48 Annual Agri-Horticultural shows in the colony and the Federated Malay States r fi-d * , M ANNUAL AGRI-HORTICULTURAL SHOWS IN THE COLONY AND THE h FEDERATED MALAY / I « * j,’ . -abiffv > * L* *. • t ANNUAL AGRI-HORTI CULTURAL SHOWS IN THE COLONY AND THE FEDERATED MALAY STATES. I. RESIDENT-GENERAL, F.M.S., to HON. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, S.S. No. C.S. 5386/02. Resident-General’s Office, Selangor, Malay Peninsula, 17th November, 1902 . Sjr,— In continuation of my letter No. C.S. 5386 of 15th September last, on the subject of holding properly organised Agricultural Shows annually in the Federated Malay States and the Colony, I have the honour to forward the following printed papers :— 1. Copy of this letter; II. Resident-General to Residents, 5386 of 15th September, 1902 ; III. Reply from Resident, Perak, No. 6635 of the 8th October; IV. Reply from Resident, Selangor, No. 5073 of the 28th September; V. Reply from British Resident, Negri Sembilan, No. 3615 of the 9th October; VI. Reply from British Resident. Pahang, No. 2078 of the . 25th October; VII. Summary of the Resident’s replies. o faj * The only suggestion that I have to make after perusing the papers is that this correspondence be referred for the opinion and recommendations of a provisional Committee, composed of the Director of the Botanic Gardens, Straits Settlements, the Chief Forest Officer of the federated Malay States and the Colony, the Chairman of the United Planters’ Association, Fede¬ rated Malay States, and the Assistant Superintendent of Gardens, Penang (Mr. Curtis). 3. I consider that shows held in the past have not had any permanent effect commensurate with the expenditure and trouble devoted to them, but. 1 hope and expect that the provisional Committee I have suggested will, if appointed, be able to make recommendations which will ensure that such shows in future shall have an educational value, improve the methods nl agriculture, and be of benefit to the planting community. I have, etc., \V. H. TREACHER o II. RESIDENT-GENERAL to RESIDENTS. Resident-General's Office, No. C.S. 5:386 02. Selangor, Malay Peninsula, loth September, 1902. Gentlemen,— I have the honour to enclose printed copies of the following correspondence on the subject of holding properly organised Agricultural Shows annually in the Federated Malay States and the Colony : — Resident-General to Honourable Colonial Secretary, No. 5386, 5th September* 1902; Honourable Colonial Secretary to Resident-General. No. 6372, 22nd August, 1902 Mr. Curtis’ Memorandum, 13th August, 1902. 2. I shall be obliged if you will favour me with your comments on, and recommenda¬ tions and suggestions in connection with, this correspondence, more especially as to the selection of gentlemen to represent the Federated Malay States on the proposed standing Committee, and of the best place in the States to hold the first show in the coming year. I have, etc., W. H. TREACHER. [Enclosure A. Resident-General’s Office, C.S. 5386 02. 5th September, 1902. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter, No. N. States 6372, of 22nd August ultimo, oil the subject of holding properly organised Agricultural Shows annually in the Federated Malay States and the Colony. 2. I am in accord generally with what Mr. Curtis writes in his memorandum dated 13,8/02, copy of which is furnished in your letter under reply, and I am causing it to be circulated among the Residents and will supply a copy to the Chairman, United Planters’ Association. On receipt of their comments I will communicate further with you on the subject. 3. One of the most important points in Mr. Curtis’ memorandum appears to me to be the appointment of a standing Committee. 4. I will make provision in the Federal Estimates for a contribution towards the cost of a show to be held in one of the States next year, about the date of the linking up of the Federated Malay States Railways, probably in July. I have, etc.. