35 



The following papers were handed in to be read at the 

 Conference : — 



Mr. Gr. Pagan, Mooeoopna. 

 Constitution of the Boards of Viticulture and Horticulture. 



Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen — 



I propose that the Boards of Viticulture and Horticulture should 

 be both made elective. It is in accordance with the policy adopted 

 with nearly all public bodies in the colony. It would create a 

 wider and a closer interest in the work of these bodies if the 

 members were periodically elected. It would cause members of 

 district vine and fruit growers' associations to take a more active 

 part in the work of the local organizations by knowing that the 

 honour of having a seat on the central board was in prospective. 



I suggest that the colony be mapped out into eight or twelve 

 districts; that members only of local vine or fruit growers' associa- 

 tions should be permitted to vote for representatives ; that the 

 secretarf' of the various associations periodically prepare a list of 

 qualified voters ; and that the qualification of voters be that they 

 be paid-up members of the local association and hold a minimum 

 acreage of, say, two acres of vines or fruit trees (as the case may 

 be). Voting-papers could be filled in and sent through the post, as 

 in the case of the Council of Agricultural Education. The quali- 

 fication of a voter to be the qualification of a representative. 



Me. a. Blaikib, Wangaratta. 



Suggestions for the destruction of Insect Pests and 

 administering Insect Pests Bill. 



1st. That it is desirable in the interest of fruit-growers that an 

 Insect Pests Bill be passed, because of the various diseases and 

 pests that are spreading all over this district ; and if something 

 is not done, and that very soon^ fruit-growing will become an 

 impossibility. 



2nd. One of the first steps to be taken to secure the end in view 

 would be to stop the sale of diseased fruit, which at present is 

 being hawked all over the colony, spreading disease broadcast. 



3rd. That the colony be divided into districts — say, as shire 

 boundaries ; and that local boards be appointed by the fruit- 

 growers of each district to secure the proper working of the Bill. 



4th. That an inspector be appointed to one or more districts, 

 whose duties will be to inspect all vineyards and orchards and 

 report to local board. 



5th. That a rate be levied from all vine and fruit growers, to 

 pay working expenses. 



