Dec. 1906. ) 



517 



A meeting of the Co-operative Credit Society followed, at which it was 

 decided to lend money to tobacco cultivators, not exceeding Rs 50 to each applicant. 



Harispattu Branch.— A meeting of the committee of this society was held on 

 the 18th November, when rules for the management of the proposed seed paddy 

 store were passed. The chairman, Mr. P. B Nugawela, Ratemahatmaya, and eight 

 other members undertook to contribute between them 85 bushels of paddy. 



The committee decided to allow a grant of Rs. 25 towards the opening of each 

 of the five experimental gardens proposed. 



Vavuniya Branch.— At the meeting of the Vavuniya Branch held on 27th 

 November several members undertook to experiment with rotations of crops on 

 che7xas, as follows :— Kurakkan in September, gingelly in April, manioca in July, 

 1907, kollu in February, manioca in July, 1908, and kurakkan in September, 1909. 



Fonvarding A gency.— Rules were adopted for the formation of a forwarding 

 agency, the object of which is to enable the people of the district to dispose of their 

 produce in Colombo, Jaffna, or other suitable markets. Some of the products with 

 which it is proposed to deal are : ghee, honey, tamarind, limes, eggs, fowls, paddy, 

 and cattle. Under the auspices of the agency ten black cattle locally reared were 

 sent in October to the Colombo market, with the object of seeing how the price 

 obtainable in Colombo compares with that paid by the itinerating Moorman who 

 barters for the animals on the spot in exchange for clothing, apparel, &c. 1 have not 

 yet received the report of the local branch Society as to the financial result of the 

 venture. 



2. Agricultural Shows.— 1 was present at the Agricultural Pair held at 

 Telyjaivila on the 15th November. The fair was originally fixed for the 31st 

 October, but had to be postponed owing to the heavy rains. It was held in the 

 grounds of Mudaliyar J. A. Wickremeratne's own house, the exhibition of fruit and 

 vegetables being accommodated in a large cross-shaped building specially erected 

 for the purpose at the Mudaliyar's own expense. 



The fair was opened in the afternoon by Mr. G. M. Cookson, Assistant 

 Government Agent, Matara. There was a very large attendance of villagers and 

 headmen. The display of vegetables and fruit was a creditable one, despite the 

 bad weather of the previous month. The show building, which is intended to be 

 a permanent one, proved itself admirably suited to the purpose. The absence of 

 show counters running down the centres of the wings of the building allowed a 

 roomy passage way, a feature not usually found in such buildings, as I have had 

 occasion to remark in a previous report. 



The fair was intended as a preliminary to the larger agricultural show 

 to be held next year. Its character as a fair was emphasised by the presence 

 of various parties of dancers, jesters, and acrobats, while the obvious prototype 

 of the " great wheel " at Earl's Court was much patronised by the children. In this 

 respect the Telijjawila show differed entirely from the market shows held at 

 Minuwangoda and Yatiyantota. 



Wellaboda Pattu (G'alle) A gri-Horticultural Shoiv.— Owing to the heavy rains 

 the local committee have been obliged to postpone this show, which was to have 

 been held on the 16tli and 17th November, at Ambalangoda. It is now fixed for the 

 20th and 21st December. 



Trincomalee Market Shoiv.— At a committee meeting held on the 16th 

 November, it was decided to hold a market show at the Trincomalee Town Hall on 

 the 2nd April, 1907, commencing at 9 a.m. 



Batticaloa Agri-Horticultural Show.— An Agri-Horticultural Show under 

 the auspices of the Batticaloa Agricultural Society, will be held early in 1907. 



