A. & P. SHOW

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 6, 6 March 1950, Page 4

A. & P. SHOW

Sir, —As president of the A. and P. Society, whose efforts met with a full measure of reward last Saturday, I feel that it is not only incumbent upon me but a great privilege as well to thank the many t who helped in one way and another to make our Show the success that it was.

First of all I should like to thank the general public for the wonderful way in which it turned out. It is apparent that a spirit of loyalty existed to a greater degree than ever before, so that individual members of our community feel a personal responsibility for making this Show a day of carnival. The atmosphere thus created played a large part jn helping us along, for people were already prepared to enjoy themselves. I jpin with you, Mr Editor, in the belief—with me it is the certain knowledge —that in Mr Hamilton Morgan we have an ideal secretary. It is the secretary upon whom must fall the task of providing for every small detail involved —the preparations which make or mar crur Show. In saying this I feel that the public should know also that no single individual, not even our Mr Morgan, could alone assure success.

I am amazed at the unselfish loyalty and co-operation given to the Society so unstintingly, by so many ladies from varous organisations within our district who combined to cater foj: the needs of our judges and officials and everyone has been loud, in praise of their efforts. I wonder do we realise however, just how big a job they do in order that the hospitality of our district should be good. We called upon our traffic officers and the Legion of Frontiersmen to» control our traffic and although we drove- them to despair, somehow they got it through. Wherever we asked for help this year it was liberally forthcoming. For ihat reason I shall not enumerate lest I overlook some valuable aid, but would my-own and the thanks of my committee to all who contributed in any way to our success.

Yes! I am mindful of our failures as well and hope that we may be able to rectify these in the future. In closing may I say this, particularly to our farmer friends: If you feel that it would be a pity if no one were willing to give time and' money in order that this district should have an agricultural show, don’t you think that each of you should be a member of the Society? Believe* me it is run, not as a hobby for a few elderly breeders with an eye to their own profit but by those who are making some sacrifice themselves in the hope that there will be general benefit.

When I say that our membership (inclusive of the business people who are members) is in the 200’s whereas our big dairy company alone has over 700 members youTl agree there is room for improvement. It is only through such improvement that we can look for continued progress as a Society. Thanking you Mr Editor for your valuable space. Yours etc., lAN B. GOW, President, Whakatane and Rangi-

taiki A. and P. Society. Whakatane, March 3.