OFFICERS ELECTED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 180, 14 November 1941, Page 5

OFFICERS ELECTED

WINTER SHOW ASSOCIATION

MR A. J. CANNING RETIRES

Stating that for-health reasons he could no> longer hold the office as president of the Bay of Plenty Winter Show Association, Mr A. J. Canning vacated the chair in spite of strong efforts made by members that he should not do so, when the annual meeting was held on Wednesday night. Although somewhat reluctant, Mr W. Sullivan, accepted nomination and was elected to the position. In taking over the meeting Mi Sullivan stated that he did not think it wise that one man should retain office for too long and he had been president for many years. New blood was necessary in such organisations and he would have preferred another to have taken the presidency. He paid tribute to the work done by Mr Canning who had been very energetic. Mr Sullivan continued that the past year had been a fairly satis-* factory one the year's effort having bettered the Association to the ex, tent of £138, and that had been worth Avhile. He continued that the Show had now reached a stage where it could not expand on the present site, and he felt that the plan ol amalgamation with the A. and P. Association should be pursued and sooner or later the question would have to be reopened with a view tc utilising the greater space offering on the Domain. More Support Wanted On being nominated as vice-pre-sident Mr F. B. Cutler strongly sup ported Mr Sullivan regarding the need for new blood in the executive offices, and said it was: high time i change was made. On being electec against his wish, Mr Cutler continued to criticise the laxity of some residents in not supporting the As sociation. "The show is very important tr the County and Borough," he said "and is the finest advertisement the district has." He added that the show had been directly responsible for bringing settlers, who as visitor; had been impressed with the event to live in the district. The show was of such importance yet when the annual meeting wa: held it was; a struggle to get : quorum. "Why are there- so man 3 organisations and businesses that d( not consider it a duty to be repre sented?" he queried, continuing t< criticise those organisations anc firms, whose employees were not per. mittcd to take active part on anj body which might introduce anj form of controversy. The Wintei Show helped to create business ir the town and it was a pity that there ! were not more firms represented. > Disguslted 1 With Businessmen

Later in the meeting Mr A. J. Canning spoke in a similar strain stating that he was disgusted with the apathy of some businessmen. He said he had gone from shop to shop and some men had promised to be present yet they were not. "It doesn't give us much encouragement to see so. many businessmen deriving benefit from the Association yet giving no assistance.

Other Officers

Other officers were elected as follows: — •Patron: Messrs P. W« Doidge, M.P., and A. F. Moncur, M.P., with the member for Bay of Plenty who is yet to be elected. Treasurer: Mr C. G. Caisley. Auditors-: Messrs Prideaux and Bridger. Committee: Messrs L., R. Spring, G. F. Booth, B. S. Barry, W. Armstrong, Head, A. Hall, J. Waterhouse, H. G. Warren, Goodwin.,

Secretary Appointed

When the office of secretary was to be filled the chairman stated that although every effort had been made to retain his services, Mr Warren had definitely resigned, and had given his sound reasons as his inability to give the duties the time required. Mr Sullivan said Mr Warren had been an excellent secretary and had given every satisfaction and both the executive and ladies committees greatly regretted his decision. How, ever, with the acceptance of his resignation unavoidable the president moved that Mr Warren's services be placed on record.

Messrs A. J. Canning and F. B. Cutler also paid glowing tribute to the work done by Mr Warren.

Mr Warren said his reasons were sound and although he could not continue as secretary lie would assist in every way he could.

Mr Sullivan then stated that the Association had been fortunate in

obtaining the agreement of Mr G

R. Kent to take the position. Mr Kent with his staff would be able to handle the very strenuous duties and the Association was lucky in that Mr Kent had had wide experience of shows, having been secretary for the A. and P. Association for some years. Mr Kent was appointed with the honorarium fixed at £135.