West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser 11 December 1857 CORNWALL AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION [a partial report - some parts missing] . The annual meeting of the members of this society was held at the Town Hall, Truro, on Tuesday last, when important resolutions were submitted to the meeting, with the view of constituting the society in future a county itinerant society, holding its exhibitions in different parts of the county. The chair was taken by Mr. GULLY BENNET, the president for the year, who was supported by Mr. TREMAYNE, of Heligan, and Mr. HENDY, the vice-president. . The Chairman opened the proceedings by requesting Mr. KARKEEK, the secretary of the society, to read the annual report. . Mr. KARKEEK then read the following: I have again the satisfaction of reporting favourably of the progress of the society in the attainment of practical and useful objects. The accounts are not audited, but they will show a balance of about GBP 70 in favour of the society remaining after paying the premiums and attendant expenses of the year. . The premiums paid at the last exhibition of breeding stock and agricultural implements amounted to GBP 134.10s. We can refer to this exhibition with the greatest satisfaction, and pronounce it as complete in all its details as the society could desire, considering the limited amount of funds at its command. This meeting was particularly distinguished by the exhibition of a greater number of useful agricultural implements than in any previous year. It is true these were, for the most part, familiar to one or the other of the visitors present; but to very many - perhaps to the majority of the visitors present - there was novelty even in those implements which had on many farms been in general use. . With respect to the root and seed premiums offered for competition to the farmers of the parishes of Kenwyn, Kea, Feock, Mylor, Stithians, Gwennap, St. Gluvias, Constantine, Mabe and Budock, there were only two competitors in the first class and three in the second: First class farms, first prize, GBP 6, Mr. DOBLE, Trefusis, Mylor; second prize, GBP 4, Mr. JOSEPH THOMAS, Kenwyn. Second Class Farms, first prize, GBP 5, Mr. JOHN MICHELL, Nankassick, Feock; second prize, GBP 3, Mr. JOSEPH ROBINS, Stencoose, Kenwyn; third prize, GBP 2, Mr. THOMAS MICHELL, Trolvar, Feock. The umpires appointed to examine the farms and award the premiums were Mr. WILLIAM CLARK, St. Ewe; Mr. WILLIAM HODGE, Tregony; and Mr. JOHN MAGOR, Feock. . Mr. Karkeek then read the umpires' report, addressed to the subscribers and committee of the society: . Umpires' Report - In handing you our report, as judges of roots and seeds for the premiums given by the Cornwall Agricultural Association, for the parishes of Kenwyn, Kea, Feock, Mylor, &c., we beg to say that we found only two competitors in the first class, Mr. DOBLE, of Trefusis, Mylor, occupying 375 acres, of which 29 ½ acres were turnips, mangel, and cabbages, with 41 ½ acres of seeds; and Mr. JOSEPH THOMAS, of Kenwyn, farming 157 acres, of which 15 acres were turnips and mangel, and 10 acres of seeds. . We had no hesitation in placing Mr. Doble first on the list, as his root crops, though not particularly large, were very regular, well cleaned, and the land in good condition. Mr. Thomas's roots were perhaps equally large, particularly his mangel, which were very fine, but thin on the ground (a proof, by the way, that this crop often suffers from being left too thick); but his land was not so well cleansed, and his seeds [not equal to those of Mr. Doble.] ..................... I have only further to add, that a special committee meeting of this society was held on the 29th ult., for the purpose of considering the proposed alteration in the annual exhibition. The meeting was largely attended, and it was their unanimous opinion that it would be for the advantage of Cornish agriculture generally, that the society's meeting should be itinerant as proposed by Mr. Tremayne. The subject was referred to the annual meeting of the subscribers held this day. . Mr. TREMAYNE moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr. JAMES PAULL, of Camborne, and carried unanimously. The Chairman said the next business would be in respect to Mr. Tremayne's proposition. . Mr TREMAYNE said, Gentlemen, I think it will not be necessary for me to trouble you at any great length, because Mr. Karkeek, in his report, has explained the various processes through which this itinerant scheme has gradually gone, and the point at which we have arrived; but as perhaps there may be some dissentient voices here, I think the first step for me to take, will be to endeavour to carry the resolution which I will read to you, to the effect that the Cornwall Agricultural Association, instead of holding its annual exhibitions of breeding stock and implements at Truro, shall in future hold its exhibitions in successive years in different agricultural districts in the county. . The secretary, in his report, has told you the answers which have been sent to the various applications that were made to the different local societies, and I am extremely happy to be able to congratulate the meeting upon their very favourable tendency, with one exception, that of Launceston, where we were prepared for an unfavourable