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, S.S., Singapore. W. H. TREACHER, Resi(lent-General, F.M.S. [ Enclosure B. Colonial Secretary’s Office, Singapore, 22nd Avgust, 1902. No. N. States 6372/02. Sis,— With reference to your letter, C.S. 4691/02, of the 22nd ultimo, relative to the organising of regular Agricultural Shows in the Colony and Federated Malay States, I am directed to- forward to you. for your comments, copy of a memorandum on the subject by Mr. Curtis, and to inform you that His Excellency the Governor suggests that the first of the series of shows be held about July next year in one of the Federated Malay States—at Taiping, Batu Gajah or Kuala Lumpur. I have, etc., a. w. O’Sullivan, for Colonial Secretary, Straits Settlements . The Resident-General, Federated Malay States, Selangor. * 3 [ Enclosure C .! MEMORANDUM BY Mr. CURTIS. AGRICULTURAL SHOWS. I U Experience lias proved that no one of the Settlements or Native States is equal to maintaining an annual Agricultural Show or Exhibition on sufficiently comprehensive lines to he of great educational value, and as healthy competition can only be induced by holding those shows at regular intervals, the time and place being made known a considerable time in advance, my idea is that one good show might be held every year by combining forces and taking in rotation one of the five principal towns in the Colony and Federated Malay States- - viz., Singapore, Penang, Malacca, Taiping (or Xpoh) and Kuala Lumpur. There is, however, no reason why other places in the Federated Malay States should not be included later, if the local authorities are desirous, and willing to guarantee a sufficient sum towards the expenses. 2. The first step towards the carrying out of this scheme is, in my opinion, the forma¬ tion of an Agricultural Committee, consisting of, say, three persons in each of the places in which it is proposed to hold these shows. This Committee should be nominated each year by His Excellency the Governor and be a standing one. In the years in which the meeting is not being held in the Settlement or State for which they are nominated the members of this Committee wall act as agents in disseminating information, prize lists, etc., and in collecting and forwarding exhibits to the Settlement or State in which the show is being held, and, if possible, be present at the show. The three in the Settlement or State in which it is decided to hold the show will, of course, undertake the organisation of local Committees and sub-Committees for the raising of subscriptions, providing necessary buildings and all other arrangements in the same way as has hitherto been done. 4. The standing Committee should, I think, decide on the order and the date on which the shows should be held and supervise the preparation and issue of prize lists. 5. For the first time the determination of the place in which the show is to be held could probably be done by correspondence, but at the first meeting, and at all subsequent meeting's, arrangements should be made for the ensuing year. 6. Some alteration as regards the period during which past shows have been kept open is absolutely necessary. Two days is inadequate, and as the expenses are very little more for four days than two I suggest four. This will allow the judging being done in a more satisfactory manner and afford opportunities for all classes of the community to examine at greater leisure the articles that are brought together. It would also afford time for the reading of papers, and discussions on subjects affecting agriculture somewhat on the lines; of the Agricultural Conference in the \\ est Indies, and I think no better time could lie chosen for this purpose. I am not sure as to being able to keep the show open for four days, probably three would be enough. (. Exhibits might be classed under the following heads, which would practically cover the ground:— (i.) Agriculture — Live Stock, Produce, etc., Agricultural Machinery; (ii.) Horticulture — Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers; (iii.) Manufactures — Native and others; (iv.) Works of Art -Pottery, Pictures, etc. a Govei nment ^iant, supplemented by local subscriptions and gate money, there should be no difficulty in raising funds and in getting together a good collection of educational value. The local subscriptions, as well as the expenses, would vary very much in different places, so that possibly a good deal of help might be required at times from the Government. The cost of transport would, in the majority of cases, be paid by the Committee, but this is not a serious item, as the steamship companies and railways will no doubt undertake the carriage of exhibits at. nominal rates. Trade exhibits, such as machinery, etc., would of course be paid for by the exhibitor. Important points are that the date of these shows should lie fixed at least a year in advance, and prize lists issued at least nine months before the date of the show. It should also be well advertised and kept before the public by means of the Bulletin and local papers. This is roughly an outline of the ideas I had in my mind when writing the letter to which vou refer. 