RESIDENT, SELANGOR, to RESIDENT-GENERAL. 
British Residency, 
Selangor, 28th September, 1902. 
No. 5078 02. 
Sir, — 
In reply to your letter 5386/1902 of 15th instant, with enclosures, on the subject of holding 
Agricultural Shows annually in the Federated Malay States and the Colony, in which you 
invite my comments, recommendations and suggestions, I have the honour to sav that 
personally I am opposed to holding such shows under present conditions in the Federated 
Malay States. 
2. They involve a considerable expenditure of Government money, and a still larger 
expenditure of time and energy on the part of Government officers which can ill be spared 
from other duties, while the results so far as “educational value” is concerned, appear to be 
“ nil ” and the “ healthv competition ” is conspicuous by its absence — the only persons who 
benefit, so far as I have been able to observe, being certain enterprising persons who ransack 
the markets for “ exhibits ” and make a handsome profit out of the prizes awarded to them 
without having to go to the trouble of growing or manufacturing anything. ^ 
3. If, however, it is decided by Government that a show is to be held next year, I will 
of course do my best to promote its success, but I would point out that the month of July 
will not meet Mr. Curtis’ requirements—which are (vide paragraph 8 of his memorandum) 
that the date “ should be fixed at least a year in advance and prize lists issued at least nine 
months before the date of the show. 
4 The three members of the standing Committee to represent Selangor should in my 
opinion be the Collector of Land Revenue, Kuala Lumpur, the Superintendent, Experimental 
Gardens, and the Chairman, United Planters’ Association; but I have not as yet consulted 
these gentlemen as to their willingness to serve. 
5. If it is desired, as Mr. Curtis suggests, to induce healthy competition, it should I think 
be made a rule that prizes will only be given to the growers of the agricultural and horti¬ 
cultural exhibits, who should be required to produce certificates either from the District 
Officer or from some trustworthy person that the articles shown are bond fide the produce of 
the land of the exhibitor. 
6. I notice that minerals and live stock are not included in paragraph 7 of Mr. Curtis’ 
mem ora ndum. 
7 With regard to Mr. Curtis’ proposal to extend the period during which the shows 
are open to four" days instead of two, and to provide for the reading of papers and the 
discussion of subjects affecting agriculture, I think any attempt m the direction of the last 
named objects would result in failure, but it is not unlikely that it will be advisable to extend 
the show time to three davs instead of two. 
I have, etc., 
a p vPNnvmvrn. 
Y. 
RESIDENT, NEGRI SEMBILAN, to RESIDENT-GENERAL. 
British Resident’s Office, 
N<> NS 3615/02. Negri Sembilan, Seremban, 9th October, 1902. 
Sir, — 
1 have the honour to inform you in reply to your letter No. C.S. 5386/02 of theMoth 
ultimo that the following gentlemen in the Negri Sembilan might, I think, be appointed to the 
proposed standing Committee of the Annual Agri-Horticultural Show: • 
(1) The Resident; 
(2) The Chairman, Negri Sembilan Planters’ Association ; 
(3) Another member appointed by the Negri Sembilan Planters Associat ion ; 
(4) The Collector of Land Revenue, Seremban. 
2 I think that the members of the standing Committee should be Europeans and the 
number should be limited, as far as possible, all nationalities being represented on the local 
Committee of each State. 
3. I think Kuala Lumpur would be the best place for the first show. 
I have, etc., 
D. H. WISE. * 