answer, and where I believe the subject was not thoroughly understood. We got there a decided rebuff, but in all other cases, especially from Camborne, we received answers as favourable as we could possibly expect. I wish to take this opportunity of explaining, through the medium of the reporters, to the local societies at large, that as far as I am concerned in drawing up any of these laws, it shall always be my endeavour to see that the individual interests of the local societies are maintained in an independent postion. I have not the least desire to see one local society less in the county than now exist. I have been mixed up with many of them, and subscribe to several both in this and the adjoining county, and have had frequent opportunities of seeing the good they do; but I think if they will combine with us, and adopt the old Cornish motto "One and all," we may give them an opportunity for further development, and for extending the great benefit of their local institutions. Mr. Tremayne then moved the resolution he had read, and it was seconded by Mr. CLARK of St. Ewe. . The Chairman asked if any gentleman wished to make any remarks, or move an amendment. . Mr. HENDY said, perhaps Mr. Tremayne would favour them with more particulars as to the advantages likely to arise to this society, to show in what way they should stand in a more respectable position before the county than they do now, and whence the funds necessary to give them that increased importance were likely to be derived. Having been instrumental in the origin of this society, and in maintaining the respectability he believed it had been maintained to the present time, he still was most anxious it should be made more extensively useful by extending its operations throughout the county. But he wished to know how it was to take that commanding position. . [the next part is missing] . [Mr. Tremayne replied] Mr. Hendy is anxious to know why I think the respectability and position of this society will be increased, and upon what grounds I am justified in expecting an increase of funds. I think, as I have often told you, we have had no right ot call ourselves a county society up to this time, but we have been actually a Truro society. I have often asked my friends - landowners in different parts of the county - why do you not subscribe to the Cornwall Association? They say, "because you are not practically a county society, you are nothing more nor less than a Truro society, if you will really become a county society, we will gladly subscribe." (Hear, hear) Other landowners will no doubt then come forward to support us. I have been in private communication with a great many of my friends, and all the answers I have received are extremely favourable. Colonel CORYTON has authorized me to say that he will become a subscriber to this association, and will be happy in any way to assist in carrying out its objects. Several others have given me the like promise, and it is my intention, after this resolution, to propose that the secretary be empowered to write to the different landowners, and borough members in the county, to request their assistance and co-operation, and I have no doubt the application will be responded to warmly. . If Mr. Hendy will look at the present list of subscribers to this society, he will see how very few there are who live more than fifteen miles from Truro, and how many names of large landowners are omitted from the list, in which I wish and hope yet to see them. . Mr. Hendy said his observations had been useful in calling forth this explanation, He thought it ought to go forth to the public that there was ground for expecting more general support from the county when the society extended its operations. . No other remarks being made the Chairman put the resolution, and it was carried unanimously. . Mr. Tremayne said it naturally followed from that resolution that some alteration must be made in the laws which up to the present time had governed the association. [He had examined laws of several societies, drew up sample laws which he submitted at the committee meeting, and all were approved except one, which he'd discuss later. He then showed the laws to various friends - whom he thanked - and as they approved, he would submit them to the meeting. He then read the laws, which were advertised in another column.] . On the second law being read, stating that the council of the society should consist of forty members, Mr. JOHN MICHELL thought that number would be scarcely sufficient for a county society, which would include in its council the members of other local societies, who would interest themselves in obtaining subscriptions throughout the county. Mr. Tremayne said he considered a larger number would be unwieldy. . A by-law would be proposed, for adding to the council the secretary and committee of the local society where the exhibition was held in any given year; they would have an equal voice with the council in all matters pertaining to that year's exhibition, but they would have no control over the general funds of this society, any more than this society asked for control over their funds; this society asked the other societies to unite with them, and to work together. One half of the council retired every year, so that in a few years a great number would be admitted. Besides the