13-8-02. C. CURTIS. f ifs i 3 4 III. RESIDENT, PERAK, to RESIDENT-GENERAL. British Residency, R -G 0 6635/02. Perak, Taiping, 8th October , 1902. Sir, — , , „ I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter 5386 02, with enclosures, of the 15th September, on the subject of holding properly organised Agricultural Shows, annually, in the Federated Malay States and the Colony. 2. In reply to the enquiries contained in the second paragraph of your letter, I think that Kuala Lumpur will be the best place in the States for the first Show, m l. 03; and I would recommend the three following gentlemen as representatives of 1 erak on the propose* standing Committee: Mr. A. B. Stephens, Forest Officer and Acting Superintendent of Government Plantations; Mr. H. C. Barnard, Resident Engineer for Railways; Mr. A. L. Ingall, District Magistrate, Batang Padang (Acting Senior Magistrate). 3. The great object to be aimed at, in connection with these shows, is that they should be of as practical a character as possible; and in my opinion, unless the exhibits thems*dves, and the manner in which they are shown, are such as to afford a reasonable probability that they will be.of practical benefit to the persons locally interested (especially Asiatics), there is no justification for holding the shows at all. ' 4. Dealing, seriatim, with the exhibits classified in paragraph 7 of Mr. Curtis’ memo¬ randum, I would offer the following suggestions :— Aqriculture.— This is by far the most important of all the classes, and we want to do three things: (1) improve*the local cattle, sheep, pigs, horses (ponies) and poultry; (2) improve the grain sown (especially rice) and the method of cultivation ; (3) introduce simple agricultural machinery. In England, private enterprise can be relied on for effective repre¬ sentation at these shows in every department, but here the initiative must largely be taken by Government. From Perak we can send fairly good cattle, selected from the Government herd • but I should like to see a Federal Model Farm in the Federated Malay States, on which not merely live stock of every description would be raised, but rice and other agiicultanal products would be cultivated, according to the methods and with the machinery host sun w o the local surroundings. In the meanwhile, and at this first show, I would suggest that the Government of the Federated Malay States can best demonstrate its interest in this very important question, and afford the* best object lesson to native visitors m the following manner: bv purchasing and exhibiting good specimens of live stock of every description; by procuring selected specimens of various seeds, and exhibiting them under cultivation m he im-ediate neighbourhood of the show; by similarly procuring and exhibiting m actual operation cheap ploughs, harrows and other specimens of simp e but effective agricultural machinery. Such an exhibit would be a liberal education to all native cultivator m this part of the world. Horticulture. — What I have written above applies, to a great extent, to this class also ; and I would recommend that the native sections of this class should be organised on much the same lines as those of the “ cottage garden ” shows m England. It would be both unfan and disheartening to the native competitor to allow the produce of the Botanical Gardens of , Singapore and Penang, or the Government Gardens of Perak and Selangor, to compete with the "results of his individual, and necessarily restricted, efforts. Manufactures.—' This will include, I presume, only articles of a strictly utilitarian nature; although most of these can, and should, possess some artistic value. \\ lierever possi ble, t e process of actual manufacture, as well as the results, should be shown. Works of Art. — I would suggest that “Art Industries” should be substituted as the title for this class. It is not merely the result, but the process, that we want to see exhibited; whether in weaving, pottery making, damascening, carving, or any oilier artistic mdustr\. 5. I agree, generally, with the rest of Mr. Curtis’ memorandum, and think that three davs sliould°be the period for the show to remain open. I have, etc., J. P. RODGER. 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. * t 6 YI. RESIDENT, PAHANG, to RESIDENT-GENERAL. British Residency, No. 2078/02. Paliang, 25th October , 1902. Subject : AGRICULTURAL SHOWS. Reply to 5386/02. Sir,— In reply to paragraph 2 of vour printed letter, No. 5386, dated 15th September, on the subject of Agricultural Shows, I have the honour to inform you that this is a matter upon which I know very little. I can only say that of course it is out of the question to hold any such show in Pahang, and I fear the prohibitive cost of transport will prevent Pahang taking any large share in shows held elsewhere. 