " That this club heartily approves of the proposal to establish a stock- and herd-book for New Zealand, as set forth by the Oceanic Steamship Company in a circular, a copy of which has been received from the Chief Inspector of Stock, Wellington; and, also, that the existence of such a record would be of great value to breeders and others in the colony, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Chief Inspector of Stock." I have, &c, James Inglis, Secretary. John D. Eitchie, Esq., Chief Inspector of Stock, Wellington. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, nil; printing (1,200 copies), £8 Us.

By Authority : Geoeqb Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l. Price 6d.