834 Agricultural Gazette ofN.S.W. [Nov. 2, 1920. 



Matcham. 



At a meeting, held on 25th September, a general discussion took place on 

 the advantages or otherwise of different varieties of fruits. 



One speaker was of the opinion that the district was more suited to citrus 

 fruits, with apples for the low-lying land as a side-line. Other speakers 

 advocated the growing of apples, which, in some cases, were found to he 

 more profitable. A very inter-esting discussion took ])lace, and it was decided 

 that at the next meeting a similar interchange of ideas would take place on 

 the subject of persimmon cultivation. 



Moss Vale. 



About forty members were present at the meeting held on 24th September. 

 Reff^rence was made to the great difficulty in obtaining supplies of sugar, and 

 it was decided to ask the Department of Agriculture to endeavour to obtain 

 supplies for jam making, &c., this season. 



After the ordinary business of the meeting had been disposed of, Mr. E. N. 

 Ward, superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, gave a lecture on horticulture, 

 and answered many questions on spraying, &c. 



Mount Keira. 



On 30th September, Mr. W. W. Froggatt, Entomologist, delivered a 

 lecture, illustrated with lantern slides, on pests of the garden and orchard. 

 There was a large attendance of members and others, who followed the 

 lecture very closely, taking keen interest in the different insects illustrated 

 on the screen. Mr. Frt)ggatt also exairtined a few specimens that were 

 brought along, and answered a number of questions to the profit of all. 



Parkesbourne. 



The August meeting of this branch was well attended. A paper was read 

 by Mr. W. F. Weatherstone, on the mare and the foal, and diseases of the 

 horse. The subject was well handled, the ailments with their effective 

 remedies and necessary treatment being fully explained. The diseases 

 referred to were strangles, ophthalmia, drenching, balling, fistula, wither, 

 gripes (or colic), impaction, sand colic, sand cracks, itch, lice itch, and foot 

 diseases. 



Stratford. 



The second annual meeting of the branch was held on 21st August, thirteen 

 members being present. The report showed that tliere Avas a credit balance 

 of £2 10s. Id. Ten meetings had been held during the past year, with an 

 average attendance of thirteen members, which, considering the scattered 

 popuhition of the district, is satisfactory. Two meetings were abandoned 

 owing to wet weather. Explosive and pruning demonstrations were given 

 by officers of the Department. 



Lime and manures were purcliased under the co-operative system, the 

 results fully justifying the expenditure involved. 



About 120 books were received during the year from the Public Library, 

 and were circulated among members. 



A meeting was held on 25th September, there being a fair attendance of 

 members. The evening was devoted to arranging for a district exhibit to be 

 staged at the Gloucester show in March, 1921. It is understood that special 

 efforts are being made to secure the trophy offered by the Gloucester Agri- 

 cultural and Horticultural Society for the best exhibit. 