2. Such being the case, it would appear to me to be preferable to appoint each District Officer as an agent for the purpose set out in Mr. Curtis’ paragraph 2, rather than appoint a Committee of three who could seldom or never meet and would never have a show to organise. 3. I would suggest Kuala Lumpur as a suitable centre for the first show. I have, etc., F. DUBERLY. YII. SUMMARY OF III.-VI. 5386/02. PLACE. Kuala Lumpur the best place for the first show. STANDING COMMITTEE. PERAK. Mr. A. B. Stephens; ,, H. C. Barnard; ,, A. L. Ingall. SELANGOR. The Collector of Land Revenue, Kuala Lumpur; The Superintendent, Experimental Plantations ; The Chairman, United Planters’ Association. NEGRI SEMBILAN. The Resident; The Chairman, Negri Sembilan Planters’ Association: Another member appointed by the Negri Sembilan Planters’ Association ; The Collector of Land Revenue, Seremban. PAHANG. Each District Officer. GENERAL REMARKS. British Resident, Perak.— Thinks that unless the exhibits are likely to be of practical benefit to the people locally interested, there is no justification for having the shows at all. Agriculture .—Three objects : (1) Improve the local cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, poultry ; (2) „ „ grain sown (especially rice) and the method of cultivation ; (3) Introduce simple agricultural machinery. The initiative must largely be taken by Government. From Perak fairly good cattle selected from the Government herd can sent. Government should purchase and exhibit good specimens of live stock of every descrip¬ tion ; procure selected specimens of various seeds, and exhibit them under cultivation in the immediate neighbourhood of the show; also cheap ploughs, harrows and other specimens of simple but useful agricultural machinery in actual operation. Such an exhibit would be a liberal education to all native cultivators. i 4 ' Horticulture. —The native sections should he organised on much the same lines as those of the “cottage garden” shows in England. Unfair to allow the produce of the Botanical Gardens, Singapore and Penang, or the Government Gardens of Perak and Selangor, to compete with the results of the native competitor’s individual, and necessarily restricted,, efforts. Manufactures .—Should only include articles of a strictly utilitarian nature: wherever possible, the process of actual manufacture, as well as the results, should be shown. Works of Art. —Should read “ Art Industries not merely the result, but the process,, is wanted, whether in weaving, pottery making, carving or any other artistic industry. Thinks the show should be open for 3 days. British Resident, Selangor.— Is personally opposed to holding such shows under present conditions in the Federated Malay States. Considerable expense to Government, and still larger expenditure of time and energy on the part of Government officials, who can ill he spared from other duties. Results so far as “ educational value ” is concerned appear to be nil, and the “healthy competition” is conspicuous by its absence. Points out that July, 1903, will not meet Mr. Curtis’ requirements, since (paragraph 8 of his memorandum) 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.” It- should be made a rule that prizes will only be given to the growers of the agricultural and horticultural exhibits, who should be required to produce certificates either from the District Officer or some trustworthy person that the articles shown are bona fide the produce of the exhibitor’s land. Notices that minerals are not included among the exhibits. The reading of papers and discussion of subjects affecting agriculture likely to be a failure, but advisable to keep the show open for 3 days. British Resident, Negri Sembilan. — The standing Committee should consist of Europeans and be limited in number, all nationalities being represented on the local Committee of each State. British Resident, Pahang. —Out of the question to hold a show in Pahang, while prohibitive cost of transport will prevent Pahang from taking any large share in shows held elsewhere. Preferable to appoint each District Officer as an agent, rather than a Committee of three, who could seldom or never meet and would never have a show to organise. C. W, H. COCHRANE. Kuala Lumpur, 31-10-02. SELANGOR GOVERNMENT CRKSS.