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of the dairying industry, that an association should be formed for advancing and conserving the interests of dairy-farming in New Zealand, and a committee was appointed to construct rules and take the necessary steps towards the formation of such an association, which they have now the pleasure of submitting herewith, in the earnest hope that you will approve of the movement and give it your hearty support. " It is proposed that, as the bulk of the dairy-produce of the South Island is shipped from Dunedin, the head-quarters of the association should be there, with a branch in Invercargill. " The proposed rules of the association set forth the objects desired to be attained ; and should these be effected even in a very small degree, they should recompense the individual members greatly. Beyond the small cost of conducting the association, the only outlay will be towards paying a secretary and office-expenses, the committee being honorary. " In the past great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining shipping facilities for the Home market, suitable space being very scarce and the charges exorbitant; but by combined action on the part of the shippers it is hoped that these difficulties will be overcome in a great measure, as, instead of each [factory arranging for its own output, the combined product of the association will be contracted for, and it is well known that better terms can be secured for a thousand tons than for fifty. The secretary of the association will be a man wdio lias a good knowledge of shipping, and one of his principal duties will be to see that the produce is carefully handled during transit to the ship, and then placed where agreed upon in the ship—both of which are very important factors in the transit of cheese and butter. A main feature of the association will be to advise its members of the best agents for the disposal of the produce, and, as far as practicable, to put it through one channel, thereby saving expenses. " The association wall also obtain the very latest information on all points connected with the industry —current and prospective! prices in the colonial and Home markets, and any matters likely to benefit producers, all which will be conveyed to members periodically by circular, when occasion arises. " The committee have every confidence in placing the scheme before you, knowing that you will see the advantages to be derived from combined action such as is proposed, and they request that you will intimate to Mr. J. B. Scott (the interim secretary), Dunedin, on or before the 30th of this month, your intention to join the association. " Yours faithfully, " Thomas Brydone, Chairman of Committee. " Rules of the New Zealand Dairy Association. " 1. The name of this association shall be ' The New Zealand Dairy Association.' " 2. The objects for which this association is established are—viz., to disseminate practical information with a view to improving the manufacture of dairy-produce so as to procure a uniformly good article ; to obtain the best means of transit and disposal of dairy-produce; and, generally, to forward the interests of the dairy industry. " 3. The payment of £5 sterling by any dairy-produce manufacturer or company shall qualify for a membership of this association for one year. Subscriptions payable on the first day of August in each year. "4. Members only shall be entitled to the privileges of this association. " 5. The annual meeting of the association shall be held on the first Wednesday of August in each year for the purpose of electing office-bearers for the ensuing year, and for transacting such other business as may be brought forward. " 6. All voting for election of office-bearers shall be done by ballot personally or by proxy. " 7. The association shall be managed by a committee of seven members, who shall elect a president from their number at their first meeting. "8. At the three first annual meetings of the association two members of the managing committee shall retire by ballot, but alter I lie third annual meeting members of committee shall retire in rotation, all such members being eligible for re-election. " 9. At meetings of committee three members shall form a quorum. " 10. No business shall be transacted unless a quorum of committee be present at ordinary meetings. " 11. The committee shall issue, through their secretary, tickets of membership, collect subscriptions, and have the general supervision of the association. " 12. At least seven days' notice shall be given by the secretary for all ordinary meetings of committee ; but the secretary and the president, or, failing the president, such member or members as may be available, may hold emergency meetings for conducting special business, which shall be reported to next ordinary meeting of committee for confirmation. " 13. The committee shall be empowered to make by-laws for the guidance of the association from time to time as they ma\ deem expedient." I have given considerable attention to the conditions of shipment necessary on account of the varying temperature through which dairy-produce has to pass. If the cool chambers were properly constructed so as to allow of ventilation for the egress of bad odours and also for the free admission and circulation of pure dry air, with, at the same time, easy control of temperature, they would be of essential service; but, so far as I have seen, the cool chambers at present in use are defective in respect both to ventilation and control of temperature;. It is a matter of the first importance to the dairy industry. And, if desired, I should be glad to offer a few suggestions, which, if applied, I think would produce a more uniform temperature. Another disadvantage under which the industry labours is the at present excessive rates charged for the cool chambers ; but I think this difficulty will shortly be overcome by combined effort on the part of producers. I may also observe that, as