council, there were the president and eight vice-presidents, making forty-nine altogether, and he thought they could scarcely work with a larger body. Mr. JAMES PAULL thought the number proposed was quite as large as would work well for the society. [Mr. Paull asked whether it was the intention of the 3rd law to make places of exhibition wherever persons said they had funds to co-operate, which might lead to the society not returning to a site for 6 years or more, or was it meant to confine the society to the places of exhibition at present mentioned?] The secretary said he thought it a subject for the council. . [On reading the 6th law, Mr. Tremayne said he thought it fair that exhibitions should alternate between the 2 political divisions of the county, and the society should not visit any one locality oftener than once in four years, because that was the condition given by the trustees of the Rodd Testimonial Fund when they granted the society the annual interest of that fund.] . All the other laws passed without remark except No. 14, excluding political subjects from the society's meetings. [Mr. Tremayne said he felt there could be no room for political considerations.] Mr. Tremayne then proposed the body of rules he had read be adopted. Mr. Paull seconded the proposition. . Mr. C. PARKS asked how often the society’s exhibition would be held at Truro. Mr. Tremayne said it was impossible to know, as it would depend on the amount of support they received from local societies. . The resolution for adopting the proposed laws was then put by the Chairman, and carried unanimously. . [Mr. Tremayne then proposed Mr. RICHARD DAVEY to fill the office of president for 1858; it was passed unanimously.] They then selected vice-presidents: Lord Falmouth, Mr. AUGUSTUS CORYTON, Mr. BENNET (their worthy president for the time being,) Mr. HENDY, Mr. MICHAEL WILLIAMS, Mr. WILLIAM RASHLEIGH, Mr. AUGUSTUS SMITH, and Mr. TRETHEWY. Some of the members wished Mr. Tremayne's name be included amongst the vice-presidents. [Mr. Tremayne said if he were elected a member of the council, he would be just as useful to the society.] The resolution for the election of vice-presidents was seconded by Mr. PENDER, and carried unanimously. . The names of the council of the society were next proposed by Mr. JAMES TREMI, Mr. TRESAWNA, Mr. JAMES PAULL, Mr. C. PARKS, and Mr. JOHN MICHELL, and the following forty were elected: Mr. SAMUEL ANSTEY, Hon. and Rev. J.T. BOSCAWEN, Mr. GEORGE BULLMORE Dr. CARLYON, Mr. W. CLARK, Mr. COLLINS, Truthan, Mr. P. CRAGO Rev. J. DAUBUZ, Mr. R. DAVEY, M.P., Messrs. JAMES DAVIS, PETER DAVIS, ROBERT DOBLE, RICHARD DOBLE, HENRY DOBLE JOSEPH FAULL W. HODGE, Tregony, W. HODGE, Truro, JOHN HOTTEN, W. JAMES, Merther, ROBERT JULIAN, THOMAS JULYAN JOHN MAGOR, Feock, JOHN MICHELL, Feock CHARLES PARKS, JAMES PAULL, Camborne, W.R. T. PENDER F. RICHARDS, Trelissick JOSIAH STEPHENS, Probus JOHN TIPPET, W. TREFFRY, JAMES TREMAIN, RICHARD TREMAIN, JOHN TREMAIN, JOHN TREMAYNE, Heligan, SAMPSON TRESAWNA, W. TRETHEWY CHARLES WHITFORD, FREDERICK MARTIN WILLIAMS, S. T. WILLIAMS, HUMPHRY WILLYAMS . On the motion of Mr. W. Trethewy, seconded by Mr. Tremayne, the secretary was empowered to send circulars to the landowners of the county, and the members for the boroughs, informing them of the change which the constitution of the society had undergone, and requesting their [...] and subscriptions. . On the proposal of Mr. Hendy, seconded by Mr. James TREMAIN, the secretary was requested to thank the trustees of the Rudd Testimonial Fund for the liberal assistance they had consented to give to this association. . A motion by Mr. Tremayne was also carried, to the effect that the laws passed that day be printed and distributed amongst the members of the association. He might be permitted to add, that it would be necessary to call a meeting of the council very soon to decide upon how overtures should be made to different local societies concerning the exhibition in the spring; to decide where the meeting should be held, and to appoint the committees necessary for carrying out the details of the exhibition. . MR. JAMES DAVIS proposed a vote of thanks to the President for the past year, which Mr. Tresawna seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to. The Chairman, in reply, said he had every reason to be grateful to the members for the consideration shown towards him during the year he had held office. He was now happy to find that he resigned the office into the hands of a far more practical agriculturist than he was. . Mr. James Paull thought the thanks of the meeting were due to Mr. Tremayne, for his activity and zeal, and for the great interest he had shown in bringing the altered position of the society before the meeting. (Cheers) Mr. W. Trethewy seconded the motion. . Mr. Tremayne said, having fostered the scheme so far, he did not now intend to desert it. He would do his best, not only to increase the subscriptions, but to further the objects of the society, and its exhibitions, in every way. . The meeting then separated. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. Julia M. West Briton Transcriptions, 1836-1856 at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wbritonad St. Austell Area History and Genealogy at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~staustell