A. & P. Show Abandoned

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 14, 20 January 1948, Page 5

A. & P. Show Abandoned

• Decision In View Of l Paralysis Epidemic On Friday night the general committee of the Whakatane and Rangitaiki A. and P. Society reluctantly decided to abandon this year’s show on account of, the infantile paralysis epidemic. The following statement has been issued by the committee, over the signatures of the president, Mr lan B. Gow, and the secretary, Mr T. H. Morgan:— “It is with great regret that, after • careful consideration at a large and representative meeting of the General Committee, it has been decided to abandon our 1948 Show. We have as yet no guarantee that the restrictions imposed by the Health Department will be lifted and the committee feels that it would not be fair to take any risks. It is considered that our members, our exhibitors and the public generally will appreciate the position, and agree that we have acted wisely and in the best interests of all. We have decided to play safe and are acting in accordance with the wishes of the Health authorities. “We know our exhibitors have been keenly looking forward to our Show this year and record entries were expected, but we hope that -one and all will agree that we have been wise in the action taken. “A postponement was fully discussed, but we can have no guarantee when we could settle on a date in say March, and we could not expect exhibitors to hold their stock, etc., up to Show condition, with no certainty of the position. “Next year will soon be along and we hope that all will, as usual, gather round and help us maintain the high standard of our Show. It will readily be agreed that we could not afford to take the risk and make all the arrangements at considerable expense and then have to cancel. As it is we will be faced with considerable loss:

“Our members, we know, will be keenly disappointed, ’but we are certain that they, too, will agree that the position could not be avoided. The Association must carry on for the benefit of our town and district. Many have already paid their subscriptions for the year ending December 31, 1948, and we trust that all others will do likewise at the earliest opportunity. The money is heeded to meet necessary commitments and our grounds and buildings must be kept-in good order. “We thank all for that kindly consideration and goodwill which in the past has enabled the Society to become one of the leading organisations in promoting the progress tmd development of our district.” .