904 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [Dec. 2, 1920. 



The Inverell branch agreed to co-operate in the matter, and it was 

 suggested that the conference might be held in the middle of January. 



Correspondence on the subject of evidence before the select committee of 

 the Legislative Council was received with satisfaction, members consider- 

 ing that valuable material could be collected in such a way: a discussion 

 took place as to the character of the information that might be tendered. 



Kellyville. 



At a well-attended meeting on 6th November a discussion took place 

 on growing maize for green feed. It was agreed that broadcasting, with 

 about 3 cwt. of blood and bone per acre was best. 



During the evening a presentation of a case of pipes was made to Mr. H. 

 Firth, in acknowledgment of his untiring services to the branch. 



Lidcombe. 



At a meeting on 1st November, over fifty members and residents were 

 present. There was a good show of roses, prizes being given for the cham- 

 pion, the best six, and the best six of one variety from bud to full bloom, as 

 well as a good display of flowers in the usual monthly competition. 



Mr. A. E. J. Anderson gave a lecture on the effects of light and colour on 

 plants, explaining how necessary It was to kiiow what colours to cross to get 

 a certain result by cross-fertilisation. How colour affects the germination of 

 seed was also explained. If a frame with blue glass or a blue material were 

 mfioe, and put at an angle of about 45 degrees facing the moi'nin!; snn, the seed 

 would germinate in two-thirds of tlie time necessary in the ordinary way. The 

 frame should be removed as soon as the plants showed above the soil. Good 

 results could also be obtained with cuttings treated in the same way. 



This branch makes it a practice to devote one meeting to flowers and the 

 next to vegetables, and some good exhibits are staged each evening. Three 

 tables, making in all 21 feet x 2 feet 6 inches, are well covered each evening, 

 which speaks well for the progress of the branch. A garden competition is 

 being conducted that is having quite an influence on the appearance of the 

 district. 



Matcham. 



This branch met on 23rd October, when the following ofiicers were elected 

 for the ensuing year: — Chairman, Mr. C. Cox; Vice-chairmen, Messrs. 

 H. Mills and W. Crossland; Treasurer, Mr. A. Macinante; Librarian, Mr. 

 W. Crossland; Hon. Secretary, Mr, J. Dodd. 



The balance-sheet showed a credit of £9 10s. 7d., the financial membership 

 being forty-two. 



Milbrulong. 



The annual meeting of this branch was held on 2r)th October, with a large 

 attendance. The following office-bearers were elected : — Chairman, Mr. 

 J. T. Lynch; Vice-chairmen, Messrs. 0. Slickler and W. Mackaway; Hon. 

 Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. J. M. Gollasch. The annual report showed 

 that the branch had last year a membership of 154, and that twelve 

 meetings had been held, at which the attendance averaged thirty. Several 

 experts from the Department of Agriculture had visited the district during 

 the year giving demonstrations and lectures. An exhibit was staged by the 

 branch at the Lockhart show, and formed one of the features of the 

 industrial hall, being a credit to members and a demonstration of the 

 capabilities of the district. 



