OcL 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette cf N.SM. 755 



to rot before putting it out on the soil, and thought it a great mistake for 

 people to burn weeds, grass, &c,, advising that these should be put in a pit 

 and allowed to decay, after which they could be added to the soil. 



The annual social of tl.e branch was held on 26th August, and proved a 

 great success. The prizes won in connection with various competitions 

 •during the year were presented during the same evening. 



Lower Portland. 



The usual monthly meeting was held on 6th September. The principal 

 business transacted was the election of officers for the ensuing year, the 

 following being the result : — Chairman, Mr. B. King ; Vice-chairman, Mr. 

 R. M. Smith ; Treasurer, Mr. R. J. Metherell ; Hon. Secretary, Mr. H. Hay- 

 ward ; Assistant hon. secretary, Mr. W. C. Gambrill. 



The report for the past year shows the branch to be in a strong position, 

 both financially and as regards the number of members. There is a balance 

 of £16 in hand, and a membership of sixty, all financial. 



It was decided to hold a social in aid of the Windsor District Hospital. 



The schedule for the show to be held next year was revised, eighty extra 

 classes being added, and the prize money increased by about 50 per cent, in 

 nearly all the classes, and in some classes by 100 per cent. 



Mannus. 



At the August meeting a paper on planting and care of fruit-trees was 

 read by Mr. G. A. Smith. 



Mr. E. Breakwell, Agrostologist, visited the district, and lectured under 

 the auspices of the branch on grasses and fodder crops suitable for the 

 district. Cocksfoot, rye grass, Toowoomba canary grass, and clovers were 

 mentioned as useful. Sudan grass and Elephant grass both had their 

 utility ; and lucerne, Shearman's clover, maize, grain sorghums (Feterita 

 and Milo) were indicated as promising for local purposes. Specimens of a 

 number of weeds were exhibited, and directions given for their eradication. 



March. 

 At the meeting held on 18th August, a lecture which seemed to be 

 -appreciated by hearers was given by Mr. C. C. Crane, Organizing Inspector 

 of the Agricultural Bureau, on co-operation. 



Matcham. 



A lecture on potato culture was given by Mr. A. -J. Finn, Inspector of 

 Agriculture, on 29th July, when there was an attendance of nearly sixty. 

 The lecture dealt fully with the question, and was much appreciated by 

 potato-growers of the district. 



Sixteen members accepted an invitation from Mr. Black, of Lisarow, to 

 visit his orchard. They were given an opportunity of inspecting the fruit- 

 packing machine which he had just completed, and they were much impressed 



with what they saw. 



Milbrulong. 



At the meeting held on 9th August, Mr. C. C. Crane gave an address on 

 •co-operation, which was much appreciated. 



On 30th August Mr. Breakwell gave a lecture, illustrated by lantern 

 .slides, on grasses and weeds. Fifty members were present, and greatly 

 ■benefited by the way in which the subject was dealt with